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256 affected by the impulses which men's minds follow nowadays. I will not give in to the impatience of old age."

Diederich's eyes were downcast, for he understood this was forgiveness for the trial which had taken away the civic honours of the old man's son-in-law. He felt uncomfortable in the face of such mildness, such self-forgetfulness. The old man continued:

"I respect the fight and know it too well to hate any one who is against my friends." At this Diederich, seized with fear lest this should lead too far, took refuge in denial. He hardly knew himself &hellip; you get into things. &hellip; The old man made it easy for him. "I know, you are seeking and have not yet found yourself."

His white curly beard was sunk in his silk neckerchief. When he raised his head Diederich saw that something new was coming.

"You haven't bought the house behind yours," said he. "I suppose you have changed your plans?"

Diederich thought: "He knows everything," and could see all his most secret calculations revealed.

Herr Buck smiled slily and kindly. "Perhaps you will shortly be moving the site of your factory, and then make your extensions. I can imagine you would like to sell the site and are waiting for a certain opportunity—of which, I, too, am taking account," he added, and with a glance at Diederich: "The town is thinking of erecting an Infants' Asylum."

"Not at all, Herr Buck. I will not surrender the family property."

Then the old man took his hand again. "I will not tempt you," he said. "Your family piety does you credit."

"Idiot!" thought Diederich.

"Then we must look for another site. Indeed, you perhaps will help us. We do not want to lose a disinterested desire to serve the common welfare, my dear Hessling, even