He would probably do much that men of higher principle would avoid, but I do not doubt that he would also shrink from what certain other speculators around venture upon." Again there came a trembling sigh from the invalid, and a painful silence ensued.

At last he lifted himself up again, and, placing his lips so near Anton's ear that his burning breath played upon his friend's cheek, he said, "I know that you are acquainted with the Baron Rothsattel.

The young lady herself told me so." "It is as she has said," replied Anton, with difficulty concealing his excitement.
"Do you know any thing of the connection between my father and the baron ?" "But little; only what you have yourself occasionally told me, that your father had money on the baron's estate.

But when I was abroad, I heard that a great danger threatened the baron, and I was even authorized to warn him against an intriguer." Bernhard watched Anton's lips in agony.
Anton shook his head.

"And yet," said he, "it was one who is no stranger in your house.