"All that I do, dear friend, is done for my son's sake. I am sure he will thank me."
"Indeed he will, mother," Johannes declared with emphasis.
When Heim entered the next room, he found Hilsborn there, standing at the window, lost in dreamy reverie.
"Well, my boy, will you have a seat in my carriage?"
"Why, father, I should like to stay here to-day and assist Möllner," said Hilsborn, slightly confused.
"Assist Möllner? Hm----" Heim paused, and riveted his piercing eyes with infinite humour upon Hilsborn's blushing face. "Well, well, my boy, since you wish it, pray assist Möllner. You have my free consent to do so."
The young man clasped his foster-father's hand with an emotion of gratitude that he hardly understood himself.
"Hm," said Heim again. "We understand! we understand! All right! Anything else would be unnatural. There's no need to be ashamed of your choice. Good night, and"--a good-humoured smile played about his mouth--"do assist Möllner diligently. Do you hear?"
And the genial old man went chuckling out of the room.
Hilsborn bethought himself awhile, then looked cautiously into the sick-room and beckoned to Gretchen. She instantly came to him.