nly from persons united by a
social bond, and therefore others must help; and the noblest and most
influential one, whose aid was essential, was reserved, and disinclined
to render him assistance. It did not seem as if Clodwig could be won
over to take his part.

CHAPTER IX.

THE WREATH.

Repeated distractions broke in at short intervals on the course of
study; but Frau Ceres was made happy by an opportunity to wear all her
ornaments, and Fraeulein Perini was happy in opening the trunk which
arrived from Paris; there could not be more than two such dresses in
the world, of which the Empress had one, and Frau Ceres the other.

The old and highly respected family of the Wine-count had until now
held back with unmistakable reserve from any intimate acquaintance with
the family at Villa Eden, but now, after the dinner-party at
Wolfsgarten, Sonnenkamp received an invitation to the wedding festival
of their daughter and the son of the Court Marshal.

Eric had great difficulty in restraining his pupil from talking
constantly about this great fete, for Roland had heard of the fireworks
which were to be sent up from the Rhine and the wooded hills around,
and every morning he said, "I do hope the weather will continue
pleasant; it will be such a pity if it doesn't." He was often away with
Pranken for several hours at a time, and returned very much excited,
evidently keeping some secret from Eric, who did not ask any questions.

On the day of the fete, the General with whom the family had become
acquainted in the capital arrived.

It was mid-day when they started, in three carriages, for the house of
the Wine-count. Frau Ceres occupied one carriage with the General. She
seemed to swim in a stream of drapery, so full and spreading were the
folds of her dress. In the second and open carriage rode Sonnenkamp
with Fraeulein Perini and Pranken, in full uniform and wearing two
orders. He accompanied them in order to make his appearance as a member
of Sonnenkamp's family. Sonnenkamp said nothing, but his face showed
how grateful he was to the young man, who had not only brought him the
General as a guest, but was taking upon himself his introduction to the
assemblage. In the third carriage sat Roland with Eric, who did very
wrong, Roland thought, not to wear his uniform also.

A long line of carriages waited before the door of the Wine-count's
villa, which stood