uch as possible of these noble women, in order to
soften their position of dependence; and that advantage, with many
others, would be easily secured when she had established herself in
that country-house, which of course had several acres of vineyard
attached to it.

Thus there was a mingling of motives, with a good and animating result.

Sonnenkamp smiled blandly, but all the while was saying to
himself,--These nobles hold together more closely than a band of
thieves; in fact they are thieves, for all this impoverished nobility
wants to bolster itself up by me.

He acceded politely to the lady's proposition, with the inward
reservation, You have not that estate yet, and the Professor's widow
may sit for a while longer at her sewing-machine.

They drove by the country-seat of the Prince, who had lately returned
from America. Here everything was in perfect order, and a table, with
servants in attendance, was spread in a long, narrow pavilion erected
in a grove by the roadside. The sound of military music came from a
public garden, and the trees were hung with bright-colored lamps. The
officers of the Guard were holding a summer-fete here. Bands of music
followed each other in quick succession, one beginning to play the
moment the other ceased. The officers were already seated at a table
spread under a great tent in the middle of the public garden; while at
smaller tables near by sat the dignitaries of the capital, with their
wives and daughters, in gay summer dresses.

The two carriages drawn by Sonnenkamp's noble horses' attracted great
attention. Pranken quickly gave the necessary directions, and
established his party at one of the best tables, towards which many
eye-glasses were instantly directed. Pranken, after speaking with his
comrades and shaking hands with one and another, soon returned to
Sonnenkamp and his party.

The Cabinetsraethin leaned in the most friendly way on Sonnenkamp's arm;
Pranken escorted Frau Ceres; Roland and the cadet shot arrows at a
target, Roland always hitting the bull's eye.

Sonnenkamp was introduced to the General, and received from him a
promise soon to visit Villa Eden. Pranken was glad to be able to show a
new recruit in the person of Roland.

As evening came on, the bright-colored lamps were lighted. Suddenly
there was a firing of cannon, a beating of drums, and a shouting of
huzzas, in honor of the arrival of the Prince from his estate to grace
the banquet of the officers