vity. I
willingly allow that he keeps the accounts in good order, and is very
industrious in return for a small salary. If you understood men's
motives better, you would hear me more patiently. After all, there is no
harm in what he has done. I want capital, and am, as you know, a good
deal embarrassed besides. What should prevent proposals being made to me
which would advantage others and do me no injury?"

"For God's sake, father, what proposals do you mean? It is false that
Wohlfart has any other interest at heart but yours."

The baroness beckoned to her daughter to be silent. "If Fink wishes to
purchase the estate," said she, "I shall hail his resolve as a
blessing--the greatest blessing, beloved Oscar, that could happen to you
now."

"We are not talking of buying," replied the baron. "I shall think twice
before I give away the estate in such a hurry under the present
circumstances. Fink's proposal is of a different kind; he wishes to
become my tenant."

Lenore sank down speechless in her chair.

"He wishes to rent from me five hundred acres of level ground, in order
to convert them into profitable meadows. I do not deny that he has
spoken openly and fairly on the subject. He has proved to me in figures
how great his gains would be, and offered to pay the first year's rent
at once--nay, more, he has offered to give up his tenancy in five years,
and make over the meadows to me, provided I repay him the expenses
incurred."

"Gracious Heaven!" cried Lenore; "you have surely refused this generous
proposal."

"I have required time for deliberation," replied the baron,
complacently. "The offer is, as I have already said, not exactly
disadvantageous to myself; at the same time, it might be imprudent to
concede such advantages to a stranger, when, in a year or so, I might be
able to carry out this improvement on my own account."

"You will never be able to do so, my poor, my beloved husband," cried
the baroness, weeping, and throwing her arms about the baron's neck,
while he sank down annihilated, and laid his head on her breast like a
little child.

"I must know whether Wohlfart knows of this proposal, and what he says
to it," cried Lenore, decidedly; "and, if you allow me, father, I will
at once send for him." As the baron did not reply, she rang the bell for
the servant, and left the room to meet him at the door.

Fink sat, meanwhile, in Anton's room, amusing himself with rallying his
friend. "Since you ha