Lock the door, that no one may disturb us." Ehrenthal, in amazement, ran to both doors, locked and bolted them obediently, and then hurried back to his son's bedside.
"What is it that vexes you, my Bernhard ?" inquired he, stretching out his hand to feel his son's brow.
Bernhard drew back his head, and his father's hand sank on the bedclothes.
"Sit down there," said the invalid, darkly, "and answer my questions as sincerely as if you were speaking to yourself." The old man sat down.

"Ask, my son, and I will answer you." "You have told me that you have lent much money to Baron Rothsattel; that you will lend him no more, and that the nobleman will not be able to retain his estate." "It is as I have said," replied his father, as cautiously as if undergoing a legal examination.
"And what is to become of the baron and of his family ?" Ehrenthal shrugged his shoulders.

"He will forfeit his property; and when the day comes that the estate has to be sold, I shall, on account of my money invested therein, bid for it, and I hope I shall be the purchaser.

I have a large mortgage on it, which is safe, and a small mortgage besides, which is not worth much." "Father," cried Bernhard, with a piercing voice, which made Ehrenthal start, "you wish to turn this man's misfortunes to your own profit; you wish to seat yourself in his place.

Yes, you drove to the baron's estate, and took me with you, and perhaps you were then planning how to turn his embarrassment to advantage.