bly situated."

He winked at Sonnenkamp, as much as to say that these must of course be
purchased also.

Sonnenkamp at once lost his character of modesty and bashfulness; here
was a question of money; here he was master. He wanted to tell the lady
that he could not deal in any other than a business-like manner; when
he had fairly got his patent of nobility she should take possession of
the country-house and vineyards besides; but he was afraid to say it
before Pranken, and besides it seemed hardly necessary to come out with
it just yet. When it came to the point, he would be man enough not to
allow himself to be cheated. There was a triumphant smile upon his
face.

The Cabinetsrath entered, saluted Sonnenkamp with formal politeness,
and expressed his thanks for the courtesies shown his wife at Vichy.

The party went into the hall, where were Roland and the son of the
house, a cadet. Roland's beauty immediately attracted all eyes, and
made him the centre of the group. The Cabinetsrath congratulated him on
having for a tutor such a finished scholar as Eric, although he was
somewhat eccentric in his theories, and as Roland answered some
question that were addressed to him by saying he should like to be an
officer, advised him to enter the school of cadets as soon as possible.

Pranken said in an aside to the Cabinetsraethin that he entirely
approved of Herr Sonnenkamp's plan not to let Roland enter the school
till he had received a title, thus sparing him many embarrassments; for
if the boy were suddenly admitted to the nobility while in the school,
there would be no end to the jokes he would have to endure from his
companions.

The Cabinetsrath spoke of the rebuilding of the ruins, of Sonnenkamp's
well-known skill in horticulture, and of the complimentary manner in
which he had often heard them spoken of in the highest circles.

Sonnenkamp craved permission to send some of his products occasionally
to the royal table, especially his beautiful bananas, which were now
particularly fine. Pranken thought Herr Sonnenkamp's success in grape
culture the most remarkable, for he managed to have fresh grapes upon
his table every month in the year.

The Cabinetsrath replied that this courtesy would no doubt be very
acceptable, but he had no authority to speak in the matter. The
Marshal, who was a cousin of Herr von Pranken, would unquestionably
accept the offer.

Pranken at once took Herr Sonnenkamp to see the Marshal, wh