"This must be paid first of all, and this very day." "Oh, I don't think so. The seals have been all right there for a long time." "In spite of that the two thousand marks must be paid," continued Fritz with determination and energy, "and if you cannot pay it I must. I lately won a few thousands at cards, and I will give you a couple." The major stared at his son. "And what is the reason of this generosity, may I ask?" "Consideration for myself and Hildegarde. If it were conceivable that it should ever be known in my regiment how matters stood with you here, I should not only lose my position, but also my credit, and that might have consequences which would not be pleasant for either of us. And one must consider Hildegarde. Just imagine if in the next few weeks, or perhaps in the next few days, Hilda's prospective lover were to pay you a visit and by some unfortunate chance caught sight of the seals. The fellow would have to be a downright idiot if this did not open his eyes to the fact that he was only being married for his money. And this knowledge must not come before the marriage, it must be prevented at all cost. If you can't do this I must." The major had sunk into a chair and was gazing gloomily in front of him, the two ladies were softly crying. Fritz got up and went to his mother. "I will go and talk to these people. Will you give me the six thousand marks, it can't be helped." "The dear money!" The major groaned; for the first time for many a day he had been able to sleep the whole night through without being awakened by anxious thoughts. The consciousness of having six thousand marks in the house in cash had filled him with great joy and given him a feeling of tranquillity and security. And now the people stood outside who were to take his money from him. "Fritz," he said, turning to his son, "you promise me to do the best you can with these people. Don't pay it all away or we shall not have any money in the house." "I can manage with the housekeeping till the first," the mother said; "I have still a hundred marks." "And I can give you another hundred, mamma," put in Hildegarde. "Aunt gave me more than I needed for travelling expenses." "And I will contribute a hundred marks also," said Fritz. He had really no feeling for his family, but the poverty that reigned seemed to him so horribly unsuited to their social position he must give a helping hand, partly indeed on his own account, so as not to be the son of a beggar. Fritz turned to the door once again. "You are quite sure you want me to talk to these people, father, or would you rather----" But the major declined. "No, no, you go, I should get into a temper; do what you can." Fritz went into the next room and summoned all the creditors who were standing outside. They were all workmen or tradesmen. All knew Fritz personally, and greeted him in a friendly fashion and were very deferential in their behaviour.