. He had not done well in making a pun with the name he
had conferred upon Herr Ton Endlich, for what is more monumental than
elevation to rank? The present occasion, therefore, he wished to make a
thoroughly solemn one.

Patiently, and like a child bending forward to receive confirmation,
Sonnenkamp bowed his head. Several times the Prince stretched out one
hand, several times the other, several times both together, while he
was speaking of the blessings which men strongly armed with the
knowledge of the higher duties spread around them. Sonnenkamp expected
every minute that he would lay both hands upon his head and bless him,
and although the Prince was younger than himself, he would have
received the blessing with modesty and humility, for this man had been
consecrated by the custom of ages for the dispensation of honor.

At this moment Sonnenkamp tried to be right monarchically inclined; if
it had been demanded of him, he would, with every prescribed formula,
have solemnly foresworn republic, constitution, and whatever was firmly
fixed by the power of law.

In the midst of his remarks the Prince took up a roll, covered with
blue velvet, that was lying on his table; he took off the covering and
drew out a parchment roll that crackled and rustled, and bore a broad
glistening seal.

Sonnenkamp took off his right-hand glove; now comes the moment when he
must take the oath and receive the parchment that is to make him a new
man. He was ready to be made a new man; he tried to be deeply affected,
and sought for the only thing in the world that could really affect him
deeply and make him tremble. And now in the middle of the Prince's
cabinet he saw before him a church-yard covered with snow in a Polish
village, and there was his mother's grave; he did not hear what the
Prince was saying while he held the parchment in his hand, but his
words were undoubtedly very moving.

But now, what does that mean? the Prince laid the parchment down again
on the table, and, sitting down, said:--

"I am glad to see, in your eyes, how profoundly you feel this moment.
Pray be seated." Sonnenkamp sat down, and the Prince continued:--

"Let us discuss one more subject, in a quiet way. You have held many
slaves, have you any still?"

"No, your Highness."

"Was it only a longing for Germany that induced you to return to the
Old World, or was it also your finding the condition of affairs in the
vaunted Republic unbearable?"

"The lat