When the young Herr came to Schwerin, and explained his business to the sisters, and complained of the bad year, the poor old creatures became very soft-hearted and comforted him, as if the whole world had gone against him, and when Albertine, who was the cleverest of them, and who looked after the money matters, began to speak very gently of securities, the other two, and especially Fidelia, interrupted her. That would be very narrow-minded, their brother was in need, and so were many people in the country, and their brother was their pride, and their only dependence, so their blessed father had said, shortly before his death; and when Axel readily promised to give them security on the estate Albertine surrendered, and the three old maidens were greatly delighted that they could help their dear brother. He was also fortunate, in getting hold of the money; a couple of Jews had it, and he found them, and a little interest was due on it, and this he took likewise, for he intended, of course, that his sisters should receive their full fifteen thousand thalers again, and from this time get five per cent, interest on it.
He returned to his house, in the week after New Year, 1847, and a couple of days later, when David and Slusuhr came again, expecting to torment him, he counted out the money on the table, paid his notes, and made a bow to their long faces, which both translated into the words: "A good riddance, gentlemen!"
"What is this?" asked Slusuhr, as they got into their carriage.
"God bless me!" said David, "he has money. Did you see? He had still a great packet of money."
"Yes, but how did he get it?"
"Well, we must ask Zodick."
Zodick was a poor cousin of David's, whom he always took with him, as coachman, but his real business was to listen to the people on the estate.
"Zodick, did you see, did you hear where he has been?"
"The coachman told me he had been to Schwerin."
"To Schwerin? What business had he at Schwerin?"