tical prospects, that
is merely a personal matter. He who does not allow his undertakings to
be interfered with is more praise-worthy than he who, through a vague
fear, postpones advantageous measures."

"That, too, I allow."

"Would this undertaking lead to Herr von Fink permanently taking up his
abode in our neighborhood?" asked the baroness.

"I do not think so; he would make over the task to a farmer, and his
temperament is sure to send him wandering off again. As to his motives,
I can but surmise. I believe them to be mainly the respect and regard he
feels for your family, and possibly the wish to have some right to
remain with you in these unquiet times. The very danger that would make
this country undesirable to others has a charm for him."

"And would you not be glad to retain your friend with you?" inquired the
baroness further.

"Till to-day I had no hope of it," answered Anton. "Formerly, my task
used to be that of holding him back from precipitate resolves, and from
staking much upon a sudden fancy."

"You consider, then," said the baron, "that your friend has been
precipitate in his proposal to me?"

"His proposal is a bold one, so far as he himself is concerned,"
returned Anton, significantly; "and there is something in it, baron,
which does not satisfy me on your account, though I should find a
difficulty in defining it."

"Thank you," said the baron; "we will discuss the subject no further;
there is no hurry about it." Anton bowed and left the room.

Lenore stood silently at the window, repeating to herself his last
words, "I should find a difficulty in defining it," while a crowd of
painful thoughts and forebodings rushed through her mind. She was angry
with her father's weakness, and indignant with Fink for presuming to
offer them assistance. Whether his offer were accepted or not, their
relations to their guest were changed by it. They were indebted to him.
He was no longer a stranger. He had intruded into their private griefs.
She thought of the curl of his lip, of the contraction of his eyebrows;
she fancied she heard him laughing at her father and at her. He had
entered their house in his offhand way, and now carelessly seized the
reins, and meant to direct their fortunes as he liked. Perhaps her
parents might owe their deliverance to one of his arbitrary caprices.
This morning she could feel at her ease with him, brilliant man of the
world as he was; they were on equal terms, but how sh