"I speak freely," said Frank. "You have acted from principles that one must respect, and which my father would have respected if he had known them."
The proprietor could have observed that he had, in a long letter, justified himself to Herr Frank. But he suppressed the observation, as he felt it would be painful to his son.
"Father," said Henry, "hunger and thirst are appeased. Can I ride out for an hour?"
"Yes, my son; but not longer. Be back by supper-time."
The young man promised, and, after a friendly bow to Frank, hastened from the garden. The little circle continued some time in friendly chat. The servants under the lindens became noisy and sang merry songs. The maids sat around the tea-table in the kitchen and praised St. Zitta.
The cook appeared in the arbor and announced that Herr von Hamm was in the house, and wished to speak on important business to Herr and Madame Siegwart.
"What can he want?" said the proprietor in surprise. "Excuse me, Herr Frank; the business will soon be over. I beg you to remain till we return. Angela, prevent him from going."
Angela, smiling, looked after her retiring parents and then at Richard.
"I must keep you, Herr Frank. How shall I begin?"
"That is very easy, Fräulein. Your presence is sufficient to realize your father's wish. A weak child of human nature cannot resist one who can conquer steers."