an invalid is expected to be perverse, and to be
humored, as a matter of course."

The Doctor now came more frequently. He proposed to Eric to make a
longer visit at Mattenheim, in accordance with Weidmann's invitation,
as the contemplation of a life full of a many-sided activity would
refresh both teacher and pupil. Eric replied that he did not consider
it right to leave, for any length of time, the house that had been
entrusted to his care. The Doctor assented, thinking it better that
Roland should first become thoroughly familiar with the Rhine-home.

Eric and Roland now often accompanied the Doctor some distance on his
rounds, and both acquired together a deeper acquaintance with the life
of the Rhineland. The Doctor explained that he had an object in this,
holding that it was a very important thing in a man's life to make a
point of getting the best wines that could be had, and carrying out his
point. Roland could and should do that. It was no less important to
procure the good wine of the world, than its beautiful works of art.
And if a sense of his dependence upon the Rhineland were instilled into
Roland, much that was noble would result, especially if he could be
brought into connection with the family of Weidmann.

The Doctor was the best of directories, knowing every house and its
inmates very intimately, and speaking of everybody with discriminating
justice, showing the dark as well as the bright side with equal
impartiality. House after house furnished them with a refreshing sketch
of life, and cellar after cellar with a refreshing draught.

"They talk about the deterioration of the race," said the Doctor
edifyingly, "and there seems to be a chronic ailment, but it is not
dangerous. People use themselves as filters and pour in wine; so it has
always been; and so it will be. If the sun shines very hot, they think
they are entitled to drink; and if the weather is disagreeable and wet,
they must strengthen themselves with a good draught."

They alighted at a house, which had in front a statue of the Holy
Mother with a lantern in her hand.

"Up-stairs here," said the Doctor, "pure genuine wine is sold; the man
here supplies the church and the church dignitaries with the communion
wine, which must be unadulterated. This man's father is a famous
embroiderer of church-cloths, and his brother an illustrious painter of
saints; and when people can turn their religion to any profit, they it
hold it in sacred ear