forward claiming
special attention, whether of mankind or me, I don't know--all this
strikes me as so sad and pitiable, and if it were not so ridiculous,
it might drive me to suicide."

"Dear Innstetten, are you going to assume the duties of a permanent
secretary in this frame of mind?"

"Oh, bah! How can I help it? Read these lines I have just received."

Wuellersdorf took the second letter with the illegible postmark, was
amused at the "Esq.," and stepped to the window that he might read
more easily.

"Gracious Sir: I suppose you will be surprised that I am writing to
you, but it is about Rollo. Little Annie told us last year Rollo was
so lazy now, but that doesn't matter here. He can be as lazy as he
likes here, the lazier the better. And her Ladyship would like it so
much. She always says, when she walks upon the marsh or over the
fields: 'I am really afraid, Roswitha, because I am so alone; but who
is there to accompany me? Rollo, oh yes, he would do. He bears no
grudge against me either. That is the advantage, that animals do not
trouble themselves so much about such things.' These are her
Ladyship's words and I will say nothing further, and merely ask your
Lordship to remember me to my little Annie. Also to Johanna. From your
faithful, most obedient servant, Roswitha Gellenbagen."

"Well," said Wuellersdorf, as he folded the letter again, "she is ahead
of us."

"I think so, too."

"This is also the reason why everything else seems so doubtful to
you."

"You are right. It has been going through my head for a long time, and
these simple words with their intended, or perhaps unintended
complaint, have put me completely beside myself again. It has been
troubling me for over a year and I should like to get clear out of
here. Nothing pleases me any more. The more distinctions I receive the
more I feel that it is all vanity. My life is bungled, and so I have
thought to myself I ought to have nothing more to do with strivings
and vanities, and ought to be able to employ my pedagogical
inclinations, which after all are my most characteristic quality, as a
superintendent of public morals. It would not be anything new. If the
plan were feasible I should surely become a very famous character,
such as Dr. Wichern of the Rough House in Hamburg, for example, that
man of miracles, who tamed all criminals with his glance and his
piety."

"Hm, there is nothing to be said against that; it would be possible."

"No, it