nless both your sons were to agree that their
establishment should also belong to the association, perhaps one day
become its property."

"That is quite our own idea."

"Very well, then. I have only one favour to ask. Do not mention it till
I----" Lenz stopped short.

"Well! till when?"

"Till I have spoken to my wife about it; she has her peculiarities."

"I know her of old, but she is sensible, when her pride does not
interfere. But we ought to respect her proper pride."

Lenz looked down; the Doctor was giving him a deserved lesson, and with
a good motive as well as in a kind manner. That is the right way to
speak; then advice is useful and acceptable.

His thoughts, however, speedily returned to the manufactory, and he
said: "Herr Doctor, may I take the liberty of asking one more
question?"

"Certainly; don't be so ceremonious."

"Which of our masters, hereabouts, are also to be included?"

"We have not yet spoken to any one--but, by the bye, we wish Proebler to
be one of our people, though, of course, in a subordinate situation,
not like you; for he has a considerable talent for invention, and has
made various discoveries, that may be made practically useful. It is to
be hoped that the poor old man may prosper in his old age, for he is
becoming most eccentric, indeed, almost crazy, since his secret, for
which he expected a patent, was sold by auction at the 'Lion.'"

Lenz was silent for a time, and then he related where he had found
Proebler, and concluded by saying: "I have still another request to
make, Herr Doctor. I cannot speak to my uncle. You are the first man in
this country, and he who could refuse you anything can have no heart or
feeling. Herr Doctor, do speak to my uncle, and beg him to help me. I
scarcely think--the more I reflect on the matter--that my wife will
allow me to enter the manufactory, and you said yourself that we must
respect her proper pride."

"Certainly, I will go to your uncle forthwith; will you wait for me
here, or go with me into the village?"

"I will go with you."

They all wished Lenz cordially good night; shaking hands kindly with
him, and the old grandmother laid her left hand on his head as if
blessing him, when she gave him her right hand.

Lenz went along with the Doctor; as they passed Pilgrim's house they
heard him whistling, and playing on his guitar. This faithful friend
felt deep sympathy at heart for Lenz's misfortunes, but to sympathise
with any o