bachelor than marry Siegwart's daughter."

Klingenberg shrugged his shoulders. There was a long pause.

"I renew my request, my friend," urged Frank. "Convince my son of his
errors."

"I will try to meet your wishes," returned Klingenberg. "Perhaps this
daughter of Siegwart will afford efficient aid."

"My son's liberty will not be restricted. He may visit the Siegwart
family when he wishes. But in matters where the mature mind of the
father has to decide, I shall always act according to my better
judgment."

The doctor again shrugged his shoulders. They shook hands, and in ten
minutes after Herr Frank was off for the train. Richard had left
Frankenhoehe two hours before. He passed quickly through the vineyard. A
secret power seemed to impel the young man. He glanced often at
Siegwart's handsome dwelling, and hopeful suspense agitated his
countenance. When he reached the lawn, he slackened his pace. He would
reflect, and understand clearly the object of his visit. He came to
observe Angela, whose character had made such a strong impression on
him and who threatened to compel him to throw his present opinions of
women to the winds. He would at the same time reflect on the
consequences of this possible change to his peace and liberty.

"Angela is beautiful, very beautiful, far more so than a hundred others
who are beautiful but wear crinoline." He had written in his diary:

"Of what value is corporal beauty that fades when it is disfigured by
bad customs and caprices? I admit that I have never yet met any woman
so graceful and charming as Angela; but this very circumstance warns me
to be careful that my judgment may not be dazzled. If it turns out that
Angela sets herself up as a religious coquette or a Pharisee, her fine
figure is only a deceitful mask of falsehood, and my opinion would
again be verified. I must make observations with great care."

Frank reviewed these resolutions as he passed slowly over the lawn,
where some servants were employed, who greeted him respectfully as he
passed. In the hall he heard a man's voice that came from the same room
he had entered on his first visit. The door was open, and the voice
spoke briskly and warmly.

Frank stopped for a moment and heard the voice say,

"Miss Angela is as lovely as ever."

These words vibrated disagreeably in Richard's soul, and urged him to
know the man from whom they came.

Herr Siegwart went to meet the visitor and offered him his hand.