92 BRUNO 



We heard of one, at last, which seemed close 

 to everything. It proved to be large, lofty, and 

 pleasant, with a glimpse of the river from its 

 front windows. 



The house was well recommended to us by 

 the few business acquaintances Julius had made, 

 though they all confessed that such places were 

 constantly changing hands and inmates and 

 that it was hard to keep up with them. Time 

 pressed, and nothing better offered; so we 

 moved in. It was entirely bare ; so we bought 

 some furniture, and, as it was rather a long 

 room for its breadth, we managed, with a screen 

 or two, to make it seem like three rooms. 



When all was in place, it was really quite 

 inviting. I had a small lamp stove, so we need 

 only go out for dinners. We began to feel 

 more settled than for a long time, especially, as 

 Julius had in the mean time found a business 

 opening which was entirely satisfactory. We 

 saw nothing at all of the other lodgers ; but this 

 did not disturb us, as we were in no hurry to 

 make acquaintances. We felt that it was best 

 to be circumspect in a city of this size and 

 make-up. 



Our evenings were our pleasantest times, sit- 

 ting on either side of the reading-lamp, with 



