oad-shouldered gentleman, with severe features and
tanned complexion, alighted from a _coupe_. It was Mr. Conrad Gerlach.
Seraphin threw his arms around his father's neck and kissed him. The
banker made a polite bow to the wealthiest landed proprietor of the
country, in return for which Mr. Conrad bestowed on him a cordial shake
of the hand.

"Has your father returned?"

"He cannot possibly reach home before September," answered the banker.
The traveller stepped for a moment into the luggage-room. The gentlemen
then drove away to the Palais Greifmann. During the ride, the
conversation was not very animated. Conrad's curt, grave manner and
keen look, indicative of a mind always hard at work, imposed reserve,
and rapidly dampened his son's ingenuous burst of joy. Seraphin cast a
searching glance upon that severe countenance, saw no change from its
stern look of authority, and his heart sank before the appalling
alternative of either sacrificing the happiness of his life to his
father's favorite project, or of opposing his will and braving the
consequences of such daring. Yet he wavered but an instant in the
resolution to which he had been driven by necessity, and which, it was
plain from the lines of his countenance, he had manhood enough to abide
by.

Mr. Conrad maintained his reserve, and asked but few questions. Even
Carl, habitually profuse, studied brevity in his answers, as he knew
from experience that Gerlach, Senior, was singularly averse to the use
of many words.

"How is business?"

"Very dull, sir; the times are hard."

"Did you sustain any losses through the failures that have recently
taken place in town?"

"Not a farthing. We had several thousands with Wendel, but fortunately
drew them out before he failed."

"Very prudent. Has your father entered into any new connections in the
course of his travels?"

"Several, that promise fairly."

"Is Louise well?"

"Her health is as good as could be wished."

"General prosperity, then, I see, for you both look cheerful, and
Seraphin is as blooming as a clover field.

"How is dear mother?"

"Quite well. She misses her only child. She sends much love."

The carriage drew up at the gate. The young lady was awaiting the
millionaire at the bottom of the steps. While greetings were exchanged
between them, a faint tinge of warmth could be noticed on the cold
features of the land-owner. A smile formed about his mouth, his
piercing eyes glanced for an inst