"Here is Frankenhöhe," said the doctor. "As you make no more objections, I suppose you agree with me. The saints are great, admirable men; therefore they deserve monuments. They are models of virtue and the greatest benefactors of mankind; therefore they deserve honor. 'Quod erat demonstrandum.'"
"I only wonder, doctor, that you, a Protestant, can defend such views."
"You will allow Protestants to judge reasonably," replied Klingenberg. "My views are the result of careful study and impartial reflection."
"I am also astonished--pardon my candor--that with such views you can remain a Protestant."
"There is a great difference between knowing and willing, my young friend. I consider conversion an act of great heroism, and also as a gift of the highest grace."
Richard wrote in his diary:
"If Angela should be what the doctor considers her! According to my notions, such a being exists only in the realm of the ideal. But if Angela yet realizes this ideal? I must be certain. I will visit Siegwart to-morrow."
CHAPTER IV.
THE BUREAUCRAT AND THE SWALLOWS.
Herr Frank returned to the city. Before he went he took advantage of the absence of Richard, who had gone out about nine o'clock, to converse with Klingenberg about matters of importance. They sat in the doctor's studio, the window of which was open. Frank closed it before he began the conversation.