Nothing could have been further from the _attache's_ thoughts, and he felt that the bare idea was almost an injury.

"Christian Frederick is a wonderful man," thought Richard; "and what a man of business he is!" One day Consul Garman said to his brother, "Shall we drive out to Bratvold, and have a look at the new lighthouse ?" Richard was only too glad to go.

From his earliest days he had loved the lonely coast, with its long stretches of dark heather and sand, and the vast open sea; the lighthouse also interested him greatly.
When the brothers got into the carriage again to drive back to the town, the _attache_ said, "Do you know, Christian Frederick, I can't imagine a position more suitable to such a wreck as myself than that of lighthouse-keeper out here." "There is no reason you should not have it," answered his brother.
"Nonsense! How could it be managed ?" answered Richard, as he knocked the ashes off his cigar.
"Now listen, Richard," replied the Consul, quickly.

"If there is a thing I must find fault with you for, it is your want of self-reliance.

Don't you suppose that, with your gifts and attainments, you could get a far higher post if you only chose to apply for it ?" "No; but, Christian Frederick--" exclaimed the _attache_, regarding his brother with astonishment.
"It's perfectly true," replied the Consul.