The Cadet proposed that Roland should take part in a quadrille, which was to be performed on horseback by the first nobles of the court, towards the end of the month; in the royal riding-ring he could find a place as squire among the other citizen cadets, and engage in some of the evolutions.
Roland was delighted at the idea, but Herr Sonnenkamp cut the matter short by saying,—
"No! you will take no part."
He did not give any reason; there was no need to say that he did not choose to have his son make his first appearance among the common people admitted on sufferance.
The Cabinetsräthin had plenty of court news to tell, such as who had already given entertainments, and whose balls were still to come off, besides many a piquant bit of gossip, only half told on account of the presence of the children. The betrothal of the eldest son of Herr von Endlich, whose superb house was so famous, was soon to be celebrated, though there was reason to fear that tidings of death would soon be received from Madeira, whither the young pair had gone who were married in the summer.
The Cadet invited Roland to go with him to the theatre that evening, to see a grand ballet.
Eric looked in embarrassment at Sonnenkamp, who however said,—
"Certainly; go, Roland."
For the first time Eric saw his pupil led away from him, and taken to a place of entertainment, among a class of people, whither he could not accompany him. His heart trembled.
Roland had asked that Eric might go too, but the Cadet explained that there were no more places to be had; it was with great difficulty that he had been able to secure one for his friend. So Roland departed, saying to Eric as he went,—