On the way to Rome he met a gentleman whose striking appearance attracted his attention. _Heinrich_ thought he had never seen a handsomer and at the same time more intellectual countenance, and a conversation arose between them which greatly interested _Heinrich_, and very soon led him to make disclosures about himself and his course of life, to which the stranger listened with an attention extremely flattering to Ottmar's self-love, and entered, with affable condescension, into every subject introduced by the latter. He appeared to be so familiar with every sphere of life, all the relations of European courts, that _Heinrich_ took him for a diplomat, and eagerly gathered up all the information he communicated, because it always bore the stamp of accurate, positive knowledge. But the stranger had so much noble enthusiasm, his language was often so eloquent, that _Heinrich_ frequently felt tempted to think him an artist, and his curiosity increased more and more when he baffled, with consummate skill, every effort to turn the conversation upon himself. The hours flew by _Heinrich_ like the scenes through which he was passing, but he noticed nothing to which the stranger did not call his attention. He had eyes and ears only for him. He knew not which he most admired,--the comprehensive knowledge of society, the elegant modes of expression, or the aristocratic, yet winning, manners of this mysterious man. The latter himself felt an increasing interest in his young companion, and when the gigantic dome of Saint Peter's rose before them _Heinrich_ eagerly expressed his regret that the delightful journey was over. "Will you seek me out in Rome?" asked the stranger. "Most gladly!" cried _Heinrich_, with delight. "Very well; then promise me to come to-morrow after early mass." "Certainly; but how shall I find you?" "Ask for Father Severinus, the Prefect of the Collegium Germanicum." _Heinrich_ gazed at him in unconcealed amazement. "You are----" "A Jesuit," said the priest, laughing; and left _Heinrich_ to his speechless astonishment. The short disenchantment the latter experienced very soon yielded to redoubled admiration for the remarkable things this man had accomplished in spite of the narrow sphere to which he was limited by his position as a priest. His father's predilection for the Jesuits recurred to his mind, and many tales of the wondrous labors and successes of this order no longer seemed so incredible and exaggerated as before. He felt a desire to know more of the institution which cultivated such remarkable charms of mind and person, and did not fail to go to the Casa al Gesu the following day. The reception he met with far surpassed all his anticipations. Father Severinus introduced him to the other chiefs of the order, and when at last the General himself requested him to pay him a visit there was not a single point in which _Heinrich's_ vanity was not flattered and his curiosity excited to the utmost.