"Why are you so irritable, baron? I say nothing against your honor God forbid that I should." "You spoke of it, though," said the unhappy man. "How can you thus misunderstand an old acquaintance? I only wish for your declaration that I am innocent of the purchase of this mortgage." "Be it so," cried the baron, stamping. "Then it is all right. And should a misfortune befall us, and you be obliged to purchase the property, we will see what can be done. It is a bad time to lend money; but still I will advance you a sum in return for a mortgage on the property." He then proceeded to make arrangements for his departure as the baron's representative, and left him a prey to conflicting emotions. Was he saved? was he lost? A fear came over him that this mortgage would decide his fate. He resolved to go to Rosmin himself, and not leave matters to Ehrenthal. But then came the painful thought that he must needs repose unlimited trust in this man, lest the man learn to mistrust him, and so he drifted here and there in a sea of dangers. The waves rose and threatened his very life. That evening Ehrenthal entered his son's sick-room, and placed the newly-executed document on his bed. "Canst thou give me thy hand now?" said he to his son, who looked gloomily before him. "I am to travel for the baron. I am to buy him a new estate. We have settled it all together. Here is his signature authorizing me to act for him. I am to advance him capital; if he is wise, he may again become a man of substance." Bernhard looked sorrowfully at his father, and shook his head. "That is not enough, my poor father," said he. "But I am reconciled to the baron, and he has himself confessed that I am not to blame for his misfortunes. Is not that enough, my son?" "No," said the invalid; "so long as you keep that wicked man Itzig in your office, no joy can shine in on my life." "He shall go," said Ehrenthal, readily; "he shall go this next quarter, if my son Bernhard wishes it." "And will you give up the idea of buying the baron's estate for yourself?" "When it comes to be sold, I will think of what you have said," replied his father. "And now speak no more about the estate; when you are my strong, healthy son again, we will return to the subject." So saying, he seized the hand which Bernhard delayed giving, held it fast in both his, and sat silently beside him. If ever in the course of his life Ehrenthal had known satisfaction, it was now, in having brought about this reconciliation with his son. CHAPTER XXV. Wave after wave broke over the head of the drowning man.