Toward his own family Paul had behaved in a most exemplary manner,
affording thereby the strongest proof that though he had risen he
was no upstart. The numerous members of his family and the men who
had married into it nearly all had to thank him for their
advancement or actual support. Some were employed on his estate,
others he had trained in his particular branch of agriculture, after
which, and with his recommendation, they had found no difficulty in
obtaining brilliant positions as stewards or lease-holders of
estates, and two of his brothers had appointments on royal domains.
He had, therefore, every right to self-congratulation, as having
fulfilled all the duties of a model man and citizen far beyond what
necessity demanded.
For Wilhelm, Paul still retained the affection and friendship of his
early days, only that, unconsciously to himself, it had taken on a
certain fatherly tone; although there was a difference of but one
year between them, there was a touch of protecting consideration and
pity about it, such as strong men feel toward a weaker and less
perfectly developed creature.
The first day Paul left his friend to have a thorough rest, but the
next morning early he knocked at his door and asked if he might come
in.
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