"I have an additional pleasure in making your acquaintance if you are a relation of that old gentleman to whom the magnificent estates, Rossitten, Kulmitten, and Nehren belong. I used often to be in that neighbourhood; I know the estates, because they border upon a district whither my official duties sometimes lead me; I am, namely, in the third division of the Government, Woods and Forests--that is my branch! Thus I have seen the old proprietor once or twice, and heard his beautiful estates much talked about--a pleasant gentleman." "All praise that he receives, honours and gratifies me, because I am his son!" "His son!" said the Regierungsrath, with a friendly chuckle; "then you probably manage that extensive property." "Certainly, and entirely upon my own account; because my poor, good-hearted father now contents himself with a very small portion of it." "Then he has resigned most of the estates to you?" said the Regierungsräthin, who looked upon the promising heir with especial good will. "All, all, _gnädige_ Frau! He only claims one very small place--the place in the Blandens' family vault--he died half a year ago!" "Oh, how sad!" said the _gnädige_ Frau, with a sigh, while, speedily consoled, she added-- "Then in you we recognise the heir and owner of these beautiful possessions." "Alas! I cannot alter it, little talent as I have hitherto displayed in exercising my rights of ownership in a becomingly solemn manner." The result of this examination was a brilliant one. Rath and Räthin were seized with internal disquiet as to how they could best ensure themselves this gratifying acquaintance for some time. They looked at one another with questioning and answering glances. Eva was too happy; she did not know why. She concerned herself but little about the master and owner of the property; but the friendly footing between her parents and Blanden made her very happy. For a moment she might be vexed with him that he had enveloped himself in mystery towards her, and had not even told her his name; this fleeting sensation of anger soon passed tracelessly away. The world lay so seemingly bright before her; she could have sung, shouted, danced, had it not been so very contrary to propriety; but she could not quite restrain her exuberant spirits. Half-witted Käthe landed just at that moment with her father's boat; dripping with wet, she sprang upon the shore.