reparation, many formalities, and sessions of the
Commission on Orders. But perhaps all that was a matter of secrecy,
which the Cabinetsraethin was not allowed to disclose.

The well-posted neighbor did not consider this probable, and so
Sonnenkamp's peculiar satisfaction in all this was utterly destroyed.
Then one must keep doing forever some new thing, must wait, and use
fresh exertions. He was so vexed, that he feared he should be uncivil
to the Prince. He impressed upon himself the necessity of the greatest
self-control that no vexation and impatience should appear.

In the morning, after an almost sleepless night, Sonnenkamp issued
directions that no one should leave the house on that day, and in a
measure commanded Frau Ceres not to be sick. He went to the Professorin
and begged her to do the honors of the house, confessing to her whom he
was expecting, and saying that he could have no secrets with her.

The Professorin shuddered all over, and her look said:--

"You dare to tell me that, when I know----"

But she restrained herself, and placed herself at the disposal of Herr
Sonnenkamp.

He waited in the garden in front of the green cottage until the
Professorin had changed her dress; and she wore to-day, for the first
time, a miniature in pastel of her deceased husband. She accompanied
Sonnenkamp to the villa, and Frau Ceres was exceedingly surprised to
see her at so unusual an hour.

The Professorin had obtained permission to inform Frau Ceres of the
expected visit, and the lady wished to deck herself with all her
jewels. It was very hard to convince her that she ought to be dressed
with great simplicity.

A telegram from the Cabinetsraethin at the capital informed them that
the royal party had set out.

It was now a matter of certainty. Eric, Roland, and Manna were also
informed, and Eric wished to remain in his room.

"Perhaps you expect to be summoned?" said Pranken sharply.

"I expect nothing but civility, where I am not aware of having done
anything to offend," replied Eric, courteously.

Pranken tossed his head slightly; he had, in fact, fully made up his
mind: This person must be off; the man is becoming a nuisance; but this
tutor's family have nestled themselves in here, like caterpillars in a
bee-hive, and there's nothing to be done but smoke them out.

Pranken was the only one who was composed and self-possessed; he was
the chamberlain and the Baron von Pranken, and all the rest were
no