Weidmann's son-in-law, an infantry officer of high rank. The two men
requested that the conversation might not be interrupted, and Weidmann
repeated his question about Roland.

Eric informed them that his pupil wanted to become a soldier; he
expressed his own opposition to the plan, and his desire that Roland
would devote himself to science or agriculture.

Weidmann answered, smiling, that Eric was a little too hard on this
mode of life, from having been a soldier; that he himself was convinced
it was of essential advantage to a man to have had a soldier's
training. A man became ready, resolute and self-reliant, and at the
same time he was one member of a large body. Nowhere can one be taught
punctuality better, or learn better what it is to command, and what to
obey, than in the military service. Roland must be made to realize,
however, that this soldierly life was only transitional with him,
nothing that was to occupy and fill out his whole existence.

"Then he will be no true soldier," interposed Weidmann's son-in-law.
"Whoever undertakes anything which he does not consider as an active
employment, requiring the full energies of his life, and whoever is
continually looking to some future vocation, does not plant himself
firmly in the present."

"Here you agree with my old teacher, Professor Einsiedel," Eric went
on. "He used to say that the worst ruler is the provisional one. It
would be, therefore, important for Roland to adopt some permanent
calling, and not one merely temporary. With his peculiar
characteristics, it is very hard for another to determine for him; but
you, Herr Weidmann, you, with the powerful impression which you and
your active usefulness have made upon Roland, you would be exceedingly
well adapted to give to him the decisive impulse in one particular
direction which I could not do, because I have not seen clearly what is
best.

"Let us take counsel together," agreed Weidmann. "We here have had a
great deal of experience."

"Do you think," Eric broke in, "that a better result would come from a
consultation of many, than from the quiet meditation of a single
person?"

"Aha! doubt in the efficacy of parliamentarianism," said Weidmann
smiling. "I can imagine it possible. I answer your question with a
simple yes. What the deliberation of many settles upon is suitable for
many, and a person rich like him has in himself the power of many and
for many. Let us consult together."

They sat dow