r friend Eric, shall also determine--but let us not
come to the final determination at this moment."

And again father and son sat opposite to each other in silence, until
Roland began:--

"Father, let us go home to-day."

"No, not to-day. We must both, first of all, get some strength."

Pranken had withdrawn into the adjoining room; he now sent Joseph to
say that it was time for dinner. Roland was shocked at the idea of
eating anything now; but Sonnenkamp swore that he would not put a
morsel into his mouth, although he was almost famishing, if Roland did
not sit with them at table, and eat at least a few mouthfuls. Roland
yielded.

The Cabinetsrath's place was empty, showing what henceforth would be
wanting to their table-enjoyment. Pranken beckoned to Joseph, who
understood what he meant and quickly removed the plate.

Sonnenkamp now said that he expected the Cabinetsrath would probably
give up the Villa he had received; and Roland now learned how bribery
had been employed, and how corrupt and selfish men were. Sonnenkamp
took particular notice what an impression this made upon Roland, and a
triumphant expression passed over his countenance. It's well so! Roland
is to become acquainted with the whole baseness of human beings, to
find out that all people are more or less abject, and then what his
father has done will gradually seem to him of less account, and be
painted in fainter colors.

A choice table was set, but the three ate as if they were at a funeral
repast, with the corpse lying in the next room--the mortal remains of
worldly honor. Neither gave expression to the feeling which each of
them had; they ate and drank, for the body must have nourishment, in
order to bear up under this new heart-ache.

Father and son slept in the same chamber, but neither spoke, for
neither of them wanted to keep the other from sleep, which would alone
wrap them in oblivion.

"Don't give up!" said Sonnenkamp at last, as he fell asleep. Roland
slept also, but after an hour he awoke and tossed about restlessly. The
darkness seemed to stand like a black wall before him, and he sat up as
if in delirium.

To lose one's senses, one's reason--yes, to lose them! they are
suddenly gone, you know not when, you know not where; you only know
they are not here, and they are no longer in your power. But if you
could only find them! Your thoughts are no longer under your own
control; they come and go, they combine and disperse accord