"At all events," said Fink, "it decides my fate. I shall now be what I have long wished, a landed proprietor on the other side of the Atlantic. And so, dear Anton, we must part," he continued, holding out his hand to his friend; "I had not thought the time would so soon come. But we shall meet again." "Possibly," said Anton, sadly, holding the young nobleman's hand fondly in his. "But now go to Mr. Schroeter; he has the first claim to hear this." "He knows it already; he has had a letter from my father." "The more reason why he should expect you." "You are right; let us go." Anton returned to his desk, and Fink went to the principal's little office. The merchant came to meet him with a serious aspect; and, after having expressed his sympathy, invited him to sit down, and quietly to discuss his future prospects. Fink replied with the utmost courtesy: "My father's views for me--based on your estimate--agree so well with my own wishes, that I must express my gratitude to you. Your opinion of me has been more favorable than I could have ventured to expect. If, however, you have really been satisfied with me, I should rejoice to hear it from your own lips." "I have not been entirely satisfied, Herr von Fink," replied the merchant, with some reserve; "you were not in your proper place here. But that has not prevented my discerning that for other and more active pursuits you were eminently well fitted. You have, in a high degree, the faculty of governing and arranging, and you possess uncommon energy of will. A desk in a counting-house is not the place for such a nature." Fink bowed. "Nevertheless, it was my duty," said he, "to fill that place properly, and I own that I have not done so." "You came here unaccustomed to regular work, but during the last few months you have differed but little from a really industrious counting-house clerk. Hence my letter to your father." Fink rose, and the merchant accompanied him to the door, saying, "Your departure will be a great loss to one of our friends." Fink abruptly stopped, and said, "Let him go with me to America. He is well fitted to make his fortune there." "Have you spoken to him on the subject?" "I have not." "Then I may state my opinion unreservedly. Wohlfart is young, and I believe the defined and regular work of a house like this very desirable discipline for him for some years to come. Meanwhile, I have no right to sway his decision. I shall be sorry to lose him, but if he thinks he will make his fortune more rapidly with you, I have no objection to make." "If you will allow me, I will ask him at once," said Fink. Then calling Anton into the office, he went on to say, "Anton, I have requested Mr. Schroeter to allow you to accompany me. It will be a great point to me to have you with me. You know how much attached to you I am; we will share my new career, and get on gloriously, and you shall fix your own conditions. Mr. Schroeter leaves you to decide."