Bernhard listened with much interest to what Fink had to say of foreign countries, and Anton did all he could to turn the conversation to subjects likely to bring out Bernhard.
The result was, that a few days later Bernhard found himself sitting in one of Fink's easy-chairs, and even ventured to invite him, with Anton, to spend an evening with him.

Fink consented.
And now arose great excitement in the Ehrenthal circle.
Bernhard dusted his books and set them in order, and for the first time in his life troubled himself about household matters.

"We must have tea, supper, wine, and cigars," said he.
"You need not be uneasy," replied his mother; "Herr von Fink shall find every thing well arranged." "I will buy you some of the very finest cigars, and see to the wine," added his father.
As the hour drew near, Bernhard grew increasingly anxious, nay, irritable.

"Where is the tea-kettle?
The tea-kettle is not yet in my room! Nothing is ready!" cried he to his mother.
"I will make the tea and send it in--that is the fashionable way," replied his mother, rustling up and down in a new silk.
"No," said Bernhard, decidedly, "I will make the tea myself.

Anton makes it, and so does Von Fink." "Bernhard will make the tea himself!" cried the astonished mother to Rosalie.