"That is precisely our intention; I am glad to see you still so thoughtful of others."
"Agreed then; yet I must make one other condition; please say nothing of our plan till--" Lenz hesitated.
"Well, till when?"
"Till I have spoken with my wife. She has her own ideas on such matters."
"I know her well. She is always rightly disposed when her pride does not stand in the way. An honest pride is greatly to be respected."
Lenz cast down his eyes, accepting the doctor's lesson, so kindly and courteously given.
His thoughts quickly reverted to the manufactory, however, and he begged leave to ask the doctor yet another question.
"Certainly; don't be so modest."
"Who among our best workmen are to be admitted?"
"We have as yet spoken with no one. Pröbler we shall offer some subordinate position to,--not so high a place as yours, of course. He is ingenious, and his ingenuity may, perhaps, be turned to practical account. The poor devil ought to be put in the way of laying up something for his old age. He has been almost out of his senses since his grand secret was sold at auction."