a did not know what he meant; and the Dean, perceiving this,
explained to her that he knew of her pure purpose to take the veil.

Manna cast down her eyes timidly and humbly, while she was obliged to
listen to her praises from both of the men. She could not help herself,
and yet she experienced a deep internal conflict.

The Dean asked if there had been any high dignitary of the Church at
the springs, and Manna said that there had not.

When the Priest now asked if she had become acquainted with any men of
distinguished attainments. Manna considered it her duty to mention
particularly Professor Einsiedel.

"Then you have made the acquaintance of that incarnate, shrivelled up
darkness--that miserable mannikin, who is fond of being styled an
ancient Greek?"

Both of the men laughed, and Manna was amazed to see how the Professor,
so highly venerated by her, was made a complete laughing stock. She did
not feel adequate to defend him here, and kept silence. "We will
accompany you home," said the Priest at last. "You, my honored fellow
laborer, must see for once the beautiful villa."

Escorted by the two ecclesiastics Manna went home, appearing to herself
like a captured criminal, and yet the men were very friendly and
confiding.

They met Sonnenkamp in the courtyard. He was very complaisant and
respectful; and he took especial satisfaction in showing to the highly
venerated men the park, the orchard, the hot-houses, and, finally, the
villa.

The Dean exhibited a fine appreciation of everything, and when
Sonnenkamp dwelt upon the fact, with a certain degree of pride, that
every fire-place had its own separate flue, he all at once noticed that
the Dean exchanged a passing glance with the Priest, at the same time
wearing a satisfied smile.

Ho, ho! thought Sonnenkamp. You think that, do you? These men are
taking a view of the villa, in order already to make their dispositions
how to turn this house into a convent, when Manna has carried out her
plan? Ho, ho! I would rather burn up the house and everything in it!

The two ecclesiastics could not understand why the expression of
Sonnenkamp's countenance was so suddenly changed and so exultant; he
was delighted to penetrate the deception of other people. He bore the
men company as far as the gate, and begged them to visit his modest
house very frequently.

BOOK XI.

CHAPTER I.