e most painful experience that the Professorin had yet had to
undergo. She was obliged to acquiesce in the Princess' praises of
Sonnenkamp's generous nature, his extensive charities, and his noble
magnanimity, of which the Cabinetsraethin, lady of honor to the queen,
had given a full report, and nothing was left the Professorin but to
listen, without the power to speak a word of contradiction. It was a
fresh proof to her of the false position in which she was placed, and
the dishonest game to which she had been made to lend a hand; first in
the convent, and now at court. Yet she dared not raise her voice
against this noble reputation of Sonnenkamp's, for in what light would
she herself appear if she should confess what she knew?

When she was re-entering the carriage, after her audience from the
Princess, a voice which cried "Stop!" made her tremble from head to
foot. Sonnenkamp seated himself beside her, and required her to tell
him instantly what the Princess had said. His delight at her report
made him so far forget himself as to exclaim aloud,--

"Roland's illness has been a blessing to us all,--by giving us the
right to call the Frau Professorin our friend," he quickly added, by
way of correction. Even that she had to accept in silence, and was
further distressed by being obliged to repeat the Princess' words for
the benefit of Pranken, who, with Clodwig, now joined them.

She felt herself hemmed in on every side, and excusing herself early,
she withdrew, in the hope of finding again in solitude her true self.

Clodwig had come, as member of the Committee upon Orders, to announce
confidentially to Sonnenkamp that an order had been decreed him.
Pranken embraced him when they were again alone together, exclaiming,--

"That is the first step, the first sure step."

Sonnenkamp was greatly delighted, and begged Pranken to wait while he
hurried to carry the good news to Frau Ceres.

"So that is for you," she said, complainingly; "what is there for me?"

He assured her that the title of nobility would certainly follow
speedily.

"Oh, but it takes so long," she complained.

He confessed to some disappointment and vexation on his own part at the
slowness and formality with which everything in the Old World was
conducted, but recommended patience.

"It is a good thing, to be sure," replied Frau Ceres, "that you should
have an order; every one in society will see now at once that you are
not a servant."

Sonnenk