is your oldest
acquaintance who now entreats you to remain."

"I will remain, then, this evening, Mr. Schroeter," said Anton, coldly.

The merchant led him to the sofa, and began to communicate the present
state of the firm. It was no cheerful picture that he drew, but it
proved his entire confidence, and helped to allay the sting of his harsh
reception.

Gradually Anton became absorbed in the business details, eagerly went
over calculations, and unconsciously began to speak of the business as
though he still belonged to it. Once more the merchant held out his hand
with a melancholy smile. Anton now grasped it cordially, and the
reconciliation was complete.

"And now, dear Wohlfart," said Mr. Schroeter, "let us speak of yourself.
You once confided to me some particulars connected with your exertions
in the baron's cause, and I impatiently cut you short; I now entreat you
to tell me all you can."

Anton accordingly proceeded to mention all matters that admitted of
being publicly talked of, and the merchant listened with the utmost
attention.

"And now," said he, rising from his seat, "allow me to touch upon your
future. After what you have said, I will not ask you to spend the next
few years with me, welcome as your help would prove just now, but I beg
that you will leave it to me to look out for a fitting post for you. We
will not be in too great a hurry about it. Meanwhile, spend the few next
weeks with us. Your room is empty, and just as you left it. I find, from
what you tell me, that you have occupation cut out for you for some
months to come. If, in addition to this, you are inclined to help me in
the counting-house, your help will be very welcome. As for your
relations with my family," he gravely continued, "I fully trust you. It
is a positive necessity to me to prove this, and hence my present
proposal."

Anton looked down in silence.

"I am not imposing on you any painful ordeal," said the merchant; "you
know the habits of our household, and how little opportunity there is of
much conversation. For Sabine, as well as for yourself, I wish a few
weeks of your olden way of life, and when the time comes, a calm
parting. I wish this on my sister's account, Wohlfart," added he,
candidly.

"Then," said Anton, "I remain."

Meanwhile Sabine was restlessly pacing up and down the drawing-room, and
trying to catch a sound from her brother's study. Sometimes, indeed, a
sad thought would intrude, but it did not