Meanwhile the once so promising talent had all but perished, and quietly enough, on the other hand, great gifts were developing where they had been least expected, namely, in Count Hermann, who, on account of his reserved and silent nature, was little known, and still less liked. His genius seemed to have taken a sudden leap forward, astonishing every one. After his return from a long tour, which he had undertaken as a completion of his education, he entered into the service of the State, and went with his Prince's ambassador to Vienna. Scarcely two years elapsed before the young _attache_ had become the right hand of the ambassador, who was not particularly capable or gifted, he asked his advice and support in any difficult matters, and finally Count Hermann became his representative, and undertook all the business which gave the title to his Excellence. By chance, the way in which this business was conducted was revealed to the Prince; he began to notice the young Count attentively, and presently called upon him to fill a post in the capital, important for a man of his age, and it was not long before Hermann had become as influential and noticeable here. His quick foresight, which saw through every matter so plainly, the never failing energy with which he undertook everything, and the almost incredible activity he manifested, secured for him success after success. He mounted from step to step, and now, at the age of thirty-two, already held one of the highest offices in the country, in the exercise of power, and stood upon the threshold of the post of Minister, which would undoubtedly be open to him at the next change of politics. Of course the ancient title which he bore, together with his riches, and the personal favour of the Prince, had contributed to this extraordinarily rapid career; but in reality they only served to smooth the way, and remove the hindrances, with which a buergerlicher would first have had to contend with. Hundreds of the same rank and income would have remained at the foot of, or halfway up the ladder, to the topmost rung of which he had now climbed--truly his success was only owing to himself. On the widowed Praesidentin von Sternfeld's estate, preparations had been made for the reception of different guests. The eldest son, Baron von Sternfeld, had already been there for a week with his wife and two little daughters, Count Arnau had also arrived this morning from the capital, and Herr and Frau von Reinert were expected next day.