ued his studies in history and mathematics; and it was often
amusing to hear Knopf say, when giving a lesson in the history of
literature, "Observe, my dear young lady," for hitherto his pupils in
this department had been mostly girls.

During the day-time, they were employed, whatever the weather, in the
open air. Surveys were undertaken, especially of the recently purchased
domain; and many a good hunt came off, in which Roland distinguished
himself by his great expertness.

Roland was passed, so to speak, from hand to hand; for each of
Weidmann's sons took possession of him for hours or days at a time, and
found a peculiar pleasure in affording the youth all possible
assistance. Roland gained an insight into many different processes of
manufacture; but his curiosity was also awakened in quite another
direction.

In the cement-manufactory all was so still, that Roland asked the
Inspector, Fassbender's eldest son, whether the workmen were not
allowed to speak.

"They prefer not to," was the answer; "for talking distracts their
attention, and, as they work by the job, it would hinder them very
much."

Roland looked confounded. These men imposed silence upon themselves for
the sake of earning their bread!

The noon-bell rang. He saw young men and girls of his own age come out
of the manufactory: some of the girls were knitting as they walked; and
the question arose within him, In what respect do you and your sister
differ from these, and why?

On Saturday evening, Roland stood by while the workmen were paid off.
They were gathered in groups before the house. Some had washed
themselves, and others were still covered with dust. The little sliding
window in the counting-room was opened, and Roland stood near the
Inspector, as the latter opened a drawer in which lay various packages
of money, and read aloud the list of the workmen's names. He watched
their hard hands as they took up the money from the shelf, or swept it
with the right hand into the left.

When they were all paid off, he went out and mingled with the people.
There were soldierly fellows among them: some were young, and some old;
and all carried sticks with sharp ferrules, and were chaffering with a
baker-woman for loaves of bread, which they wrapped in cloths, and
carried away under their arms. One called to another to bear him
company in his walk; and they dispersed up and down the mountain.

Is it really the lot of human beings to live so? How o