er was extremely polite, almost affectionate, for he was
inwardly happy when he could play the hypocrite; whenever he could make
fools of all around him, he felt an elevating and sustaining
satisfaction. He was in such good humor that he said to Eric:--

"I hope to convert you; to make you see that the best way of living in
the world is to hold yourself a stranger in it, and not to bother
yourself about the immediate regulation of the affairs of state."

"In some respects," answered Eric, "Aristotle agreed with you; he lived
generally in Athens, having a sort of certificate of residence without
being a regular citizen, and without being responsible either actively
or passively in the choice of rulers; for only in this way, as an
alien, could he live wholly in his ideas."

"I like that. One is constantly hearing something new and sensible of
the old philosophers. Then Aristotle was free also to go wherever he
pleased? That's good!"

Sonnenkamp looked amused. These learned gentlemen are very convenient;
they know how to find great historical reasons for what we do selfishly
or thoughtlessly. He smiled in a friendly way, and his smile did not
disappear, though Eric explained that what befitted a philosopher like
Aristotle very well would not do for everybody; for if every one were
like him, the world could not last; who would undertake municipal and
state affairs?

Sonnenkamp still smiled. This German pedagogue is a funny fellow, he
thought to himself; the very hour before starting on a journey, he is
ready for a learned discussion. Looking extremely well pleased, he said
to Eric:--

"I am very much obliged to you; one always learns something of you; you
are always up to the mark."

Every word was meant to give a stab, but Eric took it quite seriously,
and was grateful for the gratitude of Sonnenkamp, who was inwardly
excessively diverted by this man, so childishly unsuspicious with all
his learning.

He desired Eric and Roland to make the necessary preparations for the
journey, and then left the room, a servant having come to say that his
gracious lady was ready to see his master.

He entered Frau Ceres' room. She looked at him languidly as he said he
was glad she was better, and that she would be able to undertake the
journey to the capital on the following day. In glowing colors he
represented the pleasant life in the city, upon which they had a sure
hold through the family of the Cabinetsraethin, Count Wolfs