Michigan Historical Reprint Series

The Villa on the Rhine. Michigan Historical Reprint Series

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1869 Excerpt: ...the old diplomat, whom he had always considered a Democrat in secret; so, partly in defiance of Clodwig, Sonnenkamp's affair was decided quickly, and without further opposition. Sonnenkamp heard all this with pleasure; and the Councillor further particularly impressed upon him that the Prince was really very modest, and did not merely seem so. He liked to say that he was not a "gifted mind," which made it particularly hard to find the happy medium in conversing with him, because he was offended by flattery--if he was contradicted and praised. Yet it was impossible to acquiesce in his excessive modesty. He advised Sonnenkamp to speak as little as possible. It would be well for him to exaggerate his emotions: his Highness always looked favorably upon hesitation; for it secretly pleased him to think he made an imposing impression. Sonnenkamp had quite recovered his equanimity again. When the Privy-councillor left, he rang for the newspaper. He read it quite through--even the advertisements--in order to turn his thoughts into another channel; and he succeeded. Repeatedly he read the official notices at the head of the paper. There were appointments to office, military promotions, special distinctions conferred; and so dribbling on through the whole year, after the great distribution of decorations was over. He pictured to himself how to-morrow he would find among the list a notice to this effect: "As an act of high favor, his Highness has graciously deigned to elevate Herr James Sonnenkamp and his family to a rank of hereditary nobility, under the title of Baron von Lichtenberg." Professor Crutius's paper must publish it, too. Proud and erect, he paced his room for some time. Suddenly he remembered that the Councillor had told him how the Pr...