icity in the movements of the slender, white-haired old man. He
went from guest to guest, with an appropriate friendly word for each,
and on all sides received double congratulations, for on this very day
the Prince had ennobled him. He expressed his thanks very modestly, for
he could assure himself that he might have attained this honor two
years before, but at that time there was a certain patriotic vertigo
abroad which had seized even a wine-grower. He answered all the
congratulations by saying that the Prince's great kindness made him
extremely happy.

Sonnenkamp kept smiling to himself, looking forward to the time when he
would thus be courted also, and he prepared to receive the homage with
modest thankfulness.

Frau Ceres sat in much discomfort next the Court Marshal, who left her
to her own thoughts when he found that no conversation could be kept
up. At last a pleasure came to her when the Cabinet minister's lady
arrived, and expressed great pleasure at meeting her, as the Court
Marshal gave his seat to her.

Still greater was Frau Ceres' happiness when Frau Bella also came up;
even in this circle, where there were many of her equals, she seemed to
take a leading position. She was very gracious to Frau Ceres, and
begged her to take her arm to go into the garden-saloon, where the rich
outfit of the bride was exhibited; there was a universal expression of
admiration, and some glances of envy from those who returned from its
examination.

Frau Ceres managed her long train very awkwardly, while Bella held hers
up gracefully, and moved as if she were sailing through light clouds.

Sonnenkamp was greeted by the Russian Prince in a most friendly manner,
and delighted at his shaking hands with him; but his pleasure was soon
strewn with ashes, as the Prince said,--

"I forgot that you were to tell me some particulars of the treatment of
the slaves; I'm afraid I shall not find any of them left, when I make
up my mind to visit America."

He soon turned away, as the General was introduced to him. Sonnenkamp
began to feel somewhat strange and neglected in the circle, but his
countenance brightened as he saw Bella and Frau Ceres walking together
so confidentially.

"You have hardly spoken to the Countess," he said to Eric.

"Ah, I'm thinking of something quite different," answered Eric. "I
should like to hear our new Baron tell his servants: John, Peter,
Michael, from this day you must address me as Gracious Herr,