Egbert started, and there was stamped upon his features a surprise that was almost painful.
"On me! I am to----"
"Some day guide the reins at Odensburg, when they shall drop from my hands," said Dernburg, finishing his sentence for him. "Of all that I have reared in my school, only one is of the right stuff for it, and now he will scatter to the winds all my plans for the future. My Maia is still half a child, and I cannot foresee whether her future husband will be fitted for such a position, ardently as I desire it. I am not of the number of those fools who buy for their daughters the title of some count or baron; I care only for the man, no matter what station he occupies, and from what stock he springs, provided that he has secured the affections of my child."
He said all this slowly and with full emphasis.
That was a dazzling promise, which, although unspoken, yet loomed up plainly enough before the young man, and which he comprehended only too well. His lips quivered, impulsively he drew one step nearer, and said with suppressed emotion:
"Herr Dernburg--send me away!"
Now a smile relaxed Dernburg's features, and he laid his hand upon the shoulder of the agitated young man.
"No, my boy, I'll do no such thing. We must both make one more trial at getting along together. First of all, take charge of the Radefeld aqueduct. I'll see that you are left perfectly untrammeled. If we call in all available forces, we can finish by the autumn. Will you take hold?"
Egbert was evidently battling with himself. A few seconds elapsed ere he answered; then he said in a low tone:
"Herr Dernburg, it is a risk--for both of us!"