to find it on the sea or in the desert."

"Not so," replied Anton, pertinaciously; "the merchant has just as
poetical experiences as any pirate or Arab. There was a bankruptcy
lately. Could you have witnessed the gloomy lull before the storm broke,
the fearful despair of the husband, the high spirit of his wife, who
insisted upon throwing in her own fortune to the last dollar to save his
honor, you would not say that our calling is poor in passion or
emotion."

Bernhard listened with downcast eyes, and Anton remarked that he seemed
embarrassed and distressed.

Changing the conversation, he proposed that they should both walk
together to the English master, and make the final arrangements. They
left the house like two old acquaintances; Anton surprised that
Ehrenthal's son should be so little of a trader, Bernhard delighted to
find a man with whom he could discuss his favorite subjects.

That evening he joined the family circle in a cheerful mood, and placing
himself behind his sister, who was practicing a difficult piece on a
costly piano, he kissed her ear. "Do not disturb me, Bernhard," said
she; "I must get this piece perfect for the large party on Sunday, when
I shall be asked to play."

"Of course you will be asked," said her mother. "There is no company
that does not wish to hear Rosalie play. If you could only be persuaded
to come with us, Bernhard--you are so clever and so learned. It was but
the other day that Professor Starke, of the University, spoke of you to
me in the highest terms. It is so pleasant for a mother to feel proud of
her children! Why will you not join us? The society will be as good as
any in the town."

"You know, mother, that I am not fond of strangers."

"And I desire that my son Bernhard should have his own way," cried
Ehrenthal from a neighboring room, having chanced, during a pause in
Rosalie's practice, to hear the last sentence, and now joining his
family: "our Bernhard is not like other people, and his way is sure to
be a good one. You look pale, my son," stroking his brown curls; "you
study too much. Think of your health. The doctor recommended exercise.
Will you have a horse, my son Bernhard? I will get the most expensive
horse in the town for you, if you like."

"Thank you, dear father; but it would give me no pleasure," and he
gratefully pressed the hand of his father, who looked sorrowfully at his
pale face.

"Do you always give Bernhard what he likes to eat? Get him