l, care whom I choose for master. I can not
remain a Rothsattel."

The father drew her toward him laughingly. "If I could only find out how
my child has got these heretical notions!" said he.

"She has always had them," said her mother.

"They will pass," answered the baron, kissing his daughter's brow. "And
now read the prince's letter, while I go and look after the black
horse."

"I will go with you," said Lenore.

The order, a memorial of the chivalrous past, was a source of still more
satisfaction to the baron than he cared to avow. The congratulations of
his numerous acquaintance pleased him, and he felt it a prop to his
self-respect, which it often needed. A week later, Ehrenthal came on his
way to the neighboring village to offer his congratulations too, and
just as he was making his final bow he said, "You had once a notion,
baron, of setting up a beet-root-sugar factory. I find that a company is
about to be formed to build one in your neighborhood. I have been asked
to take shares, but first of all I thought I would ascertain your
views."

This intelligence was very unwelcome; for though, after much
deliberation and consultation, he had resolved, for the present, to
postpone the project, the baron did not like it to be hopelessly
interfered with by a rival factory.

In a tone of vexation, he exclaimed, "Just now, when I have, for a time,
that capital to dispose of!"

"Baron," said Ehrenthal, heartily, "you are a rich man, and much
respected. Give out that you mean to set up a factory yourself and the
company will be dispersed in a few days."

"You know I can not do so at present," said the baron, reluctantly.

"You can, gracious sir, if you choose. I am not the man to urge you to
it. What do you want with money-making? But if you say to me,
'Ehrenthal, I will set up a factory,' why, I have capital for you as
much as you like. I myself have a sum of ten thousand dollars ready; you
may have it any day. And now I will make a proposal. I will get you the
money you want, at a moderate rate of interest; and for the money I
myself advance, you shall give me a share of the business until you are
able to repay the sum. Should you require further money, you must take a
mortgage on your property until you can replace the whole."

The proposal appeared disinterested and friendly, but the baron felt a
certain misgiving, and declined it.

Accordingly, Ehrenthal had to retire, saying, "You can think the matter