heard a few broken strains of music
from the ball-room rising through the night air, Roland returned to the
subject:--

"I have an idea that this evening Manna is to be openly acknowledged as
Pranken's bride. My mother thinks that that will help forward the
accomplishment of the other secret. Can you not guess what it is?"

Eric replied with great self-control, that it was not honorable of
Roland to speak of any family matters that had been confided to him.

He spoke with a trembling voice. This thing, which had been so long
decided, suddenly came upon him as something new, unheard of,
improbable. With rapture and yet with fear, he perceived that he had
allowed Manna to become dearer to him than he ought. He buried the
point of his cane deep in the ground, and pressed upon it so violently
that it broke to pieces in his hand. He told Roland it was time they
went home.

The carriage drove up to the door just as they reached the house, and
out of it came Sonnenkamp, followed by Frau Ceres and Manna.

"Are you betrothed to Pranken?" asked Roland.

"You silly child!" returned Manna, as she ran quickly up the steps.

Sonnenkamp sent Roland to bed, and asked Eric to go with him into his
room.

"Here is a mild brand of cigar," he said, throwing himself back in his
arm-chair, "light one. Captain Dournay, I look upon you as one of the
family; you are ours, and must ever remain so."

Eric trembled. Had the father's suspicions been roused by Roland's
awkward question, and was he about to tell him that he must give up all
thought of Manna? Or was he about to offer him his daughter's hand? He
had time enough to entertain these opposing thoughts, for Sonnenkamp
made a long pause, in the evident expectation of receiving some answer
to his friendly address. But as his companion remained silent, he got
up, and after taking several turns up and down the room, suddenly
stopped before Eric and said:--

"I give you to-day the most indubitable proof that I consider you one
of ourselves. Give me your hand."

Eric did so, and shuddered as he touched the iron ring on the man's
thumb.

Sonnenkamp continued:--

"I recognize and honor your reserve."

Eric's eyes wandered uneasily. What did all this mean?

After several hasty puffs at his cigar, Sonnenkamp continued:--

"You have never, in any way, alluded to what has been going on among
us, though you cannot have failed to be aware of it."

Eric still trembled. Sonnenkamp kep