Well! you want to lead the life of a fakir, to unloose the ties binding you to other men, that is one of several ways to secure peace and happiness, which to me also is an object in life.

The principal thing is not to be superficial, but to consider both what one requires and what one gives up before turning into a fakir.

I respect you in any case." The drawing-room door opened noiselessly, and the Indian woman appeared, and with a pleasant inclination of her head spoke a word to Dr.Schrotter.He got up and said, "Lunch is ready." They went into the adjoining dining-room, furnished like any ordinary room.

On the table was a beautiful silver bowl of Indian work filled with flowers, the sole luxury of this bachelor's table, neither wine nor anything else to drink being visible.

Schrotter drank nothing but water, and he knew that Wilhelm's taste was similar.