Borgert had regained all his good humor; he felt almost buoyant, and as if he could dare undertake anything. There was another consideration with him. His flight, his desertion, his leaving his creditors unsatisfied, and a record of somewhat crooked financial transactions behind him,--all that would now be regarded by people in a wholly different light. The romantic element would predominate in the minds of all the gossips. They would say that these two had fled, because of an overmastering passion,--to become united, when unfortunate circumstances did not permit them to belong to each other in their present plight. There would, of course, be enough scandal even now, but the whole story was going to be lifted by this elopement into a higher sphere; it would take on, so to speak, an appearance vastly more interesting, less vulgar, nay, even aristocratic and excusable,--an entirely different matter from the bald statement that he, Borgert, had deserted for no other reason except a lot of bad debts and unclean financial machinations. For a moment, it is true, his better conscience spoke, reproaching him with the intention of adding a new crime to his list of old ones; but this warning resounded so weakly within him that it had not the slightest effect. The principal thing, after all, was that he must not let such an advantage escape him simply to save the feelings of others. Such minor considerations could not be allowed to interfere with his plans. Borgert therefore briskly walked to town, and at the post-office, where the telegraph bureau was located, he wired to a large second-hand dealer in the neighboring city, telling him to pay him a visit the following morning. Then he returned home and stepped up to Leimann’s. He found his friend busy packing. “Well, I hear you are to start to-morrow. I only learned it this noon,” said Borgert, shaking hands with him. “Yes; I am not at all charmed with the prospect of this trip, for I had made no arrangements for it; but you know how it is. It is always only at the last moment we receive orders of that kind, often barely leaving us time enough to reach the train.” “Nevertheless, I envy you your trip. As for me, there is a less agreeable one awaiting me.” “What, you are also planning a journey?” “It is not a matter of choice with me; I simply have to.” “And where are you going?” “Home, starting to-morrow afternoon.” “Ah, I see. Well, I wish you luck.” “Thanks. By the way, could you lend me a trunk? I should like to take a number of things with me home, and my own trunk is too small.” “Why, certainly; my servant will bring you down the large trunk. I suppose that will answer your purpose?” “Oh, of course; it will do very nicely. Thanks again.”