This piece of land, from which
nothing but peat could be obtained, was worthless, and he had bought
it for a few thalers. After many years of study on the subject, and
without saying a word to any living soul, Paul had come to the
conclusion that this arid moor could be made into rich arable land
by proper cultivation, and seeing money was to be made out of this
possession, he decided without loss of time to put his theories into
practice. There was always the risk that he might lose his money,
but he had great confidence in his science, and "nothing venture,
nothing have." He considered it quite unnecessary to explain
everything about his speculation to Malvine and the old lady. He
knew, too, that merely the word "speculation" would frighten them to
death.
The separation from Malvine dissolved her grandmother and mother
into sighs and tears, but during the short time that they had known
Paul, his quiet, determined character had made such an impression on
the two women that they submitted without a word to whatever he
arranged. Frau Brohl packed up several boxes for her granddaughter,
filled with the work of her hands, gave her various recipes for
preserving fruits and for fish sauces, and let her go. She withstood
bravely the temptation to fill up the empty room with the overflow
furniture from the drawing-room, and spoke on the contrary of
leaving the room free, so that the young couple might make it their
headquarters when they came to Berlin.
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