His study was now
become a place of public resort, like any tradesman's shop. He had to
give advice, to come to a decision, to overcome difficulties in a dozen
directions at once. He went almost daily to town, and when he returned
he was absent and morose in the midst of his family. His was a fair hope
indeed, but it was one very difficult to realize.

The baron found some comfort, however, in Ehrenthal's cheerful
devotedness. He was always useful, and fertile in expedient, and never
appeared doubtful as to the result of the undertaking. He was now a
frequent visitor, welcome to the master of the house, but less so to the
ladies, who suspected him of having been the prompter of the factory
scheme.

One sunny day, Ehrenthal, with shirt-frill and diamond pin, made his
appearance in his son's room. "Will you drive with me to-day to the
Rothsattel's Castle, my Bernhard? I told the baron that I should bring
you with me to introduce you to the family."

Bernhard sprang up from his seat. "But, father, I am an utter stranger
to them all."

"When you have seen and spoken to them, you will no longer be a
stranger," replied his father. "They are good people--good people,"
added he, benevolently.

Bernhard had still some modest scruples, but they were overruled, and
the two set out together--the pale student in much excitement at the
novelty of the drive, and the prospect of seeing a renowned beauty like
Lenore.

Meanwhile, his father overflowed with the praises of the family. "Noble
people," said he; "if you could only see the baroness as she is in her
lace cap, so delicate and so refined! Too refined for this world as it
is! Every thing so elegant! To be sure, the pieces of sugar are too
large, and the wine is too dear, but it all seems of a piece with their
rank."

"Is Fraeulein Lenore a great beauty?" inquired Bernhard. "Is she very
proud?"

"She is proud, but she is a beauty indeed. Between ourselves, I admire
her more than Rosalie."

"Is she a blonde?"

Ehrenthal took some time to consider. "Blonde? what should she be but a
blonde or a brunette? One thing I know, she has blue eyes. You can look
over the farm, and do not forget to walk round the park. See whether you
can find a spot where you would like to sit with your book."

The guileless Bernhard heard in silence.

The carriage stopped at the castle door. The servants announced that the
baron was in his room--the baroness not visible, but that the young la