When Herr Frank entered the counting-room, he found his son busy at work. He stood up and greeted his father.
"I have observed, Richard," he began after a time, "that you go out early every morning. What does it mean?"
"I have imposed upon myself the obligation of hearing mass every morning."
"How did you come to take that singular obligation upon yourself?"
"From the conviction that religion is no empty idea, but a power that can give peace and consolation in all conditions of life."
"It is evident that you have breathed ultramontane air. This church-going is not forbidden—but no trifling or fanatical nonsense."
"It is my constant care, father, to give you no cause of uneasiness."
"I am rejoiced at this, my son; but I must observe that a certain gloomy, reserved manner of yours disturbs me. Your conduct is exemplary, your industry praiseworthy, your habits regular; but you keep yourself too much shut up; you do not give evening parties any more. You do not visit the concert-hall or theatre. This is wrong; we should enjoy life, and not move about like dreamers."
"I have no taste for amusements," answered Richard. "However, if you think a change would be good, I beg you to permit me to take a run out to Frankenhöhe for a couple of days."
"And why to Frankenhöhe? I do not know any amusement there for you."