Joseph remarked, "One should indeed always have an enemy, in order to find out what criticism and explanation our deeds may be subjected to." Joseph was a burgomaster. The game-keeper came to report to him. My very heart trembled with fear, and I felt ashamed of myself in the presence of the game-keeper. He had the description and order of arrest for my son in his pocket. One does not find how far and how deep honor has spread its roots, until it is lost. Unrest, the most hateful demon in the world, had been conjured up in our house. Now that our pride was broken, we at last noticed how proud we had been. One day, when walking through the village, I met the perjured baker, Lerz of Hollerberg. He extended his hand to me in a friendly manner. Did he regard me as one of his equals? I withdrew my hand. He shrugged his shoulders contemptuously and went on his way. The first neighbor who visited me was Baron Arven, who lives about a mile and a half from our house. I believe I have not yet referred to this man. His dignified and quiet demeanor betokened a really brave and noble character. He was just what he seemed to be--free from all pretence or deceit. I must add a few words in regard to his family. Following the bent of most of the dwellers in our part of the country, he had gone down the Danube and had entered the Austrian army. He afterward left the service and returned to the family estate, bringing with him a wife who was a native of Bohemia, and who held but little intercourse with the neighborhood. Her only familiar companions were the clergy. The Bishop had stopped there on two occasions while making his pastoral journeys. She led a life of seclusion in the castle, or rather the convent; for the estate on which they lived had, at one time, belonged to a religious order. The Baron had two sons, splendid fellows, who were serving in the cavalry. He is a member of our upper chamber. He is a man of but few words, but always votes with the moderate liberals. He has no respect for the people; their coarse morals and manners are repugnant to him. He does not deny that mankind in general have equal rights; but, as individuals, he would only accord them such consideration as their education, their means, or their social position would entitle them to. In this respect he is a thorough aristocrat. The farmers speak of him with love and veneration, although he is never friendly towards them. He is very active as the President of our Agricultural Association. He has the finest cattle and the best machines, and his special hobby is to stock the many woodland streams and lakes of our vicinity with fish. He is passionately fond of the chase and of fishing, and possesses the art of getting through with his day in the most approved and knightly manner. Rautenkron acts as his forest-keeper.