although he expressed his highest possible esteem in this readiness to
accept him as a Freemason.

"See," cried the doctor, impudently, "see how much whiter the hair of
our Major has turned."

And it actually seemed so, for the face of the Major was so permanently
red, that its color seemed incapable of being deepened, and now from
the excitement of the conversation and the wine, the whiteness of the
hair was in reality discerned with greater distinctness.

"The Major's hair has become whiter," everybody now said, and the
bewildered smile, that was always round his mouth, exploded in a loud
laugh.

CHAPTER III.

THE WORLD OUTSIDE.

The doctor was informed, immediately after dinner, that many patients
were waiting for him, for it was generally known that he dined on
Sunday here at the villa. He hastily took a cigar from Sonnenkamp, and
said that Eric must accompany him, as he wished to speak with him. He
said this in a positive manner admitting of no refusal.

After they had turned the corner, the physician extended his hand to
Eric, saying in a hearty tone,--

"I am the scholar of your grandfather, and I also knew your father at
the University."

"I am very glad to hear it; but why did you not tell me that at once?"
The doctor looked at him awhile from head to foot, then he laid both
hands on his shoulders, and shaking his head, but in a cordial tone,
said,--

"I have been mistaken in you. I thought that the species idealist had
died out; you are doctor of world-wisdom, but not doctor of worldly
wisdom. Dear captain-doctor, what's the need of their knowing yonder
how you and I stand with each other?--So you wish to live with Herr
Sonnenkamp?"

"Why not?"

"The man can't weep if he would, and you--?"

"Well, and I?"

"With you the tear-sack is filled at every emotion, as when you spoke
there of your father, and of the noble care of the sick--you have a
talent for hypochondria."

Eric was struck. This style of personal criticism was novel to him, but
before he could reply, the doctor called to the waiting group of
patients standing at the entrance of the porter's lodge,--

"I am coming in a moment! Wait here for me, and I'll come back soon,"
he said now to Eric, and went up to the group, all of whom took off
their hats and caps. He spoke with one and another, taking out a blank
book with loose leaves, and writing several prescriptions,