t. If he himself could
only have believed that it was true charity! But he knew what his own
object really was. No matter! If the world believes in the noble and
kindly, that is enough. She who is rouged, knows that she has not red
cheeks, but she takes pleasure in the thought that the world believes
she has, and she is gay and girlish.

Sonnenkamp had desired that Pranken should purchase the neighboring
villa which they wished to sell to the Cabinetsraethin. Pranken had
declined to do it in a friendly manner, and for good reasons, that it
would seem a natural measure for Sonnenkamp to take, in order to secure
a good neighbor. Sonnenkamp did not know whether to hope or fear that
Pranken had already taken measures beforehand, and thereby made a
profit for himself. Was he to be over-reached? But it would be fine if
his son-in-law had such a prudent eye to his own advantage.

Sonnenkamp did not concern himself much the next few days with house or
garden, with Roland or Eric; he visited the country-house, offered to
purchase the vineyards appertaining to it, and became completely
convinced that Pranken had taken no steps in the matter. He was well
satisfied to acknowledge to himself that he had not been thoroughly
acquainted with the nature of the nobility; Pranken was a man who would
have nothing to do with any clandestine methods of gaining a pecuniary
profit.

The Wine-count was his principal competitor for the country-house
offered for sale; it was said he wanted to purchase it for his
son-in-law, the son of the Marshal of the Prince's household.
Sonnenkamp closed the bargain immediately.

CHAPTER VII.

NOT EASILY DIGESTED BY ONE OF THE GUESTS.

If Claus had heard in prison that Sonnenkamp had bought another
country-house, he would certainly have exclaimed,--

"Yes, indeed. Of course he'll buy up the whole Rhineland yet." But he
learned nothing of it.

The legal inquiry was protracted, and the Judge was sufficiently well
disposed to draw up new papers for the interrogation of Eric and Roland
at the villa; yet this unpleasant occurrence interrupted the course of
instruction more than one could have believed.

Entertainments also were not wanting, for Roland one day announced to
Eric:--

"Count Wolfsgarten is to give a grand fete; father and mother are
rejoiced; and you and I are also invited."

Sonnenkamp was very well satisfied with Pranken for having br