As if Eric were only a distinguished, well-recommended visitor,
Sonnenkamp now exhibited to him the object of his greatest pride. This
was a perfect collection of heaths, such as is rarely to be found. He
discoursed upon the nice distinctions in the different varieties, and
added: "I have been where the greater part of these heaths originated,
the table-land of the Cape of Good Hope."

"I am sorry," said Eric, "that my mother is not here, for she would
take great delight in this magnificent display."

"Is your mother a botanist?"

"Our botanical professor used to boast of her proficiency; but she
takes great pains to avoid every appearance of being a blue-stocking.
It must be very difficult to keep together these productions of
different climates."

"Very difficult indeed. These Ericas require, at the same time, a
regular temperature and a uniform moisture. You may often have noticed
how some little heath-plant with its delicate blooms, which is sent to
a lady for a flowers-stand, becomes dry and brittle after a few days.
This little plant will not endure the dry atmosphere of a room."

Sonnenkamp suddenly stopped, and smiled to himself. This stranger
professed only an ordinary degree of knowledge in order to be
agreeable, and to let the rich proprietor branch out and be eloquent
about his darling hobby. I can't be taken by such coarse bait, thought
Sonnenkamp. "Will you be so good as to put this tub from the stand upon
the ground?" he said, pointing to a very large Erica.

A momentary glance made Sonnenkamp aware that Eric understood well
enough that the motive was to find out whether he knew how to make
himself serviceable, and how to keep a humble position.

Eric complied very readily with the request, but Sonnenkamp had
immediately made up his mind, in spite of Clodwig's warm
recommendation, not to receive this man into his house.

He had two reasons. The stranger had seen him, as no other person could
ever boast, utterly thrown off his balance, and must therefore be
removed from his sight; now it appeared that he must maintain a
respectful demeanor, which was rather irksome.

He would, in the meanwhile, show to one so well-recommended every
respectful attention. He took pleasure in thinking how he would test
the man in all points, allow him to unfold himself in the consciousness
of a certainty of being employed, and then dismiss him without
assigning any reason for doing so.

All this passed through So