Professor
Einsiedel here; and the thought called a smile to his face, for just
such a Professor Einsiedel was he. What then are we who live only in
the region of thought? Spectators; nothing but spectators, while there
is the world with its driving and snatching after enjoyment, every one
plundering and appropriating whatever he can seize. Why will you stand
aside? Why not hurry and scuffle with the rest? His breath came quick
and short, his cheeks glowed. He was in this mood, when Roland came to
him and said:--

"If you are not satisfied with me, I care nothing for the rest."

Eric gave him his hand, and Roland continued:--

"The Queen wants me to be photographed in this dress, and so do all the
ladies. The other actors will do the same. Is it not fine?"

"Certainly, it will be a pleasant memento for you by and by."

"Ah, by and by! by and by! it is pleasant now, I don't want to know
anything of by and by. Oh, if we only did not have to sleep, and
undress, and to-morrow be different again! If we could only live on
like this for a hundred years without stopping!"

Eric perceived how completely Roland's head was turned by all the
adulation he had received; it was no time now to try to turn the
current.

But he himself was put in a state of unwonted excitement before the
evening was over.

He had noticed Bella talking very earnestly with the Minister of War,
formerly colonel of his regiment, who presently approached him, and,
after saluting, and talking of indifferent matters, finally asked if he
would not like a professorship in the school of cadets when his pupil
entered.

Eric expressed his cordial thanks for the great kindness, but could
give no decided answer. He was startled at the next question, whether
he had made any definite plan for himself, after the completion of the
young American's education; he had made none. Still more was he
startled, when his questioner further asked if he should not then
return to his literary and scientific pursuits, as he had heard the
highest hopes expressed of him by those who had known him in the
university.

Eric was perplexed; all such pursuits he had sacrificed. What was to
become of him? To make matters worse, he had drawn his mother also into
these relations.

After the Minister had gone, he caught Bella's fiery glance fixed upon
him, and he seized the first opportunity that offered, to thank her for
having so kindly recommended him to the Minister of War.