im by folly and ingratitude. This thought imbitters his death to
me. And, besides that, the fact decides my future career."

"You will leave us!" cried Anton, in dismay.

"I must set off to-morrow. My father is heir to all my uncle's property,
with the exception of some land in the Far West, to which I am left
executor. My uncle was a great speculator, and there is much troublesome
business to be settled. Therefore my father wishes me to go to New York
as soon as possible, and I plainly see that I am wanted there. He has
all at once conceived a high idea of my judgment and capacity for
business. Read his letter." Anton scrupled to take it. "Read it, my
boy," said Fink, with a sad smile; "in my family circle, father and son
write each other no secrets." Anton read. "The excellent accounts which
Mr. Schroeter sends me of your practical sense and shrewdness in business
lead me to request you to go over yourself, in which case I shall send
Mr. Westlock, of our house, to assist you."

Anton laid the letter down, and Fink asked, "What say you to this praise
of the principal's? You know that I had some reason to believe myself
far from a favorite."

"Be that as it may, I consider the praise just, and his estimate
correct," replied Anton.

"At all events," said Fink, "it decides my fate. I shall now be what I
have long wished, a landed proprietor on the other side of the
Atlantic. And so, dear Anton, we must part," he continued, holding out
his hand to his friend; "I had not thought the time would so soon come.
But we shall meet again."

"Possibly," said Anton, sadly, holding the young nobleman's hand fondly
in his. "But now go to Mr. Schroeter; he has the first claim to hear
this."

"He knows it already; he has had a letter from my father."

"The more reason why he should expect you."

"You are right; let us go."

Anton returned to his desk, and Fink went to the principal's little
office. The merchant came to meet him with a serious aspect; and, after
having expressed his sympathy, invited him to sit down, and quietly to
discuss his future prospects.

Fink replied with the utmost courtesy: "My father's views for me--based
on your estimate--agree so well with my own wishes, that I must express
my gratitude to you. Your opinion of me has been more favorable than I
could have ventured to expect. If, however, you have really been
satisfied with me, I should rejoice to hear it from your own lips."

"I have not been e