. The knowledge which
constituted a man's calling, he said, was a man's capital, and ought
not to be drawn upon: every man held a kind of trust fund, and the
interest only should be risked and freely employed in trade.

He thought it eminently proper that Eric should now learn to be
economical of himself.

On the third day, Eric returned alone to Villa Eden, promising to
forward all necessary aids for Roland.

He came, as it were, out of another world; but his heart was lightened:
he rejoiced at Roland's sudden resolve, and even began to consider
himself no longer as a mere scholar, but as one to whom a great
treasure has been intrusted which he is to care for next to truth.

The announcement of Roland's decision created great astonishment at
Villa Eden.

Eric found Professor Einsiedel and Fraeulein Milch at his mother's; and
all gazed wonderingly at the latter when she suddenly exclaimed,--

"Roland enter the house of a Jew!" But to the inquiry what there was
strange about this, she made no reply, only looking round as if
bewildered.

Eric told the Professor he should now make great allowance for the
rich, to whom full aspiration could scarcely be possible with their
vast possessions ever in their thoughts. The safe-key in the breast
pocket must, he thought, lock up something in the heart.

Manna, alone, comprehended the true grounds of Roland's strange
resolve; for she said that it would not merely prove the youth's
salvation to learn the management of wealth, which, after all, was only
a kind of military drill, but that he evidently considered it a
fortunate opportunity to be transplanted into an entirely new sphere of
life.

And so it was.

Manna almost envied her brother the opportunity of doing and becoming
something new. She, too, would gladly have engaged in some occupation.
A trait of Sonnenkamp's strange nature asserted itself within her. She
wanted to go forth into the world. She was more with the Aunt than
with the Professorin, who desired, if possible, to effect a speedy and
fundamental cure; while the Aunt preferred to begin by a tender
fostering care.

Eric and his mother pondered much upon how best to deal with Manna's
restless mood, and to satisfy her longing aspirations.

So much had come upon her at once; and her love for Eric did not seem
quite to compensate her for what she had lost, since at heart she still
yearned for a firm support in the Church.

Weidmann came, and with him th