He was resolved to think the mortgage good, and would perhaps have bought it even had his lawyer positively dissuaded him.
Ehrenthal, having a journey to take to that part of the country, most unselfishly offered to complete the purchase for the baron, who was pleased with this arrangement.
In about a fortnight he received the deeds.

All were well contented with their share in the business, but Veitel Itzig with most reason, for he had by it got a hold over his master, and was now friend and confidant in the most secret transactions.

The baron took out his richly-inlaid casket, and, in place of the fair white parchments, put in a thick, dirty bundle of deeds.

Having done this, he joined the ladies, and gave a humorous account of Ehrenthal's bows and compliments.
"I hate that man," said Lenore.
"On this occasion he has behaved with a certain disinterestedness," replied her father.

"But there is no denying that people of his class have their absurdities of manner, and it is difficult to help laughing at them." That evening Ehrenthal was so cheerful in his family circle that his wife asked him whether he had settled the affair with the baron.
"I have," he gayly replied.
"He is a handsome man," remarked the daughter.
"He is a good man," rejoined Ehrenthal, "but he has his weaknesses.