The train rumbled in. A great number of black trunks, studded with yellow nails, were put on board, Joseph and Lootz showing themselves expert travelling-marshals. Boxes, bags, portmanteaus, bottles, and packages were placed in the first-class car which Sonnenkamp, Frau Ceres and Fräulein Perini occupied. Roland was kissed once more, Sonnenkamp whispering at the same time something in his ear. The train rolled away, and Eric and Roland stood alone on the station-steps.
They went silently back to the villa. Roland looked pale; every drop of blood seemed to have left his face. They reached the villa, where all was so silent and desolate.
After they had got out of the carriage, Roland grasped Eric's hand, saying,—
"Now we two are alone in the world. What can one undertake at such a time?"
The wind roared in gusts through the park, and shook the trees, whose blossoms went whirling into the air, while the river tossed up its waves; a thunder-storm was coming on.
Eric ordered the horses to be put again to the carriage, and entered it with Roland, who asked,—
"Where are we going?"
Eric quieted him with the assurance that he was about to show him a miracle. They drove down the road, where the wind was dashing about the branches of the nut-trees, while the lightning flashed and the thunder rolled overhead.
"Where are we driving?" Roland asked again.
"We are now going to school to Franklin. I can now show you how the lightning is tamed." And they drove on to the railroad station.