a man of rank to be understood?"

"Certainly. I have no need of defending myself against the charge of
what the newspaper hacks call _feudalism_. In this case the point
insisted on is, that a tutor in a middle-class family, and especially
for a self-willed boy, must be a man of unimpeachable position."

"Certainly, that is all right and proper. Perhaps, although I'm not a
Baron, I have an unimpeachable position. I received the title of doctor
a few days ago."

Pranken gave him a condescending nod of congratulation, then added
quickly,--"And do you leave entirely out of sight that you quit the
army with the rank of Captain? I should lay special stress on the
military training. But no, you are not fit for a bear-trainer! The boy
is as untameable and crafty as an American redskin, and he knows just
where to lay hold upon the scalp-lock in every character, as he has
already proved on half a dozen tutors." "That would only give an
additional charm to the attempt." "And do you know that Massa
Sonnenkamp is a millionaire, and the heir knows it?"

"That doesn't alarm me, but rather tempts me on." "Well; I will take
you myself to the mysterious man. I have the good luck to stand high in
his favor. But no. Still better, you shall go with me first to my
brother-in-law's estate. You must remember my sister Bella."
"Perfectly, and I accept your hospitality. But I would rather you
should announce my visit to Herr Sonnenkamp--it seems to me I have
heard that name before, but no matter--and let me go to him alone."
Pranken threw a questioning glance upon Eric, who continued: "I know
how to appreciate your ready friendliness; but a stranger can never
quite do himself justice in presence of a third person."

Pranken smiled at Eric's quickness, feeling a sort of pride in having
so cultivated a man under his patronage. He took out his pocket-book,
and sat for a while with his silver pencil-case pressed against his
lips; the doubt arose whether he were doing wisely to recommend Eric to
the position; would it not be better to put him off, and bring forward
a man who would be quite under his own influence? but as Eric would
make the application for himself, and would, most probably, receive the
appointment, it would be better to establish a claim to his gratitude.
And in the midst of his hesitation a certain kindly feeling made itself
felt; it was pleasant to be able to be a benefactor, and he was for a
moment happy in the thought.

H