The baron had not felt such anxiety since his lieutenant-days.

There were a thousand good reasons, however, against giving up the town house; it was rented for a term of years; and then, what would his acquaintance say?
So he kept his troubles to himself; quieted the baroness by talking of a cold caught on his journey; but all day long the same thought kept gnawing at his heart.

Sometimes in the evening he was able to drive it away a while, but it was sure to return in the morning.
It was one of these weary mornings that Mr.Ehrenthal, who had to pay for some grain, was announced.

The very name was at that moment unpleasant to the baron, and his greeting was colder than usual; but the man of business did not mind little ups and downs of temper, paid his money, and was profuse in expressions of devoted respect, which all fell coldly, till, just before going away, he inquired, "Did the promissory notes duly arrive ?" "Yes," was the ungracious reply.
"It is sad," cried Ehrenthal, "to think of forty-five thousand dollars lying dead.

To you, baron, a couple of thousands or so is a mere trifle, but not to one of my sort.