"This must become clear to him--yes, and it will become clear to him sooner, perhaps, than you expect," said the doctor. "I do not understand you, doctor." "Yesterday we met Angela," said Klingenberg. "This Angela is an extraordinary being of dazzling beauty; almost the incarnation of Richard's ideal. I told him of her fine qualities, which he was inclined to question. But happily I was able to establish these qualities by facts. Now, as Angela lives but a mile from here and as the simple customs of the country render access to the family easy, I have not understood the character of your son if he does not take advantage of this opportunity to become more intimately acquainted with Angela, even if his object were only to confirm his former opinions of women. If he knew Angela more intimately, it is my firm conviction that his aversion would soon change into the most ardent affection." "Who is this Angela?" "The daughter of your neighbor, Siegwart." Frank looked at the doctor with open mouth and staring eyes. "Siegwart's daughter!" he gasped. "No, I will never consent to such a connection." "Why not?" "Well--because the Siegwart family are not agreeable to me." "That is no reason. Siegwart is an excellent man, rich, upright, and respected by the whole neighborhood. Why does he happen to appear so unfavorably in your eyes?" Frank was perplexed. He might have reasons and yet be ashamed to give them. "Ah!" said the doctor, smiling, "it is now for you to lay aside prejudice." "An explanation is not possible," said Frank. "But my son will rather die a bachelor than marry Siegwart's daughter." Klingenberg shrugged his shoulders. There was a long pause. "I renew my request, my friend," urged Frank. "Convince my son of his errors." "I will try to meet your wishes," returned Klingenberg. "Perhaps this daughter of Siegwart will afford efficient aid." "My son's liberty will not be restricted. He may visit the Siegwart family when he wishes. But in matters where the mature mind of the father has to decide, I shall always act according to my better judgment." The doctor again shrugged his shoulders. They shook hands, and in ten minutes after Herr Frank was off for the train. Richard had left Frankenhöhe two hours before. He passed quickly through the vineyard. A secret power seemed to impel the young man. He glanced often at Siegwart's handsome dwelling, and hopeful suspense agitated his countenance. When he reached the lawn, he slackened his pace. He would reflect, and understand clearly the object of his visit. He came to observe Angela, whose character had made such a strong impression on him and who threatened to compel him to throw his present opinions of women to the winds. He would at the same time reflect on the consequences of this possible change to his peace and liberty. "Angela is beautiful, very beautiful, far more so than a hundred others who are beautiful but wear crinoline." He had written in his diary: