ron did not come to this resolve
in a straightforward way. His mind underwent many oscillations. It was
disagreeable to him to let a stranger make so considerable a profit out
of lands of his; and when he had confessed with a sigh that it was
impossible to prevent this, it was further disagreeable to him that Fink
should have ventured upon such a proposition as this the third day after
his arrival; and he felt that Lenore's continued opposition was
well-grounded. At these times he saw himself poor, dependent, under
Anton's management, and was imbittered almost to the point of giving up
the plan. But, after such divergences, he always came back to the main
point--his own interest. He knew well how great a help the rent paid
beforehand would be during the current year, and he foresaw that the
outlay of capital would, in the course of a few years, double the value
of the estate. Then he could not but admit to himself that, at the
present disturbed time, Fink would be a desirable associate. However, he
preserved a rigid silence toward his wife and daughter; good-naturedly
threw back Lenore's attempts to bring him to a decision; and was more
dignified than usual in bearing during this period of deliberation.

After a few days he called his old servant, and said, in strict
confidence, "Find out, John, when Mr. Wohlfart goes out, and Herr von
Fink remains alone in his room, and then go to the latter and announce
me to him."

The baron being accordingly privately introduced into Fink's apartment,
told him in a friendly way that he accepted his offer, and left it to
him to get the contract drawn up by the Rosmin attorney.

"All right," said Fink, shaking hands with him; "but have you reflected,
baron, that your kind consent obliges me to claim your hospitality for
weeks, if not months? for I consider my presence desirable, at all
events till the farming operations are fairly set going."

"I shall be delighted," replied the baron, "if you will put up with our
unsettled establishment. I shall take the liberty of setting apart some
rooms for you. If you have a servant to whom you are accustomed, pray
send for him."

"I want no servant," said Fink, "if you will desire your John to keep my
room in order; but I have something better from which I don't like to be
long parted--a fine half-blood, which is at present standing in my
father's stable."

"Would it not be possible to have the horse sent over here?"

"If you would allow