all our future."

"Allow me to say," returned the Professorin, "that in my case this
would be a breach of faith. I have nothing left in the world but
fidelity to myself."

"You fill me with admiration," said Sonnenkamp, hoping to gain his
point by expressions of admiring respect.

He was obliged to assume a gracious and smiling exterior while inwardly
chafing, for the Professorin was immovable. There was an imploring
manner about him; as if he would say: I know no way of help but through
you; yet he found himself unable to put it into words.

The Professorin felt that she must do something kind to the poor rich
man, must give him something to restore his cheerfulness and courage,
and with hearty sincerity she said,--

"Let me express to you the thanks of the hundreds whom you have fed and
comforted. You have made me very happy by employing me as the medium of
your benefactions, and I desire that you should feel yourself the
source of happiness to others."

With great animation she described the excellent order into which the
neighborhood had been brought, and how her help had not waited for
sickness, either physical or moral, but had helped forward those who
were sound. She told so many beautiful and touching incidents, that
Sonnenkamp could only stammer out as he gazed at her:

"It is all well--very well--I thank you."

He once more gave her his hand and left the room. At the front door he
encountered Fraeulein Milch, but hurried by almost without looking at
her.

Fraeulein Milch found the Professorin washing her hands with all her
might, as if she feared she should never wash them clean from the man's
touch.

"Did he tell you he was to be raised to the ranks of the nobility?"
asked the Fraeulein.

The Professorin looked at her in amazement. How came this simple
housekeeper in her seclusion to know everything?

The butcher from the capital, Fraeulein Milch said, who had been buying
a pair of fat oxen from her neighbor, had spread the report.

Secrets creep out through strange channels.

CHAPTER VI.

GOLD GIVES FAME.

A stranger is inspecting the house, the garden, the park, the
hot-houses, the stables. Who owns them all? An American, about whose
past life there is a mystery.

Sonnenkamp returned to his old home-life as in a dream; he looked back
upon a time long past; it was no longer himself, but a stranger who was
examining the