for the capital borrowed at four per cent." The baron looked down thoughtfully.

Ideas of the sort had often flitted across his mind.

It was just the time when numerous industrial speculations had started up, and landed proprietors looked upon them as the best way to increase their means.

Mr.Ehrenthal perceived the effect his words had taken, and concluded in the obsequious tone most natural to him: "But what right have I to give any advice to a nobleman like you?
Only, every capitalist will tell you that in our days this is the surest method by which a man of rank can provide for his family; and, when the grass is growing over old Ehrenthal's grave, you will think of me and say, 'Ehrenthal was but a plain man, but he gave me advice which has proved advantageous to my family.'" The baron still looked thoughtfully down.

His mind was made up, but he merely replied, with affected indifference, "I will think the matter over." Ehrenthal asked no more.
It was a pity that the baron did not see the expression of the tradesman's face as he got into his conveyance and drove away.