three years earnestly and diligently, and I will lead you to
knowledge, so that at last, through the contents of a book, you may
get a flying glimpse of the phantom which has so often eluded you.'"

"Your opinions are very interesting," said Herr Ellrich; "but a
professorship is still the one practical goal for a man who studies
physics. Forgive me if I express my meaning bluntly; there is money
to be made in physics through a professorship."

"Happily I am in a position which makes it unnecessary for me to
work for my bread."

"That is quite another thing," said the councilor in a friendly way,
while his wife cast a quick glance over Wilhelm's clothes,
unfashionable and rather worn, but scrupulously clean.

"One can see that this idealist neglects his outward appearance,"
her good-natured glance, half-apologetic, half-compassionate, seemed
to say.

Herr Ellrich changed the conversation to the management of the
hotel; discussing for a time the Margrave's wines, the south German
cookery, the Black Forest tourists, and a variety of other minor
topics. He then asked his daughter:

"Now, Loulou, have you made a programme for tomorrow yet? She is our
maitre de plaisir," he explained to Wilhelm.

"A frightfully difficult post," exclaimed Loulou. "Papa and mamma
love quiet; I like moving about, and I endeavor to harmonize the