"You are one already, you must learn the signs."
Eric was so excited, that he hardly heard what the old man said, although he expressed his highest possible esteem in this readiness to accept him as a Freemason.
"See," cried the doctor, impudently, "see how much whiter the hair of our Major has turned."
And it actually seemed so, for the face of the Major was so permanently red, that its color seemed incapable of being deepened, and now from the excitement of the conversation and the wine, the whiteness of the hair was in reality discerned with greater distinctness.
"The Major's hair has become whiter," everybody now said, and the bewildered smile, that was always round his mouth, exploded in a loud laugh.
CHAPTER III.
THE WORLD OUTSIDE.
The doctor was informed, immediately after dinner, that many patients were waiting for him, for it was generally known that he dined on Sunday here at the villa. He hastily took a cigar from Sonnenkamp, and said that Eric must accompany him, as he wished to speak with him. He said this in a positive manner admitting of no refusal.
After they had turned the corner, the physician extended his hand to Eric, saying in a hearty tone,—
"I am the scholar of your grandfather, and I also knew your father at the University."