Bernhard had still some modest scruples, but they were overruled, and the two set out together--the pale student in much excitement at the novelty of the drive, and the prospect of seeing a renowned beauty like Lenore. Meanwhile, his father overflowed with the praises of the family. "Noble people," said he; "if you could only see the baroness as she is in her lace cap, so delicate and so refined! Too refined for this world as it is! Every thing so elegant! To be sure, the pieces of sugar are too large, and the wine is too dear, but it all seems of a piece with their rank." "Is Fraeulein Lenore a great beauty?" inquired Bernhard. "Is she very proud?" "She is proud, but she is a beauty indeed. Between ourselves, I admire her more than Rosalie." "Is she a blonde?" Ehrenthal took some time to consider. "Blonde? what should she be but a blonde or a brunette? One thing I know, she has blue eyes. You can look over the farm, and do not forget to walk round the park. See whether you can find a spot where you would like to sit with your book." The guileless Bernhard heard in silence. The carriage stopped at the castle door. The servants announced that the baron was in his room--the baroness not visible, but that the young lady was walking in the garden. Ehrenthal and his son went round the house, and saw Lenore's tall figure slowly crossing the grass-plot. Ehrenthal threw himself into a deferential attitude, and presented his son, who bowed low. Lenore bestowed a cool sort of salutation upon the student, and said, "If you want my father, he is up stairs in his room." "I will go to him, then. Bernhard, you may, I am sure, remain with the young lady." Arrived in the baron's room, the trader placed some thousand dollars on the table, saying, "Here is the first sum. And now, what does the baron wish as to the security?" "According to our agreement, I must give you a mortgage on the property," was the reply.