She felt herself hemmed in on every side, and excusing herself early, she withdrew, in the hope of finding again in solitude her true self.
Clodwig had come, as member of the Committee upon Orders, to announce confidentially to Sonnenkamp that an order had been decreed him. Pranken embraced him when they were again alone together, exclaiming,—
"That is the first step, the first sure step."
Sonnenkamp was greatly delighted, and begged Pranken to wait while he hurried to carry the good news to Frau Ceres.
"So that is for you," she said, complainingly; "what is there for me?"
He assured her that the title of nobility would certainly follow speedily.
"Oh, but it takes so long," she complained.
He confessed to some disappointment and vexation on his own part at the slowness and formality with which everything in the Old World was conducted, but recommended patience.
"It is a good thing, to be sure," replied Frau Ceres, "that you should have an order; every one in society will see now at once that you are not a servant."
Sonnenkamp smilingly shook his head, but avoided any long discussions with Frau Ceres.