of a visitor at
Weidmann's. The Major stated that Weidmann's nephew, Doctor Fritz had
been there now for a short time, having come to take away his child,
who had been at Mattenheim under Knopf's instruction.

"Was this visitor at the villa while I was away?" asked Sonnenkamp.

"Yes, indeed, he and Professor Crutius. Both of 'em were highly
delighted with the beauty of your house, and your skill in gardening.
The seeds I bought of the head-gardener are for Dr. Fritz, who'll take
them to America. Send Eric and Roland to Mattenheim; 'twill be
delightful to both of 'em to know the excellent Doctor Fritz, but you
must do it speedily, for I hear he's going away very soon."

Eric and Roland, fortunately, came just at this moment to the castle,
and the Major took great satisfaction in spurring them up to make at
last the visit to Weidmann. Roland was highly delighted that there was
some diversion in prospect, that he was to make a journey and break in
upon the humdrum life; and Eric hoped that Roland would receive a new
impulse from observing a life of active usefulness.

This time, Sonnenkamp laid his plans more prudently. With Clodwig, Eric
had brought nothing to pass, although he had had a direct commission;
but now he gave Eric instructions which appeared very natural under the
circumstances, but which would enable him to gain a knowledge of
everything which it was important for himself to know. Eric was to send
a message after several days, and then Sonnenkamp would come for him at
Mattenheim. In the mean time he wanted to make a carriage-journey to
another part of the country.

In the morning, when Eric and Roland were setting out for Mattenheim,
Manna concluded to make her long delayed call upon the Priest. Fraeulein
Perini had said in direct terms, that the Priest had expressed his
surprise at her not having been to see him since her return home.
Fraeulein Perini wanted Manna to hear from herself, that she had been at
the Priest's; but of course, she did not inform her that she had given
to the Priest a very circumstantial account of their residence at
Carlsbad.

Manna had no sooner entered the Priest's house, than she wanted to turn
back again immediately, for she learned from the housekeeper that the
Dean from the capital was on a visit to the Priest. But the latter must
have heard her when she arrived, for he came out and led her by the
hand into the study. He introduced her to the Dean as a postulant.

Mann