His mother had his room newly fitted up, and his father placed some first-rate guns and a new hunting-dress in it as a present for him.

On the day of his arrival he rode out to meet him, and it was a pleasant sight to see the two noble-looking men embrace, and then ride home together.
"We will surprise the ladies," said the baron, and soon the baroness clasped her son in her arms.

This was the climax of happiness at the castle.

Both parents' eyes glistened whenever they rested on their son.
True, some of his expressions and gestures savored of the riding-school, but the baroness only smiled at them all.

From time immemorial, indeed, the stable has been for the young cavalier the ante-chamber of the saloon.