The father looked in surprise at his son; the hand holding the paper
sank on his knee.

"Permit me, gentlemen," said the conductor; the doors were closed, the
friends nodded good-by, and the train moved off.

"Your observation about Linden's marriage astonishes me, Richard. But
perhaps you were only jesting."

"By no means," said Richard. "Never more earnest in my life. I
expressed my conviction, and my conviction is the result of careful
observation and mature reflection."

The father's astonishment increased.

"Observation--reflection--fudge!" said the father impatiently, as he
folded the paper and shoved it into his pocket. "How can a young man of
twenty-two talk of experience and observation! Enthusiastic nonsense!
Marriage is a necessity of human life. And you will yet submit to this
necessity."

"True, if marriage be a necessity, then I suppose I must bow to the
yoke of destiny. But, father, this necessity does not exist. There are
intelligent men enough who do not bind themselves to woman's caprices."

"Oh! certainly, there are some strange screech-owls in the world---some
enthusiasts. But certainly you do not wish to be one of them. You, who
have such great expectations. You, the only son of a wealthy house.
You, who have a yearly income of thousands to spend."

"The income can be enjoyed more pleasantly, free and single, father."

"Free and single--and enjoyed! Zounds! you almost tempt me to think ill
of you. Happily, I know you well. I know your strict morality, your
solidity, your moderate pretensions. All these amiable qualities please
me. But this view of marriage I did not expect; you must put away this
sickly notion."

The young man made no answer, but leaned back in his seat with a
disdainful smile.

Herr Frank gazed thoughtfully through the window. He reflected on the
determined character of his son, whose disposition, even when a child,
shut him out from the world, and who led an interior, meditative life.
Strict regularity and exact employment of time were natural to him. At
school, he held the first place in all branches. His ambition and
effort were to excel all others in knowledge. His singular questions,
which indicated a keen observation and capacity, had often excited the
surprise of his father. And while the companions of the youth hailed
with delight the time which released them from the benches of the
school and from their studies, Richard cheerfully bound himself to his
accus