"We must undoubtedly estimate the true market-value of this man."

Sonnenkamp looked at him sharply, as Pranken rattled out the words
"market-value." Did the baron think he must adapt his language to him,
the merchant? He could not guess that Pranken prided himself on the
expression which he had carefully arranged beforehand; he answered,--

"The market-value of the man is not small, but this Captain Doctor is
an eccentric man, and eccentric men are very agreeable, but one can not
rely upon them."

With the warmth of a new convert Pranken dwelt on Eric's scepticism,
and the necessity of Roland's being trusted to the guidance of a truly
religious man, who might, at the same time, know the world and its
ways.

Sonnenkamp asked, smiling,--

"Then would you really advise making an ecclesiastic of Roland?"

"If it were his mission----"

Pranken played with his moustache, as he noticed Sonnenkamp's watchful
look, bit his lips, and quickly corrected himself.

"If it were his true vocation, who would take the responsibility of
holding him back? Perhaps it would be the noblest thing for him to
renounce the treasures of this world, in order to win eternal
treasure."

The Justice played, in an embarrassed manner, with his sword-belt;
these words of unction from the Captain of the Guards seemed to him
incomprehensibly, and yet they could not be spoken in jest. He avoided
meeting the eye of either of his companions. Sonnenkamp looked serious.
It only appeared inconceivable to him that the young man could speak so
incautiously, if, not satisfied with the prospect of Manna's rich
dowry, he wished to appropriate Roland's portion.

In the consciousness of superiority, and in the triumph of playing with
men, Sonnenkamp stated that Doctor Richard had spoken to him of Eric so
enthusiastically, that it would seem that one could not bring the man
back fast enough in a coach and six.

"Ah, the doctor!" exclaimed Pranken, swinging his right hand as if it
held an invisible riding-whip. "The doctor! Of course! Atheists and
Communists stand by each other. Has the doctor also told you that he
had a private conversation with Herr Dournay on Sunday?"

"No; how do you know it?"

"By an accident. I heard--through--through a servant: there was a
pretence of going to give medical advice, then a rubbing of hands, and
the remark that there was no need of Herr Sonnenkamp's knowing that
they were united by old ties."

Sonnenkamp thanked