AND YET, FATE's WARNING did not seem to be so loud. LACAID enjoyed immediate success. One day Pitt Deutsch decided that he really ought to do something with his family, and decided to take them to an afternoon concert in the Pankow Park.

He really loved the suburb of Pankow, nestled between two parks. Indeed, he planned to buy a villa here, on the quiet Park Strasse, or perhaps a bit farther out in Niederschoenhausen near the old Schlosspark. He hadn't told his family about this, not yet. In fact, it brought to mind the 20,000 marks that the court had had him pay that scoundrel. If it hadn't been for him, Pitt could have fulfilled his wishes without even touching his capital. He knew for a fact that the Bleichroeder villa was available for just a little more. Not too big, with a beautiful garden. Just the kind of place where a man could relax. Of course, he would also keep his city home; he wasn't ready to retire just yet.

Frau Martha was pleased with his wonderfully calm mood. The children had cake with real cream, and then looked around the park and onto the tennis courts that still smelled like stables. Klara and Elsa were two very pretty young things. Although Elsa was still a child, something about her made her seem older. As the music played, they strolled along the promenade in their slit skirts like two proper young ladies, catching the eyes of the young men lounging about. Their family's bank account also got them some attention, … and some giggles, too. Klara swung her parasol — even though the sun had already set — and Elsa picked at the cherry-festooned velvet ribbon hanging from her hat as if she wanted to pluck them out.

A fraternity member, dappled Great Dane at his side, threw his handkerchief onto the sidewalk, picked it up again, hurried over to the girls, and asked if one of the young ladies had lost her kerchief. This new acquaintanceship got off on the right foot, and tossing his walking stick into the air, he never left their side.