When Eric visited the little town, he was informed by the cooper, now, mine host of the "Carp," that the comedy-writer had wanted to make a carnival play out of Sonnenkamp's story, and bring it out in the market-place; but that he himself had not favored it, and they were going to represent a nobility-mill instead. Commoners in front were to be thrust in above, and noblemen with weapons and shields were to come out below, on the back side.
He begged Eric to be present at the carnival performance next day; but Eric was not in the mood.
CHAPTER XI.
A FULL HOUSE AND FULL DAYS.
On the following day came the Major, and Fräulein Milch, and Lina with her betrothed.
It was settled, that, if the snow remained, they were all to have a sleigh-ride to Mattenheim; for they wished to say good-by to Prince Valerian, who was soon to return home.
It was a day of domestic happiness and cheer.
Manna said repeatedly, that she had often wondered why they should have imposed this separation upon themselves; but she now understood that it was better so.
Fortune smiled upon them. They went to Mattenheim in several large sleighs; and, on their arrival, Knopf took his young friend, Roland, aside, and gave him a private letter from Lilian.
No one else knew why Roland was so extravagantly gay; but Knopf smiled quietly to himself.