ll, distinguished-looking
man, wore his red ribbon in his button-hole; the young man was very
much pleased to meet Pranken there, and especially happy to be able to
salute Frau Bella.

Towards Sonnenkamp and his family both these old inhabitants had
hitherto borne themselves with some reserve; to-day they seemed to wish
to change this reserve for a more friendly manner, but Sonnenkamp held
back, not choosing that they should make advances to him now that they
saw him in a position of honor; and he was evidently relieved when they
left the steamer, at the second stopping-place, where there was a large
Water-cure establishment. On the landing stood the steward of the
prince's household with his invalid son, waiting for the two gentlemen.
Bella received a most respectful bow from his Excellency, and she told
Herr Sonnenkamp, as they went on their way, that it was almost a
settled matter, that the daughter of the rich wine-merchant was to
marry the invalid son of the steward.

The day was bright and clear; hardly a breath of wind blew upon the
swiftly-moving boat. Roland frequently overheard: some one whispering
half aloud to some passenger, newly come on board, "There is the rich
American, who is worth ten millions."

A special table was laid on deck for Sonnenkamp's party, and Joseph had
it ornamented with flowers and brightly-polished wine-coolers.
Sonnenkamp's servants, in their coffee-colored livery, waited on them.

At table Roland asked,--

"Father, is it true, that you are worth ten millions?"

"People have not yet counted my money," replied Sonnenkamp, smiling;
"at all events you will have enough to allow you to order such a dinner
as we have to-day."

The boy did not seem satisfied with this answer, and Sonnenkamp
added,--

"My son, one is rich only by comparison."

"Mark the words, rich only by comparison," repeated Pranken; "that's a
fine expression; it includes a whole balance-sheet."

Sonnenkamp smiled; he was always pleased when any one dwelt on an
expression of his with special emphasis.

"Ah, travelling is so pleasant, so jolly, if we only had Eric with us!"
cried Roland.

No one answered. The boy seemed unusually talkative, for as the
champagne was opened, and Bella proposed Manna's health, he said to
Pranken,--

"You ought to marry Manna."

The ladies gave an odd look at the two men; Roland had given utterance
to the wish of all. He became more and more the central object of the
conver