ful eyes. I know that I am with you
and in you, as you are with me and in me. It seems inconceivable to me
that I never knew you before that spring day. I cannot think what the
world was like before I knew you; for I cannot imagine the world
without you."

When Eric left for Mattenheim, the next day, he kissed his betrothed
for the first time before his mother; and, after he had mounted his
horse. Manna said to him,--

"I am glad you are going; and I will stay quietly with your mother, and
be perfectly content. Thank you for letting me be a child once more
before I become your wife. Ah! I had no childhood; but forgive me. I
will never cease to be grateful for what has come to me, and I will not
mingle sorrow with it all. And I promise that you shall have in me a
strong and trustworthy wife."

So Eric departed.

Adams went with him. He, too, was to learn husbandry at Mattenheim.

The ladies were now alone with Professor Einsiedel and the Major, who
was more at the Villa than ever.

The Villa itself, however, was silent and deserted; for they all lived
at the green cottage. Many of the servants were dismissed, and the
gardeners only were kept at the Villa.

CHAPTER IX.

UPON NEW SOIL.

A cheerful life they led at Mattenheim. The day began and ended early.
There was no trespassing upon the night. All were incessantly occupied,
and even Adams could not hold aloof.

Weidmann had arranged matters very methodically.

Adams received no orders; but they allowed him to see that every one
about him was busy, and, in the end, he could not choose but follow
their example. He became ashamed of his idleness; and the servant who
had once been a criminal must now teach him to plough and sow. He was
even eager to thresh; but this was exceedingly difficult for him,
because he could not keep time. He liked best to work in the mill; and
it was a droll sight to see the stalwart negro pass and repass,
powdered with meal. He also applied himself zealously to his books, in
the evening, with Knopf for a teacher.

Of all the dwellers at Mattenheim, Knopf was the happiest. What more
could he desire? He had Weidmann whom he revered, Eric whom he held in
high esteem, Roland whom he loved enthusiastically, and a prince and a
slave to instruct; for Prince Valerian had to submit to being taught at
Adams's side; and, while Adams toiled at his writing-book, the Prince
purs