"I have a question to ask you, Wohlfart," said he, after a pause.

"Fancy that I am a Christian, and that you are my father-confessor, from whom no secrets must be kept back." Then looking anxiously at the door of the next room, he whispered, "What do you think of my father's business ?" Anton started in amazement, while Bernhard watched him in painful suspense.

"I understand little about these matters," continued he; "alas! too little, perhaps.

I do not want to know whether he passes for poor or rich; but I ask you, as my friend, what do strangers think of the way in which he makes his money?
It is dreadful, and perhaps sinful, that I, his son, should put such a question as this, but an irresistible impulse urges me on.

Be honest with me, Wohlfart." He rose in his bed, and, putting his arm round Anton's neck, said in his ear, "Does my father rank with men of your class as an upright man ?" Anton was silent.