"Herr Pigglewitch is then an artist as well as a scholar," the Lieutenant observed. "Really, I begin to stand in awe of him, and to consider Fritz most fortunate in having such a light to illumine the path of wisdom for him. 'Tis a pity that for the present Fritz must confine himself to the A B C of learning, or Herr Pigglewitch could regale him with chemistry, physics, mathematics, Latin, Greek, French, English,--in short, with everything worth knowing."
"Add Italian, and your list of the subjects upon which I ought to be competent to teach will be complete," Egon rejoined, quietly, as if unconscious of any irony in the Lieutenant's words.
"What! you understand five languages besides your own?" Herr von Osternau asked in amazement that a Candidate should be thus accomplished. "I thought that modern languages were rather neglected in our first-class schools."
"I did not learn them at school," Egon said, smiling. "I was always ambitious to learn something more than was prescribed by the school curriculum, and I have a natural gift for languages. I like to read great poets in the original, translations are apt to be but weak transcriptions, therefore I studied English to read Shakespeare, and Italian for the sake of Dante. Every educated man understands French of course, and Greek and Latin form part of the usual classical education."
Frau von Osternau was indeed surprised. Were these quietly-uttered words true, or was Herr Pigglewitch boasting of accomplishments which he did not possess, in the belief that no one at Castle Osternau could put his knowledge to the test? If this last were the case he was mistaken. True, she herself had no knowledge of Greek, Latin, or Italian, but she spoke both French and English quite well. She addressed him in English, expressing her pleasure at his proficiency in languages; he answered her in the same tongue with an accent and with fluency superior to her own. French he spoke with equal purity and facility. She could not, after a short conversation in both tongues, forbear an expression of her admiration of his ability, and was a little embarrassed when he rejoined, in German, "I have then been undergoing a slight examination. Perhaps Lieutenant von Osternau will have the kindness to continue it, and to test my qualifications in Latin and Greek, mathematics, chemistry, and physics. I gladly place myself at his disposal."
"I have never had anything to do with school examinations, and feel no desire to begin to-day," the Lieutenant replied, giving the insufferable Pigglewitch a look that was meant to be crushing, but which was only furious.
"You are right there, Cousin Albrecht," Lieschen interposed; "you would come to grief if you attempted the part of an examiner."
The Lieutenant had no chance to reply to his young cousin, for Herr von Osternau rose from table and every one followed his example.
On week-days the inspectors always took their leave, returning to their duties, but to-day Herr Storting lingered and asked for leave of absence for the next morning. Herr von Osternau seemed surprised. "Is your business in Breslau so very pressing?" he asked. "You know every hour is precious during the harvesting."
"Yes, papa, Herr Storting has very urgent business in Breslau," Lieschen replied in the young man's stead. "He and Herr Pigglewitch must both pay a visit there to-morrow morning. Please, papa, do not ask why now, I will tell you by and by."