t world."

"I should think yon creature rather reminds one of hell," said Mr.
Conrad.

"Of hell!" exclaimed Louise, in alarm. "You are jesting, sir, are you
not?"

"Never more serious in my life, Louise. Notice the shameless
effrontery, the baseness and infamy of the creature, and you will be
forced to form conclusions which, far from justifying the expectation
of peace and happiness in the family circle, the true sphere of woman,
will suggest only wrangling, discord, and hell upon earth."

The young lady did not venture to reply. A gentleman made his way
through the crowd, and waved his hat to the company on the balcony. The
banker returned the salutation.

"Official Seicht," said he.

"What! an officer of the government in this disreputable crowd!"
exclaimed Gerlach, with surprise.

"He is on hand to maintain order," explained Greifmann. "You see some
policemen, too. Mr. Seicht sympathizes with progress. At the last
meeting, he made a speech in favor of common schools; he sounded the
praises of the gospel of progress, gave a toast at the banquet to the
gospel of progress, and has won for himself the title of evangelist of
progress. He once declared, too, that the very sight of a priest rouses
his blood, and they now pleasantly call him the parson-eater. He is
very popular."

"I am amazed!" said Gerlach. "Mr. Seicht dishonors his office. He
advocates common schools, insults all the believing citizens of his
district, and runs with mock processions--a happy state of things,
indeed!"

"His conduct is the result of careful calculation," returned Greifmann.
"By showing hostility to ultramontanism, he commends himself to
progress, which is in power."

"But the government should not tolerate such disgraceful behavior on
the part of one of its officials," said Gerlach. "The entire official
corps is disgraced so long as this shallow evangelist of progress is
permitted to continue wearing the uniform."

"You should not be so exacting," cried Louise. "Why will you not allow
officials also to float along with the current of progress until they
will have reached the Eldorado of the position to which they are
aspiring?"

"The corruption of the state must be fearful indeed, when such
deportment in an officer is regarded as a recommendation," rejoined Mr.
Conrad curtly.

A servant appeared to call them to table.

"Would you not like to see the celebration?" inquired Louise.

"By all means," answered Gerlach. "Th