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A Novel.</title> +<meta name="Author" content="Gustav Freytag"> +<meta name="Publisher" content="The Open Court Publishing Company"> +<meta name="Date" content="1898"> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1"> +<style type="text/css"> +body {margin-left:10%; + margin-right:10%; background-color:#FFFFFF;} + + + +p.normal {text-indent:.25in; text-align: justify;} +p.center {text-align:center; margin-top:9pt;} + + +p.section {letter-spacing:1em; text-align:center; margin-top:24pt; margin-bottom:24pt;} +p.right {text-align:right; margin-right:10%;} + +p.continue {text-indent: 0in; margin-top:9pt;} +.text10 {margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:10%; margin-right:0px; font-size:90%;} +.text20 {margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:20%; margin-right:0px; font-size:90%;} + +.t0 {margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:0em; margin-right:0px;} +.t1 {margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:1em; margin-right:0px;} +.t2 {margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:2em; margin-right:0px;} +.t3 {margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:3em; margin-right:0px;} +.t4 {margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:4em; margin-right:0px;} +.t5 {margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:5em; margin-right:0px;} +.t6 {margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:6em; margin-right:0px;} +.t7 {margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:7em; margin-right:0px;} +.t8 {margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:8em; margin-right:0px;} + +div.quote {font-size:90%; margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:12pt} +.dateline {text-align:right; font-size:90%; margin-top:24pt; margin-bottom:24pt} + +h1,h2,h3,h4,h5 {text-align: center;} + +span.sc {font-variant: small-caps; font-size:100%} +.space {letter-spacing: 1em; text-align:center; margin-bottom:24pt; margin-top:24pt;} + + +hr.W10 {width:10%; margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:12pt; + color:black;} + +hr.W20 {width:20%; margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:12pt; + color:black;} + +hr.W50 {width:50%; margin-top:12pt; color:black;} +hr.W90 {width:90%; margin-top:12pt; color:black;} + +p.hang1 {margin-left:3em; text-indent:-3em;} +p.hang2 {margin-left:3em; text-indent:-2em;} + +.poem { + margin-top: 24pt; + margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + text-align: left; + margin-bottom: 24pt + } + .poem .stanza { + margin : 1em 0; + margin-top:24pt; + } + +</style> + +</head> + +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Lost Manuscript, by Gustav Freytag + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Lost Manuscript + A Novel + +Author: Gustav Freytag + +Release Date: October 14, 2010 [EBook #33857] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LOST MANUSCRIPT *** + + + + +Produced by Charles Bowen, from page scans provided by the Web Archive + + + + + +</pre> + + + + + + + + +<p class="hang1">Transcriber's Note:<br> +1. Page scan source: http://www.archive.org/details/lostmanuscripta01freygoog</p> +2. The Greek symbol for "pi" is π. +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h1>THE LOST MANUSCRIPT.</h1> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2>THE</h2> + +<h1>LOST MANUSCRIPT</h1> + +<h3>A NOVEL</h3> +<br> +<br> +<h4>BY</h4> + +<h2>GUSTAV FREYTAG</h2> +<br> +<br> +<h3>Authorized Translation from the Sixteenth German Edition</h3> +<h3>COMPLETE IN ONE VOLUME</h3> +<br> + +<h3>SECOND, UNALTERED EDITION</h3> +<br> + +<h2>PART I</h2> +<br> +<br> +<hr class="W20"> + +<div style="margin-left:45%"> +<p class="normal">"<i>A noble human life does not end on earth +with death. It continues in the minds and +the deeds of friends, as well as in the thoughts +and the activity of the nation.</i>"</p> +</div> + +<hr class="W20"> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2>CHICAGO</h2> +<h3>THE OPEN COURT PUBLISHING COMPANY</h3> +<h4>LONDON: Kegan Paul, Trench, Truebner & Co.</h4> +<h3>1898</h3> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h3>TRANSLATION COPYRIGHTED</h3> +<h4>--BY--</h4> +<h3>THE OPEN COURT PUBLISHING COMPANY,</h3> +<h3>1887.</h3> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2>PUBLISHERS' PREFACE.</h2> + + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Gustav Freytag</span> has expressed the central idea of his novel <i>The Lost +Manuscript</i> in the motto which he has written for the American edition:</p> +<div class="quote"> +<p class="normal">"A noble human life does not end on earth with death. It continues in +the minds and the deeds of friends, as well as in the thoughts and the +activity of the nation."</p> +</div> +<p class="normal">This idea of the continuity and preservation of soul-life permeates the +whole work. It meets us at every hand. We observe the professor in his +study, ever eager to fathom the thoughts of the great thinkers of the +past and imbuing his students with their lofty spirit. We sympathize +with the heroine of this novel, the strong, pious Saxon maiden, in her +religious and intellectual development; we behold her soul enlarging +under the influence of unusual and trying situations; we watch her +mentally growing amid the new ideas crowding in upon her. We enjoy the +droll characterizations of the half-educated, of Mrs. Rollmaus and the +servants, in whose minds the mysteries of soul-life appear in the shape +of superstitious notions. And we see, again, the consequences of +wrong-doing, of errors, and of mistakes continuing like a heavy curse, +depressing the mind and hindering its freedom. And this last provokes a +wholesome reaction and is finally conquered by unshirking courage in +honest spiritual combat.</p> + +<p class="normal">Illustrations of psychical laws showing the connections and continuity +of the threads in the warp and woof of human soul-life, are found +indeed in all the works of Gustav Freytag. The great novelist +anticipated the results that have of late been established by the +experiments of modern psychology. He says in his Autobiographical +Reminiscences:</p> +<div class="quote"> +<p class="normal">"What a man's own life accomplishes in the formation of his character, +and the extent to which it fully develops his native capacities, we +observe and estimate even in the best cases only with imperfect +knowledge. But still more difficult is it to determine and comprehend +what the living have acquired in the way of advancement and hindrance +from their parents and ancestors; for the threads are not always +visible that bind the existence of the present to the souls of +generations past; and even where they are discernible, their power and +influence are scarcely to be calculated. Only we notice that the force +with which they operate is not equally strong in every life, and that +sometimes it is too powerful and terrible.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is well that from us men usually remains concealed, what is +inheritance from the remote past, and what the independent acquisition +of our own existence; since our life would become full of anxiety and +misery, if we, as continuations of the men of the past, had perpetually +to reckon with the blessings and curses which former times leave +hanging over the problems of our own existence. But it is indeed a +joyous labor, at times, by a retrospective glance into the past, to +bring into fullest consciousness the fact that many of our successes +and achievements have only been made possible through the possessions +that have come to us from the lives of our parents, and through that +also which the previous ancestral life of our family has accomplished +and produced for us."</p> +</div> + +<p class="normal">Is not this a revival of the old idea of the transmigration of souls? +To be sure, the soul is not a material thing made of an invisible and +airy substance, fluttering about after death and entering into another +body. There are no material migrations of soul taking place, however +tenuous the substance of the soul might be imagined to be. The memories +of the present, our recollection of our past existence, depend on the +fact that the living matter which is constantly replacing itself in us +by other living matter, like the water in a wave rolling on the surface +of the sea, always assumes the same form. It is the form that is +constantly reproducing. In this sense, man (that is his soul) is the +<i>product</i> of education. The soul of the future man stands in the same +relation to our soul as the future edition of a book, revised and +enlarged, stands to its present edition.<a name="div2_01" href="#div2Ref_01"><sup>[1]</sup></a> One man impresses his modes +of thought, his habits, his methods of action, his ideals upon his +fellow men, and thus implants his very soul into their lives. In this +sense a transmigration of souls is taking place constantly, and he who +opens his eyes will see it. No one has given plainer examples of this +truth in the pleasant shape of novelistic narration, than Gustav +Freytag.</p> + +<p class="normal"><i>The Lost Manuscript</i> is in more than one respect a representative +work, incorporating the spirit of the times. It is interesting from its +descriptions of University circles, of country life, and of the vanity +fair at the smaller princely courts of Germany. Yet these interesting +descriptions gain in value, because we are taught by the author to +comprehend the secret laws that rule the growth of, and determine the +hidden interconnections between, the souls of men.</p> + +<p class="normal">The plot of <i>The Lost Manuscript</i>. Gustav Freytag briefly characterizes +as follows:</p> +<div class="quote"> +<p class="normal">"In the upright soul of a German scholar, through the wish to discover +something of great worth for knowledge, are cast juggling shadows, +which, like as moonlight distorts the forms in the landscape, disturb +the order of his life, and are at last overcome only through painful +experiences."</p> +</div> +<p class="normal">Concerning the invention of the plot as well as of the characters of +<i>The Lost Manuscript</i>, the following account from Gustav Freytag's +Reminiscences will be of interest:</p> +<div class="quote"> +<p class="normal">"In this story I depicted circles of life that were familiar to me +since student days: the agricultural life of the country and the +University life of the city. The reader will, I trust, discover in the +characterizations of the work, that I have drawn cheerfully and +unrestrainedly from this life at large. In the figures of the +academical world he would seek in vain for special models, since Mr. +and Mrs. Struvelius, Raschke, and others are types to whom in every +German University single personalities will correspond. In the +character of Professor Werner my friend Haupt has been recognized. But +one can find in it only so much of the manner and method of Haupt, as a +poet dares to take up of the being of a real man without interfering +with the freedom of artistic creation, and without offending him +through lack of delicacy. Haupt himself perceived with pleasure a +certain remote resemblance, and of this connection with the romance he +gave expression in his own way; having on several occasions, when +sending me the prospectus of his Berlin lectures on the Latin +historiographer Ammianus, good-humoredly signed himself 'Magister +Knips,' which latter personage plays a sorrowful part in the story, and +is only prevented from hanging himself by the thought of his +professional researches in the Latin author mentioned.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Some years before the appearance of my 'Debit and Credit' Haupt had +unexpectedly requested me to write a novel. This accorded at that time +with secret designs of mine, and I promised him. To <i>The Lost +Manuscript</i> he contributed, however, in quite another manner. For as we +were once sitting alone with one another at Leipsic, before he was +called to Berlin, he disclosed to me in the greatest confidence, that +somewhere in a small Westphalian town in the loft of an old house, lay +the remains of a convent library. It was very possible that among them +there was hidden a manuscript of the lost Decades of Livy. The master +of this treasure, however, was, as Haupt had learned, a surly and quite +inaccessible gentleman. Thereupon I put forward the proposition to +travel together to the mysterious house, move the old fellow's heart, +hoodwink him, and, in case of extreme necessity, drink him under the +table, to secure the precious treasure. As Haupt had some confidence in +my powers of seduction when joined with a good glass, he declared +himself agreeable therewith, and we reveled in and developed to the +fullest extent the pleasure we had in prospect of enlarging the tomes +of the Roman historian for a grateful posterity. Nothing came of the +affair; but the remembrance of the intended trip greatly helped me in +developing the action of the novel.</p> + +<p class="normal">"In Leipsic I had lived a short time on the street nearest the +Rosenthal with a hatmaker, who manufactured straw hats. Near to him, as +it chanced, was another well-known firm, which administered to the same +need of the male sex by felt-hats. This accident suggested the +invention of the families Hummel and Hahn, although here also neither +the characters nor the hostilities of the two families are copied from +real life. Only the incident is made use of, that my landlord took +particular pleasure in decorating his garden by ever new inventions: +the White Muse, the Chinese lanterns, and the summer-house by the road, +I have taken from his little garden. Moreover, two characters of his +household,--the very ones which, by reason of their mythical character, +have given offence, are exact copies of reality; namely, the dogs +Fighthahn and Spitehahn. These my landlord had bought at an auction +somewhere to act as warders of his property; they excited through their +currish behavior the indignation of the whole street, until they were +poisoned by an exasperated neighbor. Fighthahn died. Spitehahn survived +and, after that time, was quite as bristly and misanthropical as he is +portrayed in the novel, so that finally in consequence of the +perpetration of numberless misdeeds his owner was obliged to banish him +forever to rural life."</p> +</div> + +<p class="normal">The novel, as is the case with every work of prominence and influence, +did not escape criticism, even among the friends of the author. In his +Autobiographical Reminiscences, Gustav Freytag refers to the fact. He +says:</p> +<div class="quote"> +<p class="normal">"The Lost Manuscript met with disapproval from many intimate critics of +mine. The sombre coloring of the last volume gave offence. It was much +objected that the religious struggles and the spiritual development of +the heroine Ilse were not placed in the foreground, and again that +Felix Werner was not more severely punished for the neglect of his duty +towards his wife. But the insanity of the Sovereign was especially +objectionable, and it was claimed that in our time such a figure was no +longer possible. My friends were wrong in this criticism. The Sovereign +and his son the Hereditary Prince were also taken as types. The former +represents the perverted development of an earlier generation which had +sprung up from the ruin of Napoleonic times; the latter the restriction +and narrowness of life in the petty principalities that then made up +the German nation."</p> +</div> + +<p class="normal">The American public will perhaps feel the strength of the criticism to +which Gustav Freytag in the passage quoted refers, more strongly than +the European friends of the Author. We at least have felt it, and +believe that almost all the citizens of the New World will feel it. +Nevertheless, considering all in all, we confess that Gustav Freytag +was fully justified in preserving these traces of the national +soul-life of Germany. For they form an important link in the +development of German thought, and have cast dark shadows as well as +rays of sunlight over the aspirations of scientific progress; now +disturbing it by the vanity and egotism of these petty sovereigns, now +promoting it by an enthusiastic protection of the ideal treasures of +the nation.</p> + +<p class="normal"><i>The Lost Manuscript</i> teaches us an object-lesson respecting the unity +of human soul-life. Under the masterly treatment of Gustav Freytag's +ingenious pen, we become aware of the invisible threads that +interconnect our thoughts and the actions prompted by our thoughts. We +observe the after-effects of our ideas and our deeds. Ideas live and +develop not alone in single individuals, but from generation to +generation. They escape death and partake of that life which knows no +death: they are immortal.</p> + +<p class="normal">Gustav Freytag, it is true, did not write his novel with the intention +of teaching psychology or preaching ethics. But the impartial +description of life does teach ethics, and every poet is a psychologist +in the sense that he portrays human souls. In a letter to the +publisher, Gustav Freytag says:</p> + +<div class="quote"> + +<p class="normal">".... The essential thing with the poet was not the teachings that may +be drawn from the book, but the joyful creating of characters and +events which become possible and intelligible through the persons +depicted. The details he worked into artistic unity under the impulsion +of a poetical idea.</p> + +<p class="normal">"But I may now also express to you how great my pleasure is at the +agreement that exists between the ethical contents of the story (<i>The +Lost Manuscript</i>) and the world-conception (<i>Weltanchauung</i>) which you +labor to disseminate...." (Translated from the German.)</p> + +</div> + +<p class="normal">The laws that govern the warp and woof of soul-life in its evolution +hold good everywhere, also among us. We also have inherited curses and +blessings from the past; our present is surrounded with dangers, and +our future is full of bright hopes, the fulfilment of which mainly +depends upon our own efforts in realizing our ideals.</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2>CONTENTS:</h2> +<br> +<br> +<div style="margin-left:20%; margin-right:20%"> +<h3>CHAPTER I.</h3> + +<p class="continue">A Discovery</p> +<br> +<h3>CHAPTER II.</h3> + +<p class="continue">The Hostile Neighbors</p> +<br> +<h3>CHAPTER III.</h3> + +<p class="continue">A Fool's Errand</p> +<br> +<h3>CHAPTER IV.</h3> + +<p class="continue">The Old House</p> +<br> +<h3>CHAPTER V.</h3> + +<p class="continue">Among Herds and Sheaves</p> +<br> +<h3>CHAPTER VI.</h3> + +<p class="continue">A Learned Lady from the Country</p> +<br> +<h3>CHAPTER VII.</h3> + +<p class="continue">New Hostilities</p> +<br> +<h3>CHAPTER VIII.</h3> + +<p class="continue">Tacitus Again</p> +<br> +<h3>CHAPTER IX.</h3> + +<p class="continue">Ilse</p> +<br> +<h3>CHAPTER X.</h3> + +<p class="continue">The Wooing.</p> +<br> +<h3>CHAPTER XI.</h3> + +<p class="continue">Spitehahn</p> +<br> +<h3>CHAPTER XII.</h3> + +<p class="continue">The Departure from the Estate</p> +<br> +<h3>CHAPTER XIII.</h3> + +<p class="continue">The First Greetings of the City</p> +<br> +<h3>CHAPTER XIV.</h3> + +<p class="continue">A Day of Visits</p> +<br> +<h3>CHAPTER XV.</h3> + +<p class="continue">Among the Learned</p> +<br> +<h3>CHAPTER XVI.</h3> + +<p class="continue">The Professors' Ball</p> +<br> +<h3>CHAPTER XVII.</h3> + +<p class="continue">The Deception of Mr. Hummel</p> +<br> +<h3>CHAPTER XVIII.</h3> + +<p class="continue">Cloudlets</p> +<br> +<h3>CHAPTER XIX.</h3> + +<p class="continue">The Illness</p> +<br> +<h3>CHAPTER XX.</h3> + +<p class="continue">A Court Matter</p> +</div> + + +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>CHAPTER I.</i></h2> + +<h3>A DISCOVERY.</h3> + +<p class="normal">It is late evening in the forest-park of our town. Softly the foliage +murmurs in the warm summer air and the chirping of the crickets in the +distant meadows is heard far in among the trees.</p> + +<p class="normal">Through the tree-tops a pale light falls down upon the forest-path and +upon the dark undergrowth of bush and shrubbery. The moon sprinkles the +pathway with shimmering spots, and kindles strange lights in the mass +of leaves and branches. Here, the blue streaks of light pour down from +the tree-trunks like streams of burning spirits; there, in the hollow, +the broad fern-branches gleam from out the darkness in colors of +emerald gold, and over the pathway the withered boughs tower like huge +whitened antlers. But between and beneath, impenetrable, Stygian gloom. +Round-faced moon in heaven, thine attempts to light this wood of ours +are feeble, sickly, and capricious. Pray keep thy scanty light upon the +highway leading to the city; throw thy faded beams not so crookedly +before us, for at the left the ground slopes precipitately into morass +and water.</p> + +<p class="normal">Fie, thou traitor! Plump in the swamp and the wayfarer's shoe behind! +But that might have been expected. Deceit and treachery are thy +favorite pastimes, thou wayward freak of heaven. People wonder now that +men of primitive times made a God of thee. The Grecian girl once called +thee Selene, and wreathed thy cup with purple poppies, by thy magic to +lure back the faithless lover to her door. But that is now all over. We +have science and phosphorus, and thou hast degenerated into a wretched +old Juggler. A Juggler! And people show thee too much consideration, to +treat thee as a thing of life even. What art thou, anyhow? A ball of +burnt out slag, blistered, airless, colorless, waterless. A ball? Why +our scientists know that thou art not even round--caught in a lie +again! We people on the earth have pulled thee out of shape. In truth +thou art pointed, thou hast a wretched and unsymmetrical figure. +Thou'rt a sort of big turnip that dances about us in perennial +slavery--nothing more.</p> + +<p class="normal">The wood opens. Between the wayfarer and the city extends a broad +stretch of lawn, and in the centre a large pond. Welcome, thou dale of +verdure! Well-kept paths of gravel lead over the forest meadow; here +and there a clump of waving undergrowth is seen, and beneath it a +garden-bench. Here the well-to-do citizen sits of an afternoon, and +resting his hands upon the bamboo-cane that he carries, looks proudly +over upon the towers of his loved city.</p> + +<p class="normal">Is the meadow, too, transformed to-day? A swelling expanse of water +seems to lie before the wayfarer; it seethes and bubbles and plays +about his feet, in endless masses of mist, as far as the eye can reach. +What army of hobgoblins do lave their garments here! They flutter from +trees, they course through the air, faint in outline, now dissolving, +now intermingling. Higher the dim, dark figures soar. They float above +the wayfarer's head. The gloomy mass of forest disappears. The very +vault of heaven itself is lost in the misty darkness, and every visible +outline sinks in the chaos of paling light and floating shapelessness. +The solid earth still stays beneath the feet of our traveler, and yet +he moves on, separated from all actual earthly forms, amid glimmering +bodiless shadows. Here and there, the floating illusions again gather. +Slowly the phantoms of air sweep through the veil that encompasses our +wayfarer. Now the bent figure of a woman in prayer presses forward, +broken with sorrow; now a troop in long, waving robes appears, as of +Roman Senators, with emperor, halo-encircled, at their head. But halo +and head dissolve, and the huge shadow glides, headless and ghostly, +by.</p> + +<p class="normal">Mist of a watery meadow, who hath so bewitched thee? Who else but that +aged trickster of heaven, the moon, the mischief-maker moon.</p> + +<p class="normal">Retreat, illusory shadows! The low-ground is passed. Lighted windows +shine before the wayfarer. Two stately houses loom up at the city's +outskirts. Here dwell two men--taxpayers, active workers. They wrap +themselves, at night, in warm blankets, and not in thy watery +tapestries, Moon, woven of misty drops that trickle from beard and +hair. They have their whims and their virtues, and estimate thy value, +O Moon, exactly in proportion to the gas saved by thy light.</p> + +<p class="normal">A lamp, placed close to the window, shines from one of the upper rooms +in the house on the left hand. Here lives Professor Felix Werner, a +learned philologist, still a young man, who has already gained a +reputation. He sits at his study table and examines old, faded +manuscripts--an attractive looking man of medium size, with dark, curly +hair falling over a massive bead; there is nothing paltry about him. +Clear, honest eyes shine from under the dark eyebrows; the nose is +slightly arched; the muscles of the mouth are strongly developed, as +might be expected of the popular teacher of young students. Just now a +soft smile spreads over it, and his cheeks redden either from his work +or from inward emotion.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor suddenly left his work and paced restlessly up and down +the room. He then approached a window which looked out on the +neighboring house, placed two large books on the window sill, laid a +small one upon them, and thus produced a figure which resembled a Greek +π, and which, from the light shining behind became visible to +the eye in the house opposite. After he had arranged this signal, he +hastened back to the table and again bent over his book.</p> + +<p class="normal">The servant entered gently to remove the supper, which had been placed +on a side table. Finding the food untouched, he looked with displeasure +at the Professor, and for a long while remained standing behind the +vacant chair. At length, assuming a military attitude, he said, +"Professor, you have forgotten your supper."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Clear the table, Gabriel," said the Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">Gabriel showed no disposition to move. "Professor, you should at least +eat a bit of cold meat. Nothing can come of nothing," he added, kindly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is not right that you should come in and disturb me."</p> + +<p class="normal">Gabriel took the plate and carried it to his master. "Pray, Professor, +take at least a few mouthfuls."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Give it to me then," said he, and began to eat.</p> + +<p class="normal">Gabriel made use of the time during which his master unavoidably paused +in his intellectual occupation, to offer a respectful admonition. "My +late Captain thought much of a good supper."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But now you have changed into the civil service," answered the +Professor, laughing.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is not right," continued Gabriel, pertinaciously, "that I should eat +the roast that I bring for you."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I hope you are now satisfied," answered the Professor, pushing the +plate back to him.</p> + +<p class="normal">Gabriel shrugged his shoulders. "You have at least done your best. The +Doctor was not at home."</p> + +<p class="normal">"So it appears. See to it that the front-door remains open."</p> + +<p class="normal">Gabriel turned about and went away with the plate.</p> + +<p class="normal">The scholar was again alone. The golden light of the lamp fell on his +countenance and on the books which lay around him; the white pages +rustled under his hand; and his features worked with strong excitement.</p> + +<p class="normal">There was a knock at the door; the expected visitor entered.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Good evening, Fritz," said the Professor to his visitor; "sit in my +chair, and look here."</p> + +<p class="normal">The guest, a man of slender form, with delicate features, and wearing +spectacles, seated himself at the bidding of his friend, and seized a +little book which lay in the middle of a number of open volumes of +every age and size. With the eye of a connoisseur he examined the first +cover--discolored parchment, upon which were written old church hymns +with the accompanying music. He cast a searching glance on the inside +of the binding, and inspected the strips of parchment by which the +poorly-preserved back of the book was joined to the cover. He then +examined the first page of the contents, on which, in faded characters, +was written, "The Life of the Holy Hildegard." "The handwriting is that +of a writer of the fifteenth century," he exclaimed, and looked +inquiringly at his friend.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is not on that account that I show you the old book. Look further. +The Life is followed by prayers, a number of recipes and household +regulations, written in various hands, even before the time of Luther. +I had bought this manuscript for you, thinking you might perhaps find +material for your legends and popular superstitions. But on looking +through it, I met with the following passage on one of the last pages, +and I cannot yet part with the volume. It seems that the book has been +used in a monastery by many generations of monks to note down +memoranda, for on this page there is a catalogue of all the church +treasures of the Monastery of Rossau. It was a poverty-stricken +cloister; the inventory is either small or incomplete. It was made by +an ignorant monk, and, as the writing testifies, about the year 1500. +See, here are entered church-utensils and a few ecclesiastical +vestments; and further on some theological manuscripts of the +monastery, of no importance to us, but amongst them the following +title: '<i>Das alt ungehür puoch von ussfahrt des swigers.</i>'"</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor examined the words with curiosity. "That sounds like the +title of a tale of chivalry. And what do the words themselves mean! +'The old, immense book of the exit or departure of the <i>swiger</i>.' Does +<i>swiger</i> here mean son-in-law or a tacit man?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Let us try to solve the riddle," continued the Professor, with +sparkling eyes, pointing with his finger to the same page. "A later +hand has added in Latin, 'This book is Latin, almost illegible; +it begins with the words <i>lacrimas et signa</i>, and ends with the +words--here concludes the history--<i>actorum</i>--thirtieth book.' Now +guess."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor looked at the excited features of his friend. "Do not keep +me in suspense. The first words sound very promising, but they are not +a title; some pages in the beginning may be deficient."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Just so," answered the Professor, with satisfaction. "We may assume +that one or two pages are missing. In the fifth chapter of the Annals +of Tacitus there are the words <i>lacrimas et signa</i>."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor sprang up, and a flush of joy overspread his face.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Sit down," continued the Professor, forcing his friend back into the +chair. "The old title of the Annals of Tacitus, when translated, +appears literally 'Tacitus, beginning with the death of the divine +Augustus.' Well, an ignorant monk deciphered perhaps the first Latin +words of the title, '<i>Taciti ab excessu</i>,' and endeavored to translate +it into German; he was pleased to know that <i>tacitus</i> meant +<i>schweigsam</i> (silent), but had never heard of the Roman historian, and +rendered it in these words, literally, as 'From the exit of the tacit +man.'"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Excellent!" exclaimed the Doctor. "And the monk, delighted with the +successful translation, wrote the title on the manuscript? Glorious! +the manuscript was a Tacitus."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Hear further," proceeded the Professor. "In the third and fourth +century A. D., both the great works of Tacitus, the 'Annals' and +'History,' were united in a collection under the title, 'Thirty Books +of History.' For this we have other ancient testimony. Look here!"</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor found well-known passages, and placed them before his +friend. "And, again, at the end of the manuscript record there were +these words: 'Here ends the Thirtieth Book of the History.' There +remains, therefore, no doubt that this manuscript was a Tacitus. And +looking at the thing as a whole, the following appears to have been the +case. There was, at the time of the Reformation, a manuscript of +Tacitus in the Monastery of Rossau, the beginning of which was missing. +It was old and injured by time, and almost illegible to the eyes of the +monks."</p> + +<p class="normal">"There must have been something peculiar attaching to the book," +interrupted the Doctor, "for the monk designates it by the expression, +'<i>Ungeheuer</i>,' which conveys the meaning of strange, monstrous."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is true," agreed the Professor. "We may assume that some monastic +tradition which has attached to the book, or an old prohibition to read +it, or, more probably, the unusual aspect of its cover, or its size, +has given rise to this expression. The manuscript contains both the +historical works of Tacitus, the books of which were numbered +consecutively. And we," he added, in his excitement throwing the book +which he held in his hand on the table, "we no longer possess this +manuscript. Neither of the historical works of the great Roman have +been preserved in its entirety; for the sum of all the gaps would fully +equal one-half of what has come down to us."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor's friend paced the room hurriedly. "This is one of the +discoveries that quicken the blood in one's veins. Gone and lost +forever! It is exasperating to think how nearly such a precious +treasure of antiquity was preserved to us. It has escaped fire, +devastation, and the perils of cruel war; it was still in existence +when the dawn of a new civilization burst upon us, happily concealed +and unheeded, in the German monastery, not many miles from the great +high road along which the humanists wandered, with visions of Roman +glory in their minds, seeking after every relic of the Roman times. +Universities flourished in the immediate vicinity; and how easily could +one of the friars of Rossau have informed the students of their +treasure. It seems incomprehensible that not one of the many scholars +of the country should have obtained information concerning the book, +and pointed out to the monks the value of such a memorial. But, instead +of this, it is possible that some contemporary of Erasmus and +Melanchthon, some poor monk, sold the manuscript to a book-binder, and +strips of it may still adhere to some old book-cover. But, even in this +case, the discovery is important. Evidently this little book has +occasioned you much painful pleasure."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor clasped the hand of his friend, and each looked into the +honest countenance of the other. "Let us assume," concluded the Doctor, +sorrowfully, "that the old hereditary enemy of preserved treasures, +fire, had consumed the manuscript--is it not childish that we should +feel the loss as if it had occurred today?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Who tells us that the manuscript is irretrievably lost?" rejoined the +Professor, with suppressed emotion. "Once more consult the book; it can +tell us also of the fate of the manuscript."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor rushed to the table, and seized the little book of the Holy +Hildegard.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Here, after the catalogue," said the Professor, showing him the last +page of the book, "there is still more."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor fixed his eyes on the page. Latin characters without meaning +or break were written in seven successive lines; under them was a +name--F. Tobias Bachhuber.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Compare these letters with the Latin annotation under the title of the +mysterious manuscript. It is undoubtedly the same hand, firm characters +of the seventeenth century; compare the 's,' 'r,' and 'f.'"</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is the same hand!" exclaimed the Doctor with satisfaction.</p> + +<p class="normal">"These unmeaning letters are a cipher, such as was used in the +seventeenth century. In that case it is easily solved; each letter is +exchanged with the one that follows. On this bit of paper I have put +together the Latin words. The translation is, 'On the approach of the +ferocious Swedes, in order to withdraw the treasures of our monastery +from the search of these roaring devils, I have deposited them all in a +dry, hollow place in the Manor of Bielstein.' The day Quasimodogeniti +37--that is on the 19th April, 1637. What do you say now, Fritz? It +appears from this that in the time of the Thirty Years' War the +manuscript had not been burned, for Frater Tobias Bachhuber--blest be +his memory!--had at that time vouchsafed to look upon it with some +consideration, and as in the record he had favored it with an especial +remark, he probably did not leave it behind in his flight. The +mysterious manuscript was thus in the Monastery of Rossau till 1637, +and the friar, in the April of that year, concealed it and other goods +from the Swedes in a hollow and dry spot in Manor Bielstein."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Now the matter becomes serious!" cried the Doctor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, it is serious, my friend; it is not impossible that the +manuscript may still lie concealed somewhere."</p> + +<p class="normal">"And Manor Bielstein?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Lies near the little town of Rossau. The monastery was in needy +circumstances, and under ecclesiastical protection till the Thirty +Years' War. In 1637 the town and monastery were desolated by the +Swedes; the last monks disappeared and the monastery was never again +re-established. That is all I have been able to learn up to this time; +for anything further I request your help."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The next question will be whether the manor-house outlasted the war," +answered the Doctor, "and what has become of it now. It will be more +difficult to ascertain where Brother Tobias Bachhuber ended his days, +and most difficult of all to discover through what hands his little +book has reached us."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I obtained the book from a second-hand dealer here; it was a new +acquisition, and not yet entered in his catalogue. To-morrow I will +obtain all further information that the book-seller may be able to +give. It will, perhaps, be worth while to investigate further," he +continued, more coolly, endeavoring to restrain his intense excitement +by a little rational reflection. "More than two centuries have elapsed +since that cipher was written by the friar; during that period +destructive agencies were not less active than before. Just think of +the war and devastation of the years when the cloister was destroyed. +And so we are no better off than if the manuscript had been lost +several centuries previously."</p> + +<p class="normal">"And yet the probability that the manuscript is preserved to the +present day increases with every century," interposed the Doctor; "for +the number of men who would value such a discovery has increased so +much since that war, that destruction from rude ignorance has become +almost inconceivable."</p> + +<p class="normal">"We must not trust too much to the knowledge of the present day," said +the Professor; "but if it were so," he continued, his eyes flashing, +"if the imperial history of the first century, as written by Tacitus, +were restored by a propitious fate, it would be a gift so great that +the thought of the possibility of it might well, like Roman wine, +intoxicate an honest man."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Invaluable," assented the Doctor, "for our knowledge of the language, +and for a hundred particulars of Roman history."</p> + +<p class="normal">"And for the early history of Germany!" exclaimed the Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">Both traversed the room with rapid steps, shook hands, and looked at +each other joyfully.</p> + +<p class="normal">"And if a fortunate accident should put us on the track of this +manuscript," began Fritz, "if through you it should be restored to the +light of day, you, my friend, you are best fitted to edit it. The +thought that you would experience such a pleasure, and that a work of +such renown would fall to your lot, makes me happier than I can say."</p> + +<p class="normal">"If we can find the manuscript," answered the Professor, "we must edit +it together."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Together?" exclaimed Fritz, with surprise.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, together," said the Professor, with decision; "it would make your +ability widely known."</p> + +<p class="normal">Fritz drew back. "How can you think that I would be so presumptuous?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do not contradict me," exclaimed the Professor, "you are perfectly +qualified for it."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That I am not," answered Fritz, firmly; "and I am too proud to +undertake anything for which I should have to thank your kindness more +than my own powers."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is undue modesty," again exclaimed the Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I shall never do it," answered Fritz. "I could not for one moment +think of adorning myself before the public with borrowed plumage."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I know better than you," said the Professor, indignantly, "what you +are able to do, and what is to your advantage."</p> + +<p class="normal">"At all events, I would never agree that you should have the lion's +share of the labor and secretly be deprived of the reward. Not my +modesty, but my self-respect forbids this. And this feeling you ought +to respect," concluded Fritz, with great energy.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Now," returned the Professor, restraining his excited feelings, "we +are behaving like the man who bought a house and field with the money +procured by the sale of a calf which was not yet born. Be calm, Fritz; +neither I nor you shall edit the manuscript."</p> + +<p class="normal">"And we shall never know how the Roman Emperor treated the ill fated +Thusnelda and Thumelicus!" said Fritz, sympathizingly to his friend.</p> + +<p class="normal">"But it is not the absence of such particulars," said the Professor, +"that makes the loss of the manuscript so greatly felt, for the main +facts may be obtained from other sources. The most important point will +always be, that Tacitus was the first, and in many respects is the +only, historian who has portrayed the most striking and gloomy phases +of human nature. His works that are extant are two historical +tragedies, scenes in the Julian and Flavian imperial houses--fearful +pictures of the enormous change which, in the course of a century, took +place in the greatest city of antiquity, in the character of its +emperors and the souls of their subjects--the history of tyrannical +rule, which exterminated a noble race, destroyed a high and rich +civilization, and degraded, with few exceptions, even the rulers +themselves. We have, even up to the present day, scarcely another work +whose author looks so searchingly into the souls of a whole succession +of princes, and which describes so acutely and accurately the ruin +which was wrought in different natures by the fiendish and distempered +minds of rulers."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It always makes me angry," said the Doctor, "when I hear him +reproached as having for the most part written only imperial and court +history. Who can expect grapes from a cypress, and satisfactory +enjoyment in the grand public life of a man who, during a great portion +of his manhood, daily saw before his eyes the dagger and poison-cup of +a mad despot?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes," agreed the Professor, "Tacitus belonged to the aristocracy--a +body unfit to rule, and unwilling to obey. In the consciousness of +their privileged position they were the indispensable servants, while +still the enemies and the rivals, of their sovereigns. In them the +virtues and the vices of a mighty epoch grew to monstrous +manifestations. Who but one of their own circle should write the +history of Roman imperialism? The blackest crimes were concealed behind +the stone walls of palaces; rumor, the low murmur of the antechamber, +the lurking look of concealed hatred, were often the only sources the +historian could command."</p> + +<p class="normal">"All that remains for us to do is discreetly to accept the judgment of +the man who has handed down to us information concerning this strange +condition of things. Moreover, whoever studies the fragments of Tacitus +that have been preserved, impartially and intelligently, will honor and +admire his profound insight into the inmost depths of Roman character. +It is an experienced statesman, of a powerful and truthful mind, +relating the secret history of his time so clearly that we understand +the men and all their doings as if we ourselves had the opportunity of +reading their hearts. He who can do this for later centuries is not +only a great historian but a great man. And for such I always felt a +deep, heartfelt reverence, and I consider it the duty of a true critic +to clear such a character from the attacks of petty minds."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Hardly one of his contemporaries," said the Doctor, "has felt the +poverty of his epoch's civilization as deeply as himself."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes," rejoined the Professor, "he was a genuine man, so far as was +possible in his time; and that is, after all, the main point. For what +we must demand, is not the amount of knowledge for which we have to +thank a great man, but his own personality, which, through what he has +produced for us, becomes a portion of ourselves. Thus the spirit of +Aristotle is something different to us than the substance of his +teaching. For us Sophocles signifies much more than seven tragedies. +His manner of thinking and feeling, his perception of the beautiful and +the good, ought to become part of our life. Only in this way does the +study of the past healthily influence our actions and our aspirations. +In this sense the sad and sorrowful soul of Tacitus is far more to me +than his delineation of the Emperor's madness. And you see, Fritz, it +is on this account that your Sanskrit and Hindu languages are not +satisfactory to me--the men are wanting in them."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is, at least, difficult for us to recognize them," answered his +friend. "But one who, like you, explains Homer's epics to students, +should not undervalue the charm that lies in sounding the mysterious +depths of human activity, when a youthful nation conceals from our view +the work of the individual man, and when the people itself comes before +us in poetry, traditions, and law, assuming the shape of a living +individuality."</p> + +<p class="normal">"He who only engages in such researches," answered the Professor, +eagerly, "soon becomes fantastic and visionary. The study of such +ancient times acts like opium, and he who lingers all his life in such +studies will hardly escape vagaries."</p> + +<p class="normal">Fritz rose. "That is our old quarrel. I know you do not wish to speak +harshly to me, but I feel that you intend this for me."</p> + +<p class="normal">"And am I wrong?" continued the Professor. "I undoubtedly have a +respect for every intellectual work, but I desire for my friend that +which will be most beneficial to him. Your investigations into Hindu +and German mythology entice you from one problem to another; youthful +energies should not linger in the endless domain of indistinct +contemplations and unreal shadows. Come to a decision for other reasons +also. It does not behoove you to be merely a private student; such a +life is too easy for you; you need the outward pressure of definite +duties. You have many of the qualities requisite for a professor. Do +not remain in your parents' house; you must become a university +lecturer."</p> + +<p class="normal">A heightened color spread slowly over the face of his friend. "Enough," +he exclaimed, vexed; "if I have thought too little of my future, you +should not reproach me for it. It has perhaps been too great a pleasure +to me to be your companion and the confidant of your successful labors. +I also, from my intercourse with you, have enjoyed that pleasure which +an intellectual man bestows upon all who participate in his creations. +Good night."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor approached him, and seizing both his hands, exclaimed, +"Stay! Are you angry with me?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"No," answered Fritz, "but I am going;" and he closed the door gently.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor paced up and down excitedly, reproaching himself for his +vehemence. At length he violently threw the books which had served as a +signal back on the shelf, and again seated himself at his desk.</p> + +<p class="normal">Gabriel lighted the Doctor down the stairs, opened the door, and shook +his head when he heard his "Good night" curtly answered. He +extinguished the light and listened at his master's door. When he heard +the Professor's steps, he determined to refresh himself by the mild +evening air, and descended into the little garden. There he met Mr. +Hummel, who was walking under the Professor's windows. Mr. Hummel was a +broad-shouldered gentleman, with a large head and a determined face, +portly and well-preserved, of the honest old Saxon type. He smoked a +long pipe, with a huge mouth-piece, which was divided into a number of +capacious compartments.</p> + +<p class="normal">"A fine evening, Gabriel," began Mr. Hummel, "a good season; what a +harvest we shall have!" He nudged the servant. "Has anything happened +up there? The window is open," he concluded significantly, and +disapprovingly shook his head.</p> + +<p class="normal">"He has closed the window again," answered Gabriel, evasively. "The +bats and the moths become troublesome, and when he argues with the +Doctor they both grow so loud that people in the street stop and +listen."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Circumspection is always wise," said Mr. Hummel; "but what was the +matter? The Doctor is the son of the man over yonder, and you know my +opinion of them, Gabriel--I do not trust them. I do not wish to injure +any one, but I have my views concerning them."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What it was about," answered Gabriel, "I did not hear; but I can tell +you this much, there was much talk about the ancient Romans. Look you, +Mr. Hummel, if the old Romans were among us now, much would be +different. They were dare-devils; they knew how to forage; they knew +how to carry on war; they conquered everywhere."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You speak like an incendiary," said Mr. Hummel, with displeasure.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, that is the way they did," answered Gabriel, complacently. "They +were a selfish people, and knew how to look out for their own +interests. But what is most wonderful is the number of books these +Romans wrote for all that, large and small--many also in folio. When I +dust the library there is no end to the Romans of all sizes, and some +are books thicker than the Bible, only they are all difficult to read; +but one who knows the language may learn much."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The Romans are an extinct people," replied Mr. Hummel. "When they +disappeared, the Germans came. The Romans could never exist with us. +The only thing that can help us is the Hanseatic league. That is the +thing to look to. Powerful at sea, Gabriel," he exclaimed, taking hold +of his coat by a button, "the cities must form alliances, invest money, +build ships, and hoist flags; our trade and credit are established, and +men are not wanting."</p> + +<p class="normal">"And would you venture on the mighty ocean in that vessel?" asked +Gabriel, pointing to a little rowboat which lay in the rear of the +garden tilted over on two planks. "Shall I go to sea with the +Professor?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is not the question," answered Mr. Hummel; "let the young people +go first--they are useless. Many could do better than stay at home with +their parents. Why should not the doctor up there serve his country in +the capacity of a sailor?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"What do you mean, Mr. Hummel?" cried Gabriel, startled; "the young +gentleman is nearsighted."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That's nothing," muttered Mr. Hummel, "for they have telescopes at +sea, and for aught I care he may become a captain. I am not the man to +wish evil to my neighbor."</p> + +<p class="normal">"He is a man of learning," replied Gabriel, "and this class is also +necessary. I can assure you, Mr. Hummel, I have meditated much upon the +character of the learned. I know my Professor thoroughly, and something +of the Doctor, and I must say there is something in it--there is much +in it. Sometimes I am not so sure of it. When the tailor brings the +Professor home a new coat he does not remark what everybody else sees, +whether the coat fits him or wrinkles. If he takes it into his head to +buy a load of wood which has very likely been stolen, from a peasant, +he pays more in my absence than any one else would. And when he grows +angry and excited about matters that you and I would discuss very +calmly, I must say I have my doubts. But when I see how he acts at +other times--how kind and merciful he is, even to the flies that buzz +about his nose, taking them out of his coffee-cup with a spoon and +setting them on the window-sill--how he wishes well to all the world +and begrudges himself everything--how he sits reading and writing till +late at night--when I see all this, I must say his life affects me +powerfully. And I tell you I will not allow any one to underrate our +men of learning. They are different from us; they do not understand +what we do, nor do we understand what they do."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yet we also have our culture," replied Mr. Hummel. "Gabriel, you have +spoken like an honorable man, but I will confide this to you--that a +man may have great knowledge, and yet be a very hard-hearted +individual, who loans his money on usurious interest and deprives his +friends of the honor due them. Therefore I think the main point is to +have order and boundaries, and to leave something to one's descendants. +Regularity here," he pointed to his breast, "and a boundary there," +pointing to his fence, "that one may be sure as to what belongs to +one's self and what to another, and a secure property for one's +children on which they may settle themselves. That is what I understand +as the life of man."</p> + +<p class="normal">The householder locked the gate of the fence and the door of the house. +Gabriel also sought his bed, but the lamp in the Professor's study +burned late into the night, and its rays intermingled on the windowsill +with the pale moonshine. At length the Scholar's light was +extinguished, and the room left empty; outside, small clouds coursed +over the disk of the moon, and flickering lights reigned paramount in +the room, over the writing-table, over the works of the old Romans, and +over the little book of the defunct Brother Tobias.</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>CHAPTER II</i>.</h2> + +<h3>THE HOSTILE NEIGHBORS.</h3> + +<p class="normal">We are led to believe that in future times there will be nothing but +love and happiness; and men will go about with palm branches in their +hands to chase away the last of those birds of night, hatred and +malice. In such a chase we would probably find the last nest of these +monsters hanging between the walls of two neighboring houses. For they +have nestled between neighbor and neighbor ever since the rain trickled +from the roof of one house into the court of the other; ever since the +rays of the sun were kept away from one house by the wall of the other; +ever since children thrust their hands through the hedge to steal +berries; ever since the master of the house has been inclined to +consider himself better than his fellow-men. There are in our days few +houses in the country between which so much ill-will and hostile +criticism exist as between the two houses near the great city park.</p> + +<p class="normal">Many will remember the time when the houses of the town did not extend +to the wooded valley. Then there were only a few small houses along the +lanes; behind lay a waste place where Mrs. Knips, the washwoman, dried +the shirts, and her two naughty boys threw the wooden clothes'-pins at +each other. There Mr. Hummel had bought a dry spot, quite at the end of +the street, and had built his pretty house of two stories, with stone +steps and iron railing, and behind, a simple workshop for his trade; +for he was a hatter, and carried on the business very extensively. When +he went out of his house and surveyed the reliefs on the roof and the +plaster arabesques under the windows, he congratulated himself on being +surrounded by light and air and free nature, and felt that he was the +foremost pillar of civilization in the primeval forest.</p> + +<p class="normal">Then he experienced what often happens to disturb the peace of pioneers +of the wilderness--his example was imitated. On a dark morning in +March, a wagon, loaded with old planks, came to the drying-ground which +was opposite his house. A fence was soon built, and laborers with +shovels and wheelbarrows began to dig up the ground. This was a hard +blow for Mr. Hummel. But his suffering became greater when, walking +angrily across the street and inquiring the name of the man who was +causing such injury to the light and reputation of his house, he +learned that his future neighbor was to be a manufacturer by the name +of Hahn. That it should of all men in the world be he, was the greatest +vexation fate could inflict upon him. Mr. Hahn was respectable; there +was nothing to be said against his family; but he was Mr. Hummel's +natural opponent, for the business of the new settler was also in hats, +although straw hats. The manufacture of this light trash was never +considered as dignified, manly work; it was not a guild handicraft; it +never had the right to make apprentices journeymen; it was formerly +carried on only by Italian peasants; it had only lately, like other bad +customs, spread through the world as a novelty; it is, in fact, not a +business--the plait-straw is bought and sewed together by young girls +who are engaged by the week. And there is an old enmity between the +felt hat and straw hat. The felt hat is an historical power consecrated +through thousands of years--it only tolerates the cap as an ordinary +contrivance for work-days. Now the straw hat raises its pretensions +against prescribed right, and insolently lays claim to half of the +year. And since then approbation fluctuates between these two +appurtenances of the human race. When the unstable minds of mortals +wavered toward straw, the most beautiful felts, velveteen, silk, and +pasteboard were left unnoticed and eaten by moths. On the other hand, +when the inclinations of men turned to felt, every human being--women, +children, and nurses--wore men's small hats; then the condition of +straw was lamentable--no heart beat for it, and the mouse nestled in +its most beautiful plaits.</p> + +<p class="normal">This was a strong ground for indignation to Mr. Hummel, but worse was +to come. He saw the daily progress of the hostile house; he watched the +scaffolding, the rising walls, the ornaments of the cornice, and +the rows of windows--it was two windows higher than his house. The +ground floor rose, then a second floor, and at last a third. All the +work-rooms of the straw hat manufacturer were attached to the dwelling. +The house of Mr. Hummel had sunk into insignificance. He then went to +his lawyer and demanded redress for the obstruction of his light and +the view from his residence; the man of law naturally shrugged his +shoulders. The privilege of building houses was one of the fundamental +rights of man; it was the common German custom to live in houses, and +it was obviously hopeless to propose that Hahn should only erect on his +piece of ground a canvas tent. Thus there was absolutely nothing to do +but to submit patiently, and Mr. Hummel might have known that himself.</p> + +<p class="normal">Years had passed away. At the same hour the light of the sun gilds both +houses; there they stand stately and inhabited, both occupied by men +who daily pass each other. At the same hour the letter-carrier enters +both houses, the pigeons fly from one roof to the other, and the +sparrows hop around on the gutters of both, in the most cordial +relations. About one house there is sometimes a faint smell of sulphur, +and about the other, of singed hair; but the same summer wind wafts +from the wood, through the doors of both dwellings, the scent of the +pine-trees and the perfumes of the lime-flowers. And yet the intense +aversion of the inhabitants has not diminished. The house of Hahn +objects to singed hair, and the family of Hummel cough indignantly in +their garden whenever they suspect sulphur in the oxygen of the air.</p> + +<p class="normal">It is true that decorous behavior to the neighborhood was not quite +ignored; and though the felt was inclined to be quarrelsome, the straw +was more pliant, and showed itself tractable in many cases. Both men +were acquainted with a family in which they occasionally met, nay, both +had once been godfathers to the same child, and care had been taken +that one should not give a smaller christening gift than the other. +This unavoidable acquaintance necessitated formal greetings whenever +they could not avoid meeting each other. But there it ended. Between +the shopmen who cleaned the straw hats with sulphur, and the workmen, +who presided over the hare-skins, there existed an intense hatred. And +the people who dwelt in the nearest houses in the street knew this, and +did their best to maintain the existing relation. But, in fact, the +character of both would scarcely harmonize. Their dialect was +different, their education had been different, the favorite dishes and +the domestic arrangements that were approved by one displeased the +other. Hummel was of North German lineage; Hahn had come hither from a +small town in the neighborhood.</p> + +<p class="normal">When Mr. Hummel spoke of his neighbor Hahn, he called him a man of +straw and a fantastical fellow. Mr. Hahn was a thoughtful man, quiet +and industrious in his business, but in his hours of recreation he +devoted himself to some peculiar fancies. These were undoubtedly +intended to make a favorable impression on the people who passed +by the two houses on their way to the meadow and the woods. In his +little garden he had collected most of the contrivances of modern +landscape-gardening. Between the three elder-bushes there rose up a +rock built of tufa, with a small, steep path to the top. The expedition +to the summit could be ventured upon without an Alpenstock by strong +mountain climbers only, and even they would be in danger of falling on +their noses on the jagged tufa. The following year, near the railing, +poles were erected at short intervals, round which climbed creepers, +and between each pole hung a colored glass lamp. When the row of lamps +was lighted up on festive evenings they threw a magic splendor on the +straw hats which were placed under the elder bushes, and which +challenged the judgment of the passers-by. The following year the glass +lamps were superseded by Chinese lanterns. Again, the next year, the +garden bore a classical aspect, for a white statue of a muse, +surrounded by ivy and blooming wall-flowers, shone forth far into the +wood.</p> + +<p class="normal">In the face of such novelties Mr. Hummel remained firm to his +preference for water. In the rear of his house a small stream flowed +toward the town. Every year his boat was painted the same green, and in +his leisure hours he loved to go alone in his boat and to row from the +houses to the park. He took his rod in his hand and devoted himself to +the pleasure of catching gudgeons, minnows, and other small fish.</p> + +<p class="normal">Doubtless, the Hummel family were more aristocratic,--that is, more +determined, more out of the common, and more difficult to deal with. Of +all the housewives of the street, Mrs. Hummel displayed the greatest +pretensions by her silk dresses and gold-watch and chain. She was a +little lady with blonde curls, still very pretty; she had a seat at the +theatre, was accomplished and kind-hearted, and very irascible. She +looked as if she did not concern herself about anything, but she knew +everything that happened in the street. Her husband was the only one +who, at times, was beyond her control. Yet, although Mr. Hummel was +tyrannical to all the world, he sometimes showed his wife great +consideration. When she was too much for him in the house, he quietly +went into the garden, and if she followed him there, he ensconced +himself in the factory behind a bulwark of felt.</p> + +<p class="normal">But also Mrs. Hummel was subject to a higher power, and this power was +exercised by her little daughter, Laura. This was the only surviving +one of several children, and all the tenderness and affection of the +mother were lavished upon her. And she was a splendid little girl; the +whole town knew her ever since she wore her first red shoes; she was +often detained when in the arms of her nurse; and had many presents +given her. She grew up a merry, plump little maiden, with two large +blue eyes and round cheeks, with dark, curly hair, and an arch +countenance. When the little, rosy daughter of Mr. Hummel walked along +the streets, her hands in the pockets of her apron, she was the delight +of the whole neighborhood. Sprightly and decided, she knew how to +behave toward all, and was never backward in offering her little mouth +to be kissed. She would give the woodcutter at the door her buttered +roll, and join him in drinking the thin coffee out of his cup; she +accompanied the letter-carrier all along the street, and her greatest +pleasure was to run with him up the steps, to ring and deliver his +letters; she even once slipped out of the room late in the evening, and +placed herself by the watchman, on a corner-stone, and held his great +horn in impatient expectation of the striking of the hour at which it +was to be sounded. Mrs. Hummel lived in unceasing anxiety lest her +daughter should be stolen; for, more than once she had disappeared for +many hours; she had gone with children, who were strangers, to their +homes, and had played with them--she was the patroness of many of the +little urchins in the street, knew how to make them respect her, gave +them pennies, and received as tokens of esteem dolls and little +chimney-sweeps, constructed of dried plums and little wooden sticks. +She was a kind-hearted child that rather laughed than wept, and her +merry face contributed more toward making the house of Mr. Hummel a +pleasant abode, than the ivy arbor of the mistress of the house, or the +massive bust of Mr. Hummel himself, which looked down imperiously on +Laura's doll-house.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The child is becoming unbearable," exclaimed Mrs. Hummel, angrily +dragging in the troubled Laura by the hand. "She runs about the streets +all day long. Just now when I came from market she was sitting near the +bridge, on the chair of the fruit-woman, selling onions for her. +Everyone was gathering around her, and I had to fetch my child out of +the crowd."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The little monkey will do well," answered Mr. Hummel, laughing; "why +will you not let her enjoy her childhood?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"She must give up this low company. She lacks all sense of refinement; +she hardly knows her alphabet, and she has no taste for reading. It is +time, too, that she should begin her French letters. Little Betty, the +councillor's daughter, is not older, and she knows how to call her +mother <i>chère mère</i>, in such a pretty manner."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The French are a polite people," answered Mr. Hummel. "If you are so +anxious to train your daughter for the market, the Turkish language +would be better than the French. The Turk pays money if you dispose of +your child to him; the others wish to have something into the bargain."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do not speak so inconsiderately, Henry!" exclaimed the wife.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Be off with you and your cursed French letters, else I promise you I +will teach the child all the French phrases I know; they are not many, +but they are strong. <i>Baisez-moi, Madame Hummel!</i>" Saying this, he left +the room with an air of defiance.</p> + +<p class="normal">The result, however, of this consultation was that Laura went to +school. It was very difficult for her to listen and be silent, and for +a longtime her progress was not satisfactory. But at last her little +soul was fired with ambition; she climbed the lower steps of learning +with Miss Johanne, and then she was promoted to the renowned Institute +of Miss Jeannette, where the daughters of families of pretension +received education in higher branches. There she learned the +tributaries of the Amazon, and much Egyptian history; she could touch +the cover of the electrophorus, speak of the weather in French, and +read English so ingeniously that even true-born Britons were obliged to +acknowledge that a new language had been discovered; lastly, she was +accomplished in all the elegancies of German composition. She wrote +small treatises on the difference between walking and sleeping, on the +feelings of the famed Cornelia, mother of the Gracchi, on the terrors +of a shipwreck, and of the desert island on which she had been saved. +Finally, she gained some knowledge of the composition of strophes and +sonnets. It soon became clear that Laura's strong point was German, not +French; her style was the delight of the Institute; nay, she began to +write poems in honor of her teachers and favorite companions, in which +she very happily imitated the difficult rhymes of the great Schiller's +"Song of the Bell." She was now eighteen, a pretty, rosy, young lady, +still plump and merry, still the ruling power of the house, and still +loved by all the people on the street.</p> + +<p class="normal">The mother, proud of the accomplishments of her daughter, after her +confirmation, prepared an upper room for her, looking out upon the +trees of the park; and Laura fitted up her little home like a fairy +castle, with ivy-vines, a little flower-table, and a beautiful +ink-stand of china on which shepherds and shepherdesses were sitting +side by side. There she passed her pleasantest hours with her pen and +paper, writing her diary in secret.</p> + +<p class="normal">She also partook of the aversion of her parents for the neighboring +family. Even as a little child she had passed poutingly before the door +of that house; never had her foot crossed its threshold, and when good +Mrs. Hahn once asked her to shake hands, it was long before she could +make up her mind to take her hand out of her apron pocket. Of the +inhabitants of the neighboring house the one most annoying to her was +young Fritz Hahn. She seldom associated with him, but unfortunately she +was always in some embarrassment which enabled Fritz Hahn to act the +part of her protector. Before she went to school, the eldest son of +Mrs. Knips, already quite a big fellow, who painted fine pictures and +birthday cards, and sold them to people in the neighborhood, wished to +compel her to give the money she held in her hand for a devil's head +which he had painted, and which no one in the street would have; he +treated her so roughly and so ill, that contrary to her wont, she +became frightened and gave him her pennies, and weeping, held the +horrible picture in her hand. Fritz Hahn happened to come that way, +inquired what had taken place, and when she complained to him of +Knips's violent conduct, he grew so indignant that she became +frightened about him. He set upon the lad, who was his school-fellow +and in a class above him, and began to thrash him on the spot, while +the younger Knips looked on laughing, with his hands in his pocket. +Fritz pushed the naughty boy against the wall and compelled him to give +up the money and take back his devil. But this meeting did not help to +make her like Fritz any the better. She could not bear him, because +already as an undergraduate he wore spectacles, and always looked so +serious. And when she came from school, and he went with his portfolio +to the lecture, she always endeavored to avoid him.</p> + +<p class="normal">On another occasion they happened to meet. She was among the first +girls in the Institute; the oldest Knips was already Magister, and the +younger apprentice in her father's business, and Fritz Hahn had just +become a doctor. She had rowed herself between the trees in the park +till the boat struck a snag and her oar fell into the water. As she was +bending down to recover it, she also lost her hat and parasol. Laura, +in her embarrassment, looked to the shore for help. Again it so +happened that Fritz Hahn was passing, lost in thought. He heard the +faint cry which had escaped her, jumped into the muddy water, fished up +the hat and parasol, and drew the boat to the shore. Here he offered +Laura his hand and helped her on to dry ground. Laura undoubtedly owed +him thanks, and he had also treated her with respect and called her +Miss. But then he looked very ridiculous, he bowed so awkwardly, and he +stared at her so fixedly through his glasses. And when she afterwards +learned that he had caught a terrible cold from his jump into the +swamp, she became indignant, both at herself and at him, because she +had screamed when there was no danger, and he had rushed to her aid +with such useless chivalry. She could have helped herself, and now the +Hahns would think she owed them no end of thanks.</p> + +<p class="normal">On this point she might have been at ease, for Fritz had quietly +changed his clothes and dried them in his room.</p> + +<p class="normal">But indeed it was quite natural that the two hostile children should +avoid each other, for Fritz was of quite a different nature. He also +was an only child, and had been brought up tenderly by a kind-hearted +father and a too anxious mother. He was, from his earliest childhood, +quiet and self-possessed, unassuming and studious. In his home he had +created for himself a little world of his own where he indulged in +out-of-the-way studies. Whilst around him was the merry hum of life, he +pored over Sanskrit characters, and investigated the relations between +the wild spirits that hovered over the Teutoburger battle, and the gods +of the Veda, who floated over palm-woods and bamboos in the hot valley +of the Ganges. He also was the pride and joy of his family; his mother +never failed to bring him his cup of coffee every morning; then she +seated herself opposite him with her bunch of keys, and looked silently +at him while he ate his breakfast, scolded him gently for working so +late the previous night, and told him that she could not sleep quietly +till she heard him push back his chair and place his boots before the +door to be cleaned. After breakfast, Fritz went to his father to bid +him good morning, and he knew that it gave his father pleasure when he +walked with him for a few minutes in the garden, observing the growth +of his favorite flowers, and when, above all, he approved of his garden +projects. This was the only point on which Mr. Hahn was sometimes at +variance with his son; and, as he could not refute his son's arguments, +nor restrain his own strong aesthetic inclinations, he adopted methods +which are often resorted to by greater politicians--he secretly +prepared his projects, and surprised his son with the execution of +them.</p> + +<p class="normal">Amidst this tranquil life, intercourse with the Professor was the +greatest pleasure of the day to our young scholar; it elevated +him and made him happy. He had, while yet a student, heard the first +course of lectures given by Felix Werner at the University. A +friendship had gradually arisen, such as is perhaps only possible among +highly-cultivated, sound men of learning. Fritz became the devoted +confidant of the inexhaustible activity of his friend. Every +investigation of the Professor, with its results, was imparted to him, +even to the most minute details, and the pleasure of every new +discovery was shared by the neighbors. Thus the best portion of their +life was passed together. Fritz, indeed, as the younger, was more a +receiver than giver; but it was just this that made the relation so +firm and deep. This intercourse was not without occasional differences, +as is natural with scholars; for both were hasty in judgment; both were +very exacting in the requirements which they made on themselves and +others, and both were easily excited. But such differences were soon +settled, and only served to increase the loving consideration with +which they treated each other.</p> + +<p class="normal">Through this friendship the bitter relations between the two houses +were somewhat mitigated. Even Mr. Hummel could not help showing some +respect for the Doctor, as his highly-honored tenant paid such striking +marks of distinction to the son of the enemy. For Mr. Hummel's respect +for his tenant was unbounded. He heard that the Professor was quite +celebrated in his specialty, and he was inclined to value earthly fame +when, as in this case, there was profit in it. Besides, the Professor +was a most excellent tenant. He never protested against any rule which +Mr. Hummel, as chief magistrate of the house, prescribed. He had once +asked the advice of Mr. Hummel concerning the investment of some +capital. He possessed neither dog nor cat, gave no parties, and did not +sing with his window open, nor play bravura pieces on the piano. But +the main point was, that he showed to Mrs. Hummel and Laura, whenever +he met them, the most chivalrous politeness, which well became the +learned gentleman. Mrs. Hummel was enchanted with her tenant; and Mr. +Hummel always deemed it expedient not to mention his intention of +raising the rent to his family, because he foresaw a general +remonstrance from the ladies.</p> + +<p class="normal">Now the hobgoblin who ran to and fro between both houses, throwing +stones in the way, and making sport of men, had tried also to excite +these two noble souls against each other. But his attempt was a +miserable failure; these worthy men were not disposed to dance to his +discordant pipes.</p> + +<p class="normal">Early the following morning, Gabriel took a letter from his master to +the Doctor. As he passed the hostile threshold, Dorchen, the servant of +the Hahn family, hastily came toward him with a letter from her young +master to the Professor. The messengers exchanged letters, and the two +friends read them at the same moment.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor wrote:--</p> + +<p class="normal">"My dear friend--Do not be angry with me because I have again been +vehement; the cause of it was as absurd as possible. I must honestly +tell you that what put me out was your having so unconditionally +refused to edit with me a Latin text. For the possibility of finding +the lost manuscript, which we in our pleasant dreams assumed for some +minutes, was the more enticing to me, because it opened the prospect of +an employment in common to us both. And if I wish to draw you within +the narrow circle of my studies, you may take for granted that it is +not only from personal feeling, but far more from the wish of my heart +to avail myself of your ability for the branch of learning to which I +confine myself."</p> + +<p class="normal">Fritz, on the other hand, wrote:--</p> + +<p class="normal">"My very dear friend--I feel most painfully that my irritability +yesterday spoilt for us both a charming evening. But do not think that +I mean to dispute your right to reproach me for the prolixity and want +of system in my labors. It was just because what you said touched a +cord, the secret dissonance of which I have myself sometimes felt, that +I for a moment lost my equanimity. You are certainly right in much that +you said, only I beg you to believe that my refusal to undertake a +great work in conjunction with you was neither selfishness nor want of +friendship. I am convinced that I ought not to abandon the work I have +undertaken, even though too extensive for my powers; least of all +exchange it for a new circle of interests, in which my deficient +knowledge would be a burden to you."</p> + +<p class="normal">After the reception of these letters both were somewhat more at ease. +But certain expressions in them made some further explanation necessary +to both, so they set to work and wrote again to each other, shortly and +pithily, as became thoughtful men. The Professor answered: "I thank you +from my heart, my dear Fritz, for your letter; but I must repeat that +you always estimate your own worth too low, and this is all that I can +reproach you with."</p> + +<p class="normal">Fritz replied: "How deeply touched I feel by your friendship at this +moment! This only will I say, that among the many things I have to +learn from you, there is nothing I need more than your modesty; and +when you speak of your knowledge so comprehensive and fertile in +results, as being limited, be not angry if I strive after the same +modesty with regard to my work."</p> + +<p class="normal">After sending the letter, the Professor, still disquieted, went to his +lecture, and was conscious that his mind wandered during his discourse. +Fritz hastened to the library, and diligently collected all the +referenced which he could find respecting the Manor of Bielstein. At +midday, on their return home, each of them read the second letter of +his friend: then the Professor frequently looked at the clock, and +when it struck three he hastily put on his hat and went with great +strides across the street to the hostile house. As he laid hold of the +door-knob of the Doctor's room, he felt a counter pressure from within. +Pushing the door open, he found Fritz standing before him, also with +his hat on, intending to visit him. Without saying a word the two +friends embraced each other.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I bring you good tidings from the book-seller," began the Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"And I of the old Manor," exclaimed Fritz.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Listen," said the Professor. "The book-seller bought the monk's book +of a retail-dealer who travels about the country collecting curiosities +and old books. The man was brought into my presence; he had himself +bought the little book in the town of Rossau, at an auction of the +effects of a cloth-maker, together with an old cupboard and some carved +stools. It is at least possible that the remarks in cipher at the end, +which evade unpracticed eyes, may never, after the death of the friar, +have excited observation nor caused investigation. Perhaps there may +still be preserved in some church-record at Rossau an account of the +life and death of the monk Tobias Bachhuber."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Possibly," assented Fritz, much pleased. "A congregation of his +persuasion still exists. But Manor Bielstein lies at a distance of half +an hour from the town of Rossau, on a woody height--see, here is the +map. It formerly belonged to the ruling sovereign, but in the last +century it passed into private hands; the buildings, however, remain. +It is represented on this map as an old chateau, at present the +residence of a Mr. Bauer. My father also knows about the house; he has +seen it from the high road on his journeys, and describes it as a long +stretch of buildings, with balconies and a high roof."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The threads interweave themselves into a satisfactory web," said the +Professor, complacently.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Stop a moment," cried the Doctor, eagerly. "The traditions of this +province have been collected by one of our friends. The man is +trustworthy. Let us see whether he has recorded any reminiscences of +the neighborhood of Rossau." He hastily opened and looked into a book, +and then gazed speechless at his friend.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor seized the volume and read this short notice: "It is said +that in the olden times the monks in the neighborhood of Bielstein +walled up a great treasure in the manor-house."</p> + +<p class="normal">Again did a vision of the old, mysterious manuscript arise before the +eyes of the friends so distinctly that it might be seized.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is certainly not impossible that the manuscript may yet lie +concealed," remarked the Professor, at last, with assumed composure. +"Instances of similar discoveries are not lacking. It is not long since +that a ceiling of a room in the old house of the proprietor of my home +was broken through; it was a double ceiling, and the empty space +contained a number of records and papers concerning the ownership, and +some old jewels. The treasure had been concealed in the time of the +great war, and no one for a century had heeded the lowly ceiling of the +little room."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Naturally," exclaimed Fritz, rubbing his hands. "And within the facing +of old chimneys empty spaces are sometimes found. A brother of my +mother's found, on rebuilding his house, in such a place a pot +full of coins." He drew out his purse. "Here is one of them, a +beautiful Swedish dollar; my uncle gave it to me at my confirmation as +a luck-penny, and I have carried it in my purse ever since. I have +often struggled against the temptation to spend it."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor closely examined the head of Gustavus Adolphus, as if he +had been a neighbor of the concealed Tacitus, and would convey +information concerning the lost book in its inscription. "It is true," +he said, reflectively, "if the house is on a height, even the cellars +may be dry."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Undoubtedly," answered the Doctor. "Often, too, the thick walls were +built double, and the intervening space filled with rubbish. In such a +case it would be easy, through a small opening, to make a hollow space +in the inside of the wall."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But now," began the Professor, rising, "the question arises, what are +we to do? For the knowledge of such a thing, whether it be of great or +little importance, imposes upon the investigator the duty of doing all +that is possible to promote the discovery. And this duty we must +fulfill promptly and completely."</p> + +<p class="normal">"If you impart this record to the public, you will allow the prospect +of discovering the manuscript to pass out of your own hands."</p> + +<p class="normal">"In this business, every personal consideration must be dismissed," +said the Professor, decisively.</p> + +<p class="normal">"And if you now make known the cloister-record you have found," +continued the Doctor, "who can answer for it, that the nimble activity +of some antiquary, or some foreigner, may not prevent all further +investigations? In such a case the treasure, even if found, would be +lost, not only to you, but also to our country and to science."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That, at least, must not be," cried the Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"And besides, even if you apply to the government of the province, it +is very doubtful whether they will render you any assistance," replied +the Doctor, triumphantly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I do not think of committing the matter to strangers and officials," +answered the Professor. "We have a person in the neighborhood whose +good fortune and acuteness in tracing out rarities is wonderful. I have +a mind to tell Magister Knips of the manuscript; he may lay aside his +proof-sheets for a few days, travel for us to Rossau, and there examine +the ground."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor jumped up. "That will never do. Knips is not the man to +trust with such a secret."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have always found him trustworthy," replied the Professor. "He is +wonderfully skillful and well-informed."</p> + +<p class="normal">"To me it would appear a desecration of this fine discovery, to employ +such a man," answered Fritz, "and I would never consent to it."</p> + +<p class="normal">"In that case," cried the Professor, "I have made up my mind. The +vacation is at hand; I will go myself to the old house. And as you, my +friend, intended to travel for a few days, you must accompany me; we +shall go together. Here is my hand on it."</p> + +<p class="normal">"With all my heart," cried the Doctor, clasping his friend's hand. "We +will penetrate into the manor-house, and summon the spirits which hover +over the treasure."</p> + +<p class="normal">"We will first come to an understanding with the owner of the house. +Then we shall see what is to be done. Meanwhile let us keep the affair +secret."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is right," assented Fritz; and the friends descended, well +satisfied, into the garden of Mr. Hahn, and, pausing for a few moments +beneath the White Muse, they consulted with regard to the opening of +the campaign.</p> + +<p class="normal">The imagination of the Scholar was fast pent up by his methodical train +of thought; but in the depths of his soul there was a rich and abundant +stream from the secret source of all beauty and energy. Now a hole had +been torn in the dam, and the flood poured itself joyfully over the +seed. Ever did the wish for the mysterious manuscript return to him. He +saw before him the opening in the wall, and the first glimmer of light +falling on the grey books in the hollow; he saw the treasure in his +hands as he drew it out, and would not part with it till he had +deciphered the illegible pages. Blessed spirit of Brother Tobias +Bachhuber, if thou shouldst spend any of thy holiday-time in heaven in +coming back to our poor earth, and if then at night thou glidest +through the rooms of the old manor, guarding thy treasure and scaring +inquisitive meddlers, pray, nod kindly to the man who now approaches to +bring thy secret to the light of day, for truly he seeks not honor nor +gain for himself, but he conjures you, in the name of all that is good, +to assist a well-meaning man.</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>CHAPTER III</i>.</h2> + +<h3>A FOOL'S ERRAND.</h3> + +<p class="normal">Whoever on a certain sunny harvest-morning in August had looked down +from the heights in the direction of Rossau, would have observed an +object moving along the road between the meadows that extended to the +gates of the city. On closer observation two travelers might be +perceived, one taller than the other, both wearing light summer +clothes, the freshness of which had been sullied by the stormy rain of +the last few days. They had both leather traveling-bags, which hung by +straps from their shoulders; the taller one wore a broad-brimmed felt +hat, the shorter one a straw hat.</p> + +<p class="normal">The travelers were evidently strangers, for they stopped at times to +observe and enjoy the view of the valley and hills, which is seldom the +custom with people born in the country. The district had not yet been +discovered by pleasure-seekers; there were no smooth paths in the woods +for the thin boots of towns-folk; even the carriage road was not a +work of art, the water lay in the tracks made by the wheels; the +sheep-bells and the axe of the wood-cutter only were heard by the +dwellers of the neighborhood, who were working in the fields or passing +on their way to their work. And yet the country was not without charm; +the woody hills were marked in bold outlines, a stone-quarry might be +seen between the fields in the plain, or the head of a rock jutted out +from amongst the trees. From the hills on the horizon a small brook +wound its course to the distant river, bordered by strips of meadow, +behind which the arable land ran up to the woody heights. The lovely +landscape looked bright in the morning sunshine.</p> + +<p class="normal">In the low country in front of the travelers rose to view, surrounded +by hills, the village of Rossau, a little country-town with two massive +church towers and dark-tiled roofs, which projected above the walls of +the place like the backs of a herd of cattle that had crowded together +for protection against a pack of wolves.</p> + +<p class="normal">The strangers looked from their high position with warm interest on the +chimneys and towers behind the old discolored and patched walls that +lay before them. In that place had once been preserved a treasure, +which, if found again, would interest the whole civilized world and +excite hundreds to intellectual labor. The landscape looked exactly +like other German landscapes, and the village was exactly like other +German villages; and yet there was an attraction about the place that +inspired a joyful hope in the travelers. Was it the globe-like ornament +that crowned the stout old tower? or was it the arch of the gate which +just veiled from the travelers in alluring darkness the entrance to the +town? or the stillness of the empty valley, in which the place lay +without suburbs and outhouses, as the towns are portrayed on old maps? +or the herds of cattle that went out of the gate into the open space, +and bounded merrily on the pasture ground? or was it perhaps the keen +morning air which blew about the temples of the wanderers? Both felt +that something remarkable and promising hovered over the valley in +which, as searchers of the past, they were entering.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Imagine the landscape as it once appeared to the eye," began the +Professor; "the forest, in olden times, encircled the town more +closely; the hills seemed higher, the valley deeper; the monastery then +lay, with the dwellings of its dependants, as in a deep basin. There, +to the south, where the country sharply rises, the monks had their +vineyards. Gradually the houses of the town drew about the monastery. +Take from those towers beyond us the caps that were placed upon them a +century ago, give them back their old pinnacles, place here and there a +turret on the walls, and you have an ideal, wondrously beautiful +picture of mediaeval days."</p> + +<p class="normal">"And upon the same road that leads us thither, a learned monk once +strode with his precious manuscripts towards the quiet valley; there to +teach his companions, or to shield himself, perhaps, from powerful +enemies," the Doctor said, with enthusiasm.</p> + +<p class="normal">The travelers passed by the pasture ground; the herdsmen looked with +indifference at the strangers; but the cows placed themselves by the +edge of the ditch and stared, while the young ones of the herd bellowed +at them inquiringly. They went through the dark arch of the gate and +looked curiously along the streets. It was a poor little town, the main +street alone was paved, and that badly. Not far from the gate the +sloping beam of a well projected high in the air, and from it hung +along pole with a bucket attached. Few people were to be seen, those +who were not working in the houses were occupied in the field; for the +straws which stuck in the stone crevices of the arch of the gate showed +that harvest wagons were carrying the fruits of the fields to the +farm-yards of the citizens. Near many of the houses there were open +wooden doors, through which one could look into the yard and barns, and +over the dung heap on which small fowls were pecking. The last century +had altered the place but little, and the low houses still stood with +their gables to the front. Instead of the coats of arms, there +projected into the street the signs of artisans, carved in tin or wood, +and painted--such as a large wooden boot; a griffin, holding enormous +shears in its hand; or a rampant lion, that extended a bretzel; or, as +the most beautiful masterpiece of all, a regular hexagon of colored +glass panes.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Much has been retained of mediæval times here," said the Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">The friends came to the market-place, an irregular space, the little +houses of which were adorned with bright paint. There on an +insignificant building prominently stood a red dragon with a curled +tail, carved out of a board, and supported in the air on an iron pole. +Upon it was painted, in ill-formed letters; "The Dragon Inn."</p> + +<p class="normal">"See," said Fritz, pointing to the dragon, "the fancy of the artist has +carved him with a pike's head and thick teeth. The dragon is the oldest +treasure-preserver of our legends. It is remarkable how firmly the +recollection of this legendary animal everywhere clings to the people. +Probably this sign-board originates from some tradition of the place."</p> + +<p class="normal">They ascended the white stone steps into the house, utterly unconscious +that they had long been watched by sharp eyes. A citizen, who was +taking his morning draught, exclaimed to the stout host, "Who can these +be? They do not look like commercial travelers; perhaps one of them is +the new parson from Kirchdorf."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Parsons don't look like that," said the inn-keeper, decidedly, who +knew men better; "they are strangers on foot, no carriage and no +luggage."</p> + +<p class="normal">The strangers entered, placed themselves at a red-painted table, and +ordered breakfast. "A beautiful country, mine host," began the +Professor; "magnificent trees in your forests."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes," answered the host.</p> + +<p class="normal">"A wealthy neighborhood, apparently," continued the Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"People complain that they do not earn enough," replied the host.</p> + +<p class="normal">"How many clergy have you in the place?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Two," said the host, more politely. "But the old pastor is dead; +meanwhile, there is a candidate here."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Is the other pastor at home?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I do not know," said the landlord.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Have you a court of justice here?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"We have a Justice of the Peace; he is now here--court is in session +to-day."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Was there not in former times a monastery in the city?" said the +Doctor, taking up the examination.</p> + +<p class="normal">The citizen and the landlord looked at each other. "That is long +since," replied the master of the inn.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Does not the Manor of Bielstein lie in the neighborhood?" inquired +Fritz.</p> + +<p class="normal">Again the citizen and the landlord looked significantly at each other.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It lies somewhere here in the neighborhood," answered the landlord, +with reserve.</p> + +<p class="normal">"How long does it take to go to the manor?" asked the Professor, +irritated by the short answers of the man.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do you wish to go there?" inquired the landlord. "Do you know the +owner?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"No," answered the Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Have you any business with him?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is our affair," answered the Professor, curtly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The road leads through the wood, and takes half an hour--you cannot +miss it;" and the landlord abruptly closed the conversation and left +the room. The citizen followed him.</p> + +<p class="normal">"We have not learnt much," said the Doctor, laughing. "I hope the +pastor and magistrate will be more communicative."</p> + +<p class="normal">"We will go direct to the place," said the Professor, with decision.</p> + +<p class="normal">Meanwhile the landlord and the citizen consulted together. "Whatever +the strangers may be," repeated the citizen, "they are not +ecclesiastics, and they did not seem to care for the magistrate. Did +you remark how they inquired about the monastery and the Manor?" The +landlord nodded. "I will tell you my suspicion," continued the citizen, +eagerly; "they have not come here for nothing; they are after +something."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What can that be?" asked the landlord, pondering.</p> + +<p class="normal">"They are disguised Jesuits; that's what they look like to me."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Well, if they intend to seek a quarrel with the people at the Manor, +they will find their match."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am on my way now to the Inspector on business; I will give him a +hint."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do not meddle with what does not concern you," said the landlord, +warningly. But the citizen only held the boots he carried, tighter +under his arm, and drove round the corner.</p> + +<p class="normal">Our two friends left, disgusted with the lack of courtesy they +encountered at the Dragon. They inquired the way to the manor of an old +woman at the opposite gate of the city. Behind the town the path rose +from the gravel bed of the brook to the woody height. They entered a +clearing of underbrush, from which, here and there, rose up high oaks. +The rain of the last evening still hung in drops on the leaves--the +deep green of summer glistened in the sun's rays--the song of birds and +the tapping of the woodpecker above broke the stillness.</p> + +<p class="normal">"This puts one in different frame of mind," exclaimed the Doctor, +cheerfully.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It requires very little to call forth new melodies in a well-strung +heart, if fate has not played on it with too rough a hand. The bark of +a few trees covered with hoary moss, a handful of blossoms on the turf, +and a few notes from the throats of birds, are sufficient," replied the +philosophic Professor. "Hark! that is no greeting of nature to the +wanderer," added he, listening attentively, as the sound of distant +voices chanting a choral, fell softly on his ear. The sound appeared to +come from above the trees.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Let us go higher up," exclaimed the Doctor, "to the mysterious place +where old church-hymns murmur through the oaks."</p> + +<p class="normal">They ascended the hill some hundred steps, and found themselves on an +open terrace, one side of which was surrounded by trees. In the +clearing stood a small wooden church surrounded by a graveyard; some +distance beyond on a massive extent of rock rose a great old building, +the roof of which was broken by many pointed gables.</p> + +<p class="normal">"How all harmonizes!" exclaimed the Professor, looking curiously over +the little church up to the Manor-house.</p> + +<p class="normal">A funeral chant was heard more clearly from the church. "Let us go in," +said the Doctor, pointing to the open door.</p> + +<p class="normal">"To my mind it is more seemly to remain without," answered the +Professor; "it is repulsive to me to intrude either on the pleasures or +sorrows of strangers. The hymn is finished; now comes the pastor's +little discourse."</p> + +<p class="normal">Fritz meanwhile had climbed the low stone wall and was examining the +church. "Look at the massive buttresses. It is the remains of an old +building; they have repaired it with pinewood; the tower and roof are +black with age; it would be worth our while to see the inside."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor held in his hand the long shoot of a bramble bush which +hung over the wall, looking with admiration at its white blossoms, and +at the green and brown berries which grew in thick clusters. The sound +of a man's voice fell indistinctly on his ear, and he bent his head +involuntarily to catch the words.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Let us hear," he said at last, and entered the churchyard with his +friend. They took off their hats and quietly opened the church door. It +was a very small hall; the bricks of the old choir had been +whitewashed; the chancel, a gallery, and a few benches were of brown +firwood. Before the altar lay open a child's coffin, the form within +was covered with flowers. Beside it stood several country people in +simple attire; on the steps of the altar was an aged clergyman with +white hair and a kind face; and at the head of the coffin the wife of a +laborer, mother of the little one, sobbing. Beside her stood a fine, +womanly form in city dress; she had taken off her hat, and with folded +hands was looking down on the child that lay among the flowers. Thus +she stood, motionless; the sun fell obliquely on the waving hair and +regular features of the young face. But more captivating than the tall +figure and beautiful head was the expression of deep devotion that +pervaded the whole countenance. The Professor involuntarily seized hold +of his friend's arm to detain him. The clergyman made his concluding +prayer; the stately maiden bowed her head lower, then bent down once +more to the little one, and wound her arm round the mother, who leaned +weeping on her comforter. Thus she stood, speaking gently to the +mother, while tears rolled down from her eyes. How spirit-like sounded +the murmurs of that rich voice in the ear of her friend! Then the men +lifted the coffin from the ground and followed the clergyman, who led +the way to the churchyard. Behind the coffin went the mother, her head +still on the shoulder of her supporter. The maiden passed by the +strangers, gazing before her with an inspired look, whispering in her +companion's ear words from the Bible: "The Lord gave, and the Lord hath +taken away. Let little children come unto me." Her gentle accents were +heard even by the friends. The mother hung broken-hearted on the arm of +the girl, and, as if borne along by the gentle tones, tottered to the +grave. Reverently did the friends follow the procession. The coffin was +lowered into the grave, the clergyman pronounced the blessing, and each +one present threw three handfuls of earth on the departed one. Then the +country people separated, leaving a free passage for the mother and her +companion. The latter gave her hand to the clergyman, and then +conducted the mother slowly across the churchyard to the road which led +to the Manor.</p> + +<p class="normal">The friends followed at some distance, without looking at each other. +The Professor passed his hand over his eyes. "Such incidents are always +very touching," he said, sorrowfully.</p> + +<p class="normal">"As she stood at the altar," exclaimed the Doctor, "she seemed like a +prophetess of the olden time, with an oaken crown on her head. She drew +the poor, woman on by her gentle accents. The words were from our good, +old Bible; and now I understand the significant meaning in ancient +times of the word 'whisper,' to which a magic power was ascribed. She +took possession of the mourner body and soul, and her voice sank deep +into my heart also. What was she, maid or married woman?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"She is a maiden," answered the Professor, impressively. "She dwells at +the Manor, and we shall meet her there. Let her go on, and we will wait +at the foot of the rock."</p> + +<p class="normal">They sat some time on a projecting stone. The Professor never seemed +weary of contemplating a tuft of moss; he brushed it with his hand, +laying it now on one side, now on the other. At last he arose quickly. +"Whatever may come of it, let us go on."</p> + +<p class="normal">They ascended the hill some hundred steps. The landscape before them +suddenly changed. On one side lay the manor-precincts with a walled +gateway and a courtyard, in which stood large farm-buildings; before +them, a wide plain of arable land sloped down from the height into a +rich valley. The lonely woodland landscape had disappeared; around the +wanderers was the active stir of daily life; the wind waved through the +seas of corn; harvest wagons were passing up the roads through the +fields; the whip cracked and the sheaves were swung by strong arms over +the rails of the wagons.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Hello! what are you looking for here?" demanded a deep bass voice +behind the strangers, in an imperative tone. The friends turned +quickly. Before the farmyard-gate stood a powerful, broad-shouldered +man, with close-cut hair, and an expression of deep energy in his +sunbrown face; behind him stood farm-employees and laborers, stretching +their heads out with curiosity through the gate, and a large dog ran +barking toward the strangers. "Back, Nero," called out his master, and +whistled to the dog, at the same time scanning the strangers with a +cold, searching look.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Have I the honor of addressing the proprietor of this estate, a Mr. +Bauer?" inquired the Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am that person, and who are you?" asked the Proprietor in return.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor gave their names, and that of the place from which they +came. The host approached and examined them both from head to foot.</p> + +<p class="normal">"There are no Jesuits there, I suppose," he said; "but if you come here +to find some hidden treasure, your journey is useless; you will find +nothing."</p> + +<p class="normal">The friends looked at each other; they were near the house, but far +from the goal.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You make us feel," answered the Professor, "that we have approached +your dwelling without an introduction. Although you have already made a +guess as to the object of our journey, yet I beg of you to permit us to +make an explanation before fewer witnesses."</p> + +<p class="normal">The dignified demeanor of the Professor did not fail to have an effect. +"If you really have business with me, it would be better certainly to +settle it in the house. Follow me, gentlemen." He lifted his cap a +little, pointed with his hand to the gate, and went ahead. "Nero, you +brute, can't you be quiet?"</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor and the Doctor followed, while the farm hands and +laborers and the growling dog closed in behind. Thus the strangers were +conducted in a not very cordial manner to the house. In spite of their +unpleasant position, they looked with curiosity at the great farmyard, +the work going on in the barns, and a flock of large geese which, +disturbed by the party, waddled cackling across the road. Then their +eyes fell upon the dwelling itself, the broad stone steps with benches +on both sides, the vaulted door, and the white washed escutcheon on the +keystone. They entered a roomy hall, the Proprietor hung up his cap, +laid hold with strong hand of the latch of the sitting-room door, and +again made a movement of the hand, which was intended to be polite and +to invite the strangers to enter. "Now, that we are alone," he began, +"how can I serve you? You have already been announced to me as two +treasure-seekers. If you are that, I must begin by plainly telling you +that I will not encourage such follies. Apart from that, I am glad to +see you."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But we are not treasure-seekers," rejoined the Professor; "and as we +have kept the object of our journey a secret everywhere, we do not +understand how you could hear so erroneous a report concerning the +occasion of our coming."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The shoemaker of my steward brought him the intelligence together with +a pair of mended boots; he saw you at the tavern in the town, and grew +suspicious because of your questions."</p> + +<p class="normal">"He has exercised more ingenuity than was called for by our harmless +questions," answered the Professor. "And yet he was not altogether +wrong."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then there is something in it," interrupted the Proprietor, gloomily; +"in that case I must beg you, gentlemen, not to trouble yourselves or +me further. I have no time for such nonsense."</p> + +<p class="normal">"First of all, have the goodness to hear us before so curtly +withdrawing your hospitality," replied the Professor, calmly. "We have +come with no other aim than to impart to you something concerning the +importance of which you may yourself decide. And not only we, but +others, might reproach you if you refused our request without taking it +into consideration. The matter concerns you more than us."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Of course," said the host, "we are acquainted with this style of +speech."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Not quite," continued the Professor; "there is a difference according +to who uses it, and to what purpose."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Well, then, in the devil's name, speak, but be clear," exclaimed the +Proprietor, impatiently.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Not till you have shown yourself ready," continued the Professor, "to +pay the attention the importance of the subject deserves. A short +explanation will be necessary, and you have not even invited us to sit +down."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Be seated," replied the Proprietor, and offered chairs.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor began: "A short time ago, among other written records of +the monks of Rossau, I accidentally found some observations in a +manuscript which may be of the greatest importance to the branch of +learning to which I devote myself."</p> + +<p class="normal">"And what is your branch of learning?" interrupted the host, unmoved.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am a philologist."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That means one who studies ancient languages?" asked the Proprietor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is so," continued the Professor. "It is stated by a monk, in the +volume I have mentioned, that about the year 1500 there existed in the +monastery a valuable manuscript, containing a history by the Roman, +Tacitus. The work of the renowned historian is only very imperfectly +preserved to us in some other well-known manuscripts. A second notice +from the same book, in April, 1637, mentions that during the troublous +wartimes the last monks of the monastery had concealed from the Swedes +their church treasures and manuscripts in a hollow, dry place in the +Manor-house of Bielstein. These are the words I have found; I have +nothing further to impart to you. We have no doubt of the genuineness +of both notices. I have brought with me an abstract of the passages +concerning it, and I am ready to submit the original to your +inspection, or that of any competent judge whom you may choose. I will +only add now that both I and my friend know well how unsatisfactory is +the communication we make to you, and how uncertain is the prospect +that after two centuries any of the buried possessions of the monastery +should be forthcoming. And yet we have made use of a vacation to impart +to you this discovery, even at the probable risk of a fruitless search. +But we felt ourselves bound in duty to make this journey, not +especially on your account--although this manuscript, if found; would +be of great value to you--but principally in the interest of science, +for in that point of view such a discovery would be invaluable."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Proprietor had listened attentively, but he left untouched the +paper that the Professor had laid on the table before him. Then he +began: "I see that you do not mean to deceive me, and that you tell me +the whole truth with the best intentions. I understand your +explanation. Your Latin I cannot read; but that is not necessary, for, +with regard to this matter, I believe you. But," he continued, +laughing, "there is one thing which the learned gentlemen living so far +away do not know, and that is, that this house has the misfortune to be +considered throughout the whole country as a place in which the old +monks have concealed treasures."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That was not, of course, unknown to us," rejoined the Doctor, "and it +would not diminish the significance of these written records."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then you were greatly in error. It is surely clear that such a report, +which has been believed in a country through many generations, has +meanwhile stirred up persons who are superstitious and greedy of gain, +to discover these supposed treasures. How can you imagine that you are +the first to conceive the thought of making a search? This is an old, +strong-built house, but it would be stronger still if it did not show +traces from cellar to roof that in former times holes have been made +and the damage left unrepaired. Only a few years ago I had, at much +cost and trouble, to place new beams into the roof, because roof and +ceiling were sinking, and it appeared, on examination, that +unscrupulous men had sawed off a piece of the rafter, in order to grope +into a corner of the roof. And I tell you frankly, that if I have met +with anything disagreeable from the old house, in which for twenty +years I have experienced both happiness and misfortune, it has been +from this troublesome report. Even now an investigation is being +carried on in the town respecting a treasure-seeker, who has deceived +credulous people in giving out that he could conjure up treasures from +this hill. His accomplices are still being tracked. You may ascribe it +to your questions in the town, that the people there, who are much +excited because of the deception, have taken you to be assistants of +the impostor. My rude greeting was also owing to this. I must therefore +ask your pardon for it."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then you will not agree," asked the Professor, dissatisfied, "to make +use of our communication for further researches?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"No," replied the Proprietor, "I will not make such a fool of myself. +If your book mentions nothing more than what you have told me, this +account is of little use. If the monks have concealed anything here, it +is a hundred to one that they have taken it away again in quieter +times. And even if, contrary to all probability, the concealed objects +should remain in their place--as since then some hundred years have +passed--other hungry people would long ago have disinterred them. These +are, pardon me, nursery stories, only fit for spinning-rooms. I have a +great aversion to all these notions that necessitate pulling down +walls. The husbandman should dig in his fields and not in his house; +his treasures lie beneath God's sun."</p> + +<p class="normal">The cold demeanor of the man made the Professor's blood boil. He with +difficulty controlled his rising anger, and, approaching the window, +looked out at a bevy of sparrows that were twittering vehemently at one +another. At last, turning round, he began:--</p> + +<p class="normal">"The owner of a house has the right of refusal. If you persist we shall +certainly leave you with a feeling of regret that you do not know how +to appreciate the possible importance of our communication. I have been +unable to avoid this meeting, although I was aware how uncertain are +the impressions formed in a first interview with strangers. Our +communication would perhaps have received more attention if it had come +to you through the medium of your government, accompanied by a +requisition to commence an active search."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do you regret that you have not taken that course?" asked the +Proprietor, laughing.</p> + +<p class="normal">"To speak frankly, no. I have no confidence in official protocols in +such matters."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Nor have I," answered the Proprietor, drily. "Ours is a small +province, the seat of Government is at a distance, and we are +surrounded by foreign dominions. I have nothing to do with the court; +years pass without my going there; the government does not bother us, +and in my district I control the police. If my government were to +attribute importance to your wishes, they would probably call for a +report from me, and that would cost me a sheet of paper and an hour's +writing. Perhaps, if you made enough ado, they might also send a +commission to my house. These would announce themselves to me about +dinner-time, and I should take them to the cellars after dinner; they +would for form's sake, knock a little upon the walls, and I meanwhile +would have a few bottles of wine opened. At last a paper would be +quickly written, and the affair would be settled. I am thankful that +you have not adopted this method. Moreover, I would defend my household +rights, even against my sovereign."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is vain, it appears to me, to speak to you of the value of the +manuscript," interposed the Professor, severely.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It would be of no avail," said the Proprietor. "It is questionable +whether such a curiosity, even if found on my property, would be of +essential value to myself. As to the value to your branch of learning, +I only know it from what you say; but neither for myself nor for you +will I stir a finger, because I do not believe that such a treasure is +concealed on my estate, and I do not choose to sacrifice myself for an +improbability. This is my answer, Professor."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor again stepped silently to the window. Fritz, who, +although indignant, had restrained himself, felt that it was time to +put an end to the conversation, and rose to take his departure. "So you +have given us your final decision?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I regret that I can give you no other answer," replied the Proprietor, +compassionately, looking at the two strangers. "I really am sorry that +you have come so far out of your way. If you desire to see my farm, +every door shall be opened to you. The walls of my house I open to no +one. I am, moreover, ready to keep your communication a secret, and the +more so, as this would also be to my own interest."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Your refusal to allow any search to be made on your property renders +any further secrecy unnecessary," answered the Doctor. "All that +remains to my friend now is to publish his discovery in some scientific +periodical. He will then have done his duty, and perhaps others may be +more successful with you than we have been."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Proprietor started up. "Confound you, sir; what the devil do you +mean? Will you tell your story to your colleagues? Probably these will +think very much as you do."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Undoubtedly hundreds will view the matter exactly as we do, and will +also condemn your refusal," exclaimed the Doctor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Sir, how you judge me is a matter of indifference to me; I am +perfectly willing to have you paint me as black as your love of truth +will allow," exclaimed the Proprietor, indignantly. "But I see that all +will be of no avail. Hang the monks and their treasure! Now I may +every Sunday and every hour of your vacation expect a visit like this +one--strange people with spectacles and umbrellas, who will claim the +right to creep under the wooden trestles of my dairy, and to climb on +the ceiling of the nursery. The devil take this Tacitus!"</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor took his hat. "We beg to take leave of you," and went +toward the door.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Stop, my good gentlemen," cried the host, discomposed; "not so +quickly. I would rather deal with you two than have an incessant +pilgrimage of your colleagues. Wait a moment, and I will make this +proposition to you. You, yourselves, shall go through my house, from +garret to cellar; it is a severe tax upon me and my household, but I +will make the sacrifice. If you find a place that you think suspicious, +we will talk it over. On the other hand, promise me that you will be +silent with respect to the object of your visit here before my people. +My laborers are already sufficiently aroused without this; if you +encourage this unfortunate rumor, I cannot answer for it that the idea +will not occur to my own people to break through the foundation-wall at +a corner of the house. My house is open to you the whole day as long as +you are my guests. But then, when you speak or write concerning the +matter, I demand that you shall add that you have done all in your +power to search through my house, but have found nothing. Will you +enter into this compact with me?"</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor looked doubtfully at the Professor to see whether the pride +of his friend would stoop to such a condition. Contrary to his +expectation, the countenance of the Scholar was radiant with joy, and +he answered:</p> + +<p class="normal">"You have mistaken us on one point. We do not desire to take away the +concealed manuscript from your possession, but we have only come to +persuade you to make the experiment. It seems very likely to us, that +we, in a strange house, not knowing the rooms, and unused to this kind +of research, shall find nothing. If, however, we do not shun the +ludicrous position in which you would place us, and accept your offer, +we do it only in the hope that, during our stay here, we shall succeed +in awakening in you a greater interest in the possible discovery."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Proprietor shook his head, and shrugged his shoulders. "The only +interest I take in the matter is that it should be forgotten as soon as +possible. You may do what you consider your duty. My business prevents +me from accompanying you. I shall consign you to the care of my +daughter."</p> + +<p class="normal">He opened the door of the adjoining room and called, "Ilse!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Here, father," answered a rich-toned voice.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Proprietor went into the next room. "Come here, Ilse, I have a +special commission for you to-day. There are two strange gentlemen from +one of the Universities here. They are looking for a book which is +supposed to have been concealed in our house ages ago. Conduct them +through the house and open all the rooms to them."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But, father----" interposed the daughter.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It matters not," continued the Proprietor, "it must be." He approached +closer to her and spoke in a low tone: "They are two scholars and are +crackbrained"--he pointed to his head. "What they imagine is madness, +and I only give in to them in order to have peace in the future. Be +cautious, Ilse; I do not know the people. I must go to the farm, but +will tell the Inspector to remain near the house. They appear to me two +honest fools, but the devil may trust."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have no fear, father," answered the daughter; "the house is full of +people; we shall be able to manage."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Take care that none of the servants are about, whilst the strangers +are sounding the walls and measuring. For the rest, they do not look to +me as if they would find much, even though all the walls were built up +with books. But you must not allow them to break through or injure the +walls."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I understand, father," said the daughter. "Do they remain to dinner?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, your duty will continue till evening. The housekeeper can +superintend the dairy for you."</p> + +<p class="normal">The friends heard fragments of the conversation through the door; after +the first words of instruction they went quickly to the window, and +talked aloud about the great accumulation of straw on the top of the +barn, which, according to the Doctor, was a stork's nest, while the +Professor maintained that storks did not build their nests so high. But +intermingled with this talk the Professor said in a low tone: "It is +very uncomfortable for us to continue in this humiliating position. But +we can only convince the proprietor by our perseverance."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Perhaps we may yet discover something," said the Doctor. "I have some +experience in masonry. As a boy I found opportunity while our house was +building, to obtain a fair degree of knowledge in statics and climbing +rafters. It is well that the tyrant leaves us alone. Do you entertain +the daughter, I will meanwhile sound the walls."</p> + +<p class="normal">Whoever has followed an uncertain scent knows full well how difficult +on a near approach are things that at a distance appeared easy. While +at first the deceitful Goddess of Hope paints all favorable chances in +bright colors, the very work of searching raises all possible doubts. +The alluring picture fades, despondency and weariness cast their +shadows across it; and what in the beginning was a happy venture +becomes at last a mere effort of perseverance.</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>CHAPTER IV</i>.</h2> + +<h3>THE OLD HOUSE.</h3> + +<p class="normal">The Proprietor re-entered with his whip in his hand and behind him the +stately maiden of the churchyard. "This is my daughter Ilse; she will +represent me."</p> + +<p class="normal">The friends bowed. It was the same beautiful countenance; but instead +of exalted emotion, there now rested on her features a business-like +dignity. She greeted the gentlemen calmly, and invited them to +breakfast in the next room. She expressed herself simply, but again the +friends listened with admiration to the deep tones of her melodious +voice.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Before you begin your search you must sit down at my table; it is our +custom," said the host, in better humor--on him also the presence of +the daughter had a softening influence, "We meet again at noon." So +saying, he departed.</p> + +<p class="normal">The friends followed into the next room--a large dining-apartment. +There were chairs along the wall; in the middle a long table, at the +upper end of which three covers were laid. The young girl seated +herself between the gentlemen and offered them a cold repast. "When I +saw you in the churchyard, I thought that you would visit my father; +the table has been set for you for some time." The friends ate a +little, and thanked her still more.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I regret that our coming should make such a demand on your time," said +the Professor, gravely.</p> + +<p class="normal">"My task is easy," answered the young girl. "I fear that yours will +give you more trouble. There are many sitting-rooms in the house as +well as bedrooms and attics."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have already told your father," answered the Professor, laughing, +"that it is not our intention to examine the building like masons. Pray +look upon us as curious people who only wish to see this remarkable +house, in so far as it would otherwise be opened to guests."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The house may be considered remarkable by strangers," said Ilse; "we +like it because it is warm and roomy; and when my father had been some +years in possession of the estate, and had the means to do so, he had +the house comfortably arranged to please my deceased mother. We require +plenty of room, as I have six younger brothers and sisters, and it is a +large estate. The overseers of the farm eat with us; then there are the +tutor and Mamselle, and in the servants' hall there are also twenty +people."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor regarded his neighbor with a look of disappointment. What +had become of the Sibyl? She spoke sensibly and very much like a +citizen; with her something might be accomplished.</p> + +<p class="normal">"A$ we are searching for hollow spaces," he began slyly, "we would +rather trust to your guidance, if you would tell us whether there are +any places in the wall, or on the ground, or anywhere here in the +house, that you know of, which could be discovered by knocking?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"O, there are plenty of such places!" answered Ilse. "If one knocks upon +the wall at the back of the small cupboard in my room, it is evident +there is an empty space behind; then there is the flagstone under the +stairs, and many flags in the kitchen, and still more in other parts of +the house, regarding which every one has his conjectures."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor had taken out his memorandum-book and noted the suspicious +places.</p> + +<p class="normal">The inspection of the house began. It was a fine old building; the +walls of the lower story were so thick that the Doctor with extended +arms could not span the depths of the window-niches. He eagerly +undertook the sounding, and began measuring the walls. The cellars were +partly hewn in the rock. In some places the rough stone still +projected, and one could perceive where the wall rested on the rock. +There were vast vaults, the small windows in the top of which were +protected by strong iron bars,--in ancient times a secure refuge +against the shot and assault of the enemy. All was dry and hollow, for +the house was built, as the Doctor had already before so acutely +suggested in speaking of old buildings, with outer and inner walls, and +filled between with rubbish and broken stones. Naturally, therefore, +the walls in many places sounded as hollow as a gourd. The Doctor +knocked, and diligently took note. The knuckles of his hand became +white and swelled, and the number of good places discouraged him.</p> + +<p class="normal">From the cellar they went to the ground-floor. In the kitchen, kettles +and pots were steaming, and the women who were working looked with +curiosity at the demeanor of the strangers, for the Doctor kept +stamping with his heel on the stone floor, and with his hands sounded +the blackened side-wall of the hearth. Behind were store-rooms and the +visitors' rooms. In one of these they found a woman in mourning, +occupied in arranging the beds. It was the mother from the churchyard. +She approached the strangers, and thanked them for having helped to pay +the last honors to her child. The friends spoke kindly to her; she +wiped her eyes with her apron and returned to her work.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I begged her to remain at home to-day," said Ilse, "but she would not. +It would, she thought, be good for her to have something to do, and we +would need her help as you were coming to us."</p> + +<p class="normal">It pleased our scholars to see that by the female members of the house, +at least, they were considered as guests entitled to remain.</p> + +<p class="normal">They went over the other side of the ground-floor, and once more +examined the unpretentious room in which they had been first received. +Behind it lay the private room of the proprietor, a small unadorned +chamber, in which were a closet with shooting and riding gear, and a +shelf for title-deeds and books; over the bed hung a sword and pistols, +and on the writing-table there was a small model of a machine, and +samples of corn and seeds in small bags; against the wall stood, in +military array, gigantic water-boots, Russian leather boots, and +top-boots for riding; and in the further corner half-boots of calf +skin. In the next room they heard a man's voice, and the answers of +children in regular succession.</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is the school-room," said Ilse, smiling. As the door opened, both +solo and chorus stopped. The teacher, a student with an intelligent +face, rose to return the greeting of the newcomers. The children stared +with astonishment at the unexpected interruption. Three boys and three +girls sat at two tables, a vigorous, fair-haired race. "These are +Clara, Luise, Rickchen, Hans, Ernest, and Franz."</p> + +<p class="normal">Clara, a girl of fourteen, almost grown up, and a youthful picture of +her sister, rose with a courtesy. Hans, a sturdy boy, twelve years old, +made an ineffectual attempt at a bow. The others remained standing +straight, staring fixedly at the strangers, and then, as if having +sufficiently performed a tiresome duty, dropped down into their places. +Only little Franz, a rosy-cheeked, curly-headed urchin, seven years +old, remained sitting grimly over his troublesome task, and made use of +the interruption quickly to find in his book something for his next +answer. Ilse stroked his hair, and asked the tutor, "How is he doing +to-day?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"He has studied his lesson."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is too hard," cried Franz, bitterly.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor begged the tutor not to disturb himself, and the journey +recommenced through the bedroom of the boys, and of the tutor, and +again through the store-rooms, the ironing and wardrobe rooms. The +Doctor had long since put his memorandum-book in his pocket.</p> + +<p class="normal">They returned to the main hall, where Ilse pointed out the stone slab +on the step. Once more the Doctor knelt down, tried it, and said +despondingly, "Hollow again." Ilse ascended the staircase.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Up here the girls and I live."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Here, then, our curiosity comes to an end," replied the Professor, +considerately; "you see even my friend abandons the search."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But there is a fine view above; this, at least, you must see," said +their guide. She opened a door. "This is my room." The friends stood on +the threshold. "Come in," said Ilse, unembarrassed. "From this window +you see the road by which you came to us."</p> + +<p class="normal">With hesitation the men approached. This also was an unpretentious +room; there was not even a sofa in it. The walls were painted blue; at +the window was a work-table and some flowers; in a corner was the bed +concealed by white curtains.</p> + +<p class="normal">The friends walked immediately to the window, and looking out saw the +little churchyard and the tops of the oaks, the small town in the +valley, and the rows of trees behind, which ran in curved lines up the +height where the view terminated. The Professor fixed his eyes on the +old wooden church. How much in a few hours had his tone of mind +altered! Glad expectation was followed by the seeming frustration of +their hopes, and yet this disappointment was succeeded by a pleasing +repose.</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is our road into the outer world," indicated Ilse; "we often +look in that direction when father has been on a journey and we are +expecting him, or when we hope for some good news by the postman. And +when frequently our brother Franz tells how he will go into the world +when a man, away from his father and family, he thinks that the +roads there will always look like our footpath bordered with its +willow-trees."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Is Franz the pet?" asked the Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"He is my baby-brother; we lost our good mother while he was still a +mere infant. The poor child never knew his mother; and once when he +dreamt of her, the other children maintained that he had changed her +into me, for she wore my dress and my straw hat. This is the cupboard +in the wall," she said, sorrowfully, pointing to a wooden door. The +friends followed in silence, without looking at the cupboard. She +stopped before the adjoining room, and opened the door: "This was my +mother's room, it is unaltered, just as she left it; our father +generally spends some time here on Sundays."</p> + +<p class="normal">"We cannot allow you to lead us any further," said the Professor. "I +cannot tell you how painful I feel our position in regard to you to be. +Forgive us this indelicate intrusion upon your privacy."</p> + +<p class="normal">"If you do not wish to see the house further," answered Ilse, with a +look of gratitude, "I will gladly take you into our garden, and through +the farmyard. Father will not be pleased if I withhold anything from +you."</p> + +<p class="normal">A back door led from the hall into the garden; the flower-beds were +edged with box, and filled with summer flowers--the old indigenous +plants of gardens. Vines climbed up the house, as far as the windows of +the upper story, and the green grapes everywhere peeped through the +bright foliage. A hedge of quickset separated the flower-beds from the +kitchen-garden, where, besides vegetables, there were hops climbing up +high poles. Further on, a large orchard, with a fine lawn, sloped down +into the valley. There was nothing remarkable to be seen here; the +flower-beds were in straight lines; the fruit trees stood in rows; the +venerable box and hedge were stiffly trimmed, and without gaps. The +friends looked back constantly over beds and flowers to the house, and +admired the brown walls showing through the soft foliage of the vine, +as well as the stonework of the windows and gables.</p> + +<p class="normal">"In the time of our forefathers it was a sovereigns' residence," +explained Ilse, "and they used to come here every year to hunt. But now +nothing but the dark wood back there belongs to him. In it is a +shooting-box, where the head-forester resides. Our Sovereign seldom +comes into the district. It is a long time since we have seen our dear +prince, and we live like poor orphans."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Is he considered a good ruler?" asked the Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"We do not know much about him; but we believe that he is good. Many +years ago, when I was yet a child, he once breakfasted at our house, +because there was no convenient place in Rossau. Then I was surprised +that he wore no red mantle; and he patted me on the head, and gave me +the good advice to grow, which I have honestly followed. It is said +that he will come again this year to hunt. If he stops with us again, +the old house must put on its best attire, and there will be hot cheeks +in the kitchen."</p> + +<p class="normal">While they were walking peaceably among the fruit trees, a clear-toned +bell sounded from the farmyard. "That is the call to dinner," said +Ilse. "I will take you to your room; the maid will show you to the +dining-room."</p> + +<p class="normal">The friends found their valises in the visitors' room, and were shortly +after summoned by a gentle knock at the door, and conducted into the +dining-room. There the proprietor was awaiting them, together with +half-a-dozen sun-burnt officials of the farm, the Mamselle, the tutor, +and the children. When they entered, the Proprietor spoke to his +daughter in a window-niche; the daughter probably gave a favorable +report of them, for he came toward them with unclouded countenance, and +said in his abrupt way, "I hope you will put up with our fare." He then +introduced the strangers to those present, calling them by their names, +and adding, "two gentlemen from the University." Every one stood behind +his chair, placed according to his station and age. The Proprietor took +the head of the table, next him Ilse; on the other side the Professor +and Doctor; then on both sides the farm officials, after them, the +Mamselle and the girls, the tutor and the boys. Little Franz approached +his seat at the lower end of the table, folded his hands and +monotonously pronounced a short grace. Then all the chairs were drawn +forward at the same moment, and two maids in peasant costume brought in +the dishes. It was a simple meal; a bottle of wine was placed between +the strangers; the host, his family, and the dependants drank a dark, +golden beer.</p> + +<p class="normal">Silently and zealously each one fell to; only at the upper end of the +table was there any conversation. The friends expressed to the +Proprietor the pleasure that the house and its surroundings afforded +them; and the host laughed ironically when the Doctor praised the thick +walls of the structure. Then the talk rambled on to the surrounding +country, and the dialect and character of the peasantry.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It has struck me again to-day," said the Professor, "with what +suspicion the peasants regard us city folks. They regard our language, +manners, and habits as those of another race; and when I see what the +agricultural laborer has in common with the so-called educated classes, +I feel painfully that it is much too little."</p> + +<p class="normal">"And whose fault is it," retorted the host, "but that of the educated +classes? Do not take it amiss, if I tell you, as a simple man, that +this high cultivation pleases me as little as the ignorance and +stubbornness which surprises you in our country people. You yourselves, +for example, make a long journey, in order to find an old forgotten +manuscript which was written by an educated man in a nation that has +passed away. But I ask what have millions of men, who speak the same +language as you, are of the same race, and live near you, what have +they gained by all the learning that you have acquired for yourselves +and small numbers of wealthy people of leisure? When you speak to my +laborers, they do not understand you. If you wished to speak to them of +your learning, my farm hands would stand before you like savages. Is +that a sound state of affairs? I tell you, so long as this lasts, we +are not a well-conditioned people."</p> + +<p class="normal">"If your words are meant as a reproach to my vocation," answered the +Professor, "you are unjust; for we are now actively employed in making +the discoveries of the learned accessible to the people. That much more +should be done in this direction, I do not deny. But at all periods +serious scientific investigations, even when only intelligible to a +very small circle, have exercised an invisible influence on the souls +and lives of the people in general. These scientific investigations +develop the language, give certain tendencies to thought, gradually +evolve customs, ethics, and laws, according to the needs of every age. +Not only practical inventions and increasing wealth are facilitated by +them; but also, what surely will not seem less important to you, the +ideas of man about his own life, the manner in which he performs his +duty toward others, the feeling with which he regards truth and +falsehood,--for all this each one of us is indebted to the erudition of +the nation, no matter how little interest he may take in the various +investigations. And let me use an old simile. Science is like a great +fire that must be incessantly maintained in a nation, because flint and +steel are unknown to them. I am one of those whose duty it is +constantly to throw fresh logs into the burning mass. It is the task of +others to carry the holy flame throughout the land, to the villages and +cottages. Every one whose object it is to diffuse that light, has his +rights, and no one should think meanly of another."</p> + +<p class="normal">"There is some truth in that," said the host thoughtfully.</p> + +<p class="normal">"If the great fire does not burn," continued the Professor, "the single +flames could not be spread. And, believe me, what most strengthens and +elevates an honorable man of learning in the most difficult +investigations, is the fact, confirmed by long experience, that his +labors will in the end conduce to the benefit of mankind. They do not +always help to invent new machines, nor discover new plants for +cultivation, but they are nevertheless effective for all, when they +teach what is true and untrue, beautiful and ugly, good and bad. In +this sense they make millions freer, and therefore better."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I see at least by your words," said the host, "that you hold your +vocation in high esteem; and I like that, for it is the characteristic +of an honest man."</p> + +<p class="normal">This conversation produced a pleasant frame of mind in both men. The +Inspector rose, and in a moment all the chairs of the farm dignitaries +were pushed back, and the children and most of the party left the room. +Only the host, Ilse, and the guests sat together for a few moments +longer in pleasant conversation. Then they went into the next room, +where coffee was prepared. Ilse poured it out, while the Proprietor +from his seat scrutinized the unexpected guests.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor set the empty cup down and began: "Our task here is +ended, and we have to thank you for a hospitable reception. But I do +not like to part without once more reminding you--"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Why should you go?" interrupted the Proprietor. "You have had a long +journey to-day; you will not find either in the town or in the +neighboring villages any respectable lodging, and, in the pressure of +the harvest, perhaps not even a conveyance. Pray be contented to pass +the night here; we have, besides, to resume our conversation of this +morning," he added, good-humoredly, "and I am anxious to come to a good +understanding before we part. Will you accompany me for a while into +the field, where my presence is required? When I ride to the distant +part of the farm, Ilse will take my place. In the evening we will have +a little sensible talk together."</p> + +<p class="normal">The friends readily agreed to this proposal. The three men walked +through the field engaged in genial conversation. The Professor was +interested to see the large ears of a new variety of barley, which grew +very densely, and the Proprietor spoke thoughtfully of this new species +of corn. They stopped where the laborers were busy. Then the overseer +handed his report to the Proprietor, after which they crossed the +stubble to the sheaves. The Proprietor glanced quickly over the +gathered shocks, the industrious people, and the patient horses in the +harvest wagons; the friends observed with interest the intercourse +between the master of the property and his subordinates and laborers; +the short orders and pertinent answers; the zeal and cheerful aspect of +the working-people when they announced the number of the sheaves, all +well-behaved, industrious, and acting in unison. They returned with a +feeling of respect for the man who ruled his little domain so firmly. +On their way back they stopped to look at the foals that were gamboling +about in a meadow behind the barns, and when the Doctor praised, above +all, two galloping browns, it appeared that he had admired the best +horses, and the Proprietor smiled upon him benignantly. At the entrance +to the farmyard a groom brought a riding-horse, a powerful black, with +strong limbs and broad chest: the Doctor stroked the horse's neck, and +the Proprietor examined the straps. "I am a heavy rider," he said, "and +need a strong animal." He swung himself heavily into the saddle, and, +taking off his cap, said, "We meet again in the evening." And stately +did horse and rider look, as they trotted along the road through the +field.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The young lady awaits you," said the groom; "I am to escort you to +her."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Have we made any progress or not?" asked the Doctor, laughing, and +taking hold of his friend's arm.</p> + +<p class="normal">"A struggle has begun," answered the friend seriously, "and who can say +what will be the result?"</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse was sitting in an arbor of honeysuckle in the garden, surrounded +by the children. It was a pleasant sight to see the young fair-haired +family together. The girls sat by their sister; the boys ran around the +arbor playing, with their afternoon luncheon in their hands. Seven +fresh, well-formed faces, as like each other as blossoms on the same +tree, yet each developing itself at a different period of life, from +Franz, whose round child's head resembled a blooming bud, to the +beautiful, full-blown face and figure that sat in the centre, brightly +lighted up by the glancing rays of the sun. Again were the hearts of +the friends thrilled by the appearance of the girl and the sound of her +voice, as she tenderly scolded little Franz because he had knocked the +bread and butter out of his brother's hands. Again did the children +stare suspiciously at the strangers, but the Doctor ignored the +ceremonial of first acquaintance by taking Franz by the legs and +placing him on his shoulders, seating himself with his rider in the +arbor. The little lad sat for a few moments on his elevation quite +surprised, and the children laughed aloud at his round eyes looking so +frightened at the stranger's head between his little legs. But the +laughter of the others gave him courage, and he began to pummel lustily +with his feet, and to brandish his bread triumphantly round the locks +of the stranger. Thus the acquaintance was made; a few minutes later, +the Doctor went with the children through the garden, allowing himself +to be chased, and trying to catch the shouting crew between the +flower-beds.</p> + +<p class="normal">"If you like, we will go where you can obtain the best view of our +house," said Ilse, to the Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">Surrounded by the children they walked along the road that led to the +church. A winding footpath ran down to the bottom, where a strip of +meadow bordered the bubbling brook. From this deep dell they ascended +some hundred steps. Before them rose from the copse a huge rock; they +passed round it and stood by a stone grotto. The rock formed the portal +and walls of a cave which penetrated about ten paces into the hill. The +ground was level, covered with white sand; bramble-bushes and wild +roses hung down over the entrance; in the midst of them grew a large +bush of willow-rose; it hung with its thick blossoms like a plume of +red feathers over the rocky arch of the grotto. The trace of an old +wall on the side showed that the cave had once been a refuge either for +the oppressed or the lawless; at the entrance lay a stone, the upper +surface of which had been smoothed for a seat; in the obscure light of +the background stood a stone bench.</p> + +<p class="normal">"There is our house," said Ilse, pointing over the valley to the height +where the gables rose behind the fruit trees of the garden. "It is so +near that a loud call would be heard here."</p> + +<p class="normal">The friends looked from the twilight of the cave into the bright light +of day, on the stone house and the trees which stood below it.</p> + +<p class="normal">"All is quiet in the wood," continued Ilse; "even the voice of the +birds has ceased; they have left their nests for the harvest fields, +where they congregate in flocks."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I hear a gentle murmur, like the gurgling of water," said the +Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"A stream runs over the stones below," explained Ilse. "Now it is +scanty, but in the spring much water collects from the hills. Then the +sound of the rushing water becomes loud, and the brook courses wildly +over the stones; it covers the meadows below, fills the whole valley, +and rises up to the copse-wood. But in warm weather this is a pleasant +resting-place for us all. When my father bought the estate the cave was +overgrown, the entrance choked up with stones and earth, and it was the +abode of owls. He had it opened and cleared."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor examined the cave with curiosity, and struck the red rock +with his cane. Ilse standing apart watched him with troubled look. "Now +he is beginning his search," she thought.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is all old stone," she exclaimed.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor had been clambering outside the cave with the children. He +now freed himself from Hans, who had just confided to him that among +the thick alder bushes there was the empty nest of a mountain titmouse.</p> + +<p class="normal">"This must be a wonderful place for the legends of the country," he +exclaimed, with delight; "there cannot be a more charming home for the +spirits of the valley."</p> + +<p class="normal">"People talk absurd stuff about it," rejoined Ilse, with a tone of +disapprobation. "They say that little dwarfs dwell here, and that their +footsteps can be perceived in the sand, yet the sand was first brought +here by my father. Nevertheless, the people are frightened, and when +evening comes the women and children of the laborers do not like to +pass it. But they conceal this from us, as my father cannot bear +superstition."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The dwarfs are evidently not in favor with you," answered the Doctor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"As there are none, we ought not to believe in them," replied Ilse, +eagerly. "Men ought to believe what the Bible teaches; not in wild +beings that, as they say in the village, fly through the wood in the +night. Lately an old woman was ill in a neighboring village, no one +would bring her any food, and they disgracefully rejoiced in her +sickness because they thought the poor woman could change herself into +a black cat and injure the cattle. When we first heard of it, the woman +was in danger of dying of starvation. This idle talk is therefore +wicked."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor had meanwhile noted down the dwarfs in his note-book; but he +looked dissatisfied at Ilse, who, speaking from the dusk in the rear of +the cave, resembled a legendary figure.</p> + +<p class="normal">"She does not object to sly Jacob, who deceived his blind father by +putting kid skins on his arms; but our fairy-lore is distasteful to +her."</p> + +<p class="normal">He put his note-book up again and went with Hans after the titmouse.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor had, with amusement, observed the secret vexation of his +friend; but Ilse turned to him, saying:</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am surprised that your friend takes note of such stories; it is not +right, such things should be forgotten."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You know that he himself does not believe in them," answered the +Professor, in mitigation. "What he searches for are only the traditions +of the people. For these legends originated in a time when our whole +nation believed in these spirits, as they do now the teachings of the +Bible. He collects these reminiscences in order to ascertain what was +the faith and poetry of our ancestors."</p> + +<p class="normal">The maiden was silent. Then after a time she said:</p> + +<p class="normal">"This also, then, is connected with your labors."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is," replied the Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is good to listen to you," continued Ilse, "for your mode of speech +is different from ours. Formerly when it was said of any one, he speaks +like a book, I thought it was a reproach; but there is no doubt that +this is the correct expression, and it gives one pleasure to listen."</p> + +<p class="normal">Thus saying, with her large open eyes she looked from the interior of +the grotto at the Scholar, who stood in the entrance leaning against +the stone, brightly lighted up by the rays of the sun.</p> + +<p class="normal">"There are, however, many books that talk badly," answered the +Professor, smiling; "and nothing tires one so much as lengthy +book-wisdom from living mouths."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, yes," acquiesced Ilse. "We have an acquaintance, a learned woman, +Mrs. Rollmaus. When she visits us on Sundays, she places herself on the +sofa, and begins a discourse with my father. He cannot escape her, turn +which way he will, she knows how to pin him down by talking about the +English and Circassians, comets and poets. But the children discovered +she had a cyclopedia for conversation, from which she gathers it all; +and when anything happens in the country, or the newspapers make a +noise about anything, she reads in the cyclopedia what bears upon it. +We have procured the same book, and when her visit is impending, we +think over what subject is then uppermost. Then the children look out +and read this beforehand, Saturday evenings; and our father also +listens and himself looks at the book, and the next day the children +are delighted that father vanquishes the lady by means of her own book; +for our book is a newer edition, and has new events in it of which she +knows little."</p> + +<p class="normal">"So Sunday is the time when we can win honors here," said the +Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"In winter we meet often during the week," continued Ilse. "But there +is not much intercourse in the neighborhood; and if we sometimes chance +to have a visitor who leaves some pleasant thoughts behind, we are +grateful and preserve them faithfully."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yet the best thoughts are those which come to men through their own +exertions," said the Professor, kindly. "The little that I have seen on +the estate here tells me how beautifully life can thrive, even when far +removed from the noisy bustle of the world."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That was a kindly speech," exclaimed Ilse. "But we are not lonely +here; and we do interest ourselves about our countrymen, and about the +great world. When the neighboring proprietors come to visit, not a word +is said about the farm, and amusing subjects are talked of. Then there +is our dear Pastor, who tells us about things in foreign parts, and +reads the newspapers that are taken by my father with us. And when +there are applications in them for contributions to serve a good +object, the children are liberal, and each gives his mite from his +savings, but our father gives abundantly. And Hans, as the eldest, +collects, and has the right to pack up the money, and in the +accompanying letter he sets down the initial of the name of each that +has contributed. Then afterwards there comes a printed receipt, when +each looks for his own initial. Often a wrong one has been printed, and +this vexes the children."</p> + +<p class="normal">From the distance they heard the cries and laughter of the children, +who were returning with the Doctor from their excursion. The girl rose, +the Professor approached her, and said with much feeling:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Whenever my thoughts revert to this day, it will be with a feeling of +heartfelt gratitude for the manner in which you have so honestly spoken +of your happy life to a stranger."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse looked at him with innocent confidence.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You are not a stranger to me; for I saw you at the child's grave."</p> + +<p class="normal">The joyous troop surrounded them both, and they proceeded further into +the valley.</p> + +<p class="normal">It was evening when they returned to the house where the proprietor was +already awaiting them. After supper the elders passed another hour +together. The strangers gave an account of their tour, and told the +last news from the world; and then there was conversation on politics, +and Ilse rejoiced that her father and the strangers agreed so well on +the subject. When the cuckoo on the house dock proclaimed that it was +ten, they separated with a friendly good-night.</p> + +<p class="normal">The housemaid lighted the strangers to their bedroom. Ilse sat on a +chair with her hands folded on her lap, looking silently before her. +After a short time the proprietor came from his room and took the +bedroom candle from the table.</p> + +<p class="normal">"What! Still up, Ilse? How do the strangers please you?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Very much, father," said the maiden, gently.</p> + +<p class="normal">"They are not such simpletons as they look," said the host, pacing to +and fro. "What he said of the great fire was right," he repeated, "and +that about our little governments was also right. The younger would +have made a good schoolmaster; and as for the tall one, by heaven it is +a shame that he has not worn jack-boots these four years; he would be a +clever inspector. Good-night, Ilse."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Good-night, father." The daughter rose and followed her father to the +door. "Do the strangers remain here to-morrow, father?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Hum," said the host, meditating. "They will remain for dinner at all +events; I will show them over the farm. See that you have something +nice for dinner."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Father, the Professor has never in his life eaten roast pig," said the +daughter.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Ilse, what are you thinking of? My pig for the sake of Tacitus!" +exclaimed the Proprietor. "No, I cannot stand that; be content with +your poultry. Stop! Just hand me the volume of the encyclopedia +lettered T, I want to read up about that fellow."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Here, father; I know where it is."</p> + +<p class="normal">"See! See!" said the father, "just like Mrs. Rollmaus. Good-night."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor looked through the window into the dark court. Sleep and +peace lay over the wide space; from a distance sounded the tread of the +watchman who went his rounds through the homestead, and then the +suppressed howl of the farm dog.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Here we are," he said, at last, "two genuine adventurers in the +enemy's fortress. Whether we shall carry anything away from it, is very +doubtful," he continued, looking significantly at his friend, with a +smile.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is doubtful," said the Professor, measuring the room with long +strides.</p> + +<p class="normal">"What is the matter with you, Felix?" asked Fritz, anxiously, after a +pause; "you are very absentminded, which is not usually your way."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor stood still.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have nothing to tell you. I have strong but confused feelings, which +I am trying to control. I fear I have this day received an impression +against which a sensible man should guard himself. Ask me nothing +further, Fritz," he continued, pressing his hand vehemently. "I do not +feel unhappy."</p> + +<p class="normal">Fritz, deeply troubled, placed himself on his bed, and looked for a +boot-jack.</p> + +<p class="normal">"How does our host please you?" he asked, in a low tone, and, in order +to appear unconcerned, tapping with his foot on the floor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"A worthy man," answered the Professor, again stopping, "but his manner +is different from what we are accustomed to."</p> + +<p class="normal">"He is of old Saxon origin," the Doctor proceeded, "broad shoulders, +giant height, open countenance, solidity in every movement. The +children also are of the same type," he continued; "the daughter is +somewhat of a Thusnelda."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The similitude does not apply," rejoined the Professor, roughly, +continuing his walk.</p> + +<p class="normal">Fritz drew off the second boot in a slightly discordant mood.</p> + +<p class="normal">"How does the eldest boy please you? He has the bright hair of his +sister."</p> + +<p class="normal">"No comparison," said the Professor, again laconically.</p> + +<p class="normal">Fritz placed both boots before the bed, and himself upon it, and said +with decision:</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am ready to respect your humor, even when I cannot quite understand +it; but I beg you to take into consideration that we have forced +ourselves on the hospitality of these people, and that we ought not to +take advantage of it beyond to morrow morning."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Fritz," cried the Professor, with deep feeling, "you are my dear, true +friend; have patience with me to-day!" So saying, he turned round, and +breaking off the conversation, approached the window.</p> + +<p class="normal">Fritz was almost beside himself with anxiety. This noble man, so +confident in all he wrote, so full of deliberation, and so firm in +decision, even with regard to the obscurest passages--and now some +emotion was working in him which shook his whole being. How could this +man be so disturbed? He could look back with majestic clearness on a +past of many thousand years, and now he was standing at a window +looking at a cow-stable, and something like a sigh sounded through the +room. And what was to come of it? These thoughts occupied incessantly +the Doctor's mind.</p> + +<p class="normal">Long did the Professor pace up and down the room; Fritz feigned to +sleep, but kept peeping from under the bedclothes at his excited +friend. At last the Professor extinguished the light and threw himself +on his bed. Soon his deep breathing showed that beneficent nature had +softened the pulses of that beating heart. But the Doctor's anxiety +held its ground more pertinaciously. From time to time he raised his +head from his pillow, searched for his spectacles on the nearest chair, +without which he could not see the Professor, and spied through them at +the other bed, again took off his spectacles, and lay down on the +pillow with a gentle sigh. This act of friendship he repeated many +times, till at last he fell into a deep sleep, shortly before the +sparrows sang their morning song in the vine-arbor beneath.</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>CHAPTER V</i>.</h2> + +<h3>AMONG HERDS AND SHEAVES.</h3> + +<p class="normal">The friends on awakening heard the clock in the courtyard striking, the +wagons rolling before the window, and the bells of the herds tinkling. +For a moment they looked bewildered at the walls of the strange room, +and through the window out on the sunny garden. While the Doctor wrote +his memoranda and packed up his bundle, the Professor walked out. The +daily work had long begun; the men with their teams were gone to the +field; the Inspector hastened busily about the open barns; encircled by +the dogs, the bleating sheep thronged before the stable.</p> + +<p class="normal">The landscape shone in the light of a cloudless sky. The mist hovered +over the earth, subduing the clear light of the morning sun, blending +it with a delicate grey. The houses and trees still cast long shadows, +the coolness of the dewy night still lingered in shady places, and the +soft, light breeze fanned the cheeks of the Scholar, now with the +warmth of the early daylight, now with the refreshing breath of night.</p> + +<p class="normal">He walked about the buildings and the farmyard in order to acquaint +himself with the place, of which henceforth he was to have mingled +recollections in his soul. The persons who dwelt here had with some +hesitation disclosed their life to him, and much in their simple +pastoral existence appeared to him pleasing and attractive. The +influences that here produced activity and energy could everywhere be +seen. The tasks for each one and the duties for each day grew in the +soil of the farm and the surrounding country. Their views of life and +of the world were all in accordance with their surroundings. He felt +keenly how worthily and happily men could live whose life was so firmly +interwoven with nature and the primitive necessities of man. But for +himself his life was regulated by other influences, was actuated by the +thousand impressions of ancient and modern times, and not unfrequently +by the forms and circumstances of the distant past. For a man's doings +in life are more to him than the passing labor of the day, and all that +he has done continues to work within him as a living principle. The +naturalist, whose desire for rare plants impels him to the towering +mountain-top, whence return is impossible; the soldier, whose +recollection of the excitement of old battles impels him into new +combats--these are both led by the power of thoughts which their past +lives have made a part of their being. Man, it is true, is not the +slave of what he has done, if he has not stooped to a lower level; his +will is free, he chooses as he likes, and casts off what he does not +care to preserve; but the forms and ideas that have entered into his +soul work on and guide him unceasingly; he has often to guard himself +against their mastery, but in a thousand cases he joyfully follows +their gentle guidance. All that was and all that is continues far +beyond his mere earthly existence in every new being into which it +penetrates. It may influence millions, for ages--ennobling, elevating, +or degrading individuals and nations. Thus the spirits of the past, the +forces of nature, even our own actions and thoughts become an +inalienable, component part of the soul, influencing our lives. The +learned man smiled as he thus thought how the strange, old +reminiscences of thousands of years had brought him among these country +people, and how differently the different activity and occupation of +the man who ruled here, had shaped his mind and judgment.</p> + +<p class="normal">Amid these thoughts the lowing of the cattle sounded softly from the +stalls. Looking up, he saw a number of maids carrying full milk-pails +to the dairy. Behind them went Ilse, in a simple morning dress; +her fair hair shone in the sun like spun gold, and her step was brisk +and vigorous like the early morn. The Professor felt shy about +approaching her; his eyes followed her thoughtfully; she also was one +of the forms that henceforth was to live within him, the ideal of his +dreams--perhaps of his wishes. For how long? and how powerfully? He did +not realize that his Roman emperors were to aid in answering this +question within the next hour.</p> + +<p class="normal">The proprietor came across the farm-yard and, greeting the Professor, +invited him to take a short walk into the fields. As the two walked +together--both able men, and yet so different in face and figure, in +mind and manners--many would have noted the contrast with deep +interest, and Ilse not last among them. But no one that did not have +the eyes of a treasure-seeker or exorcist could perceive how different +were the invisible retinues of tiny spirits that flitted round the +temples and shoulders of each,--comparable to swarms of countless birds +or bees. The spirits that attended the farmer were in homely working +garb, blue blouses and fluttering bandanas, among them a few forms in +the misty robes of Faith, Hope, and Charity. On the other hand, round +the Professor swarmed an invisible throng of foreign phantoms with +togas, and antique helmets, in purple robes and Greek chlamys, athletes +also--some with bundles of rods and winged hats. The little retinue of +the Proprietor flew incessantly over the fields and back again; the +swarm round the Professor remained steadily by him. At last the +proprietor stopped at one particular field; he looked at it with great +delight, and mentioned that he had here succeeded by deep ploughing in +growing green lupines, then newly introduced into cultivation. The +Professor seemed surprised; among his spirit-retinue there arose a +confused stir; one of the small antique spirits flew to the nearest +clod of earth and fastened thereto a delicate web which it had spun +from the head of the Professor. Whereupon the Professor told his +companion how deep ploughing for green lupines had been the custom of +the Romans, and how rejoiced he was that now after more than a thousand +years this old discovery had been brought to light again in our +farming. They then spoke of the change in agriculture, and the +Professor mentioned how striking it was that three hundred years after +the beginning of our era, the corn exchanges at the harbors of the +Black Sea and Asia Minor were so similar to those of Hamburg and London +in modern days, while at present other agricultural produce was +principally cultivated in the East. Finally, he told him of a grain +tariff that was imposed by a Roman emperor, and that unfortunately the +price of wheat and barley, the two products on which then depended +other prices and duties, were effaced from the stone tablet that had +been preserved. And he explained why this loss was so much to be +lamented. Then the heart of the host began to expand, and he assured +the Professor that the fact need not be lamented, for the lost value +might be fixed from the price of the remaining products bearing straw +and husk, because the prices of all agricultural produce taken as a +whole bore a firm and ancient ratio among each other. He gave this +relation of their productive value in figures, and the Professor +discovered with joyful astonishment that they agreed with the tariff of +his old Emperor Diocletian.</p> + +<p class="normal">While the men were carrying on this desultory conversation, a +mischievous wide-awake spirit, probably the Emperor Diocletian himself, +flew from the Professor, made his way through the peasant spirits of +the proprietor, placed himself in his purple robe on the head of the +master, stamped with his little feet on his skull; and impressed the +farmer with the belief that the Professor was a sensible and worthy +man, who might give him further information on the value and price of +agricultural produce. It also pleased the Proprietor much that he could +give the learned gentleman instruction in his own department.</p> + +<p class="normal">When, at the end of an hour, the two strollers returned to the house, +the Proprietor stopped at the door and said with some solemnity to the +Professor, "When I brought you here yesterday, I little knew whom I had +with me. It grieves me that I greeted so inhospitably a man like you. +Your acquaintance has become a pleasure to me; it is rare to meet with +a person with whom one can speak about everything as one can with you. +As you are traveling for recreation, pray be pleased to pass some time +with us simple folk--the longer the better. It is indeed not a season +when a country host can make the house agreeable to his guests, so you +must be content. If you wish to work, and require books, you may have +them brought here; and pray observe whether the Romans had winter +barley which was lighter than ours. Do me the honor of accepting my +invitation." So saying, he cordially extended his hand to his guest. +The Professor's countenance beamed with delight; he eagerly clasped the +hand of his friendly host. "If you are willing to keep me and my friend +a few days longer, I accept your invitation with all my heart. I must +tell you that the insight into a new circle of human interests is most +valuable to me, but still more so the kindness with which you have +treated us."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Settled!" exclaimed the Proprietor, cheerfully; "now we will call your +friend."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor opened his door. When the Proprietor warmly repeated the +invitation to him, he looked for a moment earnestly at his friend, and +when the latter gave him a friendly nod, he also accepted for the few +days which were still free before the promised visit to his relatives. +Thus it happened that the Emperor Diocletian, fifteen hundred years +after he had unvoluntarily left the world, exercised his tyrannical +power over the Professor and Proprietor. Whether there were other +ancient powers actively working in secret, is not ascertained.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse listened silently to her father's information that the gentlemen +would be his guests some time longer, but her look fell so bright and +warm on the strangers that they rejoiced in being welcomed by her also.</p> + +<p class="normal">From this hour they were introduced into the household as old +acquaintances, and both, though they had never lived in the country, +felt it indispensable, and as if they had returned to a home in which +years before they had once bustled about. It was a busy life there, and +yet, even when work was most pressing and earnest, there was a cheerful +repose about it. Without much ado they all worked in unison. The +daylight was the supreme patron, who, at its rise, called to work, and +when extinguished, gave rest to weary limbs; the laborers looked up to +the sky to measure their hours of work, and the sun and the clouds +influenced their frame of mind, sometimes inducing comfort and +sometimes anxiety. Slowly and gently, as nature draws the blossoms out +of the earth and matures the fruits, did the feelings of these men grow +into blossoms and fruits. In peaceful relations the workers passed +their lives. Small impressions, such as a few kind words or a friendly +look, sufficed to entwine a firm bond round these various natures--a +bond woven with invisible threads; but which attained a strength +sufficient to last through a whole life.</p> + +<p class="normal">The friends also felt the influence of the peace, daily activity, and +small events of the country. Only when they looked toward the old house +and thought of the hope which had led them hither, did something of +the disquiet come over them which children feel when expecting a +Christmas-box; and the quiet work of their fancy threw a brilliant +light over all that belonged to the house, even down to the barking +Nero, who, as early as the second day, expressed by the vehement +wagging of his tail, his wish to be taken into their fellowship at +table.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor did not fail to remark how strongly his friend was attracted +by this quiet life, and with what tact he adapted himself to the +inhabitants of the house. The Proprietor, before he rode to the distant +part of the farm, brought him some agricultural books, and spoke to him +of the different varieties of grain, and the Professor answered him +modestly, as became a young gentleman in top-boots, and immersed +himself forthwith in these new interests. Also between Ilse and the +Professor there was an evident understanding, the cause of which +occasioned the Doctor some disquiet. When the Professor spoke to her, +it was with deep respect, both in voice and look, and Ilse always +turned by preference to him, and was quietly but incessantly +endeavoring to give him pleasure. When at table he picked up her +handkerchief, he handed it to her with a respectful bow as to a +princess. When she handed him his cup he looked as happy as if he had +discovered the secret meaning of some difficult passage in an author. +Then in the evening, when he sat with the father in the garden and Ilse +came behind them from the house, his countenance brightened up, though +he had not yet seen her. When she distributed to the children their +supper, and was obliged to scold little Franz for being naughty, the +Professor suddenly looked as dismal as if he himself were a boy whom +the displeasure of his sister was to improve. These observations set +the Doctor a-thinking.</p> + +<p class="normal">Furthermore, when, shortly after study-time Hans proposed to the Doctor +to play a friendly game of blind-man's-buff, Fritz assumed, as a matter +of course, that the Professor would in the meantime converse with the +father in the arbor, and he never dreamed of asking anything so +extravagant of his learned friend as to join in the game. How +astonished then was he when Ilse, having folded the handkerchief, +approached the Professor, requested him to be blinded first, and +he, the Professor, looked quite happy at the idea, offered his head +gently--like a lamb to the sacrifice--to be covered, and allowed +himself to be led by Ilse into the midst of the circle of little +rompers. Noisily did the swarm circle round the Professor; the impudent +children pulled him by the flaps of his coat, even Ilse contrived to +lay hold of a button and draw him gently by it. This put him in a state +of excitement; he felt about with his hands, and minded no attacks of +the assaulting children, only seeking to seize the fair offender; and +when he did not succeed, he kept poking about with his sticks and +groping like the blind singer Demodokus to catch a Phæacian. Now, at +last, he hit exactly upon Ilse, but she passed the end of the stick to +her sister, and Clara whistled on it, but he exclaimed, "Fräulein +Ilse!" She was delighted that he had guessed wrong, and he looked much +puzzled.</p> + +<p class="normal">Other games followed, in all of which the Professor showed such +dexterity that the children were quite enchanted, though Franz called +out indignantly that he did not strike Ilse hard enough when he had the +knotted handkerchief. Ilse, however, took the handkerchief, and, much +to the Scholar's astonishment and delight, struck him heartily over the +shoulders.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor joined in the sports, and looked with pleasure at the +movements of the wild maidens in the games; and when Ilse stood by a +tree and laid hold of a branch with her hand in order to support +herself, her glowing face wreathed by the leaves of the nut-tree, she +looked so lovely and happy that the Doctor was also enchanted.</p> + +<p class="normal">In such a bacchanalian mood it was not to be wondered at that the +Professor at last called upon Hans to run a race twice around the +square. Amidst the shouts of the children Hans lost the race, because +he had as he sturdily maintained the inner side of the square, but the +others scouted at any such excuse. As the runners dashed up to the +arbor. Ilse handed to the Professor his great coat, which she had +meanwhile fetched from the coat-rack in the hall. "It is late, you must +not take cold while with us." It was not at all late, but he put on the +coat at once, buttoned it up from top to bottom, and, with a look of +satisfaction, shook his opponent Hans by the shoulder. Afterwards they +all sat down again in the arbor, in order to cool themselves. Here, at +the vociferous demands of the little ones, a thaler was passed round +while a song was sung, and the more observant part of the family loudly +declared that the thaler had twice fallen to the ground between Ilse +and the Professor, because they had not passed it firmly enough into +each other's hands. By this game the love of song was awakened among +the young people, and great and small sang together as loud as they +could, such songs as had become familiar to them--"On the Cool Banks of +the Saal," "Song of the Cloak," and the catch of "The Bells of +Capernaum," After that Ilse and Clara, at the request of the Doctor, +sang a folk-song, very simple and unadorned, and perhaps on that +account the melancholy style touched the heart, so that after the song +all were quiet, and the strangers appeared much moved till the +Proprietor called upon the guests to contribute their share. The +Professor, recovering from his emotion, began immediately to sing, in a +rich-toned bass, "In a deep, damp cellar I sat," so that the boys in +their enthusiasm drank up the remains of their glasses of milk and +clinked them on the table. Again the company broke out into a chorus; +they began the dear old song, "What is the German Fatherland," so far +as they knew the verses, and in conclusion they attempted "Lützow's +Wild Charge." The Doctor, as an experienced chorus-singer, carried the +melody beautifully through the most difficult passages, and the refrain +sounded wonderfully in the calm evening air; the tones passed along the +vine arbor and wall, and over the top of the fruit trees up to the +thicket of the nearest hill, and came back from thence as an echo.</p> + +<p class="normal">After this masterpiece the children's party broke up, and they were +unwillingly taken by Ilse to the house, but the men continued in +conversation a little longer; they had laughed and sung together, and +became confidential. The Proprietor spoke of his early days, how he had +tried his luck here and there, and at last had established himself +firmly in this place. The struggle of daily life had been weary and +toilsome; he gladly called it to mind at this hour, and spoke of it +with the good sense of an energetic man.</p> + +<p class="normal">Thus passed the second day on the estate--beneath sun and stars, +amongst the sheaves and the herds.</p> + +<p class="normal">The following morning the Professor was awaked by the loud noise of the +feathered farmyard denizens; the cock flew upon a stone beneath the +window of the visitor's room, and sounded his morning clarion +imperiously; the hens and young chickens stood in a circle round him, +and endeavored to practice the same art; in between the sparrows +chirruped loud, then the doves flew up and cooed their song, at last +there came an army of ducks who began quacking a second chorus. The +Professor found it necessary to rise, and the Doctor called out +querulously from his bed: "That comes from yesterday's singing; now we +hear the effect it had on all the associated farmyard musicians." But +in this he was in error, the little flock of the farmyard sang only +from official zeal to announce that a stormy day might be expected.</p> + +<p class="normal">When the Professor went into the open air, the morning light still +glowed like fire in the heavens, and the first rays of light shimmered +over the fields in broken and trembling waves. The ground was dry, no +dewdrops hung on leaf or turf. The air also was sultry, and the heads +of the flowers drooped languidly on their stalks. Had a second sun +appeared in the night? But the clear piping of the yellow thrush +sounded from the top of an old cherry tree incessantly. The old +gardener, Jacob, looked at the tree, shaking his head: "I thought that +the rogue had gone away, he has made too much havoc among the cherries, +and now he is giving us information before he leaves; something is +brewing to-day."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse, as she came from the dairy, said: "The cows are unquiet, they low +and push against one another."</p> + +<p class="normal">The sun rose red out of heavy vapor--the laborers in the field felt a +weariness in their limbs, and continually stopped in their work to dry +their faces. The shepherd was to-day discontented with his flock; the +wethers were bent upon gamboling instead of eating, they bucked one +another, and the young ones frisked and danced about as if they were +set on wires. Disorder and willfulness could not be restrained. The dog +circled round the excited animals incessantly; but his tail hung +between his legs, and when he tugged at a sheep, the animal long felt +the ungentle bite.</p> + +<p class="normal">The sun rose higher in the cloudless heavens--the day became hotter--a +light vapor rose from the earth which made the distance indistinct; the +sparrows flew restlessly about the tops of the trees, the swallows +skimmed along the ground and circled round the men. The friends went to +their room; here also they felt the exhausting sultriness; the Doctor, +who was sketching a plan of the house, laid down his pencil. The +Professor was reading about agriculture and the rearing of cattle, but +he often looked up from his book to the sky, opened the window and +closed it again. The dinner was quieter than usual, the host looked +serious, and his staff hardly allowed themselves time to empty their +plates.</p> + +<p class="normal">"We shall have trouble to-day," said the master of the house to his +daughter, on rising. "I will ride to the outskirts; if I am not back +before the storm, look after the house and farm."</p> + +<p class="normal">Again men and horses went to the field, but to-day they went +unwillingly. The heat became unbearable, the afternoon sun fell +scorchingly on their heads; rock and walls glowed with heat; a white +cloud curtained the heavens, which visibly thickened and massed itself +together. The ploughboys eagerly took the horses to the stables, the +laborers hastened to unload the sheaves, and drove the wagons at a +quicker pace in order to shelter one more load under a roof before the +storm arose.</p> + +<p class="normal">The friends stood before the farm-gate and looked at the heavy clouds +which were gathering upon the horizon. The yellow light of the sun +struggled for a short time against the dark shadows; finally the last +glare of light disappeared, and the earth lay darkened and mournful. +Ilse approached them: "The time is come; about four o'clock the storm +will rise. It seldom comes over the level land from the east, but when +it does it is always severe with us, for people say it is because it +cannot break over the hilltops which you see from the garden; then it +hangs long over our fields, and they say the thunder here is more +violent than elsewhere."</p> + +<p class="normal">The first burst of the wind howled over the house. "I must go through +the farmyard to see that all is right," exclaimed Ilse, as she wrapped +a handkerchief quickly round her head and hurried on, accompanied +by the men, through the storm to the farm-building in which the +fire-engine stood; she looked to see whether the door was open and +whether there was water in the barrels; then she hastened forward to +the stables while the straw whirled round her; she warned the servants +once more with a cheerful call, rapidly spoke a few words to the +officials and returned to the house. She looked into the kitchen and +opened the door of the children's room to see whether all of her +brothers and sisters were with the tutor. Lastly, she let in the dog, +who was barking piteously at the gate of the farmyard, and then +returned to the friends, who, from the window of the sitting-room, were +watching the fury of the elements. "The house is secured, as far as it +is possible for human beings; but we place our trust in a stronger +Protector," said Ilse.</p> + +<p class="normal">The storm slowly approached, one dark mass rolling on after another, +and under them, like a monstrous curtain, a pale veil of mist rose +higher and higher; the thunder rolled at shorter intervals, and grew +more wildly ominous; the storm howled round the house; thick clouds of +dust chased angrily about the walls; leaves and blades of straw flew +about in wild dance.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The lion is roaring," said Ilse, folding her hands. She bent her head +for some moments, then looked silently out of the window. "Father is at +the outlying farm under shelter," she began again, anticipating a +question of the Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">It was, indeed, a violent storm that raged about the old house. Those +who listened for the first time in this place, on the open height, +alongside the ridge of hills, from which the rolling, tumultuous crash +of the thunder resounded, felt that they had never experienced such +power in nature before. While the thunder roared, the room suddenly +became dark as night, and ever and anon the dismal twilight was pierced +by the flash of fiery serpents that swept over the farm.</p> + +<p class="normal">There was noise in the children's room; the crying of the little ones +could be heard. Ilse went to the door and opened it. "Come to me," she +called out. The children ran in terrified, and pressed round their +sister; the youngest clung to her dress. Ilse took the little child and +placed it under the charge of the Professor, who was standing by her +side. "Be quiet, and say your prayer softly," she said; "this is no +time for weeping and complaining."</p> + +<p class="normal">Suddenly came a light so blinding that it caused them to close their +eyes--and a sharp concussion, ending in a discordant crash. When the +Professor opened his eyes, by the light of another flash he saw Ilse +standing by his side, her head turned toward him with a radiant look. +He exclaimed, anxiously: "That has struck."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Not in the farmyard," replied the maiden, unmoved.</p> + +<p class="normal">Again a clap, and again a flash, and a clap, wilder, shorter, sharper. +"It is just above us," said Ilse, calmly, pressing the head of her +little brother to her as if to protect him.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor could not turn his eyes from the group in the middle of +the room. The noble figure of the woman before him, erect, motionless, +surrounded by the frightened brothers and sisters, the countenance +raised, and a proud smile playing about the mouth. And she, in a moment +of uncontrollable feeling, had confided to his care one of the lives +that were so dear to her; he stood in the hour of danger near her as +one of hers. He firmly held the child, which clasped him in terror. +They were short moments, these; but between flash and thunder-clap the +spark that glowed in him had blazed out into a bright flame. She who +stood near him in the lightning, suffused with the blinding light, she +it was who had become necessary to his life.</p> + +<p class="normal">Still longer did the thunder roar; the heavy rain beat against the +window; it clattered and dashed round the house; the windows trembled +under the raging outburst of the storm.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is over," said Ilse, gently. The children separated and ran to the +window. "Up-stairs, Hans!" cried the sister, and hastened with her +brother out of the room to see whether the water had made its way in +anywhere. The Professor looked thoughtfully toward the door through +which she had disappeared; but the Doctor, who meanwhile had been +seated quietly on a chair, with his hands on his knees, shaking his +head, began: "These freaks of nature are against us. Since lightning +conductors have come into discredit, one has not the poor comfort of +thinking that the old manuscript has even their protection against the +attacks of the weather. This is a bad habitation for our poor old +manuscript, and it is verily a Christian duty to rescue the book as +quickly as possible from such a dangerous thunder-trap. Shall we be +able in the future, with any tranquillity of mind, to look upon a cloud +in the heavens? It will remind us of the disasters that may befall this +place."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The house has held out hitherto," answered the Professor, laughing. +"Let us leave the manuscript meanwhile to the good Power in whom the +people here so firmly trust. The sun's rays are already breaking +through the mist."</p> + +<p class="normal">Half an hour later it was all over; the dark clouds still hovered above +the hills, and from the distance resounded the harmless thunder. Life +began to stir again in the empty farmyard. First, the ducks came forth +with joyous haste from their hiding-place, cleaned their feathers, +examined the puddles of water, and quacked along the ruts made by the +wheels; then came the cock with his hens, cautiously treading, and +picking the soaked seeds; the doves flew on to the projections of the +window, wished each other good fortune with friendly nods and spread +their feathers in the fresh sunlight. Nero bounded boldly out of the +house, trotted through the farmyard, and barked in the air by way of +challenge to frighten away the hostile clouds. The maids and laborers +again stepped actively about the place, breathing the refreshing balsam +of the moist air. The Inspector came and reported that the lightning +had struck twice on the neighboring hill. The Proprietor, thoroughly +wet through, rode rapidly in, anxious to see whether his house and +farm-buildings were undamaged. He sprang gaily from his horse, and +exclaimed: "The rain penetrated everything out there. But, God be +praised, it has passed over. We have not had such a storm here for +years." The people listened also for awhile as the head ploughman +related that he had seen a pillar of water, which hung like a great +sack from heaven to earth, and that it had hailed violently on the +other side of the border. Then they entered the stable with great +equanimity, and enjoyed the hour of rest that the bad weather had +brought them. While the Proprietor was talking to his staff, the Doctor +prepared to descend, with the boys and the tutor, into the valley, +there to see the overflowing brook.</p> + +<p class="normal">But the Professor and Ilse remained in the orchard, and the former was +astonished at the number of snails that now came out everywhere, +trailing slowly over the path; and he took one after the other and +placed them carefully out of the way, but the senseless creatures +always returned again to the firm gravel, expecting that the +foot-passengers were to get out of their way. They both examined the +fruit trees to see how they had borne the storm. They were much broken, +and their branches bent down. Much unripe fruit lay scattered on the +grass. The Professor cautiously shook the branches, bending under the +weight of the rain, in order to free them from their burden; he fetched +some poles to support an old apple tree which was in danger of breaking +under the weight, and both laughed heartily when, in the course of his +work, the water from the leaves ran in small streams down his hair and +coat.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse clasped her hands together, lamenting over the fall of so much +fruit; but there was still much on the trees, and they might yet hope +for a rich harvest. The Professor sympathized with her and advised her +to dry the fallen fruit, and Ilse laughed again at this because most of +it was unripe. The Professor confided to her that he as a boy had +helped his dear mother when she used to arrange the fruit on the +drying-board; for his parents had owned a large garden in the town in +which his father was an official. Ilse listened with eager interest +when he related further how he had lost his father as a boy, and how +lovingly and wisely his mother had cared for him, how confidential his +relations with her had been, and that her loss had been the greatest +sorrow of his life. Then they walked up and down along the gravel walk, +and in both of them an echo of the sorrow of past days intermingled +with the cheerful mood of the present; just as in nature the movement +of a violent storm leaves after it a gentle trembling, and the pure +light of day sparkles on bower and blade like countless glittering +precious stones.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse opened a gate which led from the lower part of the orchard into +the open country, and standing still, said, hesitatingly: "I propose a +walk into the village to see how our Pastor has stood the storm; would +you like to make the acquaintance of our dear friend?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I shall be delighted to do so," answered the Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">They walked along a damp footpath that wound its way through the length +of the valley by the side of the churchyard. Near it lay a little +village of closely-packed houses, in which dwelt most of the laborers +of the estate. The first building below the church was the Pastor's +house, with a wooden roof and small windows, differing little from +the dwellings of the country people. Ilse opened the door, and an old +maid-servant hastened toward her with a familiar greeting.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Ah, Miss," she exclaimed, "we had bad weather to-day. I thought the +day of judgment had surely come. Master stood constantly at the chamber +window looking up to the manor and raising his hands in prayer for you. +He is at present in the garden."</p> + +<p class="normal">The guests passed out through the rear door into a small space between +the gables and barns of the neighboring farmyards. A few low fruit +trees stood along the edges of the flower-beds. The old gentleman, in a +dark dressing-gown, stood by an espalier, working industriously.</p> + +<p class="normal">"My dear child," he cried, looking up, and a smile of pleasure lighted +up the kind face under his white hair, "I knew that you would come +to-day."</p> + +<p class="normal">He bowed to the stranger, and, after a few words of greeting, turned +again to Ilse.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Only think what a misfortune--the storm has broken our peach tree, the +espalier is torn up and the branches are shattered; the damage is +irreparable."</p> + +<p class="normal">He bent over the disabled tree, which he had just bound up with a +bandage of tree-gum and matting.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is the only peach tree here," he said, lamentingly, to the +Professor; "they have none on the whole estate, nor any in the town. +But I must not worry you with my little troubles," he continued, more +cheerfully; "I pray you come with me into the house."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse entered the side door of an extension, near the house proper. "How +is Flavia?" she inquired of the maid, who stood at the threshold, +anticipating the visit.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Doing very well," answered Susannah, "and the little one also."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is the dun cow and her young calf," explained the Pastor to the +Professor, as Ilse returned into the narrow courtyard with the maid. "I +do not like people to call animals by Christian names, so I have +recourse to our Latin vocabulary."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse returned. "It is time that the calf should be taken away; it is a +wasteful feeder."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is what I said too," interposed Susannah, "but his Reverence the +Pastor will not consent."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You are right, my dear child," answered the Pastor; "following the +demands of worldly wisdom it would be best to deliver the little calf +to the butcher. But the calf sees the thing in quite another light; and +it is a merry little creature."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But when one asks it why, one receives no answer," said Ilse, "and +therefore, it must be pleased with what we choose. Your Reverence must +allow me to settle this with Susannah, behind your back; meanwhile you +shall have milk from our house."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Pastor conducted them into his room; it was very small, +whitewashed, and scantily furnished. There was an old writing-table, a +black painted book-shelf with a small number of old books, a sofa and +some chairs covered with colored chintz. "This has been my Tusculum for +forty years," said the Pastor, with satisfaction, to the Professor, who +looked with surprise at the scanty furniture. "It would have been +larger if the addition had been made; there were fine plans arranged, +and my worthy neighbor took much pains about it, but since my wife was +carried out there"--he looked toward the churchyard on the height--"I +will not hear of it any more."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor looked out of the window. Forty years in this narrow +building, in the little valley between the churchyard, the huts, and +the wood! He felt oppressed in spirit. "The community appears to be +poor; there is but little space for cultivation between the hills. But +how is it pray, in winter?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Well, even then I am still able to get about," answered the clergyman; +"I visit my old friends then, and am only troubled sometimes by the +snow. Once we were quite snowed up, and had to be dug out." He laughed +pleasantly at the recollection. "It is never lonely when one has lived +many years in a place. One has known the grandfathers, trained the +fathers, taught the children, and here and there a grandchild even, and +one sees how men rise from the earth and sink down into it again like +the leaves that fall from a tree. One observes that all is vanity and a +short preparation for eternity. Dear child," he said to Ilse, who now +entered, "pray be seated with us; I have not seen your dear face for +three days, and I would not go up because I heard you had visitors. I +have something here for you," taking a paper out of his desk; "it is +poetry."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You see the song of the Muses does not fail us," he continued, +speaking to the Professor. "It is, to be sure, humble, and bucolic in +style. But believe me, as one who knows his village, there are few new +things under the sun; there is everything here in a small way that +there is on a large scale in the rest of the world; the blacksmith is a +zealous politician, and the justice would gladly be a Dionysius of +Syracuse. We have also the rich man of Scripture, and truly many a +Lazarus--to which number the poet whose verses I here hold belongs; and +our plasterer is a musician in winter--he does not play badly on the +zither. But they are all too ambitious and not in harmony. Sometimes it +is difficult to preserve good fellowship among them."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Our poet wishes to have his green wall again, as I interpret it," said +Ilse, looking up from the paper.</p> + +<p class="normal">"For seven years he has been lying in his room half palsied with severe +and incurable ills," explained the Pastor to his guest; "and he looks +through a little hole of a window into the world at the clay-wall +opposite and the men who can be seen passing; the wall belongs to a +neighbor, and my dear child trained a wild vine over it. But this year +our neighbor--our rich man--has built upon it and torn away the +foliage. This vexes the invalid, and it is difficult to help him, for +now is not the time to plant a fresh one."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But something must be thought of," interposed Ilse. "I will speak to +him about it; excuse me, I will not be long."</p> + +<p class="normal">She left the room. "If you wish," said the Pastor, addressing the guest +mysteriously, "I will show you this wall; for I have thought much about +the matter, but cannot devise anything." The Professor silently +acquiesced. They walked along the village lane, and at the corner the +Pastor took the arm of his companion. "Here lies the invalid," he +began, in a low tone. "His weakness makes him rather deaf, but still we +must tread gently, that he may not observe it, for that disturbs him."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor saw a small sash-window open and Ilse standing before it, +her back turned to them. While the Pastor was showing him the plastered +wall and the height that was necessary for the trailing plant, he +listened to the conversation at the window. Ilse spoke loudly and was +answered from the bed by a shrill voice. He discovered with +astonishment that they were not speaking of the vines.</p> + +<p class="normal">"And the gentleman is of a good disposition?" asked the voice.</p> + +<p class="normal">"He is a learned and good man," answered Ilse.</p> + +<p class="normal">"And how long does he remain with you?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I know not," was Ilse's hesitating reply.</p> + +<p class="normal">"He should remain altogether with you, for you like him," said the +invalid.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Ah, that we dare not hope, dear Benz. But this conversation will not +help to find you a good prospect," continued Ilse. "I will speak to +your neighbor; but nothing will grow between to-day and to-morrow. I +have thought that the gardener might nail a shelf under the window, and +we shall place some plants from my room upon it."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That will obstruct the view," answered the voice, discontentedly. "I +could no longer see the swallows as they fly past, and little of the +heads of the people who go by."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is true," replied Ilse; "but we will put the board so low that +only the flowers shall peep through the window."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What kind of flowers are they?" asked Benz.</p> + +<p class="normal">"A myrtle," said Ilse.</p> + +<p class="normal">"That does not blossom," answered Benz, surlily.</p> + +<p class="normal">"But there are two roses blowing and a plant of heliotrope."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I do not know what that is," interposed the invalid.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It smells very sweet," said Ilse.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then let it come," assented Benz. "But I must also have some sweet +basil."</p> + +<p class="normal">"We will see whether it can be had," answered Ilse; "and the gardener +shall also train some ivy round the window."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That will be too dark for me," retorted the dissatisfied Benz.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Never mind," said Ilse, decidedly; "we will try, and if it does not +suit you, it can be altered."</p> + +<p class="normal">To this the invalid agreed.</p> + +<p class="normal">"But the gardener must not make me wait," he exclaimed; "I should like +to have it to-morrow."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Very well," said Ilse; "early in the morning."</p> + +<p class="normal">"And you will show my verses to no one, not even to the strange +gentleman; they are only for you."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Nobody shall see them," said Ilse. "Call your daughter Anna, dear +Benz."</p> + +<p class="normal">As she prepared to depart, the Pastor gently drew his guest back.</p> + +<p class="normal">"When the invalid has had such a conversation," he explained, "he is +contented for the whole of the next day, and to-morrow he will again +compose some verses. Sometimes--between you and me--he writes a good +deal of nonsense, but it is well meant, and for him it is the best +pastime. The people in the village avoid passing under his window as +much as possible. This is the hardest work in my office; for the people +are obstinate in the superstition that illness and suffering originate +from evil spirits, that they are inflicted from hatred, or as +punishment for past wrong; and though I preach to them incessantly that +all is only a trial for the other world, this teaching is too high for +them, only the infirm believe it; but those who are hale and hearty +stubbornly struggle against the truth and salvation."</p> + +<p class="normal">The learned man turned his eyes up to the little window from which the +invalid looked upon the plastered wall, and then again on the clerical +gentleman who for forty years had preached the Holy Gospel in the +valley. His heart was heavy and his eyes passed from the twilight of +the deep vale to the hill-top, which still shone in the glad light of +the evening sun. Then she returned to him, she who had descended to +watch over the helpless and the poor; and when he ascended the height +with her, it appeared to him as if they both emerged from gloomy +earthly trouble into a lighter air; but the youthful figure and the +beautiful, calm countenance near him, shining in the lingering evening +light so wondrously, seemed to resemble one of those messengers whom +Jehovah sent to the tent of his faithful servant. He rejoiced when she +laughed at the joyous bounding of the dog, who came barking toward +them.</p> + +<p class="normal">Thus passed another day, lighted up by the sun, and overshadowed by the +clouds, amidst small events of daily life and quiet existence. When +recorded by the pen it seems insignificant, but when a man lives it, it +sends his blood coursing energetically through his veins.</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>CHAPTER VI</i>.</h2> + +<h3>A LEARNED LADY FROM THE COUNTRY.</h3> + +<p class="normal">It was Sunday, and the estate wore its festive garment. The barns in +the farmyard were closed, the farm servants and maids walked about in +their best attire, not like busy laborers, but with the comfortable +leisure which is the poetry of a toilsome life to the German peasant. +The bells from the church tower called to service; Ilse, with her +hymn-book in her hand, went with her sister slowly down the hill, the +maids and men followed in small groups. The Proprietor passed the day +in his study, in order to make up the accounts of the past week; but +first he knocked at the door of his friends' room, and paid them a +short morning visit.</p> + +<p class="normal">"We shall have guests to-day, the Crown Inspector Rollmaus and his +wife; he is an excellent farmer; but his wife is irredeemably bent upon +culture,--a paragon of learning. You must take care, she will press you +hard."</p> + +<p class="normal">As the clock struck twelve, a carriage drawn by two well-fed brown +horses stopped at the door; the children hastened to the window.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The Crown Inspector's wife is coming!" exclaimed the youngest, +excitedly.</p> + +<p class="normal">A stout man in a dark green coat got out of the carriage, followed by a +little lady in black silk, with a sunshade and a large bandbox. The +Proprietor and Ilse met them at the door of the house, the host +laughingly called out a welcome, and conducted the gentleman to the +sitting-room. The guest had black hair and a round face, which by +exposure to the sun and air had acquired a permanent tint of reddish +brown.</p> + +<p class="normal">He had piercing eyes, red nose and red lips. Learning the names of the +two strangers he made a slight obeisance, but looked displeased at +their appearing in pretentious black coats; and as he had a vague but +strong aversion to useless authors, needy scholars, and non-producers +of all sorts who visited the country to write books, or because they +had no permanent residence of their own, he assumed toward both these +gentlemen a sulky and suspicious demeanor. After a while the lady made +her appearance. She had in the mean time, with Ilse's help put on her +best cap, which had been taken out of the bandbox; a work of art, upon +which were set two dark red roses. She entered the room, rustling, +curtsying, and laughing, polished from head to foot. She passed rapidly +from one to another, kissed the girls, declared to the boys that they +had grown much during the last week, and at last stopped, full of +expectation, before the two strangers. The host presented them, and did +not fail to add: "Two gentlemen from the University."</p> + +<p class="normal">The little lady pricked up her ears, and her gray eyes sparkled.</p> + +<p class="normal">"From the University!" she exclaimed; "what a surprise. These gentlemen +are rare guests in our country. There is indeed little inducement to +learned gentlemen to come among us, for materialism reigns supreme +here, and the circulating library at Rossau is certainly not in good +hands; actually they never get anything new. May I be allowed to ask +what are the studies of the gentlemen, whether science generally or +some particular specialty?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"My friend's studies are more of a general character. I have a +specialty, and in addition to it, I teach the classics," replied the +Professor; "this gentleman is also engaged in Indian research."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Pray be seated on the sofa?" interposed Ilse. Mrs. Rollmaus followed +her reluctantly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Indian!" she exclaimed, seating herself and arranging her dress. "That +is a strange language. They wear tufts of feathers and their dress is +scanty, and their trousers, if I may be pardoned the reference, hang +down as is the case with so many pigeons, which also have long feathers +to their legs. One sees pictures of them sometimes; in my Karl's +picture-book of last Christmas there are a great many pictures of these +wild men. They have barbarous customs, dear Ilse."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But why has not Karl come with you?" inquired Ilse, in an effort to +rescue the gentlemen from the discourse.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It was because we shall have to return in the dark. Our carriage has +only two seats, and there would have been no room to pack in a third +with Rollmaus, so Karl would have had to sit by the coachman, and the +poor child would be so sleepy at night that I should have been afraid +of his falling off. And then there are his lessons for to-morrow--for +only think, I have persuaded Rollmaus to take a tutor for our children, +as your dear father has done."</p> + +<p class="normal">When the lady intimated the prospect of a return home after dark, the +Doctor looked compassionately at his friend; but the Professor was +listening so attentively to the conversation that he did not observe +this expression of commiseration. Ilse continued to ask questions and +Mrs. Rollmaus always answered, although sometimes she cast a longing +look at the Doctor, whose connection with the Indians in Karl's picture +book appeared to her very instructive. Meanwhile, the two country +gentlemen had become engaged in conversation with regard to the merits +of a horse in the neighborhood, which had been recommended for general +purposes, so that the Doctor at last turned to the children and began +to chat with Clara and Louise.</p> + +<p class="normal">After half an hour of quiet preparation, the maidservant appeared at +the door of the dining room. The Proprietor gallantly offered his arm +to Mrs. Rollmaus and escorted her to the table. The Professor conducted +Ilse, and the Doctor attempted to take her sister Clara, but she +blushed and resisted till he gave his other arm to Louise and Rickchen, +whereupon Franz laid hold of his coat-tails and on the way whispered to +him: "We have turkey today." But Mr. Rollmaus, who regarded attendance +upon ladies a wearisome custom brought up the rear alone, greeting, as +he passed, the farm officials, who were standing in the dining-room, +with the query:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Is all the corn in yet?"</p> + +<p class="normal">To which the Inspector replied with emphasis that it was.</p> + +<p class="normal">Again all took their places according to rank and dignity. Mrs. +Rollmaus had the place of honor, and between her and Ilse sat the +Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">It was not a quiet meal for the latter. Ilse was more silent than +usual, but his new neighbor plied him with learned questions. She +obliged him to tell her the regulations of the University, and in what +manner the students were instructed. And the Professor informed her +fully, and did so good-humoredly. But he did not long succeed in +protecting either himself or others against the feeling of annoyance +which the conversation of Mrs. Rollmaus always occasioned.</p> + +<p class="normal">"So you are a philosopher?" she said. "That is indeed interesting. I +also have attempted philosophy; but the style is so incomprehensible. +Pray, what is the purpose of philosophy?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"It endeavors," was the patient answer of the Professor to this +perplexing question, "to instruct men in the life of their mind and +spirit, and thus to strengthen and improve them."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The life of the spirit!" exclaimed Mrs. Rollmaus, excitedly; "but do +you too believe that spirits can appear to men after death?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Why, do you know any instance where that has happened?" asked the +Professor. "It would be interesting to all to hear the exact details. +Has anything of the kind occurred hereabouts?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"So far as ghosts and spirits are concerned, No," replied Mrs. +Rollmaus, looking doubtfully at the Proprietor; "but of second sight, +and what is called sympathy a great deal. Only think, we once had a +servant; she was not obliged to live out, but her parents wished to +send her away from home for a time; for there was in the village a poor +lad who was a great fiddler and who strolled round her house morning +and evening, and when the girl could come, they sat together behind a +bush--he playing on the fiddle and she listening. And she could not +part from him. She was a nice girl, and adapted herself to everything +in our house, only she was always melancholy. The fiddler was impressed +as a hussar, for which he was fitted because he was very courageous. +After a year the cook came to me and said: 'Mrs. Rollmaus, I cannot +stand it any longer, Hetty walks in her sleep. She gets out of bed and +sings the song about a soldier whom a captain caused to be shot, +because he was ordered to do so, and then she groans so that it would +move a stone, and in the morning she knows nothing about her singing, +but always continues to weep.' And this was the truth. I called her, +and asked her seriously; 'What is the matter with you? I cannot bear +this mysterious conduct, you are a riddle to me.' Whereupon she +lamented much, and begged me not to think ill of her, as she was an +honorable girl; but she had seen an apparition. And then she told me +the whole story. Her Gottlob had appeared at the door of her room in +the night, quite haggard and sorrowful, and had said: 'Hetty, it is all +over with me; to-morrow it is my turn.' I tried to persuade the girl +out of it, but her fears infected me. I wrote to an officer whose +acquaintance my husband had made at the hunt, and asked whether it was +nonsense, or whether it was due to the so-called second-sight. And +he wrote back to me very much astonished. It was a true case of +second-sight, for on the same day the fiddler had fallen from his horse +and broken his leg, and then lay in the hospital at the point of death. +Now, I pray you, was not that a real natural phenomenon?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"And what became of the poor people?" asked the Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"O, as for them," answered Mrs. Rollmaus, "it all came right; for a +comrade of the invalid, who had a sick mother, was from our village. I +wrote to him requesting him to send me a letter every third day to +report how the invalid was getting on, and added that I would repay him +by sending his mother bacon and flour. He wrote regularly; and the +affair lasted many weeks. At last the fiddler was cured and came back; +and both were white as a sheet when they met, and embraced each other +before my eyes without hesitation; whereupon I spoke to the parents of +the girl, which was of little avail. Then I spoke to my husband, to +whom our village inn belongs, and who was then looking out for a good +tenant. And that brought the history to a close, or, as the saying +goes, to the <i>commencement du pain</i>. For Mr. Rollmaus is not a lover of +fiddles and thinks them instruments of frivolity. But the people behave +in an orderly way. I was the sponsor of their first child and Rollmaus +of the second. But there have been no more apparitions."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That was indeed good and kind of you," exclaimed the Professor, +warmly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"We are all human," said Mrs. Rollmaus, apologetically.</p> + +<p class="normal">"And I hope, all good," replied the Professor. "Believe me, madame, +though there are many and various views in philosophy and in every +branch of learning, and much contention respecting many points, and +though one is easily led and tempted to consider another ignorant; yet +with respect to honesty, uprightness, and benevolence, there has seldom +been any difference of opinion, and all delight in and esteem those in +whom they find these qualities. And it is these qualities, Mrs. +Rollmaus, I now find and honor in you."</p> + +<p class="normal">This he said to the learned lady with much warmth and earnestness. On +his other side he heard the gentle rustling of a dress, and when he +turned to Ilse he met a look so full of humble gratitude that he could +hardly preserve his composure.</p> + +<p class="normal">Mrs. Rollmaus, however, sat smiling and contented with the +philosophical system of her neighbor. Again the Professor turned to +her, and spoke of the difficulty of doing good to the helpless in the +right way. Mrs. Rollmaus acknowledged that uneducated people had a way +of their own, "But one can easily get on with them, if they only know +that one means well by them."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor afterward occasioned a slight misunderstanding, when in +answer he respectfully observed: "You are right, for in this field +patient love is requisite to produce fruitful results."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes," acquiesced Mrs. Rollmaus, puzzled, "to be sure, these results +which you mention are not wanting among us, and they marry for the most +part just at the right time; but the patient love which you so truly +speak of as requisite is not always forthcoming among our country +people, for in marriage they frequently consider money more than love."</p> + +<p class="normal">If, however, the notes in the concert at the upper table were not quite +in accord, yet the turkey and custard-pudding--a masterpiece of Ilse's +kitchen--vanished without any adverse concussion of learned wisdom. All +rose well pleased with one another, only the children, whose innocent +mischief is most enduring, found with displeasure that Mrs. Rollmaus +would not on this occasion enter into any contest in which the +encyclopedia could rule as umpire. While the men drank their coffee in +the next room, Mrs. Rollmaus again sat on the sofa, and Ilse had a +difficult task to satisfy her curiosity in answering all the questions +with which she was overwhelmed concerning the two strangers. Meanwhile +the children besieged the sofa, lying in wait for an opportunity to +undertake a small campaign against the unsuspecting Mrs. Rollmaus.</p> + +<p class="normal">"So they are making researches, and in our neighborhood. It cannot be +about the Indians. I did not know that any had ever come to these +parts. It must be a mistake; and they must mean gypsies, who do make +their appearance here. Only think, dear Ilse, a man and two women, each +with a child, have come within the last fortnight. The women tell +fortunes. What they have prophesied to the house-maids is truly +remarkable; and in the morning two hens disappeared. Can it be that +their researches are concerning these gypsies? But that I cannot +believe, as they are mere tinkers and good-for-nothing people. No, they +are not making investigations concerning them."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But who are the gypsies?" asked Clara.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Dear child, they are vagabonds who formerly were a nation, and now +spread themselves everywhere. They had a king, and manuscripts, and +hounds, although they were great rogues. Originally they were +Egyptians, but possibly also Indians."</p> + +<p class="normal">"How could they be Indians?" exclaimed Hans, disrespectfully; "the +Indians live in America. We have got an encyclopedia too, and we will +find it out immediately."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, yes," cried the children, and ran with their brother to the +book-shelf. Each of them brought a volume with new binding, and placed +it among the coffee cups before Mrs. Rollmaus, who looked by no means +pleased at seeing the secret source of her intelligence laid bare +before all eyes.</p> + +<p class="normal">"And ours is newer than yours," cried little Franz, waving his hand. In +vain did Ilse endeavor by signs of disapprobation to suppress this +outbreak of family pride. Hans held the volume firmly in his hands +seeking the word <i>Gypsy</i>, and the overthrow of Mrs. Rollmaus, to all +human calculations, could no longer be averted. But suddenly Hans +jumped up, and holding the book aloft exclaimed: "The Professor is put +down here!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Our Professor in the encyclopedia?" cried the children.</p> + +<p class="normal">Family feuds and gypsies were all forgotten. Ilse took the book from +her brother's hand, Mrs. Rollmaus stood up in order to read the +remarkable passage over Ilse's shoulder, all the children's heads +gathered round the book, so that they looked like a cluster of buds on +a fruit tree, and all peeped curiously at the lines which were so +glorious for their guest and themselves.</p> + +<p class="normal">In the article there were the usual short remarks that are generally +made of living scholars, which contained the place and day of the +Professor's birth, and the titles--mostly in Latin--of his works. All +these titles were, in spite of the unintelligible language, read aloud, +with the dates and size of the volumes. Ilse looked into the book for a +long time, and then handed it to the astonished Mrs. Rollmaus, then the +children passed it from one to the other. The event made a greater +impression here, on both young and old, than it ever could in literary +circles. Happiest of all was Mrs. Rollmaus: she had sat next to a man +who not only could refer to books, but was referred to himself. Her +admiration of him was unbounded; she found, for the first time in her +life, that she could hold agreeable intercourse with a man of this +stamp.</p> + +<p class="normal">"What a distinguished scholar!" she exclaimed. "What were the titles of +his works, dear Ilse?"</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse did not know; her eyes and thoughts were fixed on the short notice +of his life.</p> + +<p class="normal">This discovery had the good result of causing Mrs. Rollmaus to lay down +her weapons entirely this day, and be content not to display any +knowledge, for she saw that on this occasion a competition with the +family was impossible, and she condescended to an unpretending +conversation about household events. But the children arranged +themselves at a respectful distance from the Professor, and examined +him curiously once more from top to toe; and Hans imparted the news in +a low voice to the Doctor, and was much surprised that the latter +thought nothing of it.</p> + +<p class="normal">After coffee, the Proprietor proposed to his guests to ascend the +nearest hill, in order to examine the damage which had been done by the +lightning. Ilse loaded a maid with provisions for supper and some +flasks of wine, and the party started. They went down from the rock +into the valley, over the strip of meadow and the brook, then up the +hill, through underbrush, amid the shadow of the lofty pines. The rain +had washed away the steep path, and irregular water-channels furrowed +the gravel; nevertheless, the women stepped valiantly over the wet +places. But if it had been possible to fail to perceive from the dress +and bearing of the Professor that he walked in the confidence of +manhood, one might have imagined that he was a delicately clad lady, +and Mrs. Rollmaus a gentleman in disguise, for she hovered round him +reverently, and would not leave his side. She directed his attention to +the stones, and, with the end of her umbrella pointed out the dry +places to him, and stopped at times, expressing her fear that he would +find this jaunt too fatiguing. The Professor submitted, though much +surprised, to the homage of the little lady, sometimes looking +inquiringly at Ilse, over whose face flitted a roguish smile. On the +height the path became easier, and some trees of lighter foliage varied +the dark green of the pines. The summit itself was clear; the heather, +on which the fading blossoms of the year still hung, spread itself +thickly among the stones. On all sides lay the view of the landscape, +with its heights and valleys, the deep glen, and brook with its green +border, the fields and the valley of Rossau. In the direction of the +setting sun there rose, one behind another, long waves of undulating +ground, tinted with the purple hue of twilight, passing off into the +delicate gray of the mountains on the horizon. It was a delightful +prospect, under a clear sky in the midst of pure mountain air, and the +party sought out the softest and greenest spots of the heather, whereon +to rest.</p> + +<p class="normal">After a short stay, they proceeded, led by Hans, to the spot where the +tree had been struck by lightning. A belt of high fir trees was the +place of the devastation. A strong, vigorous pine had been struck and +prostrated; in desolate confusion the branches and gigantic splinters +of the white wood lay around the broken trunk, which, blackened and +cloven, without its top, still rose out of its ruins as high as a +house. Through the mass of branches on the ground, it could be seen +that the earth also had been torn up even under the roots of the +neighboring trees. The older members of the party looked earnestly on +the spot where one moment had turned vigorous life into frightful +deformity; but the children pressed on into the thicket shouting, +seized upon the scaly cones of the past year, and cut branches from the +tree-top, each endeavoring to carry off the largest clusters of the +scaly fruit.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is only one of a hundred," said the Proprietor, gloomily; "but it +is painful to contemplate such devastation, contrary to the usual order +of the world, and to think of the destruction that impended over our +heads."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Does this recollection cause you only discomfort?" asked the +Professor; "is it not also exalting?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"The horns of the ram are hanging on the branches," said Ilse, in a low +tone, to her father; "he was the sacrifice by which we were saved."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I think," added the Professor, "that even a person thus struck by +lightning might, if time were left him for a last thought, say to +himself that this was quite in harmony with the order of our world. We +soon forget, amid the comforts of daily life, what we should always +vividly bear in mind, that we only live, like all other creatures, +subject to certain conditions. Countless forces and strange powers +unceasingly work according to fixed laws of their own, maintaining, +supporting, or injuring our life. The cold which checks the course of +our blood, the breaking waves in which the human body sinks, the +injurious vapors from the earth which poison our breath, are no +accidental phenomena; the laws by which they act upon us are as +primitive and holy as our need of food and drink, of sleep and light; +and when a man reflects upon his position among the powers of earth, +his life will be found to mean nothing else than an active struggle +against them and an endeavor to understand them. Whoever may provide +the bread that nourishes us, and whoever may hew the wood that warms +us--every useful activity has no other purpose than, by subduing and +wisely utilizing these forces, to strengthen and to protect us. In this +work we also observe that there is a secret union between every +movement of nature and our own minds, and that all living things, +however adverse in individual existence, together form one vast and +continuous unity. The presentiment and thought of this unity have, at +all times, been the most sublime feeling of which man is capable. From +this proceeds another impulse, an overwhelming desire and an +irresistible longing to divine the deeper relations of these forces. +And it is this that gives us faith. The method of procedure may vary in +different individuals, but the goal is the same. Some, possessed of +deep feeling, see only eternal wisdom in everything that to them seems +incomprehensible; and in child-like faith they apply to it the most +reverent and affectionate name. Others earnestly endeavor to observe +the various laws and forces of nature and reverently to comprehend +their relations to each other. These latter are the men of science. The +men of faith and the men of science essentially do the same thing. +Their attitude is very modest; for both recognize that all individual +life, both subjective and objective, is very insignificant as compared +with the great All. And the man who, when thus overtaken by death, +could confidently believe he is going to his Father in Heaven, and the +man who in a similar moment could bring himself to intently observe the +manner in which the nervous elements that constitute his life cease +their activity--both are assured of, and both would experience, an end +of bliss and true contentment."</p> + +<p class="normal">Thus spoke the Professor as they stood before the shattered pine-tree. +The Crown-Inspector looked at the speaker in astonishment, suspecting +him to be one of that new class of apostles who at that time made their +appearance in various parts, and traveled around the country preaching +to the people. Mrs. Rollmaus stood reverently with folded hands, +occasionally nodding her assent. Presently she nudged the Proprietor, +whispering:</p> + +<p class="normal">"That belongs to the philosophy of which we were speaking."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Proprietor did not answer, but listened with bowed head. Ilse never +turned her eyes from the speaker; his observations sounded strange, and +excited a secret uneasiness in her, she knew not why. But she could say +nothing against them, for the spring of genial life that issued from +this noble soul entranced her. The choice of words, the new thoughts, +the noble expression of his countenance, captivated her irresistibly.</p> + +<p class="normal">The party returned to their resting place on the height; the sun sank +behind the hills, and the soft evening glow gilded first the tips of +the heather, and then rose above their heads to the tops of the trees; +purple shadows covered the ground, the trunks of the trees, and the +distant prospect. But small light clouds of gold and purple floated in +the heaven above, till there also the glowing colors faded into rosy +twilight; the mist rose from the depths below, and the colors of the +earth and the heavens died away into a uniform gray.</p> + +<p class="normal">Long did the party gaze on the changing lights of the evening. At last +the Proprietor called for the contents of the basket; the children were +busy unpacking and passing the cold meats to the assembled circle. The +Proprietor poured out the wine and pledged his guests, and rejoiced in +the fine evening. At a sign from his father, Hans ran into the thicket +and fetched some pine torches.</p> + +<p class="normal">"There is no danger to-day," said the Proprietor to Mr. Rollmaus whilst +lighting the torches.</p> + +<p class="normal">The children pressed forward to be torch-bearers, but only Hans was +trusted with this honorable office; the gentlemen carried the others.</p> + +<p class="normal">Slowly did the procession wind down the hill-path; the torches threw a +glaring light on copse and stones, and on the faces of the men, which +in the curves of the road were lighted up with a glow like the rising +moon, and again disappeared in the darkness. Mrs. Rollmaus had +endeavored several times to draw the other illustrious stranger into +conversation; she now at last succeeded, when in a bad part of the +road. She began:</p> + +<p class="normal">"What your friend said was very good, for it was very instructive. He +is right; one ought to struggle against the powers and seek the +connecting link. But I assure you it is difficult for a woman. For +Rollmaus, who is the first power of nature for me, has a hatred of +principles; he is always for doing everything according to his own +ideas, and, as an independent man, he has a right to do so; but he is +not very much in favor of science, and even as regards a piano for the +children I have trouble with him. But I seek after principles and +powers, and what is called the connecting link; and I read what I can, +for one likes to know what is going on in the world, and to raise +oneself above ordinary people. But often one does not understand a +thing even when read twice; and when it is at last understood it may +have become obsolete and no longer worth anything, and so I have often +been tempted to give up all research whatsoever."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You should not do that," exclaimed the Doctor; "there is always a +secret satisfaction in knowing a thing."</p> + +<p class="normal">"If I lived in town," continued the lady, "I would devote myself +entirely to learning; but in the country one is too much isolated, and +there is the housekeeping, and one's husband, who is sometimes hard to +please. You have no idea what a good farmer he is. Rollmaus, hold your +torch aside, all the smoke blows in the Doctor's face."</p> + +<p class="normal">Rollmaus turned his torch away and grumbled. His wife drew close to +him, seized his arm and whispered to him: "Before we go away you must +invite the gentlemen to visit us; it is the right thing to do."</p> + +<p class="normal">"He is a mendicant priest," answered the husband, peevishly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"For God's sake, Rollmaus, don't do anything foolish; above all, do not +blaspheme," she continued, pressing his arm; "he is mentioned in the +encyclopedia."</p> + +<p class="normal">"In yours?" asked the husband.</p> + +<p class="normal">"In the one here," replied the wife, "which amounts to the same thing."</p> + +<p class="normal">"There are many things in books that are of less value than others that +are not there," said the husband, unmoved.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am not to be put off in that way. You will not confute me by that," +replied the wife. "I tell you that he is a man of renown, and propriety +demands that we should take the fact into consideration, and you know +that so far as propriety is concerned--"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Only be quiet," said Rollmaus, soothingly. "I say nothing to the +contrary, if needs be; I have eaten many a sour apple on your account."</p> + +<p class="normal">"On my account!" cried the wife, offended. "Have I been +unreasonable--am I a tyrant--am I an Eve who has stood with her husband +under the tree, with loose hair, and not even a chemise? Will you +compare yourself and me with such a state of things?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"No," said Rollmaus. "Only be content; you know how we get on +together."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Don't you see that I am right?" replied the wife, soothed. "Believe +me, I know also how others get on together, and I tell you I have a +presentiment that something is brewing."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What is brewing?" asked Mr. Rollmaus.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Something between Ilse and the Professor."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The devil there is!" exclaimed Mr. Rollmaus, with more vivacity than +he had shown the whole day.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Be quiet, Rollmaus, you will be heard; do not lose command of +yourself."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse had remained behind; she was leading her youngest brother, who was +tired. The Professor gallantly remained by her. He pointed out to her +how well the procession looked; the torches, like large glow worms, in +front; behind, the sharply outlined figures, and the flickering of the +gleaming light upon the trunks and green branches of the trees. Ilse +listened to him long in silence. At last she said: "The most charming +thing of the day was the kind way you spoke to our dear neighbor Mrs. +Rollmaus. When she was seated by you, I felt troubled in mind, for I +thought it would annoy you to listen to the importunate questions of +our friend, and it all at once struck me that toward us also you +exercise constant consideration; and that thought tormented me. But +when I saw that you so kindly and frankly recognized the good that is +in our friend and her fullness of soul, I felt that it cost you no +great effort of self-command to hold intercourse with us simple folk."</p> + +<p class="normal">"My dear Miss," exclaimed the Professor, anxiously, "I hope you are +convinced that I only said to the worthy lady what came sincerely from +my heart?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I know it," said Ilse, with warmth, "and the honest soul felt it also +herself--she has been quieter and more cheerful than usual the whole +day--and therefore I thank you. Yes, from my heart," she added, softly.</p> + +<p class="normal">Praise from the lips of one beloved is not among the least of the +pleasures that a man enjoys. The Professor looked beaming with +happiness at his neighbor, who now in the darkness led her brother +along at a quicker pace. He did not venture to break the silence; the +pure hearts of both had been revealed, and, without speaking a word +both felt the stream of warm sentiment that passed from one to the +other.</p> + +<p class="normal">"For him who passes from the midst of books into the paths of men," +began the Professor, at last, "the pedantic habit of continued reading +there acquired, often makes it easier to derive from a strange mode of +life that which is of the highest benefit to his own. For, after all, +there is in every life an element that commands reverence, however much +it may often be veiled by wondrous accompaniments."</p> + +<p class="normal">"We are commanded to love our neighbors," said Ilse, "and we endeavor +to do so; but when one finds that this love is given so cheerfully and +nobly, it is touching; and when one sees such feeling displayed, it +becomes an example and elevates the heart. Come, Franz," she said, +turning to her brother, "we are not far from home." But Franz stumbled, +and, half asleep, declared that his legs ached.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Up with you, little man," said the Professor, "let me carry you."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse, distressed, tried to prevent it. "I cannot allow that; it is only +sleep that makes him so lazy."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Only till we reach the valley," said the Professor, raising the child +on his shoulder. Franz clasped his arms round the Professor's neck, and +clinging close to him, was soon fast asleep. When they came to a steep +turn of the road, the Professor offered the arm which was free to his +companion; but she refused, only supporting herself a little with his +proffered hand. But her hand glided down and remained in that of her +companion. Thus hand in hand they walked down the last part of the hill +into the valley, neither of them speaking a word. When they arrived at +the bottom, Ilse gently withdrew her hand, and he released it without a +word or pressure; but these few minutes comprised for both a world of +happy feelings.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Come down, Franz," said Ilse, taking her sleeping brother from the arm +of her friend. She bent down to the little one to encourage him, and +they went on to join the party, who were waiting for them at the brook.</p> + +<p class="normal">The carriage of the Crown-Inspector drew up. The parting greetings of +his wife were very verbose, and her representations had mitigated his +obstinacy, so that, cap in hand, he made up his mind to take, with +tolerable decorum, a bite of the aforementioned sour apple. He +approached the literary gentlemen, and asked them to grant him also the +pleasure of a visit; and even the utterance of these friendly words had +a softening influence on his honest soul. He now held out his hand to +them, and receiving a hearty shake he began to think that the strangers +were not in reality so bad as might be supposed. The Proprietor +accompanied his guests to the carriage, Hans passed the bandbox in, and +the two country-gentlemen, as they bade each other good night, watched +the starting of the horses with the eyes of connoisseurs.</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>CHAPTER VII</i>.</h2> + +<h3>NEW HOSTILITIES.</h3> + +<p class="normal">Whilst a bright womanly form rose on the horizon between the Professor +and the Doctor, fate decreed that a new feud should break out betwixt +the two neighboring houses in the city. It happened thus.</p> + +<p class="normal">Mr. Hahn had availed himself of the absence of his son to beautify +his grounds. His garden ran in a point to the park, and he had +bethought him much how this corner might be turned to good account; +for the little mound which he had thrown up there, and planted with +roses, seemed unsatisfactory. He determined, therefore, to erect a +weather-proof summerhouse for such visitors as were not inclined in +bad weather to retire to the residence. Everything had been wisely +considered before the departure of his son. The following day he caused +a slender wooden structure to be erected, with small windows toward the +street, and above, instead of a roof, a platform with airy benches, the +laths of which projected boldly over the wooden walls and garden +palings out into the street. Everything seemed favorable. But when Mr. +Hahn, with hearty satisfaction, led his wife up the small side steps on +to the platform, and the plump lady, not anticipating anything wrong, +sat down on the airy bench, and from thence looked with admiration on +the world beneath her, it was soon discovered that the passers-by in +the street had to go directly under her, and the sky above was darkened +to whoever passed along the fence by the plumage of the great bird +that, perched on her high nest, sat with her back turned to the street. +Before a quarter of an hour had passed, accordingly, such sharp remarks +were heard that the inoffensive Mrs. Hahn was on the point of weeping, +and declared to her lord, with unwonted energy, that she would never +again allow herself to be treated as a hen, or ascend the platform any +more. The family frame of mind was not improved either by the part that +Mr. Hummel had taken, for he had stood by the fence of his neighbor's +garden during this exhibition of Mrs. Hahn, and had laughed at the vile +speeches of the passers-by.</p> + +<p class="normal">Mr. Hahn, however, after a short struggle between pride and discretion, +listened to the voice of his better self, removed the benches and the +platform, and erected over the summer-house a beautiful Chinese roof; +and on the projections of this roof he hung small bells, which sounded +softly when the wind rose. This idea would have been a decided +improvement; but, alas! the wickedness of man gave no rest to this work +of art for the urchins in the street diverted themselves by continually +keeping the bells in movement by means of long switches. On the first +night, therefore, the neighborhood was awakened from its slumbers by a +concert of many bells. That night Mr. Hahn dreamed that winter was +come, and that a merry party of sleighs were passing round his house; +he listened, and indignantly discovered that his own bells had been set +in motion. He hastened into the garden in his nightdress, and called +out, angrily:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Who is there?"</p> + +<p class="normal">In an instant the ringing ceased, deep silence and peaceful quiet +reigned around. He went up to the garden-house, and looked at his +bells, which might be seen swinging under the darkened sky; but +roundabout no one was to be discovered. He went back to his bed, but +scarcely had he laid himself down when the noise began again, quick and +loud, as if pealing for a Christmas party. Again he rushed out of the +house, and again the noise ceased; but when he raised himself above the +railing and looked around, he saw in the garden opposite the broad +figure of Mr. Hummel standing by the hedge, and heard a threatening +voice call out:</p> + +<p class="normal">"What crazy conduct is this?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is inexplicable, Mr. Hummel," exclaimed Mr. Hahn, across the +street, in a conciliatory tone.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Nothing is inexplicable," cried out Mr. Hummel, "but the mischievous +insanity of hanging bells in the open air over a public street."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I resent your attack," called out Mr. Hahn deeply wounded. "I have a +right to hang up what I like on my own property."</p> + +<p class="normal">Then there began a conflict of views across the street, weird +and frightful. There Hummel's bass, here Hahn's sharp voice, +which gradually rose into a counter-tenor; both figures in long +night-dresses, divided by the street and railings, but like two heroes +of antiquity belaboring one another with strong language. If one failed +to perceive the wild effect given to Mr. Hahn by the red color of his +night-dress, he yet might be seen towering upon the height near his +Chinese temple, raising his arm imposingly across the horizon; but Mr. +Hummel stood in the darkness, overshadowed by the wild vine.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I will have you before the police court, for disturbing the public +peace," cried Mr. Hummel at last, but felt the small hand of his wife +at his back, who seized him by his night-dress, turned him round, and +gently entreated him not to make a scene.</p> + +<p class="normal">"And I will inquire before the court who gave you a right to heap abuse +upon me from across the street," called out Mr. Hahn, likewise in the +act of retiring, for amidst the noise of the fight he had now and then +heard the soft words, "Come back, Hahn," and seen his wife behind him +wringing her hands. But he was not in a disposition to abandon the +field of battle.</p> + +<p class="normal">"A light and ladder here," he exclaimed, "I will unearth this shameful +trick."</p> + +<p class="normal">The ladder and lanterns speedily made their appearance, brought by the +frightened maid-servant. Mr. Hahn mounted up to his bells, and sought +long in vain; at last he discovered that some one had contrived to +unite the separate bells by a plait of horse-hair and thus had rung +them from the outside by a string.</p> + +<p class="normal">This wild night was followed by a gloomy morn.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Go to the fellow across the street, Gabriel," said Mr. Hummel, "and +ask if, for the sake of peace, he is willing to take down his bells at +once. I require my sleep, and I will not suffer that a rabble of +thieves shall be allured to my house, make inroads upon the fence, +steal my plums, and break into my factory. This man, by his ringing, +calls together all the rogues of the neighborhood."</p> + +<p class="normal">Gabriel replied: "I will go over there for the sake of peace; but only +if I may say with civility what I think fit."</p> + +<p class="normal">"With civility?" repeated Hummel, winking slyly at his confidant. "You +do not understand your own interest. So fine an opportunity of making +yourself important will not occur soon again, and it would be a pity to +let it escape you. But I foresee, Gabriel, that, civil or not, we shall +be unable to deal with the man. He's malicious and obstinate and +bitter. He is a bulldog, Gabriel. There, you have his character."</p> + +<p class="normal">Gabriel proceeded to the house of poor Mr. Hahn, who sat, still +suffering, before his untasted breakfast, and looked suspiciously at +the inmate of the hostile house.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I come only to inquire," began Gabriel, adroitly, "whether, perhaps, +you may have received intelligence through your son of my master?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"None," answered Mr. Hahn, sorrowfully; "there are times when +everything goes wrong, dear Gabriel."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, what a roguish trick that was, last night," said Gabriel, +pityingly.</p> + +<p class="normal">Mr. Hahn sprang up.</p> + +<p class="normal">"He called me insane and said I was a coxcomb. Am I to put up with +that? I, a man of business, and in my own garden! As for the plaything, +you may be right enough; one must not put too much confidence in men. +But now my honor is touched, and I tell you the bells shall remain, and +I shall place a watchman there every night."</p> + +<p class="normal">In vain did Gabriel speak rationally to him. Mr. Hahn was inexorable, +and called out after him as he was leaving:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Tell him we shall meet again in court."</p> + +<p class="normal">Accordingly he went to his attorney, and insisted upon bringing a suit +for the abusive language of the previous night.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Good," said Mr. Hummel, when Gabriel returned from his fruitless +mission. "These people compel me to adopt measures of security for +myself. I will take care that no strange horse-hair shall be attached +to my house. When the rogues sound the bells over there, the dogs shall +bark here. Measure for measure, Gabriel."</p> + +<p class="normal">He went gloomily to his factory, and paced about wildly. His +bookkeeper, who appeared to be a much-oppressed man, because he never +could obtain his rights from Mr. Hummel, thought it was his duty and a +fitting time to speak.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The ideas of this man Hahn are absurd; all the world finds fault with +them."</p> + +<p class="normal">But the speech did him no good.</p> + +<p class="normal">"What do this man's ideas signify to you?" cried Hummel. "Are you the +householder, and are you or I head of this business? If I choose to be +angry it is my affair and not yours. His new clerk, Knips, wears his +hair in frizzy curls, and perfumes himself with Eau de Cologne; you may +make fun of him about that; that is your right. As to what concerns the +rest of the world, your blame of this man's devices is worth about as +much as the twittering of the sparrow on the house-top; and if he +should every day hang a peal of bells on his shoulders and go in that +attire into the counting-house, he would still remain a respectable +citizen so far as this street rabble is concerned. Only, as regards +myself, it is another thing. I am his neighbor day and night, and if he +gets into trouble I also have to suffer. For the rest, I object to all +calumnies on my fellow-men. What must be said is my business alone, +without associates; remember that."</p> + +<p class="normal">A few evenings later, Gabriel was standing before the house-door, +looking up to the heavens and watching whether a small black cloud, +which was slowly floating past, would cover the face of the moon. Just +as this took place, and the street and both houses lay in darkness a +carriage drove up to the house, and the voice of the master called out: +"Is all well?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"All well," answered Gabriel, and unbuttoned the apron.</p> + +<p class="normal">Mr. Hummel descended heavily, and behind him was heard an angry growl.</p> + +<p class="normal">"What have you got in there?" asked Gabriel, with much curiosity, +putting his hands into the carriage, but he quickly withdrew them. "The +beast bites!" he ejaculated.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I hope it does," replied Mr. Hummel. "I meant it to bite. I have +brought a pair of watch-dogs as a guard against the bell ringers."</p> + +<p class="normal">He pulled out by a rope two indistinct figures, which rushed about +yelping hoarsely, and, circling round Gabriel's legs, viciously drew +the cord round him like a noose.</p> + +<p class="normal">Gabriel extricated himself. The clouds had passed away, and in the +bright moon light both dogs were plainly visible.</p> + +<p class="normal">"They are strange beasts, Mr. Hummel. A curious race. Evidently +mongrels," he continued, in a deprecatory tone; "hardly medium size, +thick in the chest, and with shaggy hair; the bristles hang over their +muzzles like mustachios. The mother must have been a poodle, the father +a spitz; I think I also detect some relationship with the pug, and the +great-grandfather must have been a terrier. A remarkable product, Mr. +Hummel, and somewhat rare. How did you come by the animals?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"By accident. I could not obtain a dog in the village to-day; but as I +was returning through the wood the horses suddenly shied and would not +move on. While the coachman was handling them, I all at once perceived +near the carriage a large dark man, standing as if he had sprung out of +the ground. He was holding the two dogs by a rope, and laughed +jeeringly at the abuse of the coachman. 'What is the matter?' I called +out to him; 'where are you taking the dogs to?' 'To whosoever wishes to +have them,' said the black fellow. 'Lift them into the carriage,' said +I. 'I shall do nothing of the sort,' growled the stranger; 'you must +fetch them yourself.' I descended and asked him what he wanted for +them. He replied 'Nothing.' The matter looked suspicious, but I thought +it would be no harm to try them. I lifted the beasts into the carriage; +and found them as quiet as lambs. 'What are their names?' I cried out +from the carriage. 'Bräuhahn and Goslar,' said the man, laughing +fiendishly."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But they are no dogs' names, Mr. Hummel," interposed Gabriel, shaking +his head.</p> + +<p class="normal">"That was what I told the man, but he replied, 'they never suffered +babtism.' 'But the rope is yours,' I said; and only think, Gabriel, +this black fellow answered me: 'Keep it; and hang yourself with it.' I +wanted to throw the dogs out of the carriage again, but the man had +vanished into the wood like a will-o'-the-wisp."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is a dreadful story," said Gabriel, much troubled; "these dogs +have been raised in no Christian household. And do you really intend to +keep the ill-omened creatures?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I shall make the attempt," said Mr. Hummel. "After all, a dog is a +dog."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Be on your guard, Mr. Hummel, there is something mysterious in these +beasts."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Nonsense!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"They are monsters," continued Gabriel, counting on his fingers; +"first, they have not the names of earthly dogs; secondly, they were +offered without money; thirdly, no man knows what food they eat."</p> + +<p class="normal">"As to their appetite, you will not have to wait long to discover what +that is," replied the master of the house.</p> + +<p class="normal">Gabriel drew a bit of bread out of his pocket, and the dogs snapped at +it. "In that regard they are of the right species," he said, a little +tranquillized; "but what are they to be called in the house?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Bräuhahn I shall call Fighthahn," replied Mr. Hummel; "and in my +family no dogs shall be called Goslar. I cannot bear the beastly +drink." He cast a hostile look at the neighboring house. "Other people +have such stuff fetched every day across the street, but that is no +reason why I should suffer such a word in my household. The black shall +from this day forth be called Fight<i>hahn</i> and the red Spite<i>hahn</i>--that +is settled.</p> + +<p class="normal">"But, Mr. Hummel, these names are clearly offensive," exclaimed +Gabriel; "that will make the matter worse."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is my affair," said Mr. Hummel, decidedly. "At night they shall +remain in the yard; they must guard the house."</p> + +<p class="normal">"So long as they do but preserve their bodies," said Gabriel, +warningly; "but this kind come and vanish as they please--not as we +wish."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yet they are not of the devil," rejoined Mr. Hummel, laughing.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Who speaks of the devil?" replied Gabriel, quickly. "There is no +devil--that the Professor will never allow; but of dogs we have various +kinds."</p> + +<p class="normal">So saying, Gabriel took the animals into the hall. Mr. Hummel called +out into the room: "Good evening, Philippine. Here, I have brought you +a present."</p> + +<p class="normal">Mrs. Hummel came to the door with a light, and looked astonished at the +present, which whined at her feet. This humility disposed the lady to +regard them with benevolence.</p> + +<p class="normal">"But they are frightful," she said, dubiously, as the red and the black +sat down on each side of her, wagging their tails land looking up at +her from under their shaggy eyebrows. "And why did you bring two?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"They are not intended for exhibition," returned Mr. Hummel in a +pacifying tone; "they are country ware--one is a substitute for the +other."</p> + +<p class="normal">After this presentation they were carried off to a shed. Gabriel once +more tried their capacity of eating and drinking; they showed +themselves thoroughly satisfactory in this respect, though as regards +personal beauty they were not distinguished dogs; and Gabriel went to +his room free from anxiety.</p> + +<p class="normal">When the clock struck ten, and the gate which separated the court-yard +from the street was closed, Mr. Hummel went down himself to the dogs' +shed to initiate these new watchers into their calling. He was much +astonished, on opening the door, to find that they did not require any +encouraging words from him--both rushed out between his legs into the +yard. As if driven by an invisible whip, they dashed at a headlong pace +round the house and factory--always together, and never silent. +Hitherto they had been depressed and quiet; now, either as the result +of the good food they had devoured or because their night watch had +come, they became so noisy that even Mr. Hummel drew back in +astonishment. Their hoarse short bark deafened the horn of the night +watchman and the call of their master, who wished to recommend +moderation. They chased wildly and incessantly around the court, and a +continuous yelping accompanied their stormy career. The windows of the +house were thrown open.</p> + +<p class="normal">"This will be a horrible night, Mr. Hummel," said Gabriel.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Henry," cried out his wife from her bedroom "this is insupportable."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is their first outburst of joy," nothing more, said Mr. Hummel, +consolingly, and withdrawing into the house.</p> + +<p class="normal">But this view of the matter turned out to be erroneous. Throughout the +whole night the barking of the dogs sounded from the court-yard. In the +houses of the neighborhood, shutters were thrown open, and loud words +of reproach addressed to Mr. Hummel. The following morning he arose in +a state of great uncertainty. Even his own sound sleep had been +disturbed by the reproaches of his wife, who now sat at breakfast angry +and depressed with headache. When he entered the court-yard, and +gathered from his men the complaints they had heard from the neighbors, +even he hesitated for a moment whether he should keep the dogs.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ill luck would have it that just at this moment Mr. Hahn's porter +entered the court-yard, and with defiant mien announced that Mr. Hahn +insisted upon Mr. Hummel putting a stop to this outrageous barking, or +he should be obliged to seek redress before a justice of the peace.</p> + +<p class="normal">This attitude of his opponent at once decided the inward struggle of +Mr. Hummel.</p> + +<p class="normal">"If I can bear the barking of my dogs, other people can do so too. The +bells play on your side of the way and the dogs sing on mine, and if +any one wishes to hear my views before a magistrate he shall hear +enough to satisfy him."</p> + +<p class="normal">He returned to the house and with dignity approached his suffering +wife.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Are two dogs to come between you and me, Henry?" asked the wife, with +faltering voice.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Never," replied Mr. Hummel; "the domestic peace must be preserved. I am +sorry that you have a headache, and to please you I would remove the +beasts. But I have collided again with that coxcomb across the way. For +the second time he threatens me with a suit and the magistrate. My +honor is at stake, and I can no longer give in. Be a good wife, +Philippine, and try to bear it a few nights longer. Put cotton in your +ears, till the dogs have gotten accustomed to their work."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Henry," replied the wife, wearily, "I have never doubted your heart; +but your character is rough, and the voices of the dogs are too +horrible. Can you, in order to enforce your will, see your wife suffer, +and become seriously ill, from sleeplessness? Will you, in order to +maintain your position, sacrifice peace with the neighborhood?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I do not want you to be ill, but I will not send away the dogs," +replied Mr. Hummel, seizing his felt hat, and going to the factory with +heavy step.</p> + +<p class="normal">If Mr. Hummel indulged in the hope that he had ended the domestic +struggle as conqueror, he was greatly in error. There was still another +power in his home, who opened the campaign in a different manner. When +Mr. Hummel approached his desk in his little counting-house, he saw +near the inkstand a nosegay of flowers. Attached to the pink ribbon +hung a note which was sealed with a forget-me-not, and addressed--"To +my dear Father."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is my bright-eyed girl," he murmured, and opening the note read +the following lines:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<p class="t4" style="text-indent:-6px">"My dear pa, good morrow!<br> +The dogs cause great sorrow,<br> +They are not delightful;<br> +Their bark is just frightful;<br> +Their ardor and sanguinity<br> +Disturb the vicinity.<br> +For the sake of our neighborhood,<br> +Be noble, generous and good."</p> +</div> + +<p class="normal">Hummel laughed so heartily that the work in the factory stopped, and +every one was amazed at his good humor. Then he marked the note with +the date of its reception, put it in his pocket-book, and after +examining the letters that had arrived, he betook himself into the +garden. He saw his little daughter sprinkling the beds with her +watering-pot, and his heart swelled with a father's pride. With what +grace she turned and bent, and how her dark locks hung round the +blooming face, and how actively she raised and swung the watering-pot; +and, on perceiving him, when she put it down and held her finger +threateningly at him, he was quite enchanted.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Verses again," he called out to her, "I have received Number Nine."</p> + +<p class="normal">"And you will be my good papa," cried Laura, hastening toward him and +stroking his chin; "do send them away."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But, my child," said the father, composedly. "I have already spoken to +your mother about it, and I have already explained to her why I cannot +dispose of them. Now, I cannot do to please you, what I have refused +your mother; that would be contrary to all family regulations. Respect +your mother, little girl."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You are a hard-hearted father," replied the daughter, pouting; "and +more than that, you are unjust in this affair."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Oh, oh!" cried the father, "is that the way you approach me?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"What harm does the ringing of bells over there do to us? The little +summer-house is pretty, and when we sit in the garden in the evening, +and there is a breeze, and the bells tinkle gently, it sounds just +lovely--it is like Mozart's <i>Magic Flute</i>."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Our street is not an opera-house," the father retorted sharply, "but a +public thoroughfare; and when my pet dogs bark you can equally well +pursue your theatrical ideas, and imagine that you are in the Wolf's +Den, in the <i>Freischütz</i>."</p> + +<p class="normal">"No, my father," answered the daughter, eagerly, "you are unjust +towards these people; for you wish to spite them, and that vexes me to +my heart's core. It is not worthy of my father."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yet you must bear it," he replied, doggedly, "for this is a quarrel +between men. Police regulations settle such affairs, and your verses +are altogether out of place. As regards the names, it is possible that +other words like Adolar, Ingomar, and Marquis Posa, might sound better +to you women-folk. But this is no reason for me; my names are +practical. In the matter of flowers and books, I will do much to please +you but in the matter of dogs I cannot take poetry into consideration." +So saying, he turned his back upon his daughter, to avoid protracting +the dispute.</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura, however, hastened to her mother's room, and the ladies took +counsel together.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The noise was bad enough," complained Laura, "but the names are +terrible. I cannot say those words for my life, and you ought not to +allow our servant to do so, either."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Dear child," answered the experienced mother, "one has to pass through +much in this world which is unpleasant, but what grieves me most is the +wanton attacks upon the dignity of women in their own houses. I shall +say no more on the subject. I agree with you, that both the names by +which the dogs are called are an insult to our neighbor. But if your +father were to discover that behind his back we called them Phœbus +and Azor, it would make matters worse."</p> + +<p class="normal">"No one at least must utter those other names who cares for my +friendship," said Laura, decidedly, and entered into the court-yard.</p> + +<p class="normal">Gabriel was employing his leisure in making observations on the new +comers. He was frequently attracted to the dogs' kennel in order to +establish the certainty of the earthly nature of the strangers.</p> + +<p class="normal">"What is your opinion?" asked Laura, approaching him.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have my opinion," answered the servant, peering into the interior of +the shed, "namely, that there is something mysterious about them. Did +you remark the song of those ravens the other night? No real dog barks +like that; they whine and moan and occasionally groan and speak like +little children. They eat like other dogs, but their mode of life is +unusual. See, how they cower down, as if they had been struck on the +mouth, because the sun shines on them. And then, dear young lady, the +names!"</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura looked with curiosity at the beasts.</p> + +<p class="normal">"We will alter the names secretly, Gabriel; this one shall be called +Ruddy."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That would certainly be better; it would at least not be an insult to +Mr. Hahn, but only to the tenant of the basement."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What do you mean by that?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"The porter who lives over there is called Ruddy."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then," decided Laura, "the red monster shall from henceforth be named +The Other; our people shall call him Andres.<a name="div2_02" href="#div2Ref_02"><sup>[2]</sup></a> Tell this to the +workmen in the factory."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Andres!" replied Gabriel. "The name will just suit him. The neighbors +would dignify him with the name of Andreas if it were not too much +honor to him."</p> + +<p class="normal">Thus were kind hearts occupied in thwarting the bad signification of +the name. But in vain, for, as Laura had correctly noted in her diary, +when the ball of mischief has been thrown amongst men, it mercilessly +hits the good as well as the bad. The dog was supplied with the most +inoffensive name that ever was given; but through a wonderful +complication of circumstances, which bid defiance to all human +sagacity, it happened that Mr. Hahn himself bore the name of Andreas. +Thus the double name of the animal became a double affront to the +neighboring house, and bad and good intentions mingled together in a +thick, black soup of hatred.</p> + +<p class="normal">Early in the morning Mr. Hummel appeared at the door, and defiantly, +like Ajax, called the two dogs by their hostile names. The porter, +Ruddy, heard the call in the cellar, hastened to his master's room, and +informed him of this horrible affront. Mrs. Hahn endeavored not to +believe it, and maintained that they should, at least, wait for some +confirmation. This confirmation did not fail to come; for at noonday +Gabriel opened the door of the place where the dogs were confined, and +made the creatures come out for a quarter of an hour's sunning in the +garden. Laura, who was sitting among her flowers, and was just looking +out for her secret ideal--a famous singer, who, with his glossy black +hair and military gait was just passing by--determined, like a +courageous maiden, not to peer after her favorite through the foliage +of the vine arbor, and turned toward the dogs. In order to accustom the +red one to his new name, she enticed him with a bit of cake, and called +him several times by the unfortunate name, "Andres." At the same +moment, Dorchen rushed to Mrs. Hahn, saying: "It is true; now even Miss +Laura calls the dog by the Christian name of our master."</p> + +<p class="normal">Mrs. Hahn stepped to the window much shocked, and herself heard the +name of her dear husband. She retreated quickly, for this insult from +her neighbors brought tears into her eyes, and she sought for her +pocket-handkerchief to wipe them away unperceived by her maid. Mrs. +Hahn was a good woman, calm and agreeable, with a tendency to plumpness +and an inclination quietly to do anything for the sake of peace. But +this heartlessness of the daughter roused her anger. She instantly +fetched her cloak from the closet, and went with the utmost +determination across the street to the garden of the hostile neighbors.</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura looked up astonished from the hideous dogs to the unexpected +visitor, who came toward her with dignified steps.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I come to complain, young lady!" began Mrs. Hahn, without further +greeting. "The insults that have been heaped upon my husband from this +house are insupportable. For your father's conduct you are not +responsible; but I think it shocking that a young girl like you should +also join in these outrages!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"What do you mean, Mrs. Hahn?" asked Laura, excitedly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I mean the affront of giving a man's name to dogs. You call your dogs +by all my husband's names."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That I have never done," replied Laura.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do not deny it," cried out Mrs. Hahn.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I never speak an untruth," said the girl proudly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"My husband's name is Andreas Hahn, and what you call this beast is +heard by the whole neighborhood."</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura's pride was roused. "This is a misunderstanding, and the dog is +not so called. What you say is unjust."</p> + +<p class="normal">"How is it unjust?" returned Mrs. Hahn. "In the morning the father, and +in the afternoon the daughter call him so."</p> + +<p class="normal">A heavy weight fell on Laura's heart; she felt herself dragged down +into an abyss of injustice and injury. Her father's conduct paralyzed +her energies, and tears burst from her eyes.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I see that you at least feel the wrong you are committing," continued +Mrs. Hahn, more calmly. "Do not do it again. Believe me, it is easy to +pain others, but it is a sorry business, and my poor husband and I have +not deserved it from you. We have seen you grow up before our eyes; and +even though we have had no intercourse with your parents, we have +always been pleased with you, and no-one in our house has ever wished +you ill. You do not know what a good man Mr. Hahn is, but still you +ought not to have behaved so. Since we have dwelt here we have +experienced many vexations from this house; but that you should share +your father's views pains me most."</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura endeavored in vain to dry her tears. "I repeat to you that you do +me injustice; more I cannot say in self-justification, nor will I. You +have grieved me more than you know, and I am satisfied that I have a +clear conscience."</p> + +<p class="normal">With these words she hastened into the house, and Mrs. Hahn returned +home, uncertain as to the result of her visit.</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura paced up and down her little room wringing her hands. Innocent +and yet guilty in spite of her good will, wounded to the quick, dragged +into a family feud, the unhappy results of which could not be foreseen, +she reviewed the events of the past day in her excited mind. At last +she seated herself at her little writing-table, took out her journal, +and confided her sorrows to this silent friend bound in violet leather. +She sought comfort from the souls of others who had borne up nobly +under similar griefs, and at last found the confirmation of her +experience in the expressive well-known passage of Goethe's Faust:</p> + +<div class="poem"> +<p class="t4">"Reason doth folly, good doth evil grow;<br> +The child must reap the mischief that the fathers sow."</p> +</div> + +<p class="continue">Had she not wished to do what was reasonable and kind, and had not +folly and evil arisen from it? And had not misfortune befallen her +without her fault merely because she was a child of the house? With +this sentence she closed a passionate effusion. But in order not to +appear to her conscience devoid of affection, the poor child wrote +immediately underneath these words: "My dear, good father." Then she +closed the book, feeling more comforted.</p> + +<p class="normal">But the severest humiliation to her was the feeling that she should be +judged unjustly by the people over the way; and she folded her arms and +thought how she could justify herself. She, indeed, could do nothing; +but there was a worthy man who was the confidant of every one in the +house, who had cured her canary bird when ill, and removed a stain from +the nose of her little bust of Schiller. She resolved, therefore, to +tell only the faithful Gabriel what Mrs. Hahn had said, and not a word +to her mother unless obliged to do so.</p> + +<p class="normal">It happened that toward evening Gabriel and Dorchen entered into +conversation in the street. Dorchen began to make bitter complaints of +the spitefulness of the Hummels, but Gabriel earnestly advised her not +to allow herself to be dragged into these disputes. Said he, "there +must be some who take a neutral stand. Be an angel, Dorchen, and bring +peace and good will into the house; for the daughter is innocent." +Whereupon the history of giving the name was spoken of, and Laura +honorably acquitted.</p> + +<p class="normal">Then, when Gabriel, a little later, incidentally remarked to Laura: +"This matter is settled; and Mr. Hahn has said that it had at once +appeared to him improbable that you should be so ill-disposed toward +him,"--a heavy weight fell from her heart, and again her soft song +sounded through the house. And yet she did not feel satisfied, for the +annoyance to the neighboring house caused by her father's anger still +continued. Alas! she could not restrain that violent spirit, but she +must endeavor secretly to atone for his injustice. She pondered over +this while undressing late at night; but when in bed, after +entertaining and rejecting many projects, the right idea suddenly +struck her; she jumped up at once, lighted her candle, and ran in her +night-dress to the writing-table. There she emptied her purse, and +counted over the new dollars that her father had given her at Christmas +and on her birthday. These dollars she determined to spend in a secret +method of reparation. Highly pleased, she took the precious purse to +bed with her, laid it under her pillow, and slept peacefully upon it, +although the spectral dogs raged round the house in their wild career, +horribly and incessantly.</p> + +<p class="normal">The following morning Laura wrote in large, stiff characters, on an +empty envelope, Mr. Hahn's name and address, and affixed a seal on +which was the impression of a violet with the inscription, "I conceal +myself," and put it in her pocket. On her way to town to make some +purchases she stopped at a hot-house, the proprietor of which was +unknown to her. There she bought a bushy plant of dwarf orange, full of +flowers and golden fruit--a splendid specimen of the greenhouse; with a +beating heart, she drove in a closed cab, till she found a porter, to +whom she gave an extraordinary gratuity, and bade him leave the plant +and envelope at Mr. Hahn's house without word or greeting of any kind.</p> + +<p class="normal">The man performed the commission faithfully. Dorchen discovered the +plant in the hall, and it caused an agreeable excitement in the Hahn +family--fruitless imaginations, repeated inspection, and vain +conjectures. When at noon Laura peeped through the arbor into the +garden, she had the pleasure of seeing the orange plant occupying a +prominent place in front of the white Muse. Beautifully did the white +and gold of the shrub glitter across the street. Laura stood long +behind the branches, unconsciously folding her hands. Her soul was +unburdened of the injustice, and she turned from the hostile house with +a feeling of proud satisfaction.</p> + +<p class="normal">Meanwhile there was a complaint issued and a suit was pending between +the two houses, which was seriously increased on that very day by the +adoption of the dogs' names "Fighthahn" and "Spitehahn."</p> + +<p class="normal">Thus the peace in house and neighborhood was still disturbed. At first +the pealing of bells had excited public opinion against Mr. Hahn, but +this was entirely altered by the introduction of the dogs: the whole +street went over to the man of <i>straw</i>; the man of <i>felt</i> had all the +world against him. But Mr. Hummel cared little for this. In the evening +he sat in the garden on the upturned boat, looking proudly at the +neighboring house, while Fighthahn and the other dog sat at his feet +blinking at the moon, who in her usual way looked down maliciously on +Mr. Hummel, Mr. Hahn, and all the rest of the world.</p> + +<p class="normal">It happened on the following night that amidst the barking of the dogs +and the light of the moon all the bells were torn down from the temple +of Mr. Hahn and stolen.</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>CHAPTER VIII</i>.</h2> + +<h3>TACITUS AGAIN.</h3> + +<p class="normal">There is a common saying that all lost things lie under the claws of +the Evil One. Whoever searches for a thing must cry: "Devil, take thy +paws away." Then it suddenly appears before the eyes of men. It was so +easy to find. They have gone round it a hundred times. They have looked +above and below, and have sought it in the most improbable places, and +never thought of that which was nearest them. Undoubtedly it was so +with the manuscript; it lay under the clutches of the Evil One or of +some hobgoblin, quite close to our friends. If they were to stretch out +their hands they might lay hold of it. The acquisition was only +hindered by one consideration, by the single question, Where? Whether +this delay would involve more or less suffering for both the scholars +was still doubtful. Nevertheless, they might overcome even this +uncertainty; the main point was, that the manuscript really existed and +lay somewhere. In short, matters went on the whole as well as possible. +The only thing missing was the manuscript.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I see," said the Doctor one day to his friend, "that you are +strenuously exerting yourself to educate and fashion the ideas of the +older people of the household. I put my hopes in the souls of the +younger generation. Hans, the eldest, is very far from sharing the +views of the father and sister; he shows an interest in the old +treasure, and if we ourselves should not succeed in making the +discovery, at some future period he will not spare the old walls."</p> + +<p class="normal">In conjunction with Hans, the Doctor secretly resumed his +investigations. In quiet hours, when the Proprietor was unsuspectingly +riding about his farm, and the Professor working in his room or sitting +in the honeysuckle arbor, the Doctor went prying about the house. In +the smock-frock of a laborer, which Hans had brought to his room, he +searched the dusty corners of the house high and low. More than once he +frightened the female servants of the household by suddenly emerging +from behind some old bin in the cellar, or by appearing astride on one +of the rafters of the roof. In the dairy a hole had been dug for the +forming of an ice-pit; one day when the laborers had gone away at noon, +Mademoiselle, the housekeeper, passed close to the uncovered pit, +suspecting nothing. Suddenly, she beheld a head without a body, with +fiery eyes and bristly hair, which slowly groped along the ground and +which turned its face to her with a derisive, fiendish laugh. She +uttered a shrill cry and rushed into the kitchen, where she sank +fainting on a stool and was only revived by the copious sprinkling of +water and encouraging words. At dinner she was so much troubled that +every one was struck by her uneasiness. But at last it appeared that +the fiendish head was to be found on the shoulders of her neighbor, the +Doctor, who had secretly descended into the hole to examine the +masonry.</p> + +<p class="normal">It was on this occasion that the Doctor discovered, with some degree of +malicious pleasure, that the hospitable roof which protected him and +the manuscript from the blast and storm stood over an acknowledged +haunted house. There were strange creakings in the old building. +Spirits were frequently seen, and the accounts only differed as to +whether there was a man in a gray cowl, a child in a white shirt, or a +cat as large as an ass. Every one knew that there was in all parts a +knocking, rattling, thundering, and invisible throwing of stones. +Sometimes all the authority of the Proprietor and his daughter was +necessary to prevent the outbreak of a panic among the servants. Even +our friends, in the quiet of the hight, heard unaccountable sounds, +groans, thundering noises, and startling knocks on the wall. These +annoyances of the house the Doctor explained to the satisfaction of the +Proprietor by his theory of the old walls. He made it clear that many +generations of weasels, rats, and mice had bored through the solid +walls and tunnelled out a system of covered passages and strongholds. +Consequently, every social amusement and every domestic disturbance +which took place among the inmates of the wall was plainly perceptible. +But the Doctor listened with secret vexation to the muffled noises of +the denizens of the wall. For if they rushed and bustled thus +indiscriminately around the manuscript, they threatened to render +difficult the future investigations of science. Whenever he heard a +violent gnawing he could not help thinking they were again eating away +a line of the manuscript, which would make a multitude of conjectures +necessary; and it was not by gnawing alone that this colony of mice +would disfigure the manuscript that lay underneath them.</p> + +<p class="normal">But the Doctor was compensated by other discoveries for the great +patience which was thus demanded of him. He did not confine his +activity to the house and adjoining buildings. He searched the +neighborhood for old popular traditions which here and there lingered +in the spinning-room and worked in the shaky heads of old beldames. +Through the wife of one of the farm-laborers, he secretly made the +acquaintance of an old crone well versed in legendary lore in the +neighboring village. After the old woman had recovered from her first +alarm at the title of the Doctor and the fear that he had come to take +her to task for incompetent medical practice, she sang to him, with +trembling voice, the love songs of her youth, and related to him more +than her hearer could note down. Every evening the Doctor brought home +sheets of paper full of writing and soon found in his collection all +the well-known characters of our popular legends--wild hunters, +wrinkled hags, three white maidens, many monks, some shadowy water +pixies, sprites who appeared in stories as artisan lads, but undeniably +sprang from a merman; and finally many tiny dwarfs. Sometimes Hans +accompanied him on these excursions to the country people, in order to +prevent these visits from becoming known to the father and daughter. +Now, it was not impossible that here and there a cave or an old well +was supplied with spirits without any foundation; for, when the wise +women of the village observed how much the Doctor rejoiced in such +communications, the old inventive power of the people awoke from a long +slumber. But, on the whole, both parties treated each other with truth +and firmness, and, besides, the Doctor was not a man who could easily +be deceived.</p> + +<p class="normal">Once when he was returning to the Manor from one of these visits he met +the laborer's wife on a lonely foot-path. She looked cautiously about +and at last declared that she had something to impart to him if he +would not betray her to the Proprietor. The Doctor promised inviolable +secrecy. Upon this the woman stated, that in the cellar of the +manor-house, on the eastern side, in the right hand corner, there was a +stone, marked with three crosses; behind that lay the treasure. She had +heard this from her grandfather, who had it from his father, who had +been a servant at the Manor; and at that time the then Crown Inspector +had wished to raise the treasure, but when they went in the cellar for +that purpose, there had been such a fearful crash and such a noise that +they ran away in terror. But that the treasure was there was certain, +for she had herself touched the stone, and the signs were distinctly +engraved on it. The cellar was now used for wine, and the stone was +hidden by a wooden trestle.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor received this communication with composure, but determined +to set about investigating by himself. He did not say a word either to +the Professor or to his friend Hans, but watched for an opportunity. +His informant sometimes herself carried the wine which was always +placed before the guests, to the cellar and back. The next morning he +followed her boldly; the woman did not say a word as he entered the +cellar behind her, but pointed fearfully to a corner in the wall. The +Doctor seized the lamp, shoved half a dozen flasks from their places +and groped about for the stone; it was a large hewn stone with three +crosses. He looked significantly at the woman--she afterwards related +in the strictest confidence that the glasses before his eyes shone at +this moment so fearfully in the light of the lamp, that she had become +quite terrified--then he went silently up again, determined to take +advantage of this discovery on the first opportunity in dealing with +the Proprietor.</p> + +<p class="normal">But a still greater surprise awaited the Doctor; his quiet labor was +supported by the good deceased Brother Tobias himself. The friends +descended one day to Rossau, accompanied by the Proprietor, who had +business in the town. He conducted his guests to the Burgomaster, whom +he requested to lay before the gentlemen, as trustworthy men, whatever +old writings were in the possession of the authorities. The +Burgomaster, who was a respectable tanner, put on his coat and took the +learned men to the old monastery. There was not much to be seen; only +the outer walls of the old building remained; the minor officials of +the crown dwelt in the new parts. Concerning the archives of the +council the Burgomaster suggested as probable that there would not be +much found in them; in this matter he recommended the gentlemen to the +town-clerk, and went himself to the club in order, after his onerous +duties, to enjoy a quiet little game of cards.</p> + +<p class="normal">The town-clerk bowed respectfully to his literary colleagues, laid hold +of a rusty bunch of keys, and opened the small vault of the city hall, +where the ancient records, covered with thick dust, awaited the time in +which their quiet life was to be ended under the stamping machine of a +paper mill. The town-clerk had some knowledge of the papers; he +understood fully the importance of the communication which was expected +from him, but assured them with perfect truth that, owing to two fires +in the town and the disorders of former times, every old history had +been lost. There were also no records to be found in any private house; +only in the printed chronicles of a neighboring town some notices were +preserved concerning the fate of Rossau in the Thirty Years' War. After +the war, the place had been left a heap of ruins and almost +uninhabited. Since that time the town had lived along without a +history, and the town-clerk assured them that nothing was known here of +the olden time, and no one cared about it. Perhaps something about the +town might be learnt at the Capital.</p> + +<p class="normal">Our friends continued to walk unweariedly from one intelligent man to +another, making inquiries, as in the fairy tale, after the bird with +the golden feather. Two little gnomes had known nothing, but now there +remained a third--so they went to the Roman Catholic priest. A little +old gentleman received them with profound bows. The Professor explained +to him, that he was seeking information concerning the ultimate fate of +the monastery--above all, what had happened in his closing years to the +last monk, the venerable Tobias Bachhuber.</p> + +<p class="normal">"In those days no register of deaths was required," replied the +ecclesiastic. "Therefore, my dear sirs, I cannot promise to give you +any information. Yet, if it is only a question of yourselves, and you +do not wish to extract anything from the old writings disadvantageous +to the Church, I am willing to show you the oldest of the existing +books." He went into a room and brought out a long thin book, the edges +of which had been injured by the mould of the damp room. "Here are some +notices of my predecessors who rest with the Lord; perhaps they may be +useful to the gentlemen. More I cannot do, because there is nothing +else of the kind existing."</p> + +<p class="normal">On the introductory page there was a register of the ecclesiastical +dignitaries of the place in Latin. One of the first notices was: "In +the year of our Lord 1637, and in the month of May, our venerated +brother Tobias Bachhuber, the last monk of this monastery, died of the +plague. The Lord be merciful to him."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor showed the passage silently to his friend the Doctor, who +wrote down the Latin words; they then returned the book with thanks and +took their leave.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The manuscript after all lies in the house," said the Professor, as +they went along the street. The Doctor thought of the three crosses and +laughed quietly to himself; he had in no way assented to the tactics +which his friend thought fit to adopt for the discovery of the +manuscript. When the Professor maintained that their only hope rested +on the sympathy which they might by degrees awaken in their host, the +Doctor entertained the suspicion that his friend was brought to this +slow way of carrying on the war not by pure zeal for the manuscript.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Proprietor, however, maintained an obstinate silence regarding the +manuscript. If the Doctor threw out any hint upon the subject, the host +made a wry grimace and immediately changed the conversation. It was +necessary to put an end to this. The Doctor now determined to insist +upon a decision before his departure. When, therefore, they were +sitting together in the garden in the evening, and the Proprietor was +looking cheerfully and calmly on his fruit trees, the Doctor began the +attack:</p> + +<p class="normal">"I cannot leave this place, my hospitable friend, without reminding you +of our contract."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Of what contract?" inquired their host, like one who did not remember +it.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Regarding the manuscript," continued the Doctor, with emphasis, "which +lies concealed in this place."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Indeed! why you yourself said that every place sounds hollow. So we +would have to tear down the house from roof to cellar. I should think +we might wait till next spring. When you come to us again; for we +should be obliged, under these circumstances, to live in the barns, +which now are full."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The house may, for the present, remain standing," said the Doctor; +"but if you still think that the monks took away their monastic +property, there is one circumstance which goes against your view. We +have discovered at Rossau that the worthy friar, who had concealed the +things here in April, died of the pestilence as early as May, according +to the church register; here is a 'copy of the entry.'"</p> + +<p class="normal">The Proprietor looked at the Doctor's memorandum book, closed it and +said: "Then his brother monks have taken away the property."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is scarcely possible," replied the Doctor, "for he was the last +of his order in the monastery."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then some of the city people have taken it."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But the inhabitants of the town abandoned it then, and the place lay +for years desolate, in ruins and uninhabited."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Humph!" began the Proprietor, in good humor; "the learned gentlemen +are strict creditors and know how to insists upon their rights. Tell me +straightforwardly what you want of me. You must, first of all, point +out to me some place that appears suspicious, not only to you, but also +to the judgment of others; and that you cannot do with any certainty."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I know of such a place," answered the Doctor, boldly, "and I wish to +suggest to you that the treasure lies there."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor and the Proprietor looked on him with astonishment.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Follow me into the cellar," cried the Doctor.</p> + +<p class="normal">A candle was lighted; the Doctor led the way to the place where the +wine lay.</p> + +<p class="normal">"What gives you such victorious confidence?" inquired the Professor, on +the way, in a low voice.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I suspect that you have your secrets," replied the Doctor; "permit me +to have mine."</p> + +<p class="normal">He quickly removed the bottles from the corner, threw the light on the +stone, and knocked on the wall with a large key.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The place is hollow and the stone has a peculiar mark."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is true," said the Proprietor; "there is an empty space behind it; +it is certainly not small. But the stone is one of the foundation +stones of the house, and has not the appearance of ever having been +removed from its place."</p> + +<p class="normal">"After so long a time, it would be difficult to determine that," +rejoined the Doctor.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Proprietor examined the wall himself.</p> + +<p class="normal">"A large slab lies over it. It would, perhaps, be possible to raise the +marked stone from its place." He considered for a moment, and then +continued: "I see I must let you have your own way. I will thus make +compensation for the first hour of our acquaintance, which has always +lain heavy on my conscience. As we three are here in the cellar like +conspirators, we will enter into an agreement. I will at once do what I +consider to be very useless. In return, whenever you speak or write +upon the subject, you must not refuse to bear testimony that I have +given in to every reasonable wish."</p> + +<p class="normal">"We shall see what can be done," replied the Doctor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Very well. In the stone quarry at the extremity of my property +I have some extra hands at work; they shall remove the stone and then +restore it to its place. Thus, I hope, the affair will be forever +settled. Ilse, early in the morning let the shelving be removed from +the wine-cellar."</p> + +<p class="normal">The following day the stone-masons came, and the three gentlemen and +Ilse descended into the cellar, and looked on curiously while the men +exerted their power with pickaxe and crowbar on the square stone. It +was placed upon the rock, and great exertions were necessary to loosen +it. But the people themselves declared that there was a great cavity +behind, and worked with a zeal that was increased by the repute of the +haunted house. At last the stone was moved and a dark opening became +visible. The spectators approached--both the scholars in anxious +suspense; their host and his daughter also full of expectation. One of +the stone-masons hastily seized the light and held it before the +opening. A slight vapor came out; the man drew back alarmed.</p> + +<p class="normal">"There is something white in there," he cried, full of fear and hope.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse looked at the Professor, who with difficulty controlled the +excitement that worked in his face. He grasped the light, but she kept +it from him, and cried out, anxiously: "Not you." She hastened to the +opening and thrust her hand into the hollow space. She laid hold of +something tangible. A rattling was heard; she quickly withdrew her +hand; but, terrified threw what she had laid hold of on the ground. It +was a bone.</p> + +<p class="normal">All gazed in horror at the object on the ground.</p> + +<p class="normal">"This is a serious answer to your question," exclaimed the Proprietor. +"We pay a dear price for our sport."</p> + +<p class="normal">He took the light and himself searched the opening; a heap of bones lay +there. The others stood around in uncomfortable silence. At last the +Proprietor threw a skull out into the cellar, and cried out cheerfully, +as a man who is relieved from painful feeling:</p> + +<p class="normal">"They are the bones of a dog!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"It was a small dog," assented the stone-mason, striking the bone with +his pick. The rotten bone broke in pieces.</p> + +<p class="normal">"A dog!" cried the Doctor, delighted, forgetting for a moment his +blighted hope. "That is instructive. The foundation wall of this house +must be very old."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am rejoiced that you are contented with this discovery," replied the +Proprietor, ironically.</p> + +<p class="normal">But the Doctor would not be disconcerted, and related how, in the early +middle ages, there had been a superstitious custom of enclosing +something living in the foundation-wall of solid buildings. The custom +descended from the ancient heathen times. The cases were rare where +such things were found in old buildings, and the skeleton now found was +an indisputable confirmation of the custom.</p> + +<p class="normal">"If it confirms your views," said the Proprietor, "it confirms mine +also. Hasten, men, to replace the stone."</p> + +<p class="normal">Then the stone-mason lighted up and felt again in the opening and +declared that there was nothing more there. The workmen restored the +stone to its place, the wine was replaced and the matter settled. The +Doctor bore the jeering remarks, of which the Proprietor was not +sparing, with great tranquillity, and said to him:</p> + +<p class="normal">"What we have discovered is certainly not much; but we know now with +certainty that the manuscript is not to be found in this part of your +house, but in some other. I take with me a careful record of all the +hollow places in your house, and we do not give up out claims in regard +to this discovery; but we consider you from now on as a man who has +borrowed the manuscript for his own private use for an indefinite time, +and I assure you that our wishes and desires will incessantly hover +about this building."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Pray allow the persons who dwell there to participate in your good +wishes," replied the Proprietor, smiling, "and do not forget that in +your researches after the manuscript you have in reality found the dog. +For the rest, I hope that this discovery will free my house from the +ill-repute of containing treasures, and for the sake of this gain I +will be quite content with the useless work."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is the greatest error of your life," replied the Doctor, with +grave consideration; "just the reverse will take place. All people who +have an inclination for hidden treasure will take the discovery in this +light, that you are deficient in faith and have not employed the +necessary solemnities, therefore the treasure is removed from your eyes +and the dog placed there as a punishment. I know better than you what +your neighbors will record for posterity. Tarry in peace for your +awakening, Tacitus! Your most steadfast friend departs, and he whom I +leave behind begins to make undue concessions to this household."</p> + +<p class="normal">He looked earnestly at the Professor and called Hans to accompany him +on a visit to the village, in order to take a grateful leave of his old +crones, and to obtain one of the beautiful songs of the people, of +which he had discovered traces, to take home with him.</p> + +<p class="normal">He was gone a long time; for after the song there came to light +unexpectedly a wonderful story of a certain Sir Dietrich and his horse, +which breathed fire.</p> + +<p class="normal">When, toward evening, the Professor was looking out for him, he met +Ilse who, with her straw hat in her hand, was prepared for a walk.</p> + +<p class="normal">"If you like," she said, "we will go to meet your friend."</p> + +<p class="normal">They walked along a meadow between stubble-fields, in which here and +there grass was to be seen peeping up amongst the stubble.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The autumn approaches," remarked the Professor; "that is the first +sign."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Winter-time is tedious to some people," answered Ilse, "but it puts +us, like Till Eulenspiegel, in good spirits, for we enjoy its repose, +and think of the approaching spring; and when the stormy winds rage +round us, and the snow drifts to a man's height in the valleys, we sit +at home in warmth and comfort."</p> + +<p class="normal">"With us in the city the winter passes away almost unheeded. The short +days and the white roofs alone remind us of it, for our work goes on +independently of changing seasons. Yet the fall of the leaf has from my +childhood been depressing to me, and in the spring I always desire to +throw aside my books and ramble through the country like a traveling +journeyman."</p> + +<p class="normal">They were standing by a bundle of sheaves. Ilse arranged some of them +as a seat, and looked over the fields to the distant hills.</p> + +<p class="normal">"How different it is with us here," she began after a pause. "We are +like the birds which year after year joyously flap their wings and live +in contentment. But you think and care about other times and other men +that existed long before us. You are as familiar with the past as we +are with the rising of the sun and the forms of the stars. If the end +of summer is sorrowful to you, it is equally as sorrowful to me to hear +and read of past times. Books of history make me very sad. There is so +much unhappiness on earth, and it is always the good that come to a +sorrowful end. I then become presumptuous, and ask why God has thus +ordered it? It is really very foolish to feel thus. But for that reason +I do not like to read history."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I well understand that frame of mind," answered the Professor. "For +wherever men seek to enforce their will in opposition to their time and +nation, invariably they meet the fate that befalls the weak. Even that +which the strongest accomplish has no permanent lastingness. And as men +and their works disappear, so do peoples. But we should not irrevocably +attach our hearts to the fate of a single man or a single nation, we +should rather strive to understand why they have grown great, and why +they have perished, and what was the abiding gain that through their +life the human race has eternally won. The account of their fortunes +will then become but a veil, behind which we discover the operation of +other forces and powers of life. We learn that in the men that succumb +in this great struggle and in the nations that decline, a still higher +hidden life dominates, which lives on creating and destroying in rigid +accordance with eternal laws. To discover the laws of this higher life +and to feel, to experience the blessing that this creating and +destruction has brought into our existence, that is the duty and the +ambition of the historian. From this point of view dissolution and +death are transformation into new life. And they who have learned thus +to look upon and observe the past--for them its study increases their +security and ennobles their heart."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse shook her head and cast down her eyes.</p> + +<p class="normal">"And the Roman whose lost book brought you to us, and of which you have +been talking to-day--is he interesting to you because he looked upon +the world in the cheerful light that you do?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"No," answered the Professor, "it is just the reverse that impresses +one in his work. His serious mind was never borne aloft by joyful +confidence. The fate of his nation, the future of men, lay like a dark +impenetrable riddle heavily upon his soul. In the past he saw a better +time, freer government, stronger men, purer morals. In his own people +and his own state he saw decadence and dissolution, which even good +rulers no longer could retard. It is affecting to see how that +high-minded, thoughtful man struggled in doubt. For he doubted whether +the horrible fate of millions was the punishment of the Deity or the +consequence that no God cared for the lot of mortals. Forebodingly and +ironically he contemplates the history of individuals. To him the +course of wisdom seems to be to bear the inevitable silently and +patiently. When, even for a moment, a brief smile curls his lips, one +perceives that he is looking into a hopeless desert; one can imagine +fear visible in his eyes, and the rigid expression which remains on one +who has been shaken to the innermost core by deadly horrors."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is sad," exclaimed Ilse.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, it is fearful. And it is difficult to understand how any one +could endure life, burdened by such despair. The joyful satisfaction of +belonging to a nation of growing vigor was not then the lot of either +heathen or Christian. It is the highest and most indestructible +happiness of man to have confidence in that which exists, and to look +with hope to the future. And such is our life now. Much that is weak, +corrupt, and perishable surrounds us. But with it all there is growing +up an endless abundance of youthful vigor. The root and the trunk +of our popular life are sound. Everywhere do we find sincerity in +family-life, respect for morals and law, sturdy and solid labor, +everywhere energetic activity. In many thousands we find the +consciousness that they are increasing the national strength, and in +millions that are still far behind them the feeling that they also are +laboring to contribute to our civilization. This is our pleasure and +glory in modern times, and helps to make us valiant and proud. We well +know, indeed, that the joyful feeling of this possession may also be +saddened; for temporary disturbances come to every nation in the course +of its development. But its progress and prosperity of thriving cannot +be thwarted, nor its career hindered, so long as these securities of +power and soundness exist. It is this that gives happiness to him whose +vocation it is to investigate the past, for he looks down from the +salubrious air of the heights into the darkness beneath him."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse gazed on him with wonder and admiration, but he bent over the +sheaves which were between them and continued with enthusiasm:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Each one of us derives the judgment and habit of mind with which he +regards the great relations of the world, from the sphere of his own +personal experience. Look about you. Here at the laughing summer +landscape, yonder at the busy workingmen, and then at that which lies +nearest your heart--at your own home and the circle in which you have +grown to womanhood. How gentle the light, how warm the hearts, how wise +and good and true the minds that surround you! And think what an +inestimable gain it is for <i>me</i>, to see this, and to enjoy it--enjoy it +by your side. And when, poring over my books, I hereafter shall vividly +feel how valiant and noble, how sturdy and true is the life of my +countrymen about me, I shall evermore in my inmost heart pay, for that, +a tribute of thankfulness to you."</p> + +<p class="normal">He stretched out his hand across the sheaves; Ilse seized it, and +clasped it between hers. A warm tear fell upon it. She looked at him +with her moistened eyes, while a world of happiness lay in her +countenance. Gradually a bright glow suffused her cheeks, she rose, and +a look full of devoted tenderness fell upon him; then she walked +hastily away from him adown the meadow.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor remained leaning against the sheaves. The meadow-larks on +the tips of the ears of grain over his head warbled joyfully. He +pressed his cheek against the stack which half concealed him; thus, in +happy forgetfulness, he watched the girl descending toward the distant +laborers.</p> + +<p class="normal">When he raised his eyes his friend was standing by him; he beheld a +countenance which quivered with inward sympathy, and heard the gentle +question:</p> + +<p class="normal">"What will come of it?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Husband and wife," said the Professor decidedly; he pressed his +friend's hands, and strode across the fields to the songs of the larks +which greeted him from every sheaf.</p> + +<p class="normal">Fritz was alone. The word had been spoken. A new and awful fate +overshadowed the life of his friend. So this was to be the end of it? +Thusnelda, instead of Tacitus! Fritz felt alas! that the social custom +of marriage might be a very venerable institution. It was inevitable +that most men pass through the uprooting struggle which is the +consequence of a change in the mutual relations of life. He could not +think of his friend amid his books, with his colleagues, and this +woman. He felt painfully that his relation to the Professor must be +changed by it. But he did not think long of himself, but anxiously +worried about his rash friend; and not less about her who had so +dangerously impressed the soul of the other. The faithful rash friend +looked angrily upon the surrounding stubble and straw, and he clenched +his fists against the deceased Bachhuber; against the valley of +Rossau; nay, even against the immediate cause of this mischievous +confusion--against the manuscript of Tacitus.</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>CHAPTER IX</i>.</h2> + +<h3>ILSE.</h3> + +<p class="normal">Since the death of her mother Ilse had lived an unvaried home life. +Though then scarcely grown up, she had taken charge of the household. +Spring and autumn came and went. One year rolled over her head like +another. Her father and sisters, the estate, the laborers, and the poor +of the valley--these formed her life. More than once a suitor, a +sturdy, worthy proprietor of the neighborhood, had asked her hand in +marriage. But she felt contented with her home, and she knew that her +father wished her to remain with him. In the evening, when the active +man rested on the sofa, and the children were sent to bed she sat +silently by him with her embroidery, or talked over the small +occurrences of the day--the illness of a laborer, the damage done by a +hail storm or the name of the new milch cow. It was a lonely country. +Much of it was woodland. Most of the estates were small. There were no +rich neighbors. And the father, who had worked his way by his energy +until he became an opulent man, had no inclination for society life, +nor had his daughter. On Sunday the Pastor came to dinner, and then the +father's farm-inspectors remained and related the little gossip of the +neighborhood over their coffee; the children, who, during the week, +were under the charge of a tutor, amused themselves in the garden and +fields. When Ilse had a leisure hour she seated herself in her own +little sitting-room with a book out of her father's small library--a +novel by Walter Scott, a tale by Hauff, or a volume of Schiller.</p> + +<p class="normal">But now a profusion of thoughts, images, and feeling had been awakened +in her mind by this stranger. Much that she had hitherto looked upon +with indifference in the outer world now became interesting to her. +Like fire-works which unexpectedly shoot up, illuminating particular +spots in the landscape with their colored light, his conversation threw +a fascinating light, now here and now there, on a life that was strange +to her. When he spoke, when his words, copious and choice, flowed from +his innermost heart--she bent her head as in a dream, then fixed her +eyes on his face. She felt a respect commingled with fear for a human +mind that soared so loftily and firmly above the earth. He spoke of the +past as intimately as of the present; he knew how to explain the secret +thoughts of men who had lived a thousand years ago. Ah! she felt the +glory and greatness of human learning to be the merit and greatness of +the man who sat opposite to her. The intellectual labor of the +centuries appeared to her as a supernatural being which proclaimed from +a human mouth things unheard of in her home.</p> + +<p class="normal">But it was not learning alone. When she looked up at him, she saw +beaming eyes, a kindly expression about the eloquent lips, and she felt +herself irresistibly attracted by the warmth of the man's nature. Then +she sat opposite to him as a quiet listener. But when she entered her +room, she knelt down and covered her face with her hands. In this +solitude she saw him before her and offered him homage.</p> + +<p class="normal">Thus she awoke to a new life. It was a state of pure enthusiasm, of +unselfish rapture, such as a man knows not and only a woman can +experience,--which comes only to a pure, innocent heart when the +greatest crisis of earthly existence visits a sensitive soul in the +bloom of life.</p> + +<p class="normal">She saw also that her father was partially under the same magical +influence. At dinner, which used to be so silent, conversation now +flowed as from a living spring; in the evening, when formerly he used +to sit wearily over the newspaper, many things were now discussed, and +there were frequent disputes which lasted late into the night. Her +father, when he took his bedroom candle from the table, was always in +cheerful humor; and more than once he repeated to himself, pacing up +and down, sentences that had been uttered by his guest. "He is, in his +way, a fine man," he said; "in all things stable and sound; one always +knows how to take him."</p> + +<p class="normal">Occasionally she was alarmed at the Professor's opinions. The two +friends, indeed, avoided what might wound the deep faith of their +gentle hearer, but in the conversation of the Professor there sometimes +seemed to lie hidden a different conception of venerated doctrines and +of human duties; and yet, what he maintained was so noble and good that +she could not guard herself against it by her own reasoning.</p> + +<p class="normal">He was often vehement in his expressions; when he condemned a thing he +did it in forcible language, and sometimes became so vehement that the +Doctor and even her father withdrew from the contest. She thought then +that he was different from almost all men--prouder, nobler, and more +decided. When he expected much of others, as is natural to one who has +lived in closer intercourse with the ideal world than with real life, +it alarmed her to think in what light she must appear to him. But, on +the other hand, this same man was ready to acknowledge everything that +was good, and he rejoiced like a child when he learned that any one had +shown himself brave and energetic.</p> + +<p class="normal">He was a serious man, and yet he had become a favorite with the +children, even more than the Doctor. They confided their little secrets +to him, he visited them in their nursery, and gave them advice +according to his youthful recollections, as to how they should make a +large paper kite; he himself painted the eyes and the mustache, and cut +the tassels for the tail. It was a joyful day when the kite rose from +the stubble-field for the first time. Then, when evening came, he sat +down, surrounded by the children, like the partridge amongst her young. +Franz climbed up the arm-chair and played with his hair; one of the +bigger ones sat on each knee. Then riddles were propounded and stories +told. And when Ilse heard how he repeated and taught small rhymes to +the children, her heart swelled with joy that such a mind should hold +such intimate intercourse with simple children. And she watched his +countenance and saw a child-like expression light up the features of +the man, laughing and happy; and she imagined him as a little boy, +sitting on his mother's lap. Happy mother!</p> + +<p class="normal">Then came the hour among the sheaves, the learned discourse which began +with Tacitus and ended with a silent acknowledgment of love. The +blessed cheerfulness of his countenance, the trembling sound of his +voice, had torn away the veil that concealed her own agitated feelings. +She now knew that she loved him deeply and eternally, and she had a +conviction that he felt just as she did. He, who was so greatly her +superior, had condescended to her; she had felt his warm breath and the +quick pressure of his hand. As she passed through the field, a glow +suffused her cheeks; the earth and heaven, fields and sun-lit wood, +floated before her like luminous clouds. With winged feet she hastened +down into the woody plain, where the foliage enveloped her. Now she +felt herself alone. She unconsciously grasped a slender birch tree, +which shook beneath her convulsive grasp, until its leaves fell in a +shower around her. She raised her hands to the golden light of the +heavens and threw herself down on the mossy ground. Her bosom heaved +and panted violently and she trembled with inward excitement. Love had +descended from heaven upon the young woman, taking possession of her +body and soul with its irresistible power.</p> + +<p class="normal">Thus she lay a long time. Butterflies played about her hair. A little +lizard crept over her hand. The white tips of the wild flowers and the +branches of the hazel bent over her, as if these little children of +nature wished to veil the deep emotions of the sister who had come to +them in the happiest moment of her life.</p> + +<p class="normal">At last she rose upon her knees, clasped her hands together, and +thanked and prayed to God for him.</p> + +<p class="normal">She became more collected and went into the open valley, no longer the +quiet girl she was formerly. Her own life and what surrounded her shone +in new colors, and she viewed the world with new feelings. She +understood the language of the pair of swallows that circled round her, +and with twittering tones passed by her swift as arrows. It was the +rapturous joy of life which impelled the little bodies so swiftly +through the air, and the birds greeted her with a sisterly song of +jubilee. She answered the greeting of the laborers who were going home +from the fields, and she looked at one of the women who had been +binding the sheaves, and knew exactly what was the state of her +feelings. This woman also had, as a maiden, loved a strange lad; it had +been a long and unhappy attachment, attended by much sorrow; but now +she was comforted going with him to her home, and when she spoke to her +mistress she looked proudly on her companion, and Ilse felt how happy +was the poor weary woman. When Ilse entered the farm-yard, and heard +the voices of the maids who had waited for her in vain, and the +impatient lowing of the cattle, which sounded like a reproach on the +loitering mistress, she shook her head gently, as if the admonition was +no longer for her, but for another.</p> + +<p class="normal">When she again passed from the farm buildings into the golden evening +light, with fleet steps and elevated head, she perceived with +astonishment her father standing by his horse ready to mount, and with +him, in quiet conversation, the Doctor, and he whom at this moment she +felt a difficulty in encountering. She approached hesitatingly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Where have you been lingering. Ilse?" cried the Proprietor. "I must be +off," and looking at the agitated countenance of his daughter, he +added: "It is nothing of importance. A letter from the invalid forester +calls me to his house. One of the Court people has arrived, and I can +guess what is wanted of me. I hope to be back at night."</p> + +<p class="normal">He nodded to the Doctor. "We shall see each other again before your +departure."</p> + +<p class="normal">So saying, he trotted away, and Ilse was thankful in her heart for the +incident which made it easier for her to speak with composure to the +friends. She walked with them on the road along which her father had +ridden, and endeavored to conceal her disquiet by talking on +indifferent subjects. She spoke of the hunting castle in the wood, and +of the solitude in which the gray-headed forester dwelt among the +beech-trees of the forest. But the conversation did not flow; each of +those noble hearts was powerfully touched. The Professor and Ilse +avoided looking at each other, and the friend could not succeed, by +jocose talk, in drawing the lovers down to the small things of life.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse suddenly pointed with her hand to a narrow pass on one side, from +which many dark heads were emerging.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Look! There are the Indians of Mrs. Rollmaus."</p> + +<p class="normal">A crowd of wild figures came on with quick step, one behind the other. +In front a powerful man in a brown smock-frock and shabby hat, with a +stout stick in his hand; behind him some young men, then women with +little children on their backs; all around and about the troop ran +half-naked boys and girls. Most of the strangers were bare-headed, and +without shoes. Their long black hair hung about their brown faces, and +their wild eyes, even from afar, shone covetously on the walking party.</p> + +<p class="normal">"When the autumn comes, these people sometimes wander through our +country. They are jugglers, going to the fair. But for some years they +have not ventured into the neighborhood of our estate."</p> + +<p class="normal">The troop approached; there was a wild rush out of the gang, and in a +moment the friends were surrounded by ten or twelve dusky figures, who +pressed on them with passionate gestures, loud cries, and outstretched +hands--men, women, and children, in tumultuous confusion. The friends +looked with astonishment on their piercing eyes and vehement movements, +and on the children, who stamped with their feet, and clawed the +strangers with their hands like madmen.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Back, you wild creatures," cried Ilse, pushing herself through the +throng, and placing herself before the friends. "Back with you. Who is +the chief of this band?" she repeated with anger, raising her arm +commandingly.</p> + +<p class="normal">The noise was silenced and a brown gypsy woman, not smaller than Ilse, +with shining hair arranged in braids and a colored handkerchief about +her head, came out from the band, and stretched her hands toward Ilse.</p> + +<p class="normal">"My children beg," she said; "they hunger and thirst."</p> + +<p class="normal">It was a large face with sharp features, in which traces of former +beauty were visible. With head bent forward, she stood before the young +lady, and her sparkling eyes passed peeringly from one countenance to +the other.</p> + +<p class="normal">"We have money only for the men who work for us," answered Ilse, +coldly. "For strangers who are thirsty, there is our spring; and to +those who are hungry we give bread. You will get nothing more at our +house."</p> + +<p class="normal">Again dozens of arms were raised and again the wild crowd pressed +nearer. The gypsy woman drove them back by a call in a foreign tongue.</p> + +<p class="normal">"We wish to work, Mademoiselle," she said, in fluent German, with a +foreign accent; "the men mend old utensils, and we drive away rats and +mice from the walls; and if you have a sick horse, we will cure it +speedily."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse shook her head negatively. "We do not need your help; where is +your pass?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"We have none," said the woman; "we came from foreign parts," and she +pointed to where the sun rises.</p> + +<p class="normal">"And where will you rest to-night?" asked Ilse.</p> + +<p class="normal">"We do not know; the sun is going down and my people are weary and +barefooted," replied the gypsy woman.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You must not rest near the farm nor near the village houses. The bread +you will receive at the gate of the farm-yard; you may send some one +there to fetch it. If you light a fire in any of our fields, take care +not to go too near the sheaves; we shall look after you. Let none of +you stroll about the estate or into the village to tell fortunes to +people, for we do not permit it."</p> + +<p class="normal">"We do not tell fortunes," answered the woman, touching a small black +cross which she wore around her neck. "None here below know the future, +nor do we."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse bent her head reverently.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Well said," said she. "According to the meaning which seems conveyed +in your words, you do not remind me in vain of the communion which +exists between us. Come to the gate yourself, mother, and await me +there; if you need anything for your little ones, I will endeavor to +help you."</p> + +<p class="normal">"We have a sick child, my pretty young lady, and the boys are in want +of clothes," begged the gypsy woman. "I will come, and my people shall +do as you wish."</p> + +<p class="normal">She gave a sign, and the wild troop tramped obediently along the +side-road that led to the village. The friends looked with curiosity +after the band.</p> + +<p class="normal">"That such a scene should be possible in this country I could never +have believed," cried the Doctor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"They were formerly quite a nuisance to us," replied Ilse, with +indifference; "they are seldom about, now. My father keeps strict order, +and that they know right well. But we must go back to the farm-yard, +for there can be no harm in caution with this thievish race."</p> + +<p class="normal">They hastened back to the farm-yard. The Doctor lamented heartily that +his intended journey prevented him from obtaining information from the +strangers respecting the secrets of their language.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse called the Inspector, and the intelligence that there were gypsies +in the neighborhood flew like wildfire over the farm. The stables were +guarded, the poultry and families of fatted pigs were put in the charge +of stout maids, and the shepherds and ploughmen received orders to keep +watch at night. Ilse called the children and gave them their supper, +but found it difficult to control their excitement. The youngest were +given over to Mademoiselle, and under strong protest and many tears +were consigned to the secure protection of their beds. Then Ilse +collected old gowns and linen, gave a maid two huge loaves, and +prepared to go to the gate of the farm-yard, where the gypsy woman was +to await her. The Doctor, in his joy about the strangers, had cast off +all anxiety concerning his friend.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Allow us to witness the interview with the sibyl," he begged.</p> + +<p class="normal">They found the gypsy woman sitting in the dusk before the gate. Near +her was a half-grown maiden, with brilliant eyes and long tresses, but +scanty dress. The woman rose and received with a distinguished air the +bounty which Ilse handed to her.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Blessings on you, young lady," she exclaimed, "and may all the +happiness that you now wish be your portion. You have a face that +promises good fortune. Blessings on your golden hair and your blue +eyes. I thank you," she concluded, bending her head. "Will not the +gentlemen also give my little girl a keepsake?" The wild beauty held +out her hand. "Her face is burnt by the sun; be kind to the poor dark +girl," begged the old one, looking furtively round.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor shook his head. The Doctor got out his purse and placed a +piece of gold in the hand of the woman.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Have you given up fortune-telling?" he asked laughingly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Misfortune visits those who prophesy and those who ask," replied the +gypsy woman. "Let the gentleman be on his guard against all that barks +and scratches, for there is mischief in store for him from dogs and +cats."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse and the Professor laughed. Meanwhile the eyes of the gypsy woman +peered restlessly into the bushes.</p> + +<p class="normal">"We cannot tell fortunes," she continued. "We have no power over the +future. And we make mistakes, like others. But we see much, my +beautiful lady. And though you do not desire it, yet will I tell it +you. The gentleman near you seeks a treasure, and he will find it. But +he must take care lest he lose it. And you, proud lady, will be dear to +a man that wears a crown, and you shall have the choice to become a +queen. The choice and the torment," she added in a lower tone, and her +eyes again wandered unquietly about.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Away with you," cried Ilse, indignantly; "such gossip does not agree +with your professions."</p> + +<p class="normal">"We know nothing," murmured the gypsy woman humbly, grasping the +talisman at her neck. "We have only our thoughts, and our thoughts are +idle or true, according to a more powerful will. Farewell, my pretty +lady," she cried out impressively, and strode with her companion into +the darkness.</p> + +<p class="normal">"How proudly she walks away," exclaimed the Doctor. "I have much +respect for the clever woman. She would not tell fortunes, but she +could not help recommending herself by a bit of secret knowledge."</p> + +<p class="normal">"She has long ago learnt all about us from the laborers," replied Ilse, +laughing.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Where have they pitched their camp?" asked the Doctor, with curiosity.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Probably beyond the village," answered Ilse. "You may see their fires +in the valley. These strangers do not like people to come near their +camp and see what they have for supper."</p> + +<p class="normal">They descended slowly into the valley and remained standing on the +border of the brook, not far from the garden. All around them the +darkness of the evening lay on bush and meadow. The old house stood out +on the rock, gloomy under the twilight gray of the heavens. At their +feet the water murmured and the leaves of the trees were agitated by +the night wind. Silently did the three look upon the vanishing shadows +of the landscape. The valley alongside the village lay invisible in the +deep gloom of the night. Not one lighted window was to be seen.</p> + +<p class="normal">"They have disappeared silently like the bats, which are even now +flying through the air," said the Doctor.</p> + +<p class="normal">But the others did not answer. They were no longer thinking of the +gypsies.</p> + +<p class="normal">Then through the still evening a low moan was heard. Ilse started and +listened. Again the same weak tone.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The children!" cried Ilse, in dismay, and rushed toward the hedge +which divided the meadow from the orchard. Much alarmed she shook the +closed gate, then broke through the hedge, and sprang like a lioness +past the espaliers. The friends hastened after her, but could not +overtake her. A bright light shone among the trees before her and +something moved as she flew on. Two men rose from the ground; one +encountered her, but Ilse threw back the arm which was raised to strike +her, so that the man reeled and fell back over the weeping children who +lay on the grass. Felix, who was behind Ilse, sprang forward and seized +the man, while the Doctor the next moment struggled with another, who +glided like an eel from under his hands and disappeared in the +darkness. Meanwhile the first robber struck at the arm of the Professor +with his knife, wrenched himself away from the hand which held him, and +in the next moment broke through the hedge. One heard the crackling of +the branches, and then all was quiet again.</p> + +<p class="normal">"They live!" cried Ilse, kneeling on the ground, with panting breath, +and embracing the little ones, who now uttered piteous cries. It was +Riekchen, in her night-dress, and Franz, also nearly stripped. The +children had escaped from the eyes of Mademoiselle and the protection +of the bedroom, and slipped into the garden, to see the fire of the +gypsies, of which they had heard their sister speak. They had fallen +into the hands of some of the fellows belonging to the band, who were +looking out for something to steal, and had been robbed of their +clothes.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse took the screaming children in her arms, and in vain did the +friends try to relieve her of the burden. Silently she hastened with +them into the house, rushed into the room, and, still holding them +fast, knelt down by them before the sofa, and the friends heard her +suppressed sobs. But it was only for a few moments that she lost her +self-control. She rose, and looked at the servants, who thronged +terrified into the room.</p> + +<p class="normal">"No harm has happened to the children," she exclaimed. "Go where you +have to keep watch and send one of the overseers to me."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Inspector immediately came.</p> + +<p class="normal">"A robbery has been committed on our estate," said Ilse, "and those who +perpetrated it should be handed over to the law. I request you to seize +their camp."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Their fire is in the ravine behind the village," Replied the +Inspector; "one may see the flame and smoke from the upper story. But, +Miss Ilse--I say it unwillingly--would it not be more prudent to let +the rogues escape? A large portion of the harvest still lies in +sheaves; they may set it on fire in the night, out of revenge, or +perhaps venture something still worse, in order to free their people."</p> + +<p class="normal">"No," exclaimed Ilse; "do not hesitate--do not delay. Whether the +vagabonds injure us or not will be decided by a higher will. We must do +our duty. The crime demands punishment, and the master of this estate +is in the position of guardian of the law."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Let us be quick," said the Professor; "we will accompany you."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Well, so be it," replied the Inspector, after consideration; "the farm +bailiff shall remain here and we others will seek the band at the +fire."</p> + +<p class="normal">He hastened out. The Doctor seized a knobbed stick that was in the +corner of the room. "That will suffice for me," he said, laughing, to +his friend. "I consider myself bound to show some forbearance toward +these thievish associates of my studies, who have not quite forgotten +their old tongue." As he was on the point of leaving the room he +stopped: "But you must remain behind, for you are bleeding."</p> + +<p class="normal">Some drops of blood fell from the sleeve of the Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">The countenance of the maiden became white as the door against which +she leant. "For our sake," she murmured faintly. Suddenly she hastened +up to the Professor and bent down to kiss his hand. Felix restrained +her.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is not worth speaking of Miss Ilse," he exclaimed. "I can move my +arm."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor compelled him to take off his coat and Ilse flew for a +bandage.</p> + +<p class="normal">Fritz examined the wound with the composure of an old duellist. "It is +a slight prick in the muscles of the under part of the arm," he said, +comforting Ilse; "a little sticking-plaster will be sufficient."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor put on his coat again and seized his hat. "Let us start," +he said.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Oh, no; remain with us," begged Ilse hastening after him.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor looked at her anxious countenance, shook her heartily by +the hand and left the room with his friend.</p> + +<p class="normal">The hasty tread of the men had died away. Ilse went alone through all +the rooms in the house. Doors and windows were closed. Hans watched at +the door opening into the court-yard, his father's sword in his hand. +And the housemaids overlooked the court-yard and garden from the upper +floor. Ilse entered the nursery, where the two little ones, surrounded +by Mademoiselle and their brothers and sisters, were sitting in their +beds and struggling between their last tears and their sleep. Ilse +kissed the tired little ones, laid them down on their pillows, then she +hastened out into the yard and listened, now in the direction in which +the band lay, now on the other side, where the clatter of horses' hoofs +might announce the arrival of her father. All was quiet. The maids from +above called to her that the fire of the gypsies was extinguished, and +she again hastened up and down, listening anxiously and looking up to +the starry heaven.</p> + +<p class="normal">What a day! A few hours before raised above the cares of earth, and now +by a hostile hand dragged back into terror and anxiety! Was this to be +a foreboding of her future life? Were the golden doors only opened to +be closed again discordantly and a poor soul to be thrown back upon +hopeless aspirations? The deceiver had prophesied of one who might wear +a crown. Yes, in the realm in which he ruled as king there was a +blessed serenity and happy peace. Ah, if it might be permitted to +compare the joys of earth with those of heaven, such learning and power +of thought gave a foretaste of eternal glory. For thus did the spirits +of those who had here been good and wise soar, surrounded by light, in +pure clearness of vision, and speak smilingly and happily to one +another of all that had been upon earth; the most secret things would +be revealed to them, and all that was most deeply veiled become +apparent, and they would know that all the pains and sorrows of earth +proceeded from eternal goodness and wisdom. And he who here trod this +earth, a serene heaven in his heart, he had been wounded in the arm by +a wandering vagabond for her sake; and from love for her he had again +gone out into the fearful night, and she was troubled with endless +anguish on his account. "Protect him, all-merciful God," she prayed, +"and help me out of this darkness; give me strength, and enlighten my +mind that I may become worthy of the man who beholds Thy countenance in +past times, and among people that have passed away."</p> + +<p class="normal">At last she heard the quick trot, and then the snorting of an impatient +horse at the closed door. "Father!" she cried out, hastily drawing back +the bolt, and flying into his arms, as he dismounted. The Proprietor +was much perplexed as he listened to her rapid report. He threw his +horse's bridle to his son, and hastened to the nursery to embrace his +little ones, who at the sight of their father remembered their +misfortunes, and began to weep and lament.</p> + +<p class="normal">When the Proprietor entered the farmyard, the farming people were drawn +near the house, and the Inspector stated "that no one was to be seen +near the fire or in the neighborhood. There was not a trace near the +fire of their having encamped there. It had been lighted to mislead. +Theft had been their only object here. The greater part of the band had +left early in the evening. They are lying concealed somewhere in the +woods, and when the sun rises they will be far beyond the frontier. I +know the rascals of old."</p> + +<p class="normal">"He is right," said the Proprietor to the friends, "and I think we have +nothing more to fear. Yet we must be very watchful to-night. A poor +father thanks you," he continued, with emotion. "The last day you have +passed with us, Doctor, has been unpleasantly eventful, which is not +usual with us."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I must say I depart in anxiety about what I leave behind me," replied +the Doctor, half jesting, half serious. "Just fancy that now the lost +children of Asia are sneaking about these walls!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I hope we are rid of the rascals," continued the Proprietor, turning +to his daughter; "but you may count upon a different visit soon; our +sovereign will be here a few weeks hence. I have been called away only +to hear gossip about his visit, and to learn that it is not yet decided +where his Serene Highness will breakfast before the hunt. I know what +that means. The same thing happened fifteen years ago. There is no help +for it; he cannot remain at the Dragon at Rossau. But this visit will +not cause us any very serious inconvenience. Let us now wish each other +good night and sleep in peace."</p> + +<p class="normal">Both friends entered their bedroom thoughtfully. The Professor stood at +the window, and listened to the tread of the watchmen, who paced around +the yard within and without, to the chirruping of the crickets, and to +the broken sounds which reached the ear from the slumbering fields. He +heard a noise near him, and looked into the countenance of his faithful +friend, who in his excitement had clasped his hands.</p> + +<p class="normal">"She is religious," began Fritz, doubtfully. "Are we not so also?" +answered the Professor, drawing himself up to his full height.</p> + +<p class="normal">"She is as far removed from the tenor of your mind as the holy Saint +Elizabeth."</p> + +<p class="normal">"She has sense," replied the Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"She is firm and self-confident in her own circle, but she will never +be at ease in your world."</p> + +<p class="normal">"She has aptness here--she will have it everywhere."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You blind yourself," cried Fritz, in despair; "will you disturb the +peace of your life by a discord, the issue of which you cannot foresee? +Will you demand of her the great change which she must undergo from +being a thorough housekeeper to becoming the confidant of your profound +investigations? Will you deprive her of the secure self-dependence of +an active life and bring into her future, struggle, uncertainty, and +doubt? If you will not think of your own peace, it is your duty to show +consideration for her life."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor leaned his hot head against the window. At last he began:</p> + +<p class="normal">"But we are the servants and proclaimers of truth; and while we +practice this duty towards every one who will hear us, is it not right +and a duty to do it where we love?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do not deceive yourself," answered Fritz. "You, the man of refined +feeling, who so willingly recognize in every life the right to what +befits it--you would be the last to disturb the harmony of her being, +if you did not desire to possess her. What impels you is not a feeling +of duty, but passion."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What I do not demand of a stranger, it behooves me to fulfil in the +woman with whom I unite myself for life. And must not every woman that +comes to share our life experience a similar change? How high do you +place the knowledge of the women in the city who come into our circle?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"What they know is, as a rule, more unreliable than is good for them or +for us," replied Fritz; "but from their youth they are accustomed to +view the learning that interests men, with sympathy. The best results +of intellectual work are so easily accessible to them that everywhere +they find common ground on which they can meet. But here, however +charming and admirable this life may appear to our eyes, it is +attractive just because it is so strange and different from ours."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You exaggerate, you distort," cried the Professor. "I have felt deeply +in the time that we have passed here how great are the rights that a +noble passion has over one's life. This we have forgotten over our +books. Who can tell what it is that makes two human beings so love one +another, that they cannot part? It is not only pleasure in the +existence of the other, nor the necessity of making one's own being +complete, nor feeling and fancy alone, which joins the object of our +love--although heretofore a stranger--so intimately to us. Is it +necessary that the wife should only be the finer reed, which always +sounds the same notes that the husband plays--only an octave higher? +Speech is incapable of expressing the joy and exultation that I feel +when near her; and I can only tell you, my friend, that it is something +good and great, and it demands its place in my life. What you now +express are only the doubts of cold reason, which is an enemy to all +that is in process of becoming, and continues to raise its pretensions +until it is subdued by accomplished realities."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is not alone reason," replied Fritz, offended. "I did not deserve +that you should so misconstrue what I have said. If it was presumptuous +in me to speak to you concerning feelings which you now consider +sacred, I must say in excuse, that I only assume the right which your +friendship has hitherto granted me. I must do my duty to you before I +leave you here. If I cannot convince you, try to forget this +conversation. I shall never touch upon this theme again."</p> + +<p class="normal">He left the Professor standing at the window, and went to his bed. He +softly took off his boots, threw himself upon the bed, and turned his +face to the wall. After a short time he felt his hand seized, the +Professor was sitting by his bed clasping his friend's hand without +saying a word. At last Fritz withdrew his hand with a hearty pressure +and again turned to the wall.</p> + +<p class="normal">He rose in the early dawn, gently approached the slumbering Professor, +and then quietly left the room. The Proprietor awaited him in the +sitting-room; the carriage came; there was a short friendly parting, +and Fritz drove away, leaving his friend alone among the crickets of +the field and the ears of corn, whose heavy heads rose and fell like +the waves of the sea under the morning breeze, the same this year as +they had done thousands and thousands of years before.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor looked back at the rock on which the old house stood, on the +terraces beneath, with the churchyard and wooden church, and on the +forest which surrounded the foot of the hill; and all the past and the +present of this dangerous place rose distinctly before him. Its ancient +character of Saxon times had altered little; and he looked on the rock +and the beautiful Ilse of Bielstein, as they would have been in the +days of yore. Then the rock would have been consecrated to a heathen +god. At that time there would have been a tower standing on it. And +Ilse would have dwelt there, with her golden hair, in a white linen +dress with a garment of otter skin over it. She would have been +priestess and prophetess of a wild Saxon race. Where the church stood +would have been the sacrificial altar, from which the blood of +prisoners of war would have trickled down into the valley.</p> + +<p class="normal">Again, later, a Christian Saxon chief would have built his log-house +there, and again the same Ilse would have sat between the wooden posts +in the raised apartment of the women, using her spindle, or pouring +black mead into the goblets of the men.</p> + +<p class="normal">Again, centuries later it would have been a walled castle, with stone +mullions to the windows, and a watch-turret erected on the rock; it had +become a nest for predatory barons, and Ilse of Bielstein again dwelt +there, in a velvet hood which her father had robbed from a merchant on +the king's highway. And when the house was assaulted by enemies. Ilse +stood among the men on the wall and drew the great crossbow, like a +knight's squire.</p> + +<p class="normal">Again, hundreds of years later, she sat in the hunting-lodge of a +prince, with her father, an old warrior of Swedish times. Than she had +become pious, and, like a city dame, she cooked jams and preserves, and +went down to the pastor to the conventicle. She would not have worn +flowers, and sought to know what husband Heaven destined for her by +putting her finger at hazard on a passage in the Bible.</p> + +<p class="normal">And now his friend had met this same Saxon child, tall and strong in +body and soul, but still a child of the middle ages, with a placid +expression in her beautiful countenance which only changed when the +heart was excited by any sudden passion; a mind as if half asleep, and +of a nature so child-like and pliant that it was sometimes impossible +to know whether she was wise or simple. In her character there still +remained something of all those Ilses of the two thousand years that +had passed away--a mixture of Sibyl, mead-dispenser, knight's daughter, +and pietist. She was of the old German type and the old German beauty, +but that she should suddenly become the wife of a Professor, that +appeared to the troubled Doctor too much against all the laws of quiet +historical development.</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>CHAPTER X</i>.</h2> + +<h3>THE WOOING.</h3> + +<p class="normal">A few hours after his friend had left the estate, the Professor entered +the study of the Proprietor, who exclaimed, looking up from his work: +"The gypsies have disappeared, and with them your friend. We are all +sorry that the Doctor could not remain longer."</p> + +<p class="normal">"With you lies the decision whether I too shall be permitted to tarry +longer here," rejoined the Professor, with such deep earnestness that +the host arose, and looked inquiringly at his guest. "I come to ask of +you a great boon," continued the Professor, "and I must depart from +here if you refuse it me."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Speak out. Professor," replied he.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is impossible for us to continue longer in the open relations of +host and guest. For I now seek to win the love of your daughter Ilse."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Proprietor started, and the hand of the strong man grasped the +table.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I know what I ask of you," cried the Scholar, in an outburst of +passion. "I know that I claim the highest and dearest treasure you can +give. I know that I shall make your life thereby the poorer. For I +shall take from your side what has been your joy, support, and pride."</p> + +<p class="normal">"And yet," murmured the Proprietor gloomily, "you spare me the trouble +of saying that!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I fear that at this moment you look upon me as an intruder upon the +peace of your home," continued the Professor; "but though it may be +difficult for you to be indulgent towards me, you ought to know all. I +first saw her in the church, and her religious fervor impressed me +powerfully. I have lived in the house with her, and felt more every +hour how beautiful and lovable she is. The influence she exercises over +me is irresistible. The passion with which she has inspired me has +become so great, that the thought of being separated from her fills me +with dismay. I long to be united to her and to make her my wife."</p> + +<p class="normal">Thus spoke the Scholar, as ingenuously as a child.</p> + +<p class="normal">"And to what extent have you shown your feelings to my daughter?" asked +the father.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have twice in an outburst of emotion touched her hand," answered the +Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Have you ever spoken to her of your love?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"If I had I should not stand before you now as I do," rejoined the +Professor. "I am entirely unknown to you, and was brought here by +peculiar circumstances; and I am not in the happy position of a wooer +who can appeal to a long acquaintance. You have shown me unusual +hospitality, and I am in duty bound not to abuse your confidence. I +will not, unbeknown to you, endeavor to win a heart that is so closely +bound up in your life."</p> + +<p class="normal">The father inclined his head assentingly. "And have you the assurance +of winning her love?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am no child and can see that she is warmly-attached to me. But of +the depth and duration of the feelings of a young girl neither of us +can judge. At times I have had the happy conviction that she cherished +a tender passion for me, but it is just the unembarrassed innocence of +her feelings that makes me uncertain; and I must confess to you that I +know it is possible for those feelings to pass away."</p> + +<p class="normal">The father looked at this man who thus endeavored to judge impartially, +but whose whole frame was trembling. "It is, sir, my duty to yield to +the wishes of my child's heart, if they are powerful enough to induce +her to leave her home for that of another man--provided that I myself +have not the conviction that it would be detrimental to her happiness. +Your acquaintance with my daughter has been so short that I do not feel +myself in the difficult position of having to give my consent, or to +make my daughter unhappy, and your confession makes it possible for me +to prevent what would, perhaps, in many respects, be unwelcome to me. +Yes, even now you are a stranger to me, and when I invited you to stay +with us I did something that may have an unfortunate sequel for me and +mine."</p> + +<p class="normal">As the Proprietor spoke thus in the excitement of the moment, his eyes +fell upon the arm which had bled yesterday, and then on the manly +features of the pale countenance before him. He broke off his speech, +and laying his hand on the shoulder of the other exclaimed:--"No, that +is not the sentiment of my heart, and I ought not to answer you thus."</p> + +<p class="normal">He paced up and down the room endeavoring to find composure.</p> + +<p class="normal">"But you must listen to a word of confidence, and regard what I say as +not the promptings of importunacy," he continued, more tranquilly. "I +know well that I have not brought up my daughter for myself, and that I +must at some time accustom myself to do without her. But our +acquaintance is too short to judge whether my child would find peace or +happiness if she were united to you. When I tell you that I honor you +and take pleasure in your society, that admission does not affect the +question I have to solve. If you were a country gentleman like me, I +should listen to your communications with a lighter heart, for during +the time of your stay here I should have been able to form a definite +opinion of your qualifications. The difference of our vocations makes +it not only difficult for me to judge of you, but also dangerous for +the future of my child. If a father wishes his daughter to marry a man +who pursues an occupation similar to his own, he is justified in so +doing in every sphere of life, and more especially is it so with a +country gentleman of my stamp; for the qualifications of our children +consist partly in this, that they grow up as the helpmeets of their +parents. What Ilse has learnt in my house gives me the assurance that, +as the wife of a country gentleman, she would fill her place perfectly; +nay, she might supply the deficiencies of her husband, and that would +secure her a comfortable life, even though her husband did not possess +all that was to be desired. As the wife of a Professor, she will have +little use for what she knows, and she will feel unhappy at not having +learnt many other things."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I admit that she will be deprived of much; I lay little stress on what +you call her deficiencies," said the Professor. "I request you to trust +this matter to me and the future."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then, Professor, I will answer you as candidly as you have spoken to +me. I must not decline your proposal hastily. I will not oppose what +may perhaps be for the happiness of my daughter. Yet I cannot, with the +imperfect knowledge which I have of your position, assent to it. And I +am at this moment in the awkward position of not knowing how I can +obtain this knowledge."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I can well understand how unsatisfactory to you must be any opinion +concerning me which you may gather from strangers. Yet you will have to +be content to do so," continued the Professor, with dignity.</p> + +<p class="normal">The father assented silently.</p> + +<p class="normal">"First," continued the Professor, "I beg to inform you concerning my +pecuniary circumstances."</p> + +<p class="normal">He mentioned his income, gave a faithful account of the sources from +which he derived it, and laid a written statement on the writing-table.</p> + +<p class="normal">"My legal adviser, who bears a high repute in the University, will give +you any confirmation you may wish of these details. With respect to my +capacity as teacher and my position at the University, I must refer you +to the judgment of my colleagues and the opinion which is held +concerning it in the city."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Proprietor looked at the statement.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Even the significance of these sums as regards your position is not +quite clear to me. Having no acquaintance in your town, I have no +facilities for obtaining further information concerning you. But, +Professor, I will without delay endeavor to obtain all the information +I can. I will start for the city of your residence to-morrow."</p> + +<p class="normal">"How I thank you!" exclaimed the Professor, grasping his hand.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Not yet," said the Proprietor, withdrawing it.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I will, of course, if you like, accompany you," continued the +Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I do not wish that," replied the Proprietor. "You need only write +letters of introduction for me to your acquaintances. For the rest I +must rely upon my own inquiries and on chance. But, Professor, this +journey will only confirm your statements, of the truth of which I am +already convinced. I may obtain the judgment of others concerning you, +which will no doubt accord with mine. But let us suppose that the +information is satisfactory to me, what will be the consequence?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"That you will permit me to prolong my stay in your house," said the +Professor; "that you will trustingly permit me to pay my addresses to +your daughter; and that you will give your consent to our marriage as +soon as I am certain of your daughter's affection."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Such preliminaries to wooing are uncommon," said the father, with a +saddened smile; "but they are not unwelcome to a farmer. We are +accustomed to see fruits ripen slowly. Thus, Professor, after my +journey we shall all three retain freedom of choice and a final +decision. This conversation--shall it remain a secret?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I entreat you, yes," said the Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">Again a slight smile flitted over the grave countenance of the host.</p> + +<p class="normal">"In order to make so sudden a journey less surprising you had better +remain here. But, during my absence, refrain from any increase of +intimacy with my daughter. You see what great confidence I place in +you."</p> + +<p class="normal">Thus the Professor had compelled his host to become the confidant of +his love. It was a delightful compact between passion and conscience +that the scholar had entered into, and yet there was an error in this +arrangement. The agreement, which he had effected with eager spirit and +beating heart, turned out a little different from the manner in which +he had represented it to himself and to the father; for, between the +three individuals who were now to enter upon this high-minded method of +wooing, all easy intercourse had suddenly vanished. When Ilse, beaming +with happiness, met the gentlemen on the morning of the eventful +conversation, she found her heaven obscured and overshadowed with dark +clouds. The Professor was uneasy and gloomy. He worked almost the whole +day in his room, and when the little ones in the evening begged him to +tell them some stories, he declined, took hold of the head of the +little sister with both hands, kissed her forehead and laid his own +head upon it as if he wished the child to support him. The words that +he addressed to Ilse were few and constrained, and yet his eyes were +fixed incessantly upon her, but inquiringly and doubtingly; and Ilse +was surprised also at her father, who appeared absent-minded and +sorrowful. A secret had arisen between her father and herself that +deeply absorbed him; nay, even between the two men matters were not as +they had been. Her father, indeed, spoke sometimes in a low voice to +the friend, but she observed a constraint in both when they talked on +indifferent subjects.</p> + +<p class="normal">Then the next morning there was the secret journey of the father, which +in few words he described as on unimportant business. Had everything +changed about her since that eventful evening? Her heart beat +anxiously. A sense of insecurity came over her--the fear of something +direful that was to befall her. Sorrowfully she withdrew to her room, +where she struggled with bitter thoughts and avoided being alone with +the man she loved.</p> + +<p class="normal">Of course the change became at once perceptible to the Professor, and +it tortured the sensitive man. Did she wish to repel him in order not +to abandon her father? Had that been only pleased astonishment which he +had taken for affection of the heart? These anxieties made his demeanor +constrained and unequal, and the change in his frame of mind reacted in +turn upon Ilse.</p> + +<p class="normal">She had joyfully opened the flower-bud of her soul to the rising light, +but a drop of morning dew had fallen into it and the tender petals had +closed again under the burden.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse had acted as doctress and nurse to all who were ill or wounded on +the estate. She had succeeded her mother in this honorable office; her +fame in the district was considerable, and it was not an unnecessary +accomplishment, for Rossau did not possess even one regular +practitioner. Ilse knew how to apply her simple remedies admirably; +even her father and the Inspectors submitted themselves obediently to +her care. She had become so accustomed to the vocation of a Sister of +Charity that it did not shock her maidenly feelings to sit by the +sick-bed of a working man and she looked without prudery at a wound +which had been caused by the kick of a horse or the cut of a scythe. +Now the loved one was near her with his wound, not even keeping his arm +in a sling, and she was fearful lest the injury should become greater. +How glad she would have been to see the place and to have bandaged it +herself!--and in the morning, at breakfast, she entreated him, pointing +to his arm: "Will you not, for our sakes, do something for it?"</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor, embarrassed, drew his arm back and replied, "It is too +insignificant."</p> + +<p class="normal">She felt hurt and remained silent; but when he went to his room her +anxiety became overpowering. She sent the charwoman, who was her trusty +assistant in this art, with a commission to him, and enjoined her to +enter with an air of decision and, overcoming any opposition of the +gentleman, to examine the arm and report to her. When the honest woman +said that she was sent by the young lady and that she must insist upon +seeing the wound, the Professor, though hesitatingly, consented to show +his arm. But when the messenger conveyed a doubtful report, and Ilse, +who had been pacing restlessly up and down before the door, again +ordered cold poultices through her deputy, the Professor would not +apply them. He had good reason; for however painfully he felt the +constraint that was imposed upon him in his intercourse with Ilse, yet +he felt it would be insupportable entirely to lose sight of her and sit +alone in his room with a basin of water. His rejection of her good +counsel, however, grieved Ilse still more; for she feared the +consequences, and, besides, it pained her that he would not accede to +her wishes. When, afterwards, she learnt that he had secretly sent to +Rossau for a surgeon, tears came into her eyes, for she considered it +as a slight. She knew the pernicious remedies of the drunken quack and +she was sure, that evil would result from it. She struggled with +herself until evening; at last, anxiety for her beloved overcame all +considerations, and when he was sitting with the children in the arbor, +she, with anguish of heart and downcast eyes, thus entreated him: "This +stranger will occasion you greater pain. I pray you, let me see the +wound."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor, alarmed at this prospect which threatened to upset all +the self-control which he had attained by laborious struggling, +answered, as Ilse fancied, in a harsh tone--but, in truth, he was only +a little hoarse through inward emotion--"I thank you, but I cannot +allow that."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse then caught hold of her brother and sister who had been in the +hands of the gypsies, placed them before him, and exclaimed eagerly: +"Do you beseech him, if he will not listen to me."</p> + +<p class="normal">This little scene was so moving to the Professor, and Ilse looked, in +her excitement, so irresistibly lovely, that his composure was +overpowered; and in order to remain faithful to her father, he rose and +went rapidly out of the garden.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse pressed her hands convulsively together and gazed wildly before +her. All had been a dream; the hope she had entertained in a happy hour +that he loved her had been a delusion. She had revealed her heart to +him, and her warm feelings had appeared to him as the bold forwardness +of a stranger. She was in his eyes an awkward country girl, deficient +in the refined tact of the city, who had got something into her foolish +head because he had sometimes spoken to her kindly. She rushed into her +room. There she sank down before her couch and her whole frame shook +with convulsive sobs.</p> + +<p class="normal">She was not visible for the rest of the evening. The following day she +met the loved one proudly and coldly, said no more than was necessary +and struggled secretly with tears and endless sorrow.</p> + +<p class="normal">All had been arranged for a refined and tender wooing. But when two +human beings love one another they ought to tell each other so, frankly +and simply, without any previous arrangement, and, indeed--without +reserve.</p> + +<hr class="W10"> + +<p class="normal">The father had started on his journey. He gave as an excuse some +business that he meant to transact on the road. The day following his +massive form and anxious countenance might be seen in the streets of +the University town. Gabriel was much astonished when the gigantic man, +taller than his old friend the sergeant-major of the cuirassiers, rang +at the door and brought a letter from his master, in which Gabriel was +instructed to place himself and the lodging at the disposal of the +gentleman. The stranger walked through the rooms, sat down at the +Professor's writing-table and began a cross-questioning conversation +with Gabriel, the tenor of which the servant could not understand. The +stranger also greeted Mr. Hummel, then went to the University, stopped +the students in the street and made inquiries of them; had a conference +with the lawyer; visited a merchant with whom he had had dealings in +corn; was conducted by Gabriel to the Professor's tailor, there to +order a coat, and Gabriel had to wait long at the door before the +gossiping tailor would let the stranger go. He also went to Mr. Hahn to +buy a straw hat; and in the evening the tall figure might be seen +uncomfortably bent under the Chinese temple, conversing with Mr. Hahn, +over a flask of wine. It was a poor father anxiously seeking from +indifferent people intelligence which should determine whether he +should give his beloved child into the arms of a stranger. What he +learnt was even more favorable than he expected. He now discovered what +Mrs. Rollmaus had long known, that he whom he had received into his +home was, according to the opinion of others, no common man.</p> + +<p class="normal">When, on returning home, the evening of the following day, he reached +the first houses of Rossau, he saw a figure hastening towards him. It +was the Professor, who, in impatient expectation, had come to meet him +and now hastened up to the carriage with disturbed countenance. The +Proprietor sprang from his seat and said gently to the Professor:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Remain with us, and may Heaven give you every blessing."</p> + +<p class="normal">As the two men walked up the foot-path together, the Proprietor +continued, with a sudden flash of good humor:</p> + +<p class="normal">"You have compelled me, dear Professor, to act as a spy about your +dwelling-place. I have learned that you lead a quiet life, and that you +pay your bills punctually. Your servant speaks reverentially of you, +and you stand high in the opinion of your neighbors. In the city you +are spoken of as a distinguished man, and what you have said of +yourself is in all respects confirmed. Your lodgings are very handsome, +the kitchen is too small, and your storeroom is smaller than one of our +cupboards. From your windows you have at least some view of the +country."</p> + +<p class="normal">Beyond this not a word was spoken concerning the object of the journey, +but the Professor listened hopefully to the other observations of the +Proprietor, how opulent were the citizens, and how brilliant the shops, +also of the height of the houses in the market-place, the throngs of +people in the streets, and of the pigeons, which, according to old +custom, were kept by the town council, and boldly hopped about like +officials among the carriages and passing human beings.</p> + +<p class="normal">It was early morning, and again the first rays of the sun warmed the +earth. After a sleepless night, Ilse hastened through the garden to the +little bath-house that her father had built among the reeds and bushes. +There she bathed her white limbs in the water, dressed herself quickly +and ascended the path which passed by the grotto to the top of the +hill, seeking the rays of the sun. As she knew that the cool night air +still lay in the lower ground, she climbed still higher, where the hill +sloped steeply towards the grotto down into the valley. There, on the +declivity, among the copse, she seated herself, far from every human +eye, drying her hair in the sun's rays and arranging her morning +attire.</p> + +<p class="normal">She gazed upon her father's house where she supposed the friend still +lay slumbering, and looked down before her on the stone roof of the +grotto, and on the large tuft of the willow rose, with the white wool +of its seed bursting from the pod. She supported her head on her hand, +and thought of the evening that had past. How little he had spoken, and +her father had scarcely mentioned his journey. But whatever anxious +cares passed through her mind, her spirits had been refreshed by the +sparkling water, and now the morning cast its mild light over her +heart.</p> + +<p class="normal">There sat the child of the house. She wrung the water out of her hair +and rested her white feet on the moss. Near her the bees hummed over +the wild thyme, and one little worker circled threateningly round her +feet. Ilse moved, and pushed one of her shoes; the shoe slid down, +turned a somersault, and went bounding away over moss and stone, till +it leapt by the willow rose and disappeared in the depth. She put on +the fellow of the fugitive and hastened along the path to the grotto. +Turning round the corner of the rock she stepped back startled, for in +front of the grotto stood the Professor, thoughtfully contemplating the +embroidered arabesques of the shoe. The sensitive man was scarcely less +startled than Ilse at this sudden encounter. He also had been impelled +to go out into the early morning, to the spot where first the heart of +the maiden had revealed itself to him. He had seated himself on a stone +at the entrance, and leaned his head against the rock in deep and +sorrowful thought. Then he heard a soft rustling, and, amidst gravel +and sand, the little masterpiece of art fell close to his feet. He +hastened forward, for he guessed at once to whom the bounding shoe +belonged. There he saw the loved one standing before him, in a light +morning dress, enveloped in her long blond hair, like a water fairy or +a mountain nymph.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is my shoe," said Ilse, with embarrassment, concealing her foot.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I know it," said the man of learning, equally embarrassed, pushing the +shoe reverently to the border of her dress. The shoe was quickly +slipped on, but the short glimpse of the white foot suddenly gave the +Professor heroic courage, such as he had not had for the last few days.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I will not move from this spot," he cried, resolutely.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse drew back into the grotto and gathered her hair into the net she +held in her hand. The Professor stood at the entrance of the sanctuary; +near him hung the long shoots of the blackberry, the bees hummed over +the wild thyme, and his heart beat. When Ilse, with blushing cheeks, +stepped out of the grotto into the light of day, she heard her name +uttered by a voice in deep emotion, she felt her hand pressed, an +ardent look shot from those true eyes, sweet words fell from his lips, +his arm clasped her, and she sank silently on his heart.</p> + +<hr class="W10"> + +<p class="normal">As the Professor himself on another occasion had explained, man +sometimes forgets that his life rests on a compact with the +overwhelming powers of nature, which, unawares, influence the little +lords of the world. Thus similar unexpected powers now controlled the +Professor and Ilse. I know not what agencies of nature sent the bees, +or threw the shoe. Was it the elves in whom Ilse did not believe? +Or was it one of the antique acquaintances of the Professor, the +goat-footed Pan, who blew his reed-pipes in the grotto?</p> + +<p class="normal">The wooing had begun in a scientific manner, but it had been brought to +a conclusion with little wisdom and without any regard for formality.</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>CHAPTER XI</i>.</h2> + +<h3>SPITEHAHN.</h3> + +<p class="normal">Raven-black night brooded over the hostile houses. The world looked +like a great coal-pit in which the lights had been extinguished. The +wind howled through the trees of the park. A rustling of leaves and +crackling of branches was heard. Nothing was to be seen but a monstrous +black curtain that concealed the neighboring woods and a black-tented +roof which was spread over the houses. The streets of the city were +empty. All who loved their beds had long been lying therein, and +whoever possessed a nightcap had now pulled it over his ears. Every +human sound was silenced; the striking of the tower-clock was +interrupted by the stormy winds, and each tone was driven hither and +thither, that no one could count the midnight hour. But around the +house of Mr. Hummel the yelping dogs pursued their wild career in the +courtyard, undaunted by storm or darkness; and when the wind blew like +a bugle-horn between the houses, the pack dispelled sleep from men by +their clamor and din.</p> + +<p class="normal">"This night suits them well," thought Gabriel, in his room. "This is +just the weather for them." At last he slept, and dreamt that the two +dogs opened the door of his room, placed themselves on two chairs +before his bed and alternately snapped their pocket pistols at him.</p> + +<p class="normal">As he was lying in this unquiet sleep, there was a knock at his door.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Get up, Gabriel!" called out the old porter from the factory; "an +accident has happened."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Through the dogs," exclaimed Gabriel, springing out of bed.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Some one must have broken in," cried the man again, through the door, +"the dogs are lying on the ground."</p> + +<p class="normal">Gabriel, alarmed, put on his boots and hastened into the yard, which +was dimly lighted by the dawn. There lay the two poor watch-dogs on the +ground, with no other sign of life than helpless writhing. Gabriel ran +to the warehouse, examined the door and windows, and then the house; +every shutter was closed, and no sign of disturbance could be +discovered. When he returned, Mr. Hummel was standing before the +prostrate dogs.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Gabriel, a dastardly deed has been perpetrated here. Something has +been done to the dogs. Let them both lie there; an investigation must +be made. I will send for the police."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Indeed?" answered Gabriel; "compassion should come first, then the +police. Perhaps something may yet be done for the poor brutes."</p> + +<p class="normal">He took the two animals, carried them to the light, and examined their +condition.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The black one is done for," he said, compassionately. "The red one has +still some life in him."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Go to the veterinary surgeon, Klaus," exclaimed Mr. Hummel, "and ask +him to do me the favor to get up at once; he shall be remunerated. This +case must be put into the morning paper. I require satisfaction before +the magistracy and town council.--Gabriel," he continued, in angry +excitement, "the dogs of citizens are being murdered: it is the work of +low malice, but I am not the man to put up with such assassins. They +shall be made an example of, Gabriel."</p> + +<p class="normal">Meanwhile Gabriel stroked the fur of the red dog, which rolled its eyes +wildly under its shaggy brow and stretched out its paws piteously.</p> + +<p class="normal">At last the veterinary surgeon came. He found the whole family +assembled in the court. Mrs. Hummel, still in her night-dress, brought +him a cup of coffee, while drinking which he sympathized with them, and +then began the examination. The verdict of the expert pointed to +poisoning. The dissection showed that a little dumpling with arsenic +had been eaten, and, what vexed Mr. Hummel still more, there were glass +splinters besides. For the red dog there was a doubtful prospect of +recovery.</p> + +<p class="normal">It was a gloomy morning for the Hummel family. Before breakfast Mr. +Hummel sat down to his writing table and wrote out an advertisement for +the daily paper, in which ten dollars reward was offered to any one who +would make known the name of the malignant poisoner of his dog. The ten +dollars were underlined with three dashes. Then he went to his window +and looked savagely upon the haunts of his opponent and on the Chinese +temple which had been the occasion of this new disturbance. Finally he +began to pace up and down the room, turning to his wife as he passed +and muttering:</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have not the slightest doubt about the matter--not the slightest +doubt."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I do not understand you," answered his wife, who on this trying +morning was taking a second breakfast; "and I do not understand how you +can be so positive in this matter. It is true, there is something about +those people that has always been repugnant to us, and it may be a +misfortune to have such neighbors. But you have no right to assume that +they have poisoned the dogs. I cannot think that such an idea could +have entered into the head of Mrs. Hahn. I admit that she is an +ordinary woman. Moreover, the doctor says it was dumplings; which +points to a woman as the guilty person. But when our red dog was caught +running off with the snipe they were going to have for dinner, she sent +me back the dog with her compliments, saying she thought it was not +good behavior in him, as he had eaten three of the birds. That was +civil, and I can find no murderous intention in it. And he surely does +not look as if he would do anything to our dogs at midnight."</p> + +<p class="normal">"He is a treacherous fellow," growled Mr. Hummel; "but you have always +had your own opinion about those people. He has played the hypocrite +toward me from the very first day, when he stood by his pile of bricks +before these windows and turned his back upon me. I have always allowed +myself to be persuaded by you women to treat him as a neighbor, with +greetings and civil speeches; and I have always been silent when you +have carried on your idle gossip with the woman over there."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Our idle gossip, Henry," exclaimed the wife, setting down her +coffee-cup with a clatter; "I must beg of you not to forget the respect +that is due to me."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Well, well, I meant no slight," Mr. Hummel hastened to add, hoping to +allay the storm which he had inopportunely brought upon himself.</p> + +<p class="normal">"What you meant, you, of course, know. I take it as I heard it. But it +shows little feeling in you, Mr. Hummel, for the sake of a dead dog to +treat your wife and daughter as idle gossips."</p> + +<p class="normal">This disagreement added still more to the gloom and ill-humor of the +morning, but did not in any way advance the discovery of the culprit. +It was in vain that the mistress of the house, in order to divert her +husband's suspicions from the Hahn family, raised many other +conjectures, and, with Laura's help, tried to throw the blame on their +own employés or the watchman, and that she at last suggested even the +shop-porter over the way as the possible evil-doer. Alas! the +reputation of the dogs was so dreadful that the Hummel family could +more easily count the few people who did not wish evil to the dogs, +than the many whose wish and interest it was to see the monsters at the +bottom of Cocytus. The news ran like wildfire through the streets, a +crowd gathered around the fruit-woman at the corner, and people spoke +of the evil deed everywhere, pitilessly, hostilely, and maliciously. +Even among those in the streets who tried to show outward signs of +sympathy, the prevailing feeling was hardly concealed. It is true there +were some sympathisers. First Mrs. Knips, the washerwoman, with voluble +indignation; then even Knips the younger ventured pityingly into the +neighborhood of the house--he was clerk in the hostile business, having +gone over to the enemy, but never ceased to show respect to his former +instructor on all occasions, and to pay unacceptable homage to Miss +Laura. At last the comedian of the theatre, whom they generally invited +on Sundays, came, and related many amusing stories. But even these few +faithful adherents were suspected by some of the household. Gabriel +distrusted the Knips family, while Laura detested the clerk, and the +comedian, formerly a welcome guest, had, some evenings before, in +passing by, inconsiderately expressed to a companion, that it would be +a praiseworthy deed to remove these dogs from the stage of life. Now +this unhappy suggestion was repeated to the mistress of the house, and +it lay heavy on her heart. For fifteen years she had accepted this +man's homage with pleasure, shown him much friendliness, and given him +enthusiastic applause at the theatre, not to speak of the Sunday +dinners and preserves. But now when the gentleman lowered his head +sympathisingly and expressed his horror and indignation at the deed, +his face, from the long habit of comic action, lengthened itself so +hypocritically, that Mrs. Hummel suddenly fancied she saw a devil +grinning out of the features of the once esteemed man. Her sharp +remarks about Judases frightened in turn the comedian, revealing to him +the danger of losing his best house of entertainment, and the more +dolorous he felt, the more equivocal became his expression.</p> + +<p class="normal">During all these occurrences the Hahn family kept quiet in the +background. They displayed no signs of undue pleasure, and no unnatural +sympathy came from the silent walls. But at mid-day, when Mrs. Hummel +went to refresh herself a little in the air, she met her neighbor; and +Mrs. Hahn, who since the garden scene had felt herself in the wrong, +stopped and expressed her regret in a friendly way that Mrs. Hummel had +experienced such an unpleasant accident. But the hostile feeling and +suspicion of her husband echoed in the answer. Mrs. Hummel spoke +coldly, and both separated with a feeling of animosity.</p> + +<p class="normal">Meanwhile Laura sat at her writing-table, and noted down in her private +journal the events of the day, and with a light heart she concluded +with these lines:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<p class="t4" style="text-indent:-6px">"They're dead and gone! Removed the curse of hate--<br> +Erased the stain is from the book of hate."</p> +</div> + +<p class="normal">This prophecy contained about as much truth as if, after the first +skirmish of the siege of Troy, Cassandra had noted it down in Hector's +album. It was confuted by the endless horrors of the future.</p> + +<p class="normal">Spitehahn at all events was not gone; his life was saved. But the +night's treachery had exercised a sorrowful influence on the creature, +both body and soul. He had never been beautiful. But now his body was +thin, his head swelled, and his shaggy coat bristly. The glass +splinters which the skillful doctor had removed from his stomach seemed +to have gotten somehow into his hairs, so that they started bristling +from his body like a bottle-brush; his curly tail became bare, only at +the end did there remain a tuft of hair, like a bent cork-screw with a +cork at the end. He no longer wagged his tail; his yelping ceased; +night and day he roved about silently; only occasionally a low, +significant growl was heard. He came back to life, but all softer +feelings were dead in him; he became averse to human beings, and +fostered dark suspicions in his soul; all attachment and fidelity +ceased; instead of which he evinced a lurking malice and general +vindictiveness. Yet Mr. Hummel did not mind this change; the dog was +the victim of unheard-of wickedness, which had been intended for the +injury of himself, the proprietor of the house; and had he been ten +times more hideous and savage to human beings, Mr. Hummel would still +have made a pet of him. He stroked him, and did not take it amiss when +the dog showed his gratitude by snapping at the fingers of his master.</p> + +<p class="normal">Whilst the flames of just irritation still shot forth from this new +firebrand of the family peace, Fritz returned from his vacation. +His mother immediately related to him all the events of the last few +weeks--the bell-ringing, the dogs, the new hostility.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It was well that you were away. Were the beds at the inns comfortable? +They are so careless nowadays of strangers. I hope that in the country, +where they rear geese, people show more care. You must talk to your +father about this new quarrel, and do what you can to restore peace."</p> + +<p class="normal">Fritz listened silently to his mother's account, and said soothingly:</p> + +<p class="normal">"You know it is not the first time. It will pass over."</p> + +<p class="normal">This news did not contribute to increase the cheerfulness of the +Doctor. Sadly he looked from his room on the neighboring house and the +windows of his friend. In a short time a new household would be +established there; might not then his friendship with the Professor be +affected by the disturbances which of old existed between the two +houses? He then began to arrange the notes that he had collected on his +journey. But today the footprints of the grotto gave him an +uncomfortable feeling, and the tales of the wild hunters made him think +of Ilse's wise words, "It is all superstition." He put away his papers, +seized his hat, and went out, meditating, and not exactly gaily +disposed, into the park. When he saw Laura Hummel a few steps before +him on the same path, he turned aside, in order not to meet any one +from the hostile house.</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura was carrying a little basket of fruit to her godmother. The old +lady resided in her summer house in an adjacent village, and a shady +footpath through the park led to it. It was lonely at this hour in the +wood, and the birds alone saw how free from care was the smile that +played around the little mouth of the agile girl, and how full of glee +were the beautiful deep blue eyes that peered into the thicket. But +although Laura seemed to hasten, she stopped frequently. First it +occurred to her that the leaves of the copper beech would look well in +her brown felt hat: she broke off a branch, took off her hat, and stuck +the leaves on it; and in order to give herself the pleasure of looking +at it, she held her hat in her hand and put a gauze handkerchief over +her head for protection against the rays of the sun. She admired the +chequered light thrown by the sun on the road. Then a squirrel ran +across the path, scrambled quick as lightning up a tree and hid itself +in the branches; Laura looked up and perceived its beautiful bushy tail +through the foliage, and fancied herself on the top of the tree, in the +midst of the foliage and fruit, swinging on a branch, then leaping from +bough to bough, and finally taking a walk--high in the air, on the tops +of the trees--over the fluttering leaves as though upon green hills.</p> + +<p class="normal">When she came near the water that flowed on the other side of the path, +she perceived that a large number of frogs, sitting in the sun on the +bank, sprang into the water with great leaps, as if by word of command. +She ran up to them and saw with astonishment that in the water, they +had a different appearance; they were not at all so clumsy; they went +along like little gentlemen with big stomachs and thick necks, but with +long legs which struck out vigorously. Then when a large frog steered +up to her and popped his head out of the water, she drew back and +laughed at herself. Thus she passed through the wood, herself a +butterfly, and at peace with all the world.</p> + +<p class="normal">But her fate pursued her. Spitehahn, from his usual place on the stone +steps, had watched her movements from under the wild hairs that hung +over his head whisker-like, he kept her in view, got up at last and +trotted silently behind her, undisturbed by the rays of the sun, the +basket of fruit, or the red handkerchief of his young mistress. Between +the town and the village the road ascended from the valley and its +trees to a bare plain, on which the soldiery of the town sometimes +manœuvred, and where in peaceful hours a shepherd pastured his +flock. The path ran obliquely over the open plain to the village. Laura +stopped on the height at times to admire the distant sheep and the +brown shepherd, who looked very picturesque with his large hat and +crook. She had already passed the flock when she heard a barking and +threatening cry behind her; turning round she saw the peaceful +community in wild uproar. The sheep scattered in all directions--some +running away frightened, others huddled together in a ditch; the +shepherd's dogs barked, and the shepherd and his boy ran with raised +sticks around the disturbed flock. While Laura was looking astonished +at the tumult, the shepherd and his boy rushed up to her, followed by +two large dogs. She felt herself seized by a rough man's hand; she saw +the angry face of the shepherd, and his stick was brandished close +before her eyes.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Your dog has dispersed my flock. I demand punishment and +compensation."</p> + +<p class="normal">Frightened and pale as death, Laura sought for her purse; she could +scarcely find words to say, "I have no dog; let me go, good shepherd."</p> + +<p class="normal">But the man shook her arm roughly. Two gigantic black dogs sprang upon +her and snapped at her handkerchief.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is your dog; I know the red rascal," cried the shepherd.</p> + +<p class="normal">This was quite true, for Spitehahn had also observed the flock of sheep +and devised his dire plan. Suddenly, with a hoarse yell, he sprang on a +sheep and bit it severely in the leg. Then followed the flight of the +flock, rushing together in a heap--Spitehahn in the midst of them, +barking, scratching and biting, the brute sped along a dry ditch to the +left, and finally down the slope to the wood into the thickest copse. +At length he trotted home in safety, showing his teeth, and leaving his +young mistress trembling beneath the hand of the shepherd, who was +still brandishing his stick over her.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Let go of the young lady," called out the angry voice of a man. Fritz +Hahn sprang forward, pushed back the arm of the shepherd, and caught +Laura, fainting, in his arms.</p> + +<p class="normal">The interposition of a third party drew from the shepherd new +complaints, at the conclusion of which he again, in a flaming passion, +endeavored to lay hold of the girl, and threatened to set his dogs at +the Doctor. But Fritz, deeply roused, exclaimed, "Keep your dogs back, +and behave yourself like a man, or I will have you punished. If the dog +injured your flock, adequate compensation shall be made. I am ready to +be security to you or to the owner of these sheep."</p> + +<p class="normal">Thus he spoke, holding Laura firmly in his arms; her head lay upon his +shoulders, and the red handkerchief hung over his waistcoat down to his +breast. "Compose yourself, dear Miss," he said, with tender anxiety.</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura raised her head and looked fearfully on the countenance which, +excited with tenderness and sympathy, bent over her, and she perceived +her situation with alarm. Fearful fate! He again, for the third time, +the inevitable friend and preserver! She extricated herself from him, +and said, in a faint voice, "I thank you, Doctor, I can walk alone +now."</p> + +<p class="normal">"No, I cannot leave you thus," cried Fritz, and again began to +negotiate with the shepherd, who meanwhile had fetched the two victims +of the murderous dog, and laid them down as proofs of the ill deed. +Fritz put his hand into his pocket and handed the shepherd a part of +the money promised as compensation, gave him his name, and settled a +future meeting with the man, who, after the appearance of the money, +became more calm.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I pray you take my arm," he said, turning chivalrously to Laura.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I cannot accept that," replied the girl, quite confused, and thinking +of the existing hostility.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is only my duty as a man," said Fritz, soothingly. "You are too +exhausted to go alone."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then I beg of you to take me to my godmother; she lives near here."</p> + +<p class="normal">Fritz took the little basket from her, collected the fruit that had +fallen out, and then conducted her to the village.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I should not have been so much afraid of the man," said Laura, "but +the black dogs were so fearful."</p> + +<p class="normal">She took his arm hesitatingly; for now, when the fright had +passed, she felt the painfulness of her situation, and was alas! +conscience-smitten. For early in the day she had thought the travelling +toilet of the Doctor, as she saw him return home, unendurable; but +Fritz was not a man who could long be considered unendurable. He was +now full of tender feelings and care for her, endeavored to spare her +every roughness on the road, stretching out his foot in going along to +put the little stones out of the way. He began an indifferent +conversation about her godmother, which obliged her to talk, and +brought other thoughts into her head. It happened besides, that he +himself highly esteemed the lady in question. Indeed, she had once, +when he was a schoolboy, given him a cherry-cake and he had in return +composed a poem on her birthday. At the word poem Laura was astounded. +In that house, too! Could they write poetry? But then the Doctor spoke +very slightingly of the elevating creations of happier hours, and when +she asked him:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Have you really written poetry?"</p> + +<p class="normal">He answered, laughingly, "Only for home use, like every one."</p> + +<p class="normal">Then she felt much depressed by his cold disregard of the muse. There +certainly was a difference between one style of verse and another; at +Hahn's they only wrote about cherry-cakes. But immediately afterwards +she blamed herself for her unbecoming thoughts towards her benefactor. +So she turned in a friendly way to him and spoke of the pleasure she +had found just before in watching the squirrels of the wood. She had +once bought one of a boy in the streets and had set it free, and the +little animal had twice sprung from the trees upon her shoulders; and +she had at last run away with tears in her eyes, that it might remain +in the woods. Now, when she saw a squirrel, it always appeared as if it +belonged to her; and she undoubtedly deceived herself; but the +squirrels seemed to be of the same opinion with regard to her. This +story led to the remarkable discovery that the Doctor had had a similar +experience with a small owl, and he imitated the way in which the owl +nodded its head when he brought in its food; and in doing so his +spectacles looked so much like owl's eyes that Laura could not help +laughing.</p> + +<p class="normal">Conversing in this way they arrived at her godmother's house. Fritz +relinquished Laura's arm and wished to take his leave. She remained +standing on the threshold with her hand on the latch and said, in an +embarrassed tone:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Will you not come in, at least for a moment, as you know my +godmother?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"With pleasure," replied the Doctor.</p> + +<p class="normal">Her godmother was sitting in her summer cottage, which was somewhat +smaller, damper, and less pleasant than her lodging in the town. When +the children of the hostile houses entered together--first Laura, still +pale and solemn, behind her the Doctor with an equally serious +countenance--the good lady was so astonished that she sat staring on +the sofa and could only bring out the words:</p> + +<p class="normal">"What do I see? Is it possible? You two children together!"</p> + +<p class="normal">This exclamation dispelled the magic which for a moment had bound the +young souls to each other. Laura went coldly up to her godmother and +related how the Doctor had accidently come up at the time of her +distress. But the Doctor explained that he had only wished to bring the +young lady safely to her; then he inquired after the health of the old +lady and took his leave.</p> + +<p class="normal">While her godmother was applying restoratives and determining +that Laura should return home another way under the care of her +maid-servant, the Doctor went back with light steps to the wood. His +frame of mind was entirely changed and a smile frequently passed over +his countenance. The thought was constantly recurring to him how the +girl had rested in his arms. He had felt her bosom against his; her +hair had touched his cheeks and he had gazed on her white neck. The +worthy youth blushed at the thought and hastened his steps. In one +thing at least the Professor was not wrong--a woman is, after all, very +different from the ideal that a man derives from the study of human +life and the history of the world. It certainly seemed to the Doctor +now that there was something very attractive in wavy locks, rosy cheeks +and a beautiful form. He admitted that this discovery was not new, but +he had not hitherto felt its value with such distinctness. It had been +so touching when she recovered from her swoon, opened her eyes and +withdrew herself bashfully from his arms. Also his having defended her +so valiantly filled him with cheerful pride. He stopped on the field of +battle and laughed out right heartily. Then he went along the same road +by which Laura had come from the wood. He looked along the ground as if +he could discover the traces of her little feet upon the gravel, and he +enjoyed the brightness and warmth of the air, the alluring song of the +birds, the fluttering of the dragon-flies, with as light a heart as his +pretty neighbor had done shortly before. Then the recollection of his +friend came across him. He thought, with satisfaction, of the +agitations of the Professor's mind and the commotion which Thusnelda +had brought into it. The result had had a droll effect upon the +Professor. His friend had been very comical in the pathos of his rising +passion. Such a firm, earnest being contrasted curiously with the +whimsical attacks which fate makes on the life of earth-born creatures. +When he came to the last bush in which rustled one of the little +grasshoppers, whose chirping he had often heard in times of anxiety, he +spoke out gaily, "Even these have their turn, first the sheep, then the +grasshoppers." He began singing half aloud a certain old song in which +the grasshoppers were asked to go away and no longer to burden his +spirit. Thus he returned home from his walk in right cheerful frame of +mind, like a man of the world.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Henry," began Mrs. Hummel, in the afternoon, solemnly to her husband, +"compose yourself to listen to a terrible story. I conjure you to +remain calm and avoid a scene, and take pains to overcome your +aversion. And, above all, consider our feelings."</p> + +<p class="normal">She then related to him the misfortune that had occurred.</p> + +<p class="normal">"As to the dog," replied Mr. Hummel, emphatically, "it has not been +clearly shown that it was our dog. The testimony of the shepherd does +not satisfy me; I know this fellow and require an impartial witness. +There are so many strange dogs running about the city nowadays that the +safety of the community is endangered, and I have often said it is a +disgrace to our police. But if it should be our dog, I cannot see +anything particularly wrong about it. If the sheep stretched out its +leg to him and he bit it a little, that is its own affair and there is +nothing to be said about it. As to what further concerns the shepherd, +I know his master--so that is my affair. Finally, with regard to the +young man across the way that is your affair. I do not wish to visit on +him the evil conduct of his parents, but I must say once for all that I +will have nothing to do with the people opposite."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I must call your attention to the fact, Mr. Hummel," interposed his +wife, "that the Doctor has already paid money to the shepherd."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Money for my child? That I will not tolerate," exclaimed Mr. Hummel. +"How much did he pay?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"But father----" said Laura imploringly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Can you expect," exclaimed Mrs. Hummel, reproachfully, "that your +daughter, in danger of death, should count the groschens that her +rescuer paid for her?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"That's just like a woman," grumbled the master of the house; "you have +no head for business. Can you not incidentally ask him? The shepherd I +take upon myself, but shall not trouble myself about the Doctor. Only +this I tell you. The affair must be shortly settled and our relations +with that house must remain as before. All I ask is to go on smoothly. +I intend to take no notice of these Hahns."</p> + +<p class="normal">After this decision he left the ladies to their feelings.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Your father is right," said Mrs. Hummel, "to leave the principal +matter to us. With his harsh disposition thanks would come very +ungraciously."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Mother," said Laura, entreatingly, "you have more tact than I. Can you +not go over there?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"My child," answered Mrs. Hummel, clearing her throat, "that is not +easy. This unfortunate occurrence of the dogs has left us women too +much at variance. No, as you are the principal person now concerned, +you must go over there yourself."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I cannot visit the Doctor," exclaimed Laura alarmed.</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is not necessary," said Mrs. Hummel, soothingly. "There is one +advantage our neighborhood possesses--we are able to see from our +windows when the men go out. You may then rush over to the mother and +address your thanks for the son to her. You are very judicious, my +child, and will know how to act."</p> + +<p class="normal">Thereupon Laura took her seat at the window, not well pleased to sit as +watcher upon her neighbors; this lying in wait was repugnant to her. At +last the Doctor appeared on the threshold; he looked the same as usual; +there was nothing chivalrous to be seen in him; his figure was slender +and he was of middle height--Laura liked tall people. He had an +intellectual countenance, but it was concealed by his large spectacles, +which gave him a pedantic appearance; when he did smile his face became +quite handsome, but his usual serious expression was not becoming to +him. Fritz disappeared round the corner and Laura put on her hat with a +heavy heart and went into the hostile house, which she had never yet +entered. Dorchen, who was not in the secret, looked astonished at the +visit, but with quick intuition connected it with the return of the +Doctor and announced, of her own accord, that neither of the gentlemen +were at home, but that Mrs. Hahn was in the garden.</p> + +<p class="normal">Mrs. Hahn was sitting in the Chinese temple. Both women stood opposite +each other with a feeling of embarrassment; both thought at the same +time of their last conversation and to both the recollection was +painful. But with Mrs. Hahn the danger to which Laura had been exposed +at once overcame this natural nervousness. "Ah, you poor young lady!" +she began, but while overflowing with compassion, with delicate tact +she drew away from the Chinese building, feeling that it was not an +appropriate place for this visit and invited her to sit on a little +bench in front of the white Muse. This was the pleasantest spot about +the house; here the orange tree smiled upon its donor, and Laura could +bring herself into a grateful mood. She told her neighbor how deeply +she felt indebted to the Doctor, and she begged her to say this to her +son, because she herself in the confusion had not properly fulfilled +this duty. She then entered into the necessary business about the bad +shepherd. Good Mrs. Hahn was pleased with her thanks and in a motherly +way begged Laura to take off her hat for a little while, as it was warm +in the garden. But Laura did not take off her hat. She expressed in +fitting terms her pleasure in the garden, said how beautifully it +bloomed, and heard with satisfaction of the splendid orange tree which +had been sent anonymously to Mr. Hahn, the fruit of which was sweet, +for Mr. Hahn had celebrated the return of his son by an artistic drink, +for which he had taken the first fruit of the little tree.</p> + +<p class="normal">It was altogether a diplomatic visit, not extended unnecessarily; and +Laura was glad when, on departing, she had repeated her compliments and +thanks to the Doctor.</p> + +<p class="normal">In Laura's secret record, also, the events of this day were very +shortly disposed of. Even an observation she had begun on the happiness +of the lonely dwellers in the wood remained unfinished. How was it, +Laura?--you, who write down everything; who, when an insect or a +sparrow hops in at the window, burst forth into verse! Here was an +event influencing your whole life--danger, unconsciousness in the arms +of a stranger, who, in spite of his learned aspect, is a handsome +youth! This would be the time to depict and indulge in fancy dreams. +Capricious girl, why does this adventure lie like a dead stone in the +fantastic landscape that surrounds thee? Is it with thee as with the +traveler, who, weary of the Alpine scenery, looks below him and wonders +that this marvelous nature so little impresses him, till gradually, but +perhaps not for years, the scenes pursue him, waking or dreaming, and +draw him anew to the mountains? Or has the nearness of the wicked +animal who occasioned the outrage impeded the flight of your soaring +wings? There he lies before your threshold, red and ragged, licking his +lips.</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>CHAPTER XII</i>.</h2> + +<h3>THE DEPARTURE FROM THE ESTATE.</h3> + +<p class="normal">Autumn had come. The trees about the house had assumed their colored +dress of decay. White webs hung over the stubble, and the dew drops lay +upon them till the wind tore the woven fabrics away and bore them from +field and valley into the blue distance. A happy pair went hand in hand +about the place. This year the fall of the leaf did not affect the +Professor, for a new spring had begun in his life; and his happiness +was written in his countenance in characters which might be read by the +most unlearned.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse was betrothed. Modestly she bore the invisible crown which, +according to the opinion of the household and neighborhood, now +encircled her head. There were still hours in which she could scarcely +believe in her happiness. When she rose early from her bed, and heard +the trailing of the plough, or when she stood in the dairy amidst the +clattering of the milk pails, her future appeared like a dream. But in +the evening, when she was sitting near her beloved one, listening to +his words and conversing on subjects serious and trifling, she would +lay her hand gently on his arm in order to assure herself that he +belonged to her, and that she was thenceforth to enter into the life in +which his spirit moved.</p> + +<p class="normal">The marriage was to take place before the winter, and before the +lectures began at the University. For the Professor had petitioned +against a long engagement and the father had yielded.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I would gladly have kept Ilse with me over the winter. Clara must +assume a portion of her duties, and the guidance of her sister would +have been a great help to her. But it is better for you that it should +be otherwise. You, my son, have sought the hand of my daughter after a +short acquaintance, and the sooner Ilse accustoms herself to the life +of the city, the better it will be for you both; and I think it would +be easier for her in the winter."</p> + +<p class="normal">It was a time of happy excitement, and the necessity of providing for +the new household brought down the feelings of the betrothed from their +state of exaltation to earthly things.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor made a journey to the University. He went first to his +friend.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Wish me joy," he exclaimed; "have confidence in her and me."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor embraced him and never left his side during his stay. He +accompanied him in all his shopping expeditions and assisted him in the +arrangement of the rooms. Gabriel, who, from the visit of the country +gentleman, had anticipated coming events, and who had become doubtful +of his own indispensability, felt proud when the Professor said to him:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Between you and me things are to remain as they were. Do your best to +make yourself useful to my wife."</p> + +<p class="normal">Then came Mr. Hummel. In the name of the family he extended his +congratulations, and of his own accord offered the use of two rooms in +his house which he himself did not occupy. But Laura was more anxious +than all the rest about the new inmate. She burst forth in verse thus:</p> + +<div class="poem"> +<p class="t4" style="text-indent:-6px">"How will she be, of sweet or lofty mien?<br> +Proud, dignified, or charmingly serene?<br> +My heart beats fast and thoughts in chaos seem!<br> +Will fond anticipations prove a dream?"</p> +</div> + +<p class="normal">When the Professor begged of her and her mother to receive his future +wife with friendliness and help her in her arrangements, and when he +added to Laura that he hoped she would be on a friendly footing with +his bride, he did not guess how much happiness he had given that young +heart, which felt an unquiet longing to attach itself devotedly to some +one. The indefinite descriptions which he gave concerning the character +of his intended made a very vague impression which to Laura became a +frame in which she daily depicted new faces.</p> + +<p class="normal">Meanwhile the women were occupied in the old house preparing Ilse's +outfit. The approaching marriage of her sister had transformed Clara +into a young lady; she helped and gave good advice, and in everything +showed herself clever and practical. Ilse spoke of this in terms of +praise one evening to her father and then threw her arms around his +neck and burst into tears. The father's mouth quivered; he did not +answer, but he held his daughter close to his heart. It fortunately +happened that the last weeks before their separation were full of work +and distraction. There was yet much to be done in the household and the +father would not permit the betrothed couple to omit a single visit to +his acquaintances in the neighborhood.</p> + +<p class="normal">One of the first was to the family of Rollmaus. Ilse in a special +letter had informed Mrs. Rollmaus of her betrothal; and this had +created great excitement. Mrs. Rollmaus burst forth into a stream of +triumph; but Mr. Rollmaus saddled his horse and rode to Bielstein, but +not to the house. He inquired for the Proprietor at the gate of the +court-yard and rode to meet him in the field. There he took him aside +and began his congratulations with this short question:</p> + +<p class="normal">"What is he worth?"</p> + +<p class="normal">The question was answered numerically, and he seemed satisfied. For he +turned his horse round, trotted up to the house and extended his +congratulations to Ilse and her betrothed, whom he now looked upon as +her equal, and this time he pressingly repeated his invitation to call. +After his return, he said to his wife:</p> + +<p class="normal">"I could have wished a better match for Ilse, but the man is not so bad +after all."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Rollmaus," replied the wife, "I hope you will behave properly on this +occasion."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What do you mean?" asked the Crown Inspector.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You must propose the health of the betrothed couple at dinner, when +they come."</p> + +<p class="normal">The husband muttered a suppressed growl. "But I'll have none of your +oratorical trash and sentiment; I will have nothing to do with that."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The eloquence must be in the introduction," said Mrs. Rollmaus; "and +if you will not do it, I will undertake it myself. You may merely +propose the health."</p> + +<p class="normal">The house of Rollmaus displayed its finest table linen and dinner +service for the visit, and Mrs. Rollmaus showed not only a good heart +but good cooking. After the first course she clinked her glass and +began excitedly:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Dear Ilse, as Mr. Rollmaus in proposing your health will express +himself shortly and laconically, I take the occasion to mention +beforehand that as old friends of your parents, we wish you joy from +the bottom of our hearts. And as we have lived together as good +neighbors, sympathizing both in misfortune and when there was an +agreeable addition to the family, and as we have often rendered each +other mutual assistance in household matters, it is very sad for us to +think that you are going to leave our country. Yet we rejoice that you +are going to a city where intellect and higher aims are appreciated. I +will not be voluminous, therefore I beg of you both to remember us with +true friendship."</p> + +<p class="normal">She put her handkerchief to her eyes and Mr. Rollmaus expressed the +family feeling generally, in four words:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Health to the couple."</p> + +<p class="normal">At departing Mrs. Rollmaus wept a little and begged the Proprietor to +permit them to be at the marriage, though no other guests were to be +present.</p> + +<p class="normal">There was to be still another distraction. The Sovereign wished to stop +on the way to his hunting castle and take breakfast in the old house.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is well. Ilse, that you are with us," said her father.</p> + +<p class="normal">"But one does not know at all what such a person is accustomed to," +rejoined Ilse, between pleasure and anxiety.</p> + +<p class="normal">"His own cook will come over from the Forester's house; he will help. +Only see to it that he finds something in the kitchen."</p> + +<p class="normal">It was a day of busy preparation, and the children, the housekeeper and +the workwomen sat among heaps of branches and autumn flowers, twining +wreaths and garlands.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Spare nothing," said Ilse to the old gardener; "he is the beloved +father of our country. We, his children, bring him our flowers as a +tribute."</p> + +<p class="normal">Hans, with the help of the Professor, arranged immense emblems and +monograms of dahlias.</p> + +<p class="normal">The evening before the hunt the purveyor and cook, with their +attendants, arrived. The purveyor begged leave to set the table in the +garden. "The Sovereign will be accompanied by the necessary servants; +the rest of the waiting may be done by the waiting-maids of the house. +Country customs please his Highness."</p> + +<p class="normal">On the morning of the chase the Proprietor rode in his best clothes to +Rossau to receive the Sovereign, and the children thronged round the +windows of the upper story, spying along the highway like bandits. +Shortly before midday the carriage came up the hill and stopped at the +door of the house. The Proprietor and Forester, who were riding on each +side of the royal carriage, dismounted. The Sovereign descended with +his suite, greeting them as he crossed the threshold. He was of +advanced age and middle height; had a small delicate face, from which +could be seen that in youth he had been considered a handsome man, with +two intelligent eyes, beneath which were many small wrinkles. Ilse +entered the hall and the Proprietor introduced his daughter in his +simple way. The Sovereign greeted Ilse graciously with a few sentences +and favored the Professor, who was presented to him as bridegroom of +the daughter, with some attention; whereupon the Professor was invited +by the master of the hounds to join the party at breakfast. The +Sovereign stepped into the garden directly, praised the house and the +landscape and recollected having been here with his father as a boy of +fourteen.</p> + +<p class="normal">Breakfast passed off admirably. The Sovereign asked questions of the +Proprietor, that evinced a great interest in the condition of the +country. When they arose from the table, he approached the Professor, +asked various particular questions about the University, and knew the +names of several of his colleagues. The answers and general demeanor of +the Scholar induced him to prolong the conversation. He told him that +he himself was somewhat of a collector. He had brought ancient coins +and other antiques from Italy and any increase in his collection gave +him much pleasure. And he was pleased to find that the Professor was +already acquainted with several of the more important ones.</p> + +<p class="normal">When the Sovereign, in conclusion, asked the Professor, whether he +belonged to this country, Felix answered that accident had brought him +there. It suddenly occurred to him that this was an opportunity, which +might never recur, of making known to the highest power in the country +the fate of the lost manuscript, and thereby, perhaps, gaining an order +for further research in the residence. He began his account. The +Sovereign listened with evident excitement. While cross-questioning him +about it, he drew him further from the company and seemed so entirely +engrossed in the affair as to forget the hunting. The master of the +hounds, at least, looked at his watch often and spoke to the Proprietor +of the interest, which the Sovereign seemed to take in his son-in-law. +At last his Highness closed the conversation:--</p> + +<p class="normal">"I thank you for your communication. I value the confidence which you +have shown me. If I can be of any use to you in this matter apply +directly to me; and should you happen to come into my neighborhood, let +me know. It would give me pleasure to see you again."</p> + +<p class="normal">When the Sovereign passed through the hall to the carriage he stopped +and looked round. The master of the hounds gave the Proprietor a hint. +Ilse was called and again made her obeisance, and the Sovereign in a +few words thanked her for her hospitable reception. Before the carriage +had disappeared from the farm-buildings the Sovereign again looked back +to the house, and this civility was fully appreciated.</p> + +<p class="normal">"He turned quite round," said one of the laborer's wives, who had +placed herself with the working people near the evergreen arch by the +barns.</p> + +<p class="normal">All were contented and rejoiced in the graciousness and civility which +had been given and received in good part. Ilse praised the Sovereign's +attendants, who had made everything so easy; and the judicious +questions of the ruler had pleased the Professor much. When the +Proprietor returned in the evening, he related how well the chase had +gone off, and that the Sovereign had spoken most kindly to him and had +wished him joy of his son-in-law before everybody.</p> + +<p class="normal">The last day that the maiden was to pass in her father's house came. +She went with her sister Clara down to the village, stood by the window +of the poor Lazarus, stopped at every house and committed the poor and +sick to the care of her sister. Then she sat a long time with the +Pastor in his study. The old man held his dear child by the hand and +would not let her go. On departing, he gave her the old Bible which his +wife had used.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I meant to take it with me to my last abode," he said, "but it will be +better preserved in your hands."</p> + +<p class="normal">When Ilse returned she seated herself in her room and the maids and +workwomen of the house entered one after another. She took leave of +each of them separately and spoke to them once more of what each had +most at heart, gave comfort and good advice, and a small keepsake from +her little store. In the evening she sat between her father and lover. +The tutor had taught the children some verses; Clara brought the bridal +wreath, and the little brother appeared as a guardian angel; but when +he began his speech he burst out sobbing, concealed his head in Ilse's +lap and would not be comforted.</p> + +<p class="normal">When at bed-time they had all left. Ilse for the last time sat in her +chair in the sitting room. When her father prepared to retire, she +handed him a candle. The father put it down and paced up and down +without speaking. At last he began:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Your room, Ilse, shall remain unchanged. Should you return to us you +shall find it as you left it. No one can replace you here. No one can +be what you have been to your brothers, sisters, and to your father. I +give you up with sorrow to enter upon a life which is unknown to us +both. Good night, my beloved child. Heaven's blessing upon you. God +guard your noble heart. Be brave. Ilse, for life is full of trials."</p> + +<p class="normal">He drew her to him and she wept quietly on his breast.</p> + +<p class="normal">The following day the morning sun shone through the windows of the old +wooden church upon the place before the altar. Again Ilse's head was +surrounded by a heavenly radiance and the countenance of the man into +whose hand the old pastor laid that of his favorite beamed with +happiness. The children of the house and the workwomen of the farm +strewed flowers. Ilse, with her wreath and veil, stepped over the last +flowers of the garden, looking heavenward. From the arms of her father +and sisters, amid the loudly expressed blessings of Mrs. Rollmaus and +the gently-murmured prayer of the old Pastor, her husband helped her +into the carriage. Another hurrah from the people, one more glance at +the old home, and Ilse pressed the hand of her husband and clung +closely to him.</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>CHAPTER XIII</i>.</h2> + +<h3>THE FIRST GREETINGS OF THE CITY.</h3> + +<p class="normal">The leaves were falling in the woods around the city. Ilse stood at the +window thinking of her home. The wreaths over the door were faded, the +linen and clothes were stowed away in the presses, her own life glided +on so quietly, while all around her was noise and bustle. Her husband +was sitting in the next room over his work; no sound but the rustling +of the leaves as he turned them penetrated through the door and at +times the clattering of plates in the kitchen which was close by. Her +dwelling was very pretty, but hedged in on all sides; at one side the +narrow street; behind was the neighboring house, with many windows for +curious eyes; toward the wood, also, the horizon was shut in by grey +trunks and towering branches. From the distance, the hum and cries of +the busy town sounded in her ear from morning till night; above were to +be heard the tones of a pianoforte, and on the pavement the unceasing +tread of the passers-by, wagons rolling and loud voices quarreling. +However long she looked out of the window, there were always new people +and unknown faces, many beautiful equipages and, on the other hand, +many poor people. Ilse thought that every passer-by who wore +fashionable attire must be a person of distinction, and when she saw a +shabby dress she thought how heavily life pressed upon the poor here. +But all were strangers to her; even those who dwelt near, and could +watch her proceedings on all sides, had little intercourse with her, +and if she inquired concerning individuals, the inmates of her house +could give but scanty account of them. All was strange and cold and all +was an endless tumult. Ilse felt in her dwelling as if she were on a +small island in a stormy sea, and the strange life caused her much +anxiety.</p> + +<p class="normal">But, however gigantic and noisy the town seemed to Ilse, it was at +bottom a friendly monster. Nay, it fostered perhaps, rather than +otherwise, a secret inclination to poetic feelings and to private +courtesy. It was true that the stern burgomasters had given up the +custom of welcoming distinguished strangers with wine and fish, but +still they sent their first morning greeting through their winged +protégés, which had already delighted Ilse's father. The pigeons flew +round Ilse's window, crowded against the panes and picked at the wood +till Ilse strewed some food for them. When Gabriel removed the +breakfast, he could not refrain from taking some credit for this to +himself:</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have for some weeks past scattered food before the window, thinking +it would be agreeable to you to see the pigeons."</p> + +<p class="normal">And when Ilse looked at him gratefully, he continued ingenuously:</p> + +<p class="normal">"For I also came from the country, and when I first went to the +barracks I shared my rations with a strange poodle."</p> + +<p class="normal">But the town took care that other birds should become intimate with the +lady from the country. On the very first day that Ilse went out alone +(it was an unpleasant walk, for she could scarcely resist stopping +before the showy shop-windows, and she colored when people looked +boldly in her face), she had found some poor children in front of a +confectioner's, who looked longingly through the windows at the pastry; +this longing look bad touched her and she entered and distributed cakes +among them. Since then, it happened that every noon there was a slight +ringing at Ilse's door, and little children, in tattered clothes, +produced empty cans, which were filled and carried home, to the great +vexation of Mr. Hummel, who could not approve of such encouragement to +rogues.</p> + +<p class="normal">When Ilse, on the evening of her arrival, was taken by her husband into +her room, she found a beautiful cover spread over her table, a +masterpiece of fancy work, and on it a card, with the word Welcome. +Gabriel stated that Miss Laura had brought this present. The first +visit, therefore, on the following morning was made to those who +occupied the lower story. When Ilse entered the sitting-room of the +Hummel family, Laura sprang up blushing, and stood embarrassed before +the Professor's wife; her whole soul went out to the stranger, but +there was something in Ilse's demeanor that inspired her with awe. Ah! +the much longed-for one was undoubtedly noble and dignified, even more +so than Laura had expected; and she felt herself so very insignificant +and awkward that she shyly received Ilse's warm thanks and drew back +some steps, leaving it to her mother to do the talking. But she did not +weary of gazing at the beautiful woman and, in imagination, adorning +her figure with the finest costumes of the tragic stage.</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura declared to her mother that she would like to make the return +visit alone, and on the first suitable day stole upstairs in the +twilight hour with beating heart,--yet determined to have a good talk. +But, as accident would have it, immediately after her arrival the +Doctor entered, much to the disturbance of the general peace, and +consequently there was nothing but a fragmentary conversation, and +hackneyed commonplaces which were very unsatisfactory. She took leave, +angry with the Doctor and dissatisfied with herself because she had +found nothing better to say.</p> + +<p class="normal">Since then the new lodger upstairs became an object of incessant and +secret adoration to Laura. After dinner she placed herself at the +window, watching for the hour when Ilse went out with her husband. Then +she watched her from behind the curtains with admiration. She would +often flit across the hallway and about the door of the lodgers. But +when Ilse appeared in the distance she would hide, or if she met her +she would make a deep courtesy and, on the spur of the moment, could +only think of ordinary things to say. She was much troubled lest her +pianoforte playing might disturb her, and inquired at what hours it +would be least annoying to her; and, one day when that nuisance of a +red dog had snarled at Ilse and had maliciously bitten at her dress, +she was so angry that she took her parasol and drove the monster +downstairs.</p> + +<p class="normal">In her mother's name--for she could not venture upon it in her own--she +began a campaign of small attentions against the tenants of the upper +floor. When venders offered their tempting wares for the kitchen, Laura +would frequently disappoint Mr. Hummel's epicurean tastes; for she +regularly sent the young geese and fat hens upstairs, till at last the +servant, Susan, became so bitter at this preference of the lodgers that +she besought the aid of Mrs. Hummel. One day Laura learnt from Gabriel +that the Professor's wife had asked for a certain kind of apple; Laura +hastened to the market and searched till she found a little basket of +them and brought them home; and this time she compelled even Mr. Hummel +himself to send up the basket with many compliments. Ilse was pleased +with these household courtesies, but did not guess the secret source.</p> + +<p class="normal">"There is one class of people of whom I am much afraid," said Ilse to +her husband; "and that is the students. When I was scarcely grown up +and on a visit to an aunt, I saw a whole company of them march through +the gates with their great swords, hats with plumes, and velvet coats. +They were so wild that I did not venture into the streets all that day. +As I am now to associate with these fierce fellows, I shall not exactly +be afraid of them, but still they make me uneasy."</p> + +<p class="normal">"They are not at all so bad," said the Professor, consolingly; "you +will soon get accustomed to them."</p> + +<p class="normal">Notwithstanding this, Ilse awaited the first visit of the students with +much anxiety.</p> + +<p class="normal">It happened that one morning the bell rang just when the Professor was +detained at the University library, and Gabriel and the maid had been +sent out. Ilse opened the door herself. A young man whose colored cap +and black map under his arm proclaimed him a student, started back in +surprise. He looked quite different from what she expected, being +without ostrich feather or sword, and his face was pale and thin; yet +Ilse felt respect for the learned young man, at the same time dreading +that the rude nature of his class might suddenly break out. She was, +however, a brave woman and took a practical view of the visit. As long +as the misfortune has come I must be courteous. "You wish to speak to +my husband; he is not at home at present. Will you have the kindness to +walk in?"</p> + +<p class="normal">The student, a poor philologist who was a candidate for a scholarship, +was thrown into great alarm at the majestic being who stood before him. +He made many bows and did not venture to refuse. Ilse took him into the +parlor, motioned him to an arm-chair and asked whether she could be of +any service to him. The poor fellow became still more embarrassed and +Ilse was also infected by his discomfiture. She made an effort, +however, to begin a conversation, and inquired whether he belonged to +the city. This was not the case. From what country did he come? she +also was a stranger. He proved to be from her own province--not indeed +close to her home, but within ten miles of it; he had, therefore, from +his earliest youth looked on the same mountains and knew the dialect of +her country and the songs of the birds. Now she moved nearer to him and +made him converse, till at last they chatted together like old friends. +At length Ilse said: "My husband will probably not be home for some +time; I should not like to deprive him of the pleasure of seeing you. +May we have the pleasure of your company at dinner next Sunday?"</p> + +<p class="normal">Surprised and with expressions of thanks the student arose to take +leave and was accompanied to the door by Ilse. But he had been so +confused by the adventure that he had forgotten his portfolio. Again he +rang the bell diffidently. Again he stood embarrassed at the door and +with many excuses asked for his portfolio.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse was pleased with this meeting and with having so well overcome her +first difficulty. She called out joyfully to her husband when he came +to the door, "Felix, the first student has been here."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Indeed," answered the husband, in no wise disturbed by the +announcement; "what is his name?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I do not know his name, but he wore a red cap and said he was not a +freshman. I was not at all afraid and I asked him to dinner for +Sunday."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Well," replied the Professor, "if you do that to everyone our house +will soon be full."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Was it not right?" asked Ilse, troubled. "I saw that he was not one of +the principal ones, but I wished, on your account, to do too much +rather than too little."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Never mind," said the Professor; "we will not forget that he was the +first one to look into your dear face."</p> + +<p class="normal">Sunday came, and with it, at the hour of noon, the student, who had on +this occasion paid exceptional attention to his toilet. But Ilse, +observing the demeanor of her husband toward the student, maintained a +quiet, motherly dignity. In accordance with this she gave him a second +helping of the roast and provided him with quantities of vegetables. +This kindly treatment and several glasses of wine, the last of which +was poured out by Ilse, strengthened the heart of the student and +raised him above the petty things of earthly life. After dinner the +Professor conversed with the Doctor on some learned subjects. But Ilse +kindly kept up a conversation with the young gentleman and put him so +much at his ease that he began to speak of his family affairs. Then the +student became confiding and pathetic and began some very sorrowful +disclosures. In the first place, naturally, that he had no money; then +he ventured to add the painful confession of a tender attachment for +the daughter of a lawyer who lived in the same house with him, and whom +he had secretly worshiped for a whole year and expressed it in poetry. +But at last the father interposed; he, with a tyranny peculiar to +magistrates, forbade the acceptance of the poems by his daughter and +contrived to remove the student from the house. Since that time the +heart of the student had been an abyss of despair; no longer did any +poem--they were sonnets--penetrate to the secluded beloved one. Nay, he +even had grounds to believe that she too despised him; for she attended +balls, and only the previous evening he had seen her with flowers in +her hair alighting from her father's carriage at a brilliantly lighted +house. Sorrowfully he had stood at the door of the house among the +spectators; but she had glided past him smiling and beaming. Now he +wandered about in despair and alone, weary of his life and full of +dismal thoughts, concerning which he gave gloomy intimations. Finally, +he asked Ilse's permission to send her these poems which expressed the +condition of his heart. Ilse, of course, consented, with expressions of +sincere compassion.</p> + +<p class="normal">The student took his leave and the next morning Ilse received a package +with a very respectful letter, by post, in which he excused himself for +not sending her all the poetical pieces which would place his +misfortune in the right light, as he had not copies of them ready. +Enclosed with them was a sonnet to Ilse herself, very tender and full +of reverence, in which it was clearly the secret intention of the +student to make Ilse the mistress of his dreams in the place of his +unfaithful love.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse, somewhat embarrassed, laid this enclosure on the writing-table of +her husband.</p> + +<p class="normal">"If I have done wrong, Felix, tell me."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor laughed.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I will send him back his poem myself; that will cool his ardor. You +know now that it is dangerous to receive the confidence of a student. +The poems, by the way, are poorer than need be."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Thus I have had a lesson," said Ilse, "which I have brought upon +myself; for the future I will be more cautious."</p> + +<p class="normal">But she could not so easily banish the recollection of the student.</p> + +<p class="normal">Every afternoon, when the weather was favorable. Ilse went at the same +hour with her husband to the adjacent wood. The happy couple sought out +lonely by-paths, where the branches were more thickly intertwined and +the green carpet beneath contrasted gaily with the yellow leaves. Then +Ilse thought of the trees on her father's estate; and the conversation +with her husband always reverted to her father, brothers, and sisters, +and to the latest news she had had from home. In the meadow which +extended from the last buildings of the town to the wood there stood a +bench under a large bush; from there could be seen the hostile houses +in the foreground and behind them the gables and towers of the city. +When Ilse came upon the place the first time, she was pleased at the +sight of her own windows and the surrounding gloomy towers, and it led +her to think of the seat in the cave, from which she had so often +looked on her father's house; she sat down on the bench, drew out the +letters which she had just received from her brothers and sisters, and +read to her husband the simple sentences in which they reported the +latest events on the farm. From that time forth this became her +favorite resting-place, as she and her husband bent their steps +homeward.</p> + +<p class="normal">The day after the reception of the student's package, on arriving at +the bench, she saw a small nosegay lying on it; she picked it up with +curiosity; a delicately folded note of rose-colored paper was appended +to it, with this inscription: "A greeting from B." After this as many +stars as there were letters in the name of her father's country-place. +Surprised, she handed the note to the Professor. He opened it and read +these unpretentious lines:--</p> + +<div class="poem"> +<p class="t4">The little dwarfes in their stone-built bower,</p> +<p class="t5">Have written the rhyme on this card.</p> +<p class="t4">They send from thy father's home a flower,</p> +<p class="t5">With their heart-felt, innermost regard.</p> +</div> +<p class="normal">"That is meant for you," he said, in astonishment.</p> + +<p class="normal">"How delightful!" exclaimed Ilse.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The '<i>dwarf</i>' must certainly be a joke of the Doctor," decided the +Professor; "truly, he has well disguised his handwriting."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse, delighted, pinned on the nosegay.</p> + +<p class="normal">"When the Doctor comes this evening he shall not find out that we have +discovered him."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor dilated upon the droll idea of his friend and Ilse, who +before had looked upon the Doctor with secret distrust, heartily +agreed.</p> + +<p class="normal">But when, in the evening, the Doctor feigned the greatest nonchalance, +he was jestingly scolded for his art of dissimulation and loaded with +thanks. When, however, he firmly declared that the nosegay and verse +did not come from him, fruitless discussion arose as to the author, and +the Professor began to look very serious.</p> + +<p class="normal">A few days later the offering in the wood was repeated; another nosegay +lay on the bench with the same address and a verse. Again did Ilse +endeavor gently to maintain, that there had been collusion on the part +of the Doctor, but the Professor rejected that and put the rose-colored +note in his pocket. Ilse took the nosegay with her, but this time did +not place it in her girdle. When the Doctor came the adventure was +again discussed.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It can be no one but the little student," said Ilse, much distressed.</p> + +<p class="normal">"That I fear, also," said the Professor, and related to the Doctor +Ilse's annoyance at the confidential package from the devotee of the +muses. "Harmless as the thing appears in itself, it still has a serious +aspect. These addresses imply close watching, which is anything but +agreeable, and such activity and assiduity may lead the adorer to still +greater daring. He must be checked. I will endeavor to-morrow to +convince him of his error."</p> + +<p class="normal">"And if he should deny the act," interposed the Doctor. "You should at +least make this impossible. As the nosegay has escaped the observation +of others passing by, it has probably been laid there the last moment +before your appearance, which would not be difficult to do, as you +always pass at the same hour. We must endeavor to surprise the daring +man."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I will go alone to-morrow," said the Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You ought not to watch a student in the wood," said the Doctor, +decidedly. "Besides, if your wife remains at home the nosegay will +probably not lie on the bench. Leave the affair to me. Go out as usual +to-morrow and the following days and I shall watch the place from some +other point."</p> + +<p class="normal">This being settled, the Professor took both the small nosegays from the +glass and threw them out of the window.</p> + +<p class="normal">On the following day, a quarter of an hour before his friends started, +the Doctor went to the wood, disguised in a grey coat and dark hat, in +order to fall upon the presumptuous versifier from his hiding-place; he +undertook to chastise the offender so that the Professor would be +spared any personal interference. He found a good place just opposite +the bench, where the dense beech foliage would conceal the hunter from +his game. There he placed himself in a good position, drew a large +opera-glass from his pocket and fixed his eyes attentively on the bench +in question. The bench was still empty; the few pedestrians passed it +by with indifference; the time seemed long; the Doctor looked for half +an hour through the glasses, until his eyes began to ache, but he +persevered. His place was well chosen; the offender could not escape. +Suddenly, just as his eyes accidentally glanced toward Mr. Hummel's +house, he saw the garden gate open; something dark passed out between +the trees and came toward the bench out of the thicket, looked +cautiously round, passed by the bench and disappeared again among the +trees and through the hostile garden gate. An expression of infinite +astonishment was depicted on the countenance of the Doctor; he closed +his opera glass and laughed quietly to himself; then adjusted the +glasses again, and peered after the vanished figure. He shook his head +and fell into deep thought. He listened and heard the quiet steps of +two promenaders. The Professor and Ilse came out of the wood. They +stopped a few steps from the bench and looked at the fatal nosegay +which lay there so innocently. The Doctor burst out from the copse, +laughing, took up the nosegay, and, offering it to Ilse, said:</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is not the student."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Who then?" asked the Professor, uneasily.</p> + +<p class="normal">"That I cannot tell," replied the Doctor; "but the affair is +harmless--the nosegay is from a lady."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Seriously?" asked the Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You may depend upon it," replied Fritz, convincingly. "It is from some +one whom we both know and your wife need not hesitate to accept the +greetings. It is given with the best intentions."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Have the townspeople so many verses and secrets?" asked Ilse, +curiously, taking the flowers with a light heart.</p> + +<p class="normal">Again there was guessing: they could not find any one on whom they +could fix it.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am glad that the mystery is thus solved," said the Professor; "but +tell your poetess that such missives might easily fall into bad hands."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have no influence over her," replied the Doctor; "but whatever may +have put it into her head to do this, it will not always remain a +secret."</p> + +<p class="normal">At last came the long-wished-for hour in which Laura was to have a +private meeting with the distinguished stranger, as Ilse up to this day +was designated in the private memoirs. Her mother had gone out when +Ilse entered the sitting-room to ask a household question. Laura gave +the information, gained courage and at last ventured to request Ilse to +go with her into the garden. There they sat together under the last +rays of an October sun and interchanged opinions concerning the boat, +the Chinese temple and the passers-by. Finally, Laura respectfully took +Ilse's hand and drew her into a corner of the garden to show her a +great rarity--the abandoned nest of a hedge-sparrow. The birds had long +flown away and the remains of the nest still hung on the half bare +branches.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Here they were," cried Laura, impressively; "charming little +creatures; there were five speckled eggs there and they reared their +little ones successfully. I was in mortal terror all the time on +account of the cats that prowl about here."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You have never lived in the country," said Ilse. "People here in the +city are delighted if they can only keep one poor little sparrow in +their garden. At home they chirruped, sang and flew about in all the +trees; and unless there was something unusual about them, one took no +particular notice of them. Here each little creature is valued and +cared for, even the sparrows. The first morning I was here I was +shocked at the sight of these poor creatures; they are not to be +compared to their brothers in the country, their feathers are bristly +and uneven, and their whole bodies are black and sooty, like +charcoal-burners. I would gladly have taken a sponge to wash the whole +lot."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It would be of no use; they would become black again," said Laura, +despondingly. "It is caused by the soot in the gutters."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Does one become, so dusty and is one so roughly handled in the city? +That is sad. It is certainly much more beautiful in the country." As +Ilse softly acknowledged this, her eyes moistened involuntarily with +the thought of the distant woody hills. "I am only a stranger here," +she added more cheerfully. "The city would be very pleasant if there +were not so many people: they annoy me with their staring, whenever I +go out alone."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I will accompany you if you like," said Laura, delighted; "I shall +always be ready."</p> + +<p class="normal">This was a kind offer and was thankfully accepted. Laura, in her great +joy, ventured to ask Ilse to go with her into her private room. They +ascended to the upper story. There the little sofa, the ivy screen, the +shepherd and shepherdess, were duly admired, and finally the new piano.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Will you play something for me?" asked Ilse. "I cannot play at all. We +had an old piano but I learnt only a few tunes from my dear, mother for +the children to dance to."</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura took a piece of music, the first leaf of which was beautifully +ornamented with gilded elves and lilies, and played the "Elfin Waltz," +secretly trembling, but with great execution; and she explained, +laughingly, with a shake of her black locks, the passages where the +spirits came fluttering in and mysteriously chattered together. Ilse +was highly delighted.</p> + +<p class="normal">"How quickly your little fingers fly," she said, regarding Laura's +delicate hand with admiration. "See how large my hand is in comparison +and how hard the skin--that comes from doing housework."</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura looked entreatingly at her. "If I might only hear you sing."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I can sing nothing but hymns and some old country songs."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Oh, do sing them," begged Laura. "I will endeavor to accompany you."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse began an old melody and Laura tried a modest accompaniment and +listened with transport to the rich sound of Ilse's voice; she felt her +heart tremble under the swelling tones and ventured to join in the last +verse.</p> + +<p class="normal">After this she searched for a song which was known to both, and, when +they succeeded tolerably in singing together, Laura clapped her hands +enthusiastically, and they determined to practice some easy songs to +surprise the Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">In the course of conversation Ilse confessed that she had seldom heard +a concert, and occasionally when visiting in the neighborhood, had seen +a play, but only one opera.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The piece was called the <i>Freischütz</i>," said Ilse; "the heroine was +the forester's daughter, and she had a friend just as merry, with +beautiful locks and frank eyes like yours; and the man whom she loved +lost his faith in the gracious protection of heaven, and in order to +obtain the girl he denied God and surrendered himself to the Evil One. +That was fearful; her heart became heavy and a foreboding came over +her; but she did not lose her strength of mind, nor her trust in help +from above; and her faith saved her lover, over whom the Evil One had +already stretched out his hand."</p> + +<p class="normal">Then she accurately described the whole dramatic course of the action.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It was enchanting," she said. "I was very young, and when I came back +to our hotel I could not compose myself and my father was obliged to +scold me."</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura listened, sitting on a footstool at Ilse's feet; she held her +hand fast and heard her account as a child listens to a tale she +already knows.</p> + +<p class="normal">"How well you describe it; 'tis as if one was reading a poem."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Ah, no," exclaimed Ilse, shaking her head; "this compliment is just +what I do not in the least deserve. I have never in my life made a +verse and I am so prosaic that I do not know how my unpolished nature +will adapt itself to the town, for here they write verses; they hum +about in the air like flies in summer."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What do you mean?" asked Laura, hanging her head.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Only think, even I, a stranger, have received verses!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is quite natural," said Laura, folding her handkerchief to +conceal her confusion.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have found little nosegays on the bench in the park, with dear +little poems, and the name of my home given by a letter and stars. See, +first a large B, and then----"</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura, in her delight at this account, looked up, from her +handkerchief. Her cheeks were suffused with color. There was a roguish +smile in her eyes.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse looked at the beaming countenance and, as she spoke, guessed that +she was the giver.</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura bent down to kiss her hand, but Ilse raised the curly head, +threatening her with her finger and kissing her.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You are not angry with me," said Laura, "for being so bold?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"It was very sweet and kind of you, but you must know that it caused us +a great deal of uneasiness. The Doctor discovered you, but he did not +tell us your name."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The Doctor?" exclaimed Laura, starting up. "Must that man always +interfere where I am concerned!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"He kept your secret faithfully. Now I may tell my husband all about +it, may I not? but, between ourselves, he was very much displeased for +a time."</p> + +<p class="normal">This was a triumph for Laura. Again she seated herself at Ilse's feet +and archly begged her to relate what the Professor had said.</p> + +<p class="normal">"That would not be right," answered Ilse, gravely; "that is his +secret."</p> + +<p class="normal">Thus an hour passed in pleasant talk till the clock struck, and Ilse +rose hastily. "My husband will wonder where I have disappeared to," +said she. "You are a dear girl. If you like we will become good +friends."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ah! that pleased Laura very much. She accompanied her visitor to the +staircase, and on the step it occurred to her that she had forgotten +the principal thing she wanted to say; her room was directly above that +of the Professor's wife, and when Ilse opened the window she could +communicate quickly with her by signals. Just as Ilse was about to +close her door, Laura ran down once more in order to express her joy +that Ilse had granted her this hour.</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura returned to her room, paced up and down with rapid steps, and +snapped her fingers like one who has won the great prize in a lottery. +She confided to her journal her account of the consecrated hour, and of +every word that Ilse had spoken, and concluded with verses:</p> + +<div class="poem"> +<p class="t4" style="text-indent:-6px">"I found thee, pure one! Now my dream will live.</p> +<p class="t5">And tho' 'twixt joy and pain thy soul may pine,</p> +<p class="t4">I touch thy garment's hem and homage give,</p> +<p class="t5">And lovingly thee in my heart enshrine."</p> +</div> + +<p class="normal">Then she seated herself at the piano and played with impassioned +expression the melody which Ilse had sung to her. And Ilse below heard +this heartfelt outburst of thanks for her visit.</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>CHAPTER XIV</i>.</h2> + +<h3>A DAY OF VISITS.</h3> + +<p class="normal">A carriage drove up to the door. Ilse entered her husband's study, +attired for her first visit. "Look at me," she said; "do I look all +right?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Very well," cried the Professor, joyfully, scanning his wife. But it +was well that everything was as it should be without his help, for in +matter of the toilet the critical eye of the Professor was of doubtful +value.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Now I begin a new game," continued Ilse, "such as the children used to +play at home. I am to knock at your friends' doors and call out, +Halloa, halloa! and when the ladies ask. Who is there? I shall answer, +as in the game:</p> + +<div class="poem"> +<p class="t4" style="text-indent:-6px">"I am a poor, poor beggar-maid,</p> +<p class="t5">And what I want is this:</p> +<p class="t4">For me I want a piece of bread;</p> +<p class="t5">For my husband I want a kiss."</p> +</div> + +<p class="normal">"Well, so far as the kisses are concerned that I am to dispense to the +wives of my colleagues," replied the Professor, putting on his gloves, +"I should, on the whole, be obliged to you if you would take that +business upon yourself."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Ah, you men are very strict," said Ilse; "my little Franz also always +refuses to play the game, because he would not kiss the stupid girls. I +only hope that I'll not disgrace you."</p> + +<p class="normal">They drove through the streets. On the way the Professor gave his wife +an account of the persons and the particular branch of learning of each +of his colleagues to whom he was taking her.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Let us visit pleasant people first," he said. "Yonder lives Professor +Raschke, our professor of philosophy, and a dear friend of mine. I hope +his wife will please you."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Is he very famous," asked Ilse, laying her hand on her beating heart.</p> + +<p class="normal">The carriage stopped before a low dwelling at the further end of the +suburb. Gabriel hastened into the house to announce the visitors; +finding the kitchen empty, he knocked at the parlor-door, and, finally, +being experienced in the customs of the family, opened the entrance +into the court yard. "Professor Raschke and his wife are in the +garden."</p> + +<p class="normal">The visitors passed through a narrow yard into a kitchen-garden, which +the owner of the house had given his lodger permission to walk in, to +get the benefit of the air. The couple were walking along the path +under the noon-sun of an autumn day. The lady carried a little child on +her arm; the husband held a book in his hand, from which he was reading +to his companion. In order, however, to do as much family duty as +possible, the Professor had fastened the pole of a baby carriage to his +belt and thus drew a second child after him. The backs of the couple +were turned to the guests and they moved slowly forward, listening and +reading aloud.</p> + +<p class="normal">"An encounter in the narrow path is not desirable," said Felix; "we +must wait until they turn round the square and face us."</p> + +<p class="normal">It was some time before the procession overcame the hindrances of the +journey, for the Professor in the eagerness of reading, sometimes +stopped to explain, as might be seen from the motion of his hands. Ilse +examined the appearance of the strange pedestrians with curiosity. The +wife was pale and delicate; one could perceive that she had recently +left a sick bed. The man had a nobly formed, intellectual face, about +which hung long dark hair with a sprinkling of gray upon it. They had +come close to the guests, when the wife turned her eyes from her +husband and perceived the visitors.</p> + +<p class="normal">"What a pleasure!" cried the Philosopher, dropping his book into the +great pocket of his coat. "Good morning, my dear colleague. Ha! that is +our dear Professor's wife. Unhitch me from the carriage, Aurelia; the +family bonds hamper me."</p> + +<p class="normal">The unhitching took some time, as the hands of the mistress of the +house were not free, and Professor Raschke by no means kept still, but +struggled forward, and had already seized with both hands those of his +colleague and wife.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Come into the house, my dear guests," he exclaimed, striding forward +with long steps, while Felix introduced his wife to the lady. Professor +Raschke forgot his baby carriage, which Ilse lifted over the threshold +and rolled into the hall. There she took up the neglected child from +its seat and both ladies entered the room with a diminutive chip of +philosophy in their arms, exchanging their first friendly greetings, +while the little one in Ilse's arms lustily swung his rattle, and the +youngest child on the arm of its mother began to scream. Meanwhile +colleague Raschke went about clearing the room, removed books and +papers from the sofa, shook faded sofa-cushions into form, which +emitted clouds of dust, and cordially invited his guests to be seated.</p> + +<p class="normal">At length the confusion subsided. Ilse played with the child on her +lap, while Mrs. Raschke after a disappearance for a moment came back +without the screaming infant. She sat shyly by Ilse, but asked her +friendly questions in a gentle voice. The lively Philosopher, however, +was always interrupting the conversation of the ladies; he stroked the +hand of the Professor, while he nodded in the direction of his wife. +"This is quite right; I rejoice that you accustom yourself to our mode +of life while still so young, for our wives have not an easy time of +it--their outer life is limited and they have many demands made upon +them at home. We are often wearisome companions, difficult to deal +with, peevish, morose, and perverse." He shook his head disapprovingly +over the character of the world of learning, but his face smiled with +genuine pleasure.</p> + +<p class="normal">The end of the visit was hastened by the baby, who began to cry +piteously in the next room.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Are you going already?" said the Philosopher to Ilse; "this cannot be +counted as a visit. You please me much, and you have true eyes; and I +see that you have a kind disposition, and that is everything. All we +want is, in the face a good mirror through which the images of life are +reflected fully and purely, and in the heart an enduring flame which +will communicate its warmth to others. Whoever has that will do well, +even if it is her fate to be the wife as you are, of a sedentary +student, and as is this poor mother of five screaming young ones."</p> + +<p class="normal">Again he strode rapidly about, fetched an old hat from the corner and +handed it to the wife of his colleague. Ilse laughed.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Oh, I see. It is a gentleman's hat," said Professor Raschke; "perhaps +it belongs to your husband."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I also am provided with one," said the Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then it must be my own after all," said Raschke; and jamming the hat +on his head, he accompanied his guests to the carriage.</p> + +<p class="normal">For some time Ilse sat in the carriage dumb with astonishment. "Now I +have regained my courage, Felix; the professors are still less alarming +than the students."</p> + +<p class="normal">"All will not receive you so warmly," answered the Professor. "He who +comes next is my colleague Struvelius; he teaches Greek and Latin, as I +do; he is not one of my intimate acquaintances, but is a thorough +scholar."</p> + +<p class="normal">This time it was a house in the city; the apartments were a little +more ancient than in Ilse's new dwelling. This professor's wife wore a +black silk dress, and was sitting before a writing-table covered with +books and papers; a delicate lady, of middle age, with a small but +clever face and an extraordinary coiffure; for her short hair was +combed behind her ears in one large roll of curl, which gave her a +certain resemblance to Sappho or Corinne, so far as a comparison is +allowable with ladies of antiquity, the growth of whose hair is by no +means satisfactorily ascertained.</p> + +<p class="normal">Mrs. Struvelius arose slowly and greeted the visitors with haughty +demeanor; she expressed her pleasure to Ilse and then turned to the +Professor. "I have to-day commenced reading the work of colleague +Raschke and I admire the deep thought of the man."</p> + +<p class="normal">"His writings are delightful," replied the Professor, "because in all +of them we discover a thorough and pure-minded man."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I agree with your premise and consequent conclusion in this particular +instance, but with regard to the general proposition you assert, allow +me to say that many works that form an epoch in literature would have +no great excellence, if it were necessary to be a perfect man in order +to write a good book."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse looked timidly at the learned lady who had ventured to oppose her +husband.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yet we will come to an agreement," continued the Professor's wife, +fluently, as if she were reading from a book. "It is not requisite for +every valuable work that its author should be a man of character, but +he who truly has this noble qualification, would be unlikely to produce +anything which would have an unfavorable influence on his branch of +learning; undoubtedly the weaknesses of a learned work originate more +frequently than one supposes in the author's weakness of character."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor nodded assentingly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"For," she continued, "the position which a scholar assumes with +respect to the great questions of the day, affecting his branch of +learning--nay, with respect even to the advantages and deficiencies of +his method--may generally be explained from his character. You have +always lived in the country," she said, turning to Ilse. "It would be +instructive to me to learn what impression you have received of the +mutual relations of people in the town."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have met but few as yet," rejoined Ilse, timidly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Of course," said Mrs. Struvelius. "But I mean that you will observe +with surprise that near neighborhood does not always imply intimate +intercourse. But Struvelius must be told you are here."</p> + +<p class="normal">She rose, opened the door of the next room, and standing bolt upright +by the door, called out:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Professor and Mrs. Werner!"</p> + +<p class="normal">A slight murmur and the hasty rustling of leaves of a book were heard +in the adjoining room. The wife closed the door and continued:</p> + +<p class="normal">"For after all we live among many and associate with few. In the city +we choose from among many individuals with a certain arbitrariness. One +might have more acquaintance than one has, but even this feeling gives +you confidence, and such confidence is more easily acquired in town +than in the country."</p> + +<p class="normal">The side door opened. Professor Struvelius entered with an +absent-minded manner. He had a sharp nose, thin lips and wore an +unusual style of head dress. For his hair stood so peculiarly after its +own fashion, that one was justified in assuming that the head gear was +hereditary and had suggested the name of the family. He bowed slightly, +pushed a chair forward and seated himself in it silently--probably his +thoughts were still occupied with his Greek historian. Ilse suffered +from the conviction that the visit was an inopportune interruption and +that it was a great condescension on the part of his wife to speak to +her at all.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Are you musical?" said Mrs. Struvelius, inquisitively.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I can hardly say so," answered Ilse.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am glad of it," said the hostess, moving opposite to her and +examining her with her sharp eyes. "From my estimate of you, I should +think you could not be musical. The art of music makes us weak and +leads too frequently to an imperfect state of existence."</p> + +<p class="normal">Felix endeavored, with little success, to make the Professor take part +in the conversation; and the visitors soon rose. On taking leave, Mrs. +Struvelius stretched the lower part of her arm in a rectangular line +toward Ilse and said, with a solemn pressure of the hand:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Pray feel yourself at home with us." And the words of her husband, +bidding them adieu, were cut short by the closing of the door.</p> + +<p class="normal">"What do you say now?" said the Professor, as they drove away.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Ah, Felix, I feel very insignificant; my courage has left me, I would +rather return home."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Be composed," said the husband, consolingly; "you are going about +to-day as if you were at a fair, looking over the contents of the +tables. What does not please you, you need not buy. The next visit is +to our historian, a worthy man, who is one of the good genii of our +University. His daughter also is an amiable young lady."</p> + +<p class="normal">A servant opened the door and conducted them into the reception-room. +There were some good landscapes on the wall; a pianoforte, a pretty +flower stand, with rare plants, well arranged and taken care of. The +daughter entered hastily; she had a delicate face with beautiful dark +eyes. A stately old gentleman with a distinguished air followed her. He +looked something like a high official, only his lively way of speaking +showed him to be a man of learning. Ilse was warmly and heartily +welcomed. The old gentleman seated himself near her and began an easy +conversation, and Ilse soon felt herself as comfortable as with an +intimate acquaintance. She was also reminded of her home, for he asked:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Are any of the remains of the old monastery at Rossau still +preserved?"</p> + +<p class="normal">Felix looked up with curiosity, and Ilse answered: "Only the walls; the +interior is rebuilt."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It was one of the oldest ecclesiastical foundations of your region, +and has stood many centuries, and undoubtedly exercised influence over +a wide district. It is remarkable that the records of the monastery are +almost all wanting, and all other accounts or notices, so far as I +know, are very scanty. One may suppose that much still lies in +concealment there."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse observed how the countenance of her husband lighted up; but he +replied, quietly:</p> + +<p class="normal">"In the place itself, my inquiries were in vain."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is possible," agreed the Historian. "Perhaps the documents have +been taken to the seat of government, and lie there unused."</p> + +<p class="normal">Thus passed one visit after another. Next came the Rector, a +Professor of Medicine, an agreeable man of the world, who kept up an +elegant establishment. His wife was a plump, active lady, with +restless, inquiring eyes. Then came the Secretary of the theological +Consistory, a tall, thin gentleman with a sweet smile; his wife, too, +was over-proportioned in everything,--in nose, mouth, and hospitality. +The last was the Mineralogist, a clever young man with a very pretty +wife; they had only been married a few months. While the young women, +seated on the sofa, were rapidly becoming acquainted. Ilse was for the +second time surprised by a question from the Professor:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Your home is not without interest for my department. Is there not a +cave in the neighborhood?"</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse colored and looked again at her husband.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is on my father's estate."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Indeed! I am just now at work on a new discovery that has been made on +your estate," exclaimed the Mineralogist.</p> + +<p class="normal">He produced a stone of remarkably radiated structure.</p> + +<p class="normal">"This is a very rare mineral that has been discovered in the +neighborhood of the cave; it was sent me by an apothecary of the +province."</p> + +<p class="normal">He told her the name of the mineral, and spoke of the stone of which +the cave was formed, and the rock on which her father's house stood, +just as if he had been there himself, and made Ilse describe the lines +of the hills and the quarries of the neighborhood. He listened +attentively to her clear answers, and thought the geological structure +of the estate very remarkable.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse was delighted and exclaimed:</p> + +<p class="normal">"We imagined that no one in the world cared about us; but I see the +learned gentlemen know more about our country than we ourselves do."</p> + +<p class="normal">"We know, at least, how to find something more precious than fragments +of rock there," replied the Professor courteously.</p> + +<p class="normal">After their return home, Ilse entered her husband's room, where he had +already sat down to his work.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Let me remain with you to-day, Felix? My head is confused with all the +persons to whom you have taken me; I have seen so much within one day, +and have had so much friendliness shown me by clever and distinguished +men. The learned lady frightened me most; and, Felix, it is perhaps +wrong in me to say so, for she is much more clever and refined, but I +found a resemblance in her to a good old acquaintance of ours."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Mrs. Rollmaus," assented the Professor. "But this lady is in reality +very clever," he added.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Heaven grant," said Ilse, "that she may be equally true-hearted! But I +feel terrified at her learning. I like the other ladies, and the +husbands still better. There is something noble about almost all of +them, they converse wonderfully well, they are unconstrained and seem +to have real inward happiness and gladness of heart; and naturally so, +for they hover over the earth like your gods of old, and, therefore, +they may well be cheerful. Ah! and there was the patched smoking jacket +which dear Professor Raschke wore--moth and rust will never eat that! +When I think that all these clever people have treated me with kindness +and regard, solely on my husband's account, I do not know how I can +thank you sufficiently. And now that I have been received into this new +society, I can only ask that my entrance into it may be blessed."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The husband stretched out his hand and drew her toward him; she +clasped his head with her hands and bent over him.</p> + +<p class="normal">"What are you working at now?" she asked, softly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Nothing very important; merely a treatise that I have to prepare every +year for the University."</p> + +<p class="normal">He then told her something of the contents of the work.</p> + +<p class="normal">"And when that is finished, what then?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then I must set about other tasks."</p> + +<p class="normal">"And thus it goes on always from morning to evening, every year, till +the eyes fail and the strength breaks," said Ilse piteously. "I have a +great favor to ask of you to-day, Felix. Will you show me the books +which you have written--all of them?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"All that I still possess," said the Professor, and he collected books +and treatises here and there from every corner.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse opened one work after another, and she found that she already knew +the Latin titles of some of them by heart. The Professor became +interested in this occupation, and was always finding more little +treatises which he had forgotten. Ilse laid them all before her in a +heap and began solemnly:</p> + +<p class="normal">"A great crisis has now come for me. I wish to learn from you the +contents of each writing as far as you are able to explain it to your +wife. When I was already secretly in love with you, the children found +your name in the encyclopedia; we endeavored to read the strange titles +of your books, and Mrs. Rollmaus made conjectures in her way as to the +contents. Then I felt sorry that I could understand nothing of what you +had done for mankind. Since that, I have always hoped the day would +come when I could ask you what it was that you knew better than others, +and by reason of which I should be proud of belonging to you. The hour +is now come; for to-day you have introduced me to your friends as your +wife, and I want to be your wife there too where your treasure and your +heart are--as far as I can."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Dear Ilse," exclaimed the Professor, carried away by her frank +dignity.</p> + +<p class="normal">"But do not forget," continued Ilse, with emphasis, "that I understand +very little, and pray have patience with me. I have arranged how I wish +to have it done. Write down for me, in a note-book that I have bought +for the purpose, the titles, as they are in the foreign language and +also in German, first of your earliest works and then the last. +Together with this, note down what value you place on the work, and +what is its importance for mankind. Underneath every work I will set +down what I understand from your explanation, that I may well remember +them."</p> + +<p class="normal">She produced a note-book; the Professor searched again for some more +treatises, arranged them according to date, and wrote each title on one +page of the book. Then he gave his wife some explanation of the +contents of each work, and helped her to write her remarks in the +note-book.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Those in German I will endeavor to read myself," said Ilse.</p> + +<p class="normal">Thus they both sat bending eagerly over the books, and the Professor's +heart beat with pleasure at the earnestness with which his wife +endeavored to understand his occupations. For it is the lot of the +scholar that few look with sympathy upon his trouble, his struggles, +and the worth of his work. The world regards him as a common laborer. +What he has formed, with enduring strength, henceforth becomes a +building-stone in the immeasurable house of learning on which all the +races of the earth have been laboring for thousands of years. Hundreds +of others make a foundation of it to advance their own work; thousands +of new blocks are piled upon it, and there are few to inquire who has +chiseled the separate columns, and still more seldom does a stranger +grasp the hand of the workman. The light works of the poet are long +greeted by those in whom he has raised a cheerful smile or an exalted +feeling. But the scholar seldom makes a valuable confidant or friend of +his reader by his individual works. He does not paint enchanting +pictures for the imagination; he does not flatter the yearning soul; he +demands the utmost seriousness and the closest attention from his +readers, the benefit of which redounds to himself in every criticism +that is made. Even where he inspires respect he remains a stranger.</p> + +<p class="normal">And yet he is not a mere stonemason who cuts formless blocks according +to prescribed measures. He works independently and contributes his own +life-blood, sometimes suffering great depression, sometimes full of joy +and happiness. The fruits that he proffers his age have grown from the +deepest roots of his life. Therefore the honest mind that enters +heartily into the labor of the learned, and not only inquires for the +ultimate result of learning, but takes an interest in the inward +struggle of the workman, is to him a valuable treasure, a rare +happiness.--Felix now looked with emotion at his wife, who was striving +to occupy this position, and tender emotions swelled the heart of the +strong-minded man while he explained to her the subjects of his +labors,--while he told her about the Roman <i>tribus</i> and the duties of +the senate.</p> + +<p class="normal">When all was noted down, Ilse laid her hands on the books and +exclaimed:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Here I have all. What a small space they occupy, yet they employed +many laborious days and nights, and the best portion of your noble +life. This has often given you flushed cheeks as you have to-day. For +this you have studied till your poor brain has been on fire, and for +this you have always sat in a confined room. I have hitherto looked +upon books with indifference; now for the first time I perceive what a +book is, a quiet endless labor."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is not to be said of all," replied the Professor; "but the +superior ones are more even than a labor."</p> + +<p class="normal">He gazed lovingly on the walls along which the high book-shelves +reached up to the very ceiling, so that the room looked as if papered +with the backs of books.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The great number of them quite frightens me," said Ilse, helping him +to make room for his own books in a dark corner, which was now cleared +for them as their resting-place. "They look so calm and composed, and +yet many of them may have been written with such impassioned feeling, +and have excited their readers, too."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes," said her husband, "they are the great treasure-wards of the +human race. They preserve all that is most valuable of what has ever +been thought or discovered, from one century to another; and they +proclaim what existed once, and once only, upon the earth. Here is what +was produced full a thousand years before our era, and close beside +them those that have come into the world but a few weeks ago."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yet, from the coats that they wear, they look almost like each other," +said Ilse. "I should have difficulty in distinguishing them."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor explained their arrangement and led her from one book +shelf to another, pointing out those works which were his special +favorites.</p> + +<p class="normal">"And you use them all?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, and many more at times. These that you see here are only an +infinitely small portion of the books that have been printed; for since +the invention of books, almost all that we know and call learning is to +be found in them. But that is not all," he continued; "few know that a +book is something more than simply a product of the creative mind, +which its author sends forth as a cabinet-maker does a chair that has +been ordered. There remains, indeed, attached to every human work +something of the soul of the man who has produced it. But a book +contains between its covers the actual soul of the man. The real value +of a man to others--the best portion of his life--remains in this form +for the generations that follow, and perhaps for the farthermost +future. Moreover, not only those who write a good book, but those whose +lives and actions are portrayed in it, continue in fact living among +us. We converse with them as with friends and opponents; we admire or +contend with, love or hate them, not less than if they dwelt bodily +among us. The human soul that is enclosed in such a cover becomes +imperishable on earth, and, therefore, we may say that the soul-life of +the individual becomes enduring in books, and only the soul which is +encased in a book has certain duration on earth."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But error persists also," said Ilse, "and so do liars and impure +spirits when they are put in books."</p> + +<p class="normal">"They undoubtedly do, but are refuted by better souls. Very different, +certainly, is the value and import of these imperishable records. Few +maintain their beauty and importance for all periods; many are only +valuable at a later time, because we ascertain from them the character +and life of men in their days, while others are quite useless and +ephemeral. But all books that have ever been written from the earliest +to the latest, have a mysterious connection. For, observe, no one who +has written a book has of himself become what he is; every one stands +on the shoulders of his predecessor; all that was produced before +his time has helped to form his life and soul. Again, what he has +produced, has in some sort formed other men, and thus his soul has +passed to later times. In this way the contents of books form one +great soul-empire on earth, and all who now write, live and nourish +themselves on the souls of the past generations. From this point of +view the soul of mankind is an immeasurable unity, which comprises +every one who ever thus lived and worked, as well as those who breathe +and produce new works at present. The soul, which past generations felt +as their own, has been and is daily transmigrating into others. What is +written today may to-morrow become the possession of thousands of +strangers. Those who have long ago ceased to exist in the body continue +to live in new forms here on earth, and daily revive in thousands of +others."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Stop," cried Ilse, entreatingly, "I am bewildered."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I tell you this now, because I too feel myself a modest worker in this +earthly soul-empire. This feeling gives me a pleasure in life which is +indestructible, and it also gives me both freedom and modesty. For +whoever works with this feeling, whether his powers be great or small, +does so not for his own honor, but for all. He does not live for +himself but for all, as all who have before existed continue to live +for him."</p> + +<p class="normal">He spoke earnestly, sitting surrounded by his books, with the setting +sun casting its friendly rays on his head and on the home of his +spirit--the book-shelves. And Ilse, leaning on his shoulder, said +humbly: "I am yours. Teach me, form me, and make me understand what you +understand."</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>CHAPTER XV</i>.</h2> + +<h3>AMONG THE LEARNED.</h3> + +<p class="normal">Ilse popped her head into her husband's study: "May I interrupt you?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Come in."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Felix, what is the difference between Fauns and Satyrs? Here I read +that Satyrs have goats' feet, but that Fauns have men's feet and little +tails."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Who says that?" asked Felix, indignantly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Why, here it is in print," replied Ilse, And as she spoke she showed +an open book to her husband.</p> + +<p class="normal">"But it is not true," answered the Professor, as he explained the +matter to her. "The Greeks had Satyrs, the Romans Fauns. The gentleman +with the goat's foot is called Pan. But how did this Bacchanalian train +get into your household?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"You said yesterday that the Councillor of the Consistory had a Faun's +face. Then the question arose what is a Faun's face, and what is a +Faun? Laura remembered perfectly having learnt at school that he was a +fabulous creature of the Romans, and she brought the book in which +these creatures are portrayed. What a wild set they are! Why have they +pointed ears like the deer, and what have you to say, if even in such +things one cannot rely on your books?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Come here," said Felix, "and I will soon introduce you to the whole +company." He selected a book of engravings and showed her the figures +of the whole train of Bacchus. For a time the instruction went on well; +but then Ilse objected, saying: "They all have very few clothes on."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Art cares more for the body than for dress," said her husband.</p> + +<p class="normal">But Ilse at last became uneasy; she closed the book and exclaimed, +coloring; "I must go; my help is needed in the kitchen to-day, as a new +pudding has to be made. That is my high school, and the servant is +still a novice." She hastened out. Once more popping her head through +the door, she exclaimed, "Tell your Satyrs and Fauns that I had a +better opinion of them; they are very immodest."</p> + +<p class="normal">"They are indeed," exclaimed Felix, "and they make no pretensions to +being otherwise."</p> + +<p class="normal">At dinner, when Felix had sufficiently admired the pudding. Ilse, +laying down her spoon, said seriously: "Do not show me such pictures +again. I would like to love your heathens, but I cannot if they are +like that."</p> + +<p class="normal">"They are not all so bad," said her husband, consolingly; "if you like, +we will this evening pay a visit to some of the notables of antiquity."</p> + +<p class="normal">With this day Ilse began a new period of learning. Soon a fixed hour +was arranged for her husband's explanations--the most valuable part of +the day to Ilse. First the Professor gave her a short description of +the great civilized nations of antiquity and the middle ages, and wrote +down a few names and dates for her that she learnt by heart. He pointed +out to her that the whole life of man was, in fact, nothing but an +unceasing receiving, transforming, and giving forth of the materials, +pictures, and impressions presented by the surrounding world; that the +whole intellectual development of man is, in fact, nothing but an +earnest and reverent search after truth; and that the whole of +political history is, in fact, nothing but the gradual subduing of that +egotism which produces disunion between men and nations, by the +creation of new wants, the increase of a feeling of duty and the growth +of love and respect for all mankind.</p> + +<p class="normal">After this preparation the Professor began to read the <i>Odyssey</i> aloud +to her, adding short explanations. Never had poetry so grand and pure +an influence upon her soul; the lively legendary style of the first +part and the powerful development of the second quite captivated her +heart. The characters became almost like living forms to her; she +wandered, suffered, and triumphed with them--raised into a new world of +more beautiful images and higher feelings. Then when the conclusion +came and the long-suffering Ulysses sat opposite to his wife, the bold +touches of the scene of recognition struck a secret chord in the heart +of the young wife. Deep was the impression. She sat near her beloved +husband, her cheeks suffused with blushes, her eyes moist with tears +and modestly cast down; and when he ended she clasped her white arms +round his neck and sank on his breast, lost in transport and emotion. +Her soul woke up, as it were, from long repose and glowed with deep +feeling. The immortal beauties of this poem cast a radiance over every +hour of the day, over her language, nay, over her bearing. She took +pleasure in trying to read aloud herself, and the Professor listened +with heartfelt pleasure as the majestic verses rolled melodiously from +her lips, and as she unconsciously imitated his mode of speech and the +modulations of his voice. When in the morning he went to his lecture +and she helped him to put on his brown duffel overcoat he was greeted +with the pleasant rhythm of this hexameter:</p> + +<div class="poem"> +<p class="t1">"Purple and rough was the coat of the cunning and noble Ulysses."</p> +</div> + +<p class="normal">And when she sat opposite to him during her hour of instruction and he +came to a pause, these words of admiration broke from her lips:</p> + +<p class="normal" style="font-size:90%">"Thus thou cleverly thinkest, and wisely speakest thou always."</p> + +<p class="normal">And when she wished to praise herself, she murmured to the singing of +the boiling kettle:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<p class="t4" style="text-indent:-6px"> +"Even in me lives wit, to discover the good from the evil,<br> +Formerly though I was but a child."</p> +</div> + +<p class="normal">Even the estate of her dear father now seemed to her illuminated with +the golden splendor of the Hellenic sun.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I do not understand," said her father one evening to Clara, "how it is +possible that Ilse should so quickly have forgotten our farming +customs. In her letters she speaks of the time when the cattle shall +again wander in the wide plains; she means, I suppose, the fallow +fields; for we feed our cattle in the stalls."</p> + +<hr class="W10"> + +<p class="normal">The north wind howled round the two neighboring houses, and covered the +window panes with ice flowers; but within doors one day followed the +other with varied coloring and full of light, and each evening, more +enjoyable than the other, passed over the heads of the happy couple, +whether they were alone or whether the friends of the husband, the +instructors of the people, sat with them at the tea-table where a +simple meal was spread.</p> + +<p class="normal">For the friends of the husband and their clever conversations are +pleasant to the lady of the house. The lamp throws a festive light in +Ilse's chamber, the curtains are drawn, the table well-furnished, and a +decanter of wine is placed on it when the gentlemen enter. Frequently +the conversation begins with trifles; the friends wish to show their +esteem for the Professor's wife--one talks a little about concerts and +another recommends a new picture or book. But sometimes they come out +from the study in eager conversation; their discourse is not always +quite within her comprehension, nor always very attractive, but on the +whole it gives her pleasure and refreshes her mind. Then Ilse sits +quietly there, her hands, which have been active in her work, fall into +her lap, and she listens reverently. No one who is not a professor's +wife can have any idea how charmingly the conversation of the learned +flows. All can speak well, all are eager, and all have a composed +manner that becomes them well. Discussion arises and they begin to +argue on weighty points, their opinions clash, they contradict each +other, one says that something is black, another that it is white; the +first shows that he is in the right and the second refutes him and +drives him into a corner. Now his wife thinks, how will he get out of +this; but she need have no anxiety, he is not at a loss--by a sudden +sally he gains the advantage; then the other comes with new reasons and +carries the matter still further, and the others join in, they become +eager and their voices are raised, and whether at last they convince +one another or each remains of his own opinion--which is frequently the +case--it is always a pleasure to see light thrown on difficult +questions from all sides. If one of them has said something really +important and arrived at the heart of the matter, it puts them all into +an elevated mood; it seems as if a supernatural light had burst in on +them. But the cleverest of all, and he whose opinion is listened to +with the greatest respect, is always the dear husband of the lady of +the house.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse, however, remarked that all the learned gentlemen had not the same +amiable character. Some could not bear opposition and seemed in weak +moments to consider their own importance more than the advancement of +truth. Again, one would only speak and would not listen, and narrowed +the conversation by always returning to the point which the others had +already surmounted. She discovered that even an unlearned woman could, +from the discourse of the wise men, discern something of their +character; and when the guests were gone she ventured to express a +modest judgment upon the learning and character of individuals, and she +was proud when Felix allowed that she had judged rightly.</p> + +<p class="normal">In such conversations the wife of the scholar learned much that to +other women remained incomprehensible. Thus, for instance, there were +the Roman plebeians. Few women understand what they were. The old +plebeians never gave tea-parties, never played on grand pianos, never +wore hoop skirts and never read French novels. This class is a very +odious institution which has been buried in the ruins of antiquity. But +the wife of a philologist is informed concerning all this. It would be +impossible to recount all that Ilse heard about plebeians and +patricians. Silently she sympathized with the plebeians. She entirely +repudiated the idea that they consisted of insignificant people and a +wanton rabble, and considered them to be sturdy farmers and fearless +politicians who, in unison, valiantly fought against the unjust +patricians to the very end. In connection with this she thought of her +father, and at times wondered whether some of her acquaintances would +not have been plebeians had they been Romans.</p> + +<p class="normal">The gentlemen were very friendly to her and almost all had one quality +which made their intercourse very pleasant--they were always willing to +explain. At first Ilse did not like to admit that she knew nothing of +many subjects; but one evening she seated herself by her husband and +began: "I have come to one conclusion. Hitherto I have been afraid to +ask questions, not because I was ashamed of my ignorance, why should I +be? but on your account, that people might not remark what a silly wife +you have. But if you approve of it I will now do quite otherwise, for I +observe that they take pleasure in talking and will be willing to favor +me with a 'winged word,' as Homer says."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Just so," said the husband; "they will like you the better the more +interest you take in them."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I should like to know everything about the whole world, in order to +become like you. But I feel that I sadly lack the ability to comprehend +it all."</p> + +<p class="normal">The new plan turned out admirably. Ilse soon learnt that it was easier +to persuade her friends to talk than to desist from it. For they +explained to her conscientiously and at great length what she wished to +learn; but they sometimes forgot that the capacity of a woman who is +receiving new impressions is not so fully developed as their own art of +teaching.</p> + +<p class="normal">They seemed to her to hover like gods over the earth. But they partook +of the lot of the ambrosial society, for the pure peace which they +infused into the hearts of mortals did not always prevail among +themselves. It was Ilse's fate that soon after her arrival, when she +was beginning to feel at home, a vehement feud broke out among the +immortals of Olympus.</p> + +<p class="normal">On a dark winter's day the stormy wind beat heavily against the window, +concealing the adjacent wood behind clouds of driving snow. Ilse heard +in her husband' s room the sharp tones of Professor Struvelius amid a +weighty flow of eloquence, and at intervals the long and earnest talk +of her husband. She could not distinguish the words, but the sound of +the two voices was similar to the whir of bird's wings or the rival +singing of the thrush and the ill-omened crow. The conversation +continued a long time and Ilse wondered that Struvelius should speak at +such length. When at last he was gone, Felix entered her room at an +unusual hour and paced silently up and down for some time, occupied in +deep thought. At last he began abruptly:</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am placed in a position that obliges me to communicate with my +colleagues regarding our manuscript."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse looked up at him inquiringly. Since her marriage there had been no +talk about Tacitus.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I thought it was your intention not to speak again of it to +strangers."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have unwillingly broken my silence. I had no choice but to be frank +with my associate. The province of Science is extensive and it does not +often happen that associates in the same university pitch upon the same +work. Nay, for obvious reasons, they avoid competition. If, therefore, +by accident such a coincidence occurs, the most delicate consideration +should be mutually shown by members of the same institution. To-day +Struvelius told me that he knew I had been occupied with Tacitus and he +requested some particulars of me. He asked me about the manuscripts +that I had seen and collated years ago in other countries and about the +fac-simile of the characters I had made for myself."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then you imparted to him what you knew?" inquired Ilse.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I gave him what I possessed, as a matter of course," replied the +Professor. "For whatever he may do with it is sure to be a gain to +learning."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then he will make use of your labors for the advancement of his own! +Now he will appear before the world in your plumes," lamented Ilse.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Whether he will make proper use of what has been given him, or misuse +it, is his affair; it is my duty to have confidence in the honor of a +respectable colleague. That I did not for a moment doubt; but, indeed, +another idea occurred to me. He was not quite open with me: he +acknowledged that he was occupied with a criticism of certain passages +of Tacitus; but I feel sure that he concealed the most important +particulars from me. Nothing then remained to me but to tell him +plainly that I had long had a warm interest in that author, and that +since last summer I had been the more attracted to him by the +possibility of a new discovery. So I showed him the account which first +brought me into your neighborhood. He is a philologist, like myself, +and knows now of what great importance this author is to me."</p> + +<p class="normal">"My only consolation is," said Ilse, "that if Struvelius wishes to +disinter the manuscript in our place, a hard fate awaits him at the +hands of my sensible father."</p> + +<p class="normal">The thought of the defiance of his stem father-in-law was consoling to +the Professor, and he laughed.</p> + +<p class="normal">"On this point I am safe; but what can he want with Tacitus?--his +department was formerly not concerned with the historians. It can +scarcely be imagined. But the most improbable things happen! Has, +perhaps, the lost manuscript, by any accident, been found and got into +his hands? But it is folly to worry about that."</p> + +<p class="normal">He strode vehemently up and down, and, shaking his wife's hand with +great emotion, exclaimed at last:</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is so vexatious to find oneself mastered by selfish feelings."</p> + +<p class="normal">He again went to his work and when Ilse gently opened the door she saw +him busy writing. Toward evening, however, when she looked after his +lamp and announced the arrival of the Doctor, he was sitting leaning +his head on his hand in moody thought. She stroked his hair gently but +he scarcely noticed it.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor did not take the affair so much to heart; but was very +angry, both at the secret dealings of the other and at the magnanimity +of his friend, and a lively discussion ensued.</p> + +<p class="normal">"May you never regret this frank action on your part!" exclaimed the +Doctor. "The man will coin money from your silver. Believe me, he will +play you a trick."</p> + +<p class="normal">"After all," concluded the Professor thoughtfully, "it is not worth +while to excite myself about it. Should he, by any improbable and +unforeseen accident, really have come into possession of something new, +he has a right to all the materials at hand--both to what I have +collected and to my assistance, so far as it is in my power to give it. +If he is only exercising his critical acumen on the existing text, all +he may be able to accomplish will be insignificant as compared with our +childlike expectations."</p> + +<p class="normal">Thus imperceptibly and harmlessly did this cloud arise on the +academical horizon.</p> + +<p class="normal">A month had passed, and the Professor had often met his colleague. It +could not be deemed strange that Struvelius never let the name of +Tacitus pass his silent lips; nevertheless, the Professor watched the +conduct of his colleague with concern, for he thought he noticed that +the other avoided him.</p> + +<p class="normal">One quiet evening Felix Werner was sitting with Ilse and the Doctor at +the tea-table, when Gabriel entered and laid a small pamphlet, wrapped +in a common newspaper, before the Professor. The Professor tore off the +cover, glanced at the title, and silently handed the pamphlet to the +Doctor. The Latin title of the book, translated, was this: "A Fragment +of Tacitus; Being a Trace of a Lost Manuscript. Communicated by Dr. +Friedobald Struvelius, etc." Without saying a word the friends rose and +carried the treatise into the Professor's study. Ilse remained behind, +startled. She heard her husband reading the Latin text aloud and +perceived that he was compelling himself to master his excitement by +slow and firm reading. The story of this fatal writing must not be +withheld from the reader.</p> + +<p class="normal">Older contemporaries of the period in which tobacco was smoked in +pipes, know the value of the twisted paper-lighter, an invention which +was commonly called a <i>fidibus</i>; they know the normal length and +breadth of such a strip of paper which our fathers formerly used to +make out of musty old records. Such a strip, certainly not of paper, +but cut from a sheet of parchment, had fallen into the hands of the +author. But the strip had previously undergone a hard fate. Two hundred +years before it had been glued by a bookbinder on the back of a thick +volume, to strengthen the binding, and he had for this object covered +it thickly with glue. On the removal of the glue there appeared +characters of an old monk's writing. The word Amen and some holy names +made it certain that what was written had served to promote Christian +piety. But under this monk's writing other and larger Latin characters +were visible, very faded, indeed almost entirely defaced, from which +one could, with some difficulty, distinguish the Roman name Piso. Now, +Professor Struvelius had, by perseverance, and by the employment of +certain chemicals, made it possible to read this under-writing, and +from the form of the characters he saw that it was a work of antiquity. +But as the parchment fidibus was only a piece cut from an entire sheet, +it naturally did not contain complete sentences, only single words, +which fell on the soul of the reader like the lost notes of distant +music borne by the wind to the ear: no melody could be made from it. It +was that which had attracted the author. He had ascertained and filled +in the disjointed words and guessed at the whole of the remaining leaf. +By the wonderful application of great learning, he had, from a few +shadowy spots of the fidibus, restored the whole page of a parchment +writing, as it might have read twelve hundred years ago. It was an +astonishing work.</p> + +<p class="normal">The most distinctly written of the characters on this strip of +parchment, though scarcely legible to the common eye, was the name of +<i>Pontifex Piso</i>--literally translated. Peas the Bridgemaker. The +parchment strip appeared very much concerned about Peas, for the name +occurred several times. But the editor had shown from this name, and +from fragments of destroyed words, that the strip of parchment was the +last remains of a manuscript of Tacitus, and that the words belonged to +a lost portion of the Annals; and he had at last proved from the +character of the shadowy letters that the strip of parchment did not +belong to any extant manuscript of the Roman, but that it was a part of +one quite unknown, which had been destroyed.</p> + +<p class="normal">After reading the treatise the friends sat gloomy and thoughtful. At +last the Doctor exclaimed:</p> + +<p class="normal">"How unfriendly to conceal this from you, and yet to call upon you for +assistance."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That signifies little," replied the Professor. "But I cannot approve +of the work itself; hypercritical acuteness is applied to an uncertain +matter, and objections might be made against much that he has restored +and supposed. But why do you not say openly what interests us both much +more than the mistakes of a whimsical man? We are on the track of a +manuscript of Tacitus, and here we find a fragment of such a +manuscript, which has been cut up by a bookbinder after the Thirty +Years' War. The gain which might accrue to our knowledge from this +little fragment is so insignificant that it would not pay for the +energy expended on it, being a matter of indifference to all the world +except to us. For, my friend, if a manuscript of Tacitus has really +been cut into such strips, it is in all probability the same which we +have been in search of. What is the result?" he added, bitterly. "We +free ourselves from a dreamy vision which has perhaps too long made +fools of us."</p> + +<p class="normal">"How can this parchment be a part of the manuscript of our friend +Bachhuber?" asked the Doctor; "many prayers have been written here over +the old text."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Who can assure us that the monks of Rossau have not written their +spiritual aspirations over at least some faded sheets? It is not usual, +but nevertheless possible."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Above all, you must see Struvelius's parchment strip yourself," said +the Doctor, decidedly. "An accurate examination may explain much."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is not agreeable to me to speak to him about it, yet I shall do so +to-morrow."</p> + +<p class="normal">The day following the Professor entered the room of his colleague +Struvelius more composedly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You can imagine!" he began, "that I have read your treatise with +especial interest. After what I have communicated to you concerning an +unknown manuscript of Tacitus, you must perceive that our prospect of +discovering this manuscript is very much diminished, if the strip of +parchment has been cut from the leaves of a Tacitus which was preserved +in Germany two hundred years ago."</p> + +<p class="normal">"If it has been cut?" repeated Struvelius, sharply. "It <i>has</i> been cut +from it. And what you have communicated to me about this concealed +treasure at Rossau was very indefinite and I am not of the opinion that +much value is to be attached to it. If, in reality, there was a +manuscript of Tacitus in existence there, it has undoubtedly been cut +up, and this ends the question."</p> + +<p class="normal">"<i>If</i> such a manuscript was in existence there?" retorted Felix. "It +<i>was</i> in existence. But I have come to request you to show me the +parchment leaf. Since the contents have been published there can be no +objection to it."</p> + +<p class="normal">Struvelius looked embarrassed and answered: "I regret that I cannot +meet your wishes, which are certainly quite justifiable, but I am no +longer in possession of the strip."</p> + +<p class="normal">"To whom am I to apply?" asked the Professor, surprised.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Even upon that point I am at present obliged to be silent."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is strange," exclaimed Felix; "and forgive me for speaking +plainly, it is worse than unfriendly. For be the importance of this +fragment great or little, it ought not to be withdrawn from the eyes of +others after the publication of its contents. It is incumbent upon you +to enable others to prove the correctness of your restoration of the +text."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That I allow," replied Struvelius. "But I am not in a position to +enable you to see this strip."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Have you sufficiently considered," exclaimed the Professor, excitedly, +"that by this refusal you expose yourself to the misinterpretation of +strangers, to charges which never ought to be brought in contact with +your name?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I consider myself quite capable of being the keeper of my own good +name and must beg of you to leave its care entirely in my hands."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then I have nothing further to say to you," replied Felix, and went +toward the door.</p> + +<p class="normal">In going he observed that the middle door opened, and the Professor's +wife, alarmed at the loud tones of the speakers, made her appearance +like a good spirit, with her hands stretched imploringly toward him. +But he, after a hurried salutation, closed the door and went angrily +home.</p> + +<p class="normal">The cloud had gathered and the heavens were darkened. The Professor +once more took up the treatise of his ungracious colleague. It was as +if a mountain-lion, wildly shaking his mane, had dashed in upon the +prey of a lynx or fox, and wresting the booty from the clutches of the +weaker animal, ignominiously routed him.</p> + +<p class="normal">Twice Ilse called her husband to dinner in vain; when she approached +his chair anxiously she saw a disturbed countenance. "I cannot eat," he +said, abruptly; "send over and ask Fritz to come here directly."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse, alarmed, sent for their neighbor and seated herself in the +Professor's room, following him with her eyes as he strode up and down. +"What has so excited you, Felix?" she asked, anxiously.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I beg of you, dear wife, to dine without me to-day," he said, +continuing his rapid strides.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor entered hastily. "The fragment is not from a manuscript of +Tacitus," said the Professor, to his friend.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Vivat Bachhuber!" replied he, while still at the door, waving his hat.</p> + +<p class="normal">"There is no reason to rejoice," interrupted the Professor, gloomily; +"the fragment, wherever it may have come from, contains a passage of +Tacitus."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It must have come from some place," said the Doctor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"No," cried the Professor, loudly; "the whole is a forgery. The upper +part of the text contains words put together at random and the attempts +of the editor to bring them into a rational connection are not happy. +The lower portion of the so-called fragment has been transcribed from +one of the old fathers, who has introduced a hitherto unobserved +sentence of Tacitus. The forger has written certain words of this +quotation under one another on the parchment strip, regularly omitting +the words lying between. This cannot be doubted."</p> + +<p class="normal">He led the Doctor, who now looked as much perplexed as himself, to his +books, and demonstrated to him the correctness of his statement.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The forger gathered his learning from the printed text of the father, +for he has been clumsy enough to transcribe an error in the print made +by the compositor. So there is an end of the parchment sheet and of a +German scholar also!"</p> + +<p class="normal">He took out his handkerchief to dry the perspiration on his forehead +and threw himself into a chair.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Hold!" exclaimed the Doctor. "Here the honor and reputation of a +scholar are concerned. Let us once more examine calmly whether this may +not be an accidental coincidence."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Try, if you can," said the Professor; "I have done with it."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor long and anxiously collated the restored text of Struvelius +with the printed words of the father.</p> + +<p class="normal">At last he said sorrowfully: "What Struvelius has restored agrees with +the sense and tenor of the words of the father so remarkably, that one +cannot help considering the slight variation in the words of his +restoration as a cunning concealment of his acquaintance with the +quotation; but still it is not impossible that by good luck and +acuteness a person might arrive at the true connection, as he found +it."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I do not doubt for a moment that Struvelius made the restoration +honorably and in good faith," replied the Professor; "but still his +position is as annoying as possible. Deceiver or deceived, the +unfortunate treatise is a terrible humiliation, not only for him but +for our University."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The words of the parchment strip itself," continued the Doctor, "are +undoubtedly transcribed and undoubtedly a forgery; and it is your duty +to reveal the true state of the case."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The duty of my husband!" exclaimed Ilse, rising.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Of him who has discovered the forgery, and if Struvelius were his most +intimate friend, Felix would have to do it."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Explain it first to him," implored Ilse. "Do not treat him as he has +treated you. If he has been in error let him repair it himself."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor reflected a moment and nodding to his friend said: "She +is right." He hastened to the table and wrote to Professor Struvelius, +expressing a wish to speak to him immediately on an important subject. +He gave the letter to Gabriel and his heart felt lighter; he was now +ready to enjoy his dinner.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse begged the Doctor to remain with her husband and endeavored to +lead their thoughts to other subjects. She took a letter from Mrs. +Rollmaus from her pocket, in which the latter begged Ilse to send her +something profound to read, selected by the Professor; and Ilse +expressed a wish that they might thus make some return for the +partridges and other game that Mrs. Rollmaus had sent to them. This +helped in some degree to cast the sanguinary thoughts of the gloomy men +into the background. At last she produced a huge round sausage, which +Mrs. Rollmaus had especially destined for the Doctor, and placed it on +the table. When they looked at the sausage as it lay there so peaceable +and comfortable in its ample dimensions, encircled by a blue ribbon, it +was impossible not to acknowledge that, in spite of false appearances +and empty presumption, there was still something sterling to be found +on earth. As they contemplated the good solid dish, their hearts +softened, and a gentle smile betrayed their natural human weakness.</p> + +<p class="normal">There was a ring at the door and Professor Struvelius made his +appearance. The Professor collected himself and went with firm steps +into his room; the Doctor went quietly away, promising to return again +shortly.</p> + +<p class="normal">It must have been apparent to Struvelius, after a glance at his +colleague, that their last conversation was doomed to throw a shadow +over their present meeting, for he looked frightened and his hair stood +on end. The Professor laid before him the printed passage of the old +monk and only added these words: "This passage has possibly escaped +you."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It has, indeed," exclaimed Struvelius, and sat for some time poring +over it. "I ought to be satisfied with this confirmation," he said at +last, looking up from the folio.</p> + +<p class="normal">But the Professor laid his finger on the book, saying:</p> + +<p class="normal">"An extraordinary typographical error in this edition has been copied +into the text of the parchment strip which you have restored--an error +which is corrected at the end of the book. The words of the parchment +strip are thus partly put together from this printed passage and are a +forgery."</p> + +<p class="normal">Struvelius remained mute, but he was much alarmed, and looked anxiously +upon the contracted brow of his colleague.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It will now be to your interest to give the necessary explanations +concerning this forgery to the public."</p> + +<p class="normal">"A forgery is impossible," retorted Struvelius, incautiously. "I myself +removed the old glue that covered the text from the parchment."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yet you tell me that the strip is not in your possession. You will +believe that it is no pleasure to me to enter the ranks against a +colleague; therefore you yourself must without delay make the whole +matter public. For it stands to reason the forgery must be made known."</p> + +<p class="normal">Struvelius reflected.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I take for granted that you speak with the best intentions," he began +at last, "but I am firmly convinced that the parchment is genuine, and +I must leave it to you to do what you consider your duty. If you choose +to attack your colleague publicly, I shall do my best to bear it."</p> + +<p class="normal">Having said this, Struvelius went away obdurate, but much disquieted, +and matters took their evil course. Ilse saw with sorrow how severely +her husband suffered from the obstinacy of his colleague. The Professor +set to work and published a short statement of the affair in the +classical magazine to which he contributed. He introduced the fatal +passage of the monk, and forbearingly expressed his regret that the +acute author of the pamphlet had thus been imposed upon by a forgery.</p> + +<p class="normal">This decisive condemnation created a tremendous sensation in the +University. Like a disturbed swarm of bees, the colleagues moved about +confusedly. Struvelius had but few warm friends, but he had no +opponents. It is true that in the first few days after this literary +condemnation, he was considered as done for. But he himself was not of +this opinion and composed a rejoinder. In this he boasted, not without +self complacency, of the satisfactory confirmation of his restoration +by the passage in the monk's writing, which he had undoubtedly +overlooked; he treated the coincidence of the error in printing with +that in his parchment as an extraordinary, but in no ways unheard of +accident; and finally, he did not scruple to cast some sharp, covert +hints at other scholars, who considered certain authors as their own +peculiar domain, and despised a small accidental discovery, though an +unprejudiced judge could not hope for a greater.</p> + +<p class="normal">This offensive allusion to the hidden manuscript cut the Professor to +the quick, but he proudly disdained to enter into any further contest +before the public. The rejoinder of Struvelius was certainly +unsuccessful; but it had the effect of giving courage to those members +of the University who were ill-disposed toward Felix to join the side +of his opponent. The thing was, at all events, doubtful, they said, and +it was contrary to good fellowship to accuse a colleague openly of such +a great oversight; the assailant might have left it to others to do so. +But the better portion of the leading members of the University +contended from the camp of the Professor against these weak ones. Some +of the most distinguished, among them all those who assembled at Ilse's +tea-table, determined that the affair should not drop. In fact, the +quarrel was so unfavorable to Struvelius, that it was seriously +represented to him that he was bound in honor to give some kind of +explanation of the parchment; but he kept silent against this array of +propositions as best he could.</p> + +<p class="normal">Even the evenings in Ilse's room assumed from this circumstance a +warlike character. Their most intimate friends--the Doctor, the +Mineralogist, and, not last, Raschke--sat there as a council of war, +consulting against the enemy. Raschke acknowledged one evening that he +had just been with the obstinate opponent and had implored of him, at +least to contrive that a third person should obtain a view of the +parchment. Struvelius had in some measure relented and had regretted +that he had promised silence, because a prospect had been held out to +him of obtaining other rare manuscripts. Then Raschke had conjured him +to renounce such dubious treasures and thus to buy back freedom of +speech. It must clearly have been an animated discussion, for Raschke +wiped his nose and eyes with a small fringed tea-napkin, which was +Ilse's pride, and put it into his pocket; and when Ilse laughingly +reminded him of his theft, he brought out not only the napkin, but also +a silk pocket-handkerchief, which he maintained must also belong to +Ilse, although it was evidently the property of some gentleman who took +snuff. It was, therefore, hinted that he might have brought the +handkerchief from Struvelius's room.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Not impossible," he said, "for we were excited." The strange +pocket-handkerchief lay on a chair and was looked upon by the party +present with frigid and hostile feelings.</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>CHAPTER XV</i>.</h2> + +<h3>THE PROFESSORS' BALL.</h3> + +<p class="normal">The Professors' ball took place during these academical disturbances. +It was the only festival of the year which gave to all the families of +the University the opportunity of meeting in gay society. The students +and town-acquaintances were also invited. The ball was an important +event in the city and invitations were in great demand.</p> + +<p class="normal">An academical ball is something quite different from other balls; for +besides all the merits of a distinguished meeting, it had the three +excellences of German scholarship--industry, freedom, and indifference: +industry in dancing, even in the case of the gentlemen, freedom in +agreeable intercourse between young and old, and indifference to +uniforms and patent leather pumps. Of course, the young people even +here bore a cosmopolitan character, for the same modes of dancing, +dresses, nosegays, and courtesies, glancing eyes and blushing cheeks, +can be found at a thousand similar festivals from the Neva to +California; but any one who was more observant might perceive in the +faces of many of the girls the intellectual eyes and eloquent lips that +descended to them from their learned fathers, and perhaps certain +little academical peculiarities in curls and ribbons. The old saying +which came from a past generation of students, that professors' +daughters are either pretty or homely, commended itself here also to +the notice of observers, the ordinary mixture of both qualities being +rare. Besides a few officers and the flower of the city youth, there +might be seen among the dancers here and there a young scholar, thin +and pale, with smooth lank hair, more fitted to bend thoughtfully over +books than to float about in the giddy dance. But what gave its value +to this festival was, not the young people, but the middle aged +gentlemen and ladies. Among the elderly gentlemen with grey hair and +joyful countenances who stood together in groups or sauntered +pleasantly among the ladies, were many important faces, with delicate +features, brisk, animated, and cheerful demeanor. Among the ladies +there were not a few who, the rest of the year, moved noiselessly about +the studies of their husbands and the nursery, and who now saw +themselves displayed in unwonted gala-dress under the bright glare of +lights, and were as shy and bashful as they had been long ago in their +maiden days.</p> + +<p class="normal">There was upon this occasion, at the beginning of the festive meeting, +an evident excitement in certain individual groups. Werner's tea-party +had taken for granted that Struvelius would not come. But he was there. +He stood wrapt in thought, with his usual absent look, not far from the +entrance, and Ilse and her husband had to pass him. When Ilse walked +through the ball-room on the Professor's arm, she saw that the eyes of +many were directed curiously toward her, and a heightened color rose in +her cheeks. The Professor led her up to the wife of his colleague +Gunther, who had agreed to remain with her that evening, and Ilse was +glad when she found herself established on one of the raised seats next +to the vivacious woman; and at first she only ventured to look shyly +about. But the splendor of the hall, the many fine people who moved +about in it, and then the first sounds of the overture, raised her +spirits. She now ventured to look more about her and search out her +acquaintances and, above all, her dear husband. She saw him standing +not far from the door of the room, in the midst of his friends and +fellow-professors, towering head and shoulders above them. She saw not +far from the other door his opponent, Struvelius, standing with his +little retinue, chiefly of students. Thus stood these men, in every way +divided, honorably restraining the angry feelings of their bosoms. Many +of her husband's acquaintances came up to Ilse; amongst others the +Doctor, who teased her because she had been so afraid that they would +not find each other in the confusion of strange people. The +Mineralogist also came and declared his intention of asking her to +dance. But Ilse, earnestly entreating him, said:</p> + +<p class="normal">"I beg of you not to do it. I am not perfect in these new city dances, +and you would not get on well with me; I had rather not dance. Besides, +it is not necessary, for I am in a very gay mood and it amuses me to +look at all the fine people."</p> + +<p class="normal">Soon various strangers approached and were introduced to her, and she +acquired greater ease in refusing to dance.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Historian then brought his daughter up to her and the worthy +gentleman at last placed himself near Ilse and talked to her for a long +time; she felt with pleasure that this was a great distinction. +Afterward she ventured to move some steps from her place in order to +ask the wife of Professor Raschke to sit by her. Thus, before long, a +charming little circle of acquaintances collected about her. Pretty +Mrs. Gunther joked pleasantly and gave her information about the +strange ladies and gentlemen. The wife of the Rector also came up and +said she must sit near her, as she observed that all were so merry +about her. And the Rector's wife darted glances here and there which +attracted one gentleman after another to the group; and all who wished +to show their respect for the wife of the University president paid +their compliments also to the wife of the colleague. There was a coming +and going all around her like a fair, and Ilse and the Rector's wife +sat there like two twin stars, the brilliancy of one increasing that of +the other. All went well and charmingly. Ilse was delighted beyond +measure, and there certainly was more shaking of hands in her vicinity +than comports with the etiquette of a ball. When Felix approached her +once and looked inquiringly at her, she pressed the tips of his fingers +gently and gave him such a happy smile that he needed no further +answer.</p> + +<p class="normal">During a pause Ilse looked along the sides of the room and perceived +the wife of Professor Struvelius on the opposite side. She wore a very +dark dress and her Sappho lock hung seriously and sadly from her fine +head. The wife of her husband's enemy looked pale and her eyes were +quietly cast down. There was something in the beauty of the lady that +moved Ilse's heart and she felt as if she must go over to her. She +revolved in her mind whether Felix would think it right and was afraid +of meeting with a cold rejection; but at last she took heart and walked +right across the room up to the learned lady.</p> + +<p class="normal">She had no idea of the effect produced by this step. Ilse had attracted +much more attention and had been much more sharply watched than she +knew, and those present were more occupied with the quarrel between the +two professors than she imagined. As she now went with firm step up to +the other lady and stretched out her hand, even before she reached her, +there was a remarkable stillness in the room and many eyes were +directed to both ladies. The wife of Struvelius rose stiffly, descended +one step from her seat, and looked so freezing that Ilse became nervous +and could scarcely frame her lips even into the every-day inquiry after +her health.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I thank you," replied the lady. "I do not enjoy noisy gatherings. It +is perhaps because I am entirely deficient in all the necessary +qualifications, for people are only in the right place when they have +an opportunity of making their talents in some way available."</p> + +<p class="normal">"As to my talents, they will go for nothing," said Ilse, shyly; "but +everything is new to me here, and therefore it entertains me much to +look on, and I would like to see everything."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is quite a different thing with you," replied the other, coldly.</p> + +<p class="normal">Fortunately this embarrassed conversation was soon interrupted, for the +wife of the Consistorial Councilor popped into the group like a curious +magpie in order to mediate philanthropically or to take part in this +startling scene. She broke into the conversation and talked for a short +time on indifferent subjects.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse returned to her place much chilled and a little discontented with +herself. She had no reason for it. Little Mrs. Gunther said to her +gently:</p> + +<p class="normal">"That was right, and I am much pleased with you."</p> + +<p class="normal">Professor Raschke darted up to her and did not allude to it, but he +called her constantly his dear colleague's wife. He asked her anxiously +whether he could not bring her something good--tea or lemonade. He +admiringly took the finely carved fan that Laura had pressed upon her +from her hand and placed it in the breast-pocket of his coat for safe +keeping. Then he began to amuse her by telling her how, as a student, +to please his wife, he had taught himself to dance in his own little +room, and in the eagerness of the narration, he began to show Ilse the +way in which he had privately learnt his first steps. As he was +swinging round, the swan's down of the fan projected like a great +feather out of his pocket, and a new dance beginning the Professor was +carried off through the whirling couples with Laura's fan.</p> + +<p class="normal">It was only a few steps that Ilse had taken through the hall; but this +little expression of independent will had gained her the good opinion +of the University; for, if there had been some remarks upon her country +manners, now, on the other hand, men and women agreed in acknowledging +that she had heart and character.</p> + +<p class="normal">According to old custom, the ball was here interrupted by a general +repast. Worthy professors had already wandered beforehand into the +neighboring room, peering at the laying of the table, and had carefully +placed their card in the places they reserved and arranged with the +waiters about the wine. At last the whole company gathered about the +table. When Ilse went on her husband's arm to her place, she asked, in +a low tone:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Was it right in me to go over there?"</p> + +<p class="normal">And he replied, gravely:</p> + +<p class="normal">"It was not wrong."</p> + +<p class="normal">With this she was for the present obliged to be content.</p> + +<p class="normal">During the supper the Rector proposed the first toast--"Our Academical +Society"--and the assembled gentlemen thought his slight allusion to +friendly concord among the colleagues touched in an indelicate way on +the burning question of the day. But this effect passed away +immediately in other toasts, and Ilse remarked that the supper speeches +here were carried on very differently to those in the Rollmaus family. +One colleague after another clinked the glass; and how elegantly and +intellectually they knew how to portray things with their hands behind +their backs and looking coolly around, and alluding, in fine sentences, +to the guests, the ladies and the rest of mankind. When the corks of +the champagne popped, the eloquence became overpowering, and two +professors even clinked their glasses at the same time. Then the +Professor of History arose; all became still. He greeted the new +members of the University--women as well as men--and Ilse saw that this +applied to herself and looked down on her plate. But she grew alarmed +when she found that he became more personal, and at last her own name +as well as that of the wife of the Mineralogist, who was sitting by +Felix, sounded through the room. The glasses resounded, a flourish of +trumpets was blown, many colleagues and some of the ladies arose and +proceeded with their glasses toward them. A little procession took +place behind the chairs, and Ilse and the Mineralogist's wife had to +clink their glasses incessantly, to bow and return thanks. When Ilse +rose blushingly for this purpose, her eyes glanced involuntarily to the +next table, where the wife of Struvelius was sitting opposite, and she +observed that the latter half moved her hand toward her glass, then +quickly drew it back, and looked gloomily down.</p> + +<p class="normal">The company rose, and now the hilarity began in good earnest, for +the Professors became lively, and called to mind their old agility. +There was a changed aspect in the room, for soon even respectable, +middle-aged gentlemen waltzed with their own wives. Oh! it was a +cheering and touching spectacle to Ilse. Many an old dress-coat and +clumsy boot moved to the measure; and many of the gentlemen danced with +various slidings of the feet, and bold movements of the knees, +determined to recall the style of their youthful days, and with the +feeling that they still understood the art. Some of the ladies clung +shyly to the arms of the dancers, some were ungraceful in their +movements, others showed how well they were able to govern at +home,--for, when their husbands were not sufficiently practiced in the +art, they knew how to carry them round the circle with vigorous swings. +The Rector danced very neatly with his chubby wife, and Raschke danced +with his wife, and looked triumphantly toward Ilse. The noisy merriment +increased; all Ilse's neighbors were carried away by the excitement, +and commenced waltzing. And Ilse stood looking on not far from a +pillar. Somebody came behind and touched her; there was a rustling of a +silk dress, and the wife of Struvelius approached her.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse looked startled at the large grey eyes of her opponent, who began +slowly:</p> + +<p class="normal">"I take you to be a noble-minded woman, quite incapable of any mean +feeling, and this is why I have now come to speak to you."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse bowed slightly, in order to express her thanks for the unexpected +declaration.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I go about," continued Mrs. Struvelius, in her measured way, "as if a +curse were on me. What I have suffered the last few weeks is +unutterable; this evening I feel like an outcast in this joyous +gathering." Her hand trembled, but she continued in a monotonous tone: +"My husband is innocent, and is convinced that he is right in the main. +It is fitting for me, as his wife, to share his views and his fate; but +I see him inwardly disturbed by an unfortunate entanglement, and I +perceive with dismay that he may lose the good opinion of his most +intimate friends, if he should not succeed in dispelling the suspicions +which gather about his head. Help me!" she cried, with a sudden +outburst, wringing her hands, while two big tears rolled down her +cheeks.</p> + +<p class="normal">"How can I do that?" asked Ilse.</p> + +<p class="normal">"There is a secret in the affair," continued Mrs. Struvelius: "my +husband was incautious enough to promise unconditional silence, and his +word is sacred to him; he is a child in matters of business, and is +quite at a loss what to do in the matter. What may be necessary to +justify him must be sought without his knowledge or co-operation. I beg +of you not to refuse your assistance."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I can do nothing that my husband would disapprove of, and I have never +kept a secret from him," replied Ilse, seriously.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I desire nothing that the strictest judgment could condemn," continued +the other. "Your husband will be the first to know whatever I may be +able to ascertain, and therefore I apply to you. Ah! not only on that +account; I know no one whom I can trust. What I now tell you I have not +learnt from my husband: he received the unfortunate parchment from +Magister Knips, and he returned it to him."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Is that the little Magister in our street?" inquired Ilse.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The same. I must persuade him to produce the parchment again, or to +tell me where it is to be found. But this is not the place to discuss +this matter," she exclaimed, as the music ceased. "Situated as our +husbands now are, I cannot visit you; it would be too painful for me, +should I meet your husband, to feel his altered demeanor; but I wish +for your advice, and beg of you to allow me to meet you at some other +place."</p> + +<p class="normal">"If Magister Knips is concerned in the matter," replied Ilse, with +hesitation, "I would propose to you to come to the room of our +landlord's daughter, Laura Hummel. We shall be undisturbed in her room, +and she knows more of the Magister and his family than we do. But I +fear we poor women can hardly accomplish much alone."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am determined to risk everything, in order to free my husband from +the unworthy suspicion which threatens to be cast upon him. Prove +yourself to be what you appear to me, and I will thank you on my +knees."</p> + +<p class="normal">She moved her hand convulsively, and then looked about her with an air +of indifference.</p> + +<p class="normal">"We shall meet to morrow," replied Ilse; "so far, at least, I can agree +to your wishes."</p> + +<p class="normal">They then settled the hour.</p> + +<p class="normal">Thus the ladies separated. From behind the pillar Mrs. Struvelius once +more gazed imploringly at Ilse with her large eyes; then both were lost +in the throng of the departing ball-guests.</p> + +<p class="normal">After her return home, Ilse long continued to hear in her dreams the +music of the dance, and saw strange men and women come to her bedside, +and she laughed and wondered at the queer people who chose to visit her +now as she was lying in bed without her beautiful dress and fan. But in +the midst of these pleasant musings she felt a secret anxiety as to +what her Felix would say of all these visitors; and when she gently +sighed over this anxiety, the dream floated back towards the ivory +portals from whence it had come. She sank into a sound sleep.</p> + +<p class="normal">The following morning Ilse went up to Laura and confided to her the +events of the previous evening, and the request of Mrs. Struvelius. The +secret meeting with the Professor's wife quite pleased Laura. She had +for some time past more than once heard about the mysterious parchment +at the tea-table. She thought the determination of Mrs. Struvelius very +courageous, and spoke with contempt of anything that Magister Knips +could contrive.</p> + +<p class="normal">Just as the clock struck, Mrs. Struvelius entered. She looked much +oppressed, and one could perceive anxious excitement even through her +immovable features.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse shortened the unavoidable introductory compliments and excuses by +beginning:</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have told Miss Laura of your desire to obtain the parchment, and she +is ready to send over directly for Magister Knips."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is far more than I had ventured to hope," said Mrs. Struvelius. +"I had intended with your kind assistance to look him up myself."</p> + +<p class="normal">"He shall come here," said Laura, decidedly, "and he shall answer for +himself. I have always found him unendurable, although I have +frequently bought pretty pictures of him. His humility is such as does +not become a man, and I consider him a sneak at heart."</p> + +<p class="normal">The cook Susan was called, and despatched by Laura as a herald to the +fortress of Knips.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You are, under no consideration, to tell him that any one is with me; +and when he comes, bring him up directly."</p> + +<p class="normal">Susan returned with a sly look, and brought the Magister's compliments: +"he desired her to say he would have the honor of waiting upon her +immediately. He seemed astonished, but pleased."</p> + +<p class="normal">"He shall be astonished," exclaimed Laura.</p> + +<p class="normal">The allied ladies sat down around the sofa-table, feeling the +importance of the task which was before them.</p> + +<p class="normal">"When I am talking with him," began Mrs. Struvelius, solemnly, "have +the kindness to attend accurately to his answers, that you may in case +of necessity repeat them, and thus be my supporters and witnesses."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I can write quickly," exclaimed Laura, "I will write down what he +answers, then he cannot deny it."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That would be too much like a trial," interposed Ilse, "and will only +make him suspicious."</p> + +<p class="normal">The furious bark of a dog was heard outside.</p> + +<p class="normal">"He is coming," said Mrs. Struvelius, drawing herself up with dignity.</p> + +<p class="normal">A loud step was heard on the stairs, Susan opened the door, and +Magister Knips entered. He did not look dangerous. He was a short, +crooked man; it was doubtful whether he was young or old. He had a pale +face, prominent cheek bones, on which were two red spots, screwed up +eyes such as short-sighted people generally have, and red from much +night-work by dull lamps. He stood there, in a threadbare coat, with +his head bent on one side, a humble servant, perhaps a victim of +learning. When he saw the three ladies sitting, all stern and solemn, +where his heart had only hoped to find one, and among them the wives of +important men, he stopped confounded at the door; he composed himself, +however, and made three low bows, probably one to each lady, but +refrained from speaking.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Sit down, Magister," began Laura, condescendingly, pointing to an +empty chair opposite the sofa.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Magister approached hesitatingly, pushed the chair further out of +reach of the three goddesses of fate, and with another bow seated +himself on the corner of the chair.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It must be known to you, Magister," began Mrs. Struvelius, "that the +last publication of my husband has occasioned discussions which have +been painful to all engaged in them, and I assume also to you."</p> + +<p class="normal">Knips made a piteous face, and dropped his head entirely on one +shoulder.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I now appeal to the interest which you take in the studies of my +husband, and I appeal to your heart, when I beseech you to give me +frankly and straightforwardly the information which must be desirable +to us all."</p> + +<p class="normal">She stopped. Knips, with bent head, looked askance at her, and also +remained silent.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I beg for an answer," said Mrs. Struvelius, emphatically.</p> + +<p class="normal">"With all my heart," began Knips at last, in a piping voice. "But I do +not know what I have to answer to."</p> + +<p class="normal">"My husband received from you the parchment which was the subject of +his last treatise."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Did the Professor tell you that?" asked Knips, still more piteously.</p> + +<p class="normal">"No," answered Mrs. Struvelius; "but I heard you come, and I also heard +that he promised to be silent about something, and when I entered his +room later I saw the parchment lying on his table, and when I enquired +about it, he said, 'That is a secret.'"</p> + +<p class="normal">The Magister looked round about uneasily, and at last cast his eyes +down on his knees, where his trousers were unusually threadbare and +smooth from wear.</p> + +<p class="normal">"If the Professor himself considers that the affair is a secret, it is +not for me to speak of it, even if I did know anything about it."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then you refuse to give us the information?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Ah, my dear lady, there is no one to whom I would rather make a +communication than to the excellent ladies whom I have the honor of +seeing here, but I am much too insignificant to be able to serve you in +this."</p> + +<p class="normal">"And have you taken into consideration the embarrassing consequences of +your refusal, for my husband, for the whole University, and--what you, +an advocate of truth, must consider more important than all--for +science?"</p> + +<p class="normal">Knips acknowledged himself to be the advocate of truth.</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura remarked that the examination was wandering into by-paths on +which the parchment was not to be found; she jumped up, and cried out:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Go out of the room for a little while, Magister Knips, I wish to +confer with the Professor's wife."</p> + +<p class="normal">Knips rose very readily and made a bow.</p> + +<p class="normal">"But you must not go away. Go into the next room. Come, I shall call +you in again directly."</p> + +<p class="normal">Knips followed her with bowed head, and Laura came back on tiptoes and +said, in a low tone:</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have locked him in, that he may not escape."</p> + +<p class="normal">The ladies put their heads together in close consultation.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You deal too tenderly with him, Mrs. Struvelius," whispered Laura. +"Offer him money. That will allure him. It is hard for me to say so, +but I know the Knips family--they are selfish."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I also have thought of that, for an extreme case," replied Mrs. +Struvelius, "only I did not wish to hurt him by such an offer, if there +were any manly feeling in him."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Pshaw!" exclaimed Laura, "he is not a man, he is only a coward. If at +first he refuses, offer him more. Here is my pocket-book; I beg of you +to take it."</p> + +<p class="normal">She ran to her writing-table and fetched out the embroidered purse.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I thank you from my heart," whispered Mrs. Struvelius, taking out her +purse from her pocket. "If there is only sufficient," she said, +anxiously drawing the strings. "Let us see quickly how much we have."</p> + +<p class="normal">"God forbid!" cried Laura, hastily. "It is full of gold."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have turned everything that I could into money," replied Mrs. +Struvelius hurriedly; "everything else is of little value."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse took the purses out of the hands of both ladies and said firmly:</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is far too much. We ought not to offer him such sums; we do not +know whether we should not thus be exposing the poor man to the +temptation of doing wrong. If we offer him money we embark in a +transaction which we do not thoroughly understand."</p> + +<p class="normal">The others disputed this, and there was much whispered consultation. At +last Laura decided:</p> + +<p class="normal">"He shall have two pieces of gold, that is settled." Laura hastened out +to bring back the prisoner.</p> + +<p class="normal">When the Magister entered, Mrs. Struvelius looked so imploringly at +Ilse, that the latter made up her mind to carry on the negotiation.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Magister, we have set our hearts upon having this bit of manuscript +with which the professors have been so much occupied, and as you know +about it, we request your help to obtain it."</p> + +<p class="normal">A submissive smile played over the lips of Magister Knips.</p> + +<p class="normal">"We wish to buy it," interposed Mrs. Struvelius; "and we beg of you to +undertake the purchase. You shall have the money necessary for it."</p> + +<p class="normal">Forgetting her agreement in their intense anxiety, she put her hand +into her purse and counted one louis d'or after another on the table, +till Laura sprang up, terrified, and tugged at her shawl from behind.</p> + +<p class="normal">Knips again laid his head on his shoulder, and fixed his eyes upon the +small fingers of the Professor's wife, from which fell one gold piece +after another.</p> + +<p class="normal">"This, and still more, shall be yours," cried Mrs. Struvelius, "if you +will procure me the parchment."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Magister fumbled in his pocket for his handkerchief, and wiped his +forehead.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It must be well known to the ladies," he said, plaintively, "that I +have to read many proof-sheets, and to work late into the night before +I can earn the tenth portion of what you lay before me. It is a great +temptation to me; but I do not believe that I can obtain the strip of +parchment; and if I should succeed I fear it will only be upon +condition that it shall not get into the hands of any of the +professors, but be destroyed here in your presence.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Go out again, Magister Knips," cried Laura, springing up, "and leave +your hat here that you may not escape us."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Magister disappeared for the second time. Again the women put their +heads together.</p> + +<p class="normal">"He has the parchment, and he can produce it; we know that now," +exclaimed Laura.</p> + +<p class="normal">"We cannot agree to his offer," said Ilse. "It is not right for us to +take possession of the parchment; it must be examined by our husbands, +and then returned to the Magister."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I beg of you to take away all this money," cried Laura, "and permit me +now to adopt another tone with him, for my patience is at an end." She +opened the door: "Come in, Magister Knips. Listen attentively to me. +You have refused, and the money has disappeared, all but two pieces, +which may still be yours; but only on the condition that you procure +for us at once what Mrs. Struvelius has begged of you. For we have +clearly seen that you possess the strip, and if you still refuse we +shall have cause to suspect that you have acted dishonorably in the +matter."</p> + +<p class="normal">Knips looked terrified, and raised his hands imploringly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I shall go directly," continued Laura, "to your mother, and tell her +that there is an end to all connection between her and our house; and I +shall go over to Mr. Hahn, and tell him of your conduct, that he may +set your brother at you. Your brother is in business, and knows what is +upright; and if he does not see it in that light, Mr. Hahn will, and +that would not be to the advantage of your brother. Finally, I tell you +further, I will at once send over for Fritz Hahn and tell him +everything, and then <i>he</i> shall deal with you. Fritz Hahn will get the +better of you, you know, and so do I, for he always did when we were +children. I know you, Magister. We, in our street, are not the sort of +people to allow ourselves to be hoodwinked, and we value good conduct +in the neighborhood. Therefore, procure the parchment, or you shall +know Laura Hummel."</p> + +<p class="normal">Thus spoke Laura with flaming eyes, and clenching her little hand at +the Magister. Ilse looked with astonishment at her determined friend.</p> + +<p class="normal">If a discourse is to be judged by its effect, Laura's speech was a +pattern, for it worked most disturbingly on the Magister. He had grown +up among the people and customs of that little street, and could well +appreciate the consequences which Laura's hostility would exercise on +the needy circumstances of his private life. He, therefore, struggled +for a time for words, and at last began, in a low voice:</p> + +<p class="normal">"As even Miss Laura suspects me, I am undoubtedly compelled to tell how +the affair stands. I know an old traveling pedlar who carries about +with him various antiquities--wood-cuts, miniatures, and also fragments +of old manuscripts, and anything of the kind that comes in his way. I +have frequently obtained him customers, and given him information upon +the value of rare things. This man, during his stay here, showed me a +collection of old parchment leaves, concerning which he was already, he +said, in negotiation with a foreigner. Attention being drawn to the +double writing on the leaves, the strip appeared noteworthy to him, and +to me also. I read some of it, as far as could be made out through the +paste that lay upon it; and begged him at least to lend me the +parchment that I might show it to our scholars. I carried it to +Professor Struvelius, and as he judged that it might perhaps be worth +the trouble of examining, I went again to the dealer. He told me he +would not sell the strip outright, but he should like something to be +written concerning it, as that would increase its value; and he +delivered it into my hands till his return. This week he came again to +take it away with him. I do not know whether it is still to be had, or +whether he will take this money for it. I fear not."</p> + +<p class="normal">The ladies looked at each other.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You all hear this statement," began Mrs. Struvelius. "But why, +Magister, did you beg my husband to tell no one that the parchment came +from you?"</p> + +<p class="normal">The Magister turned on his chair and again looked at his knees +embarrassed.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Ah, the lady will not be angry if I speak out. Professor Werner had +always been very friendly to me, and I feared that he might take it +amiss if I did not first show him such a discovery. But Professor +Struvelius had also a claim to my gratitude, for he had graciously +intrusted to me the proof-sheets and table of contents of the new +edition of his great work. I was, therefore, in fear of offending two +valuable patrons."</p> + +<p class="normal">This was unfortunate, certainly, and not improbable.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Oh! do contrive that your husband may hear him," exclaimed Mrs. +Struvelius.</p> + +<p class="normal">"We hope, Magister, that you will repeat your words before others who +can understand the import of them better than we do," said Ilse.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Magister expressed his willingness timidly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"But you must, nevertheless, procure the parchment," interposed Laura.</p> + +<p class="normal">Knips shrugged his shoulders. "If it is possible," he said; "but I +don't know whether the man will give it up for this sum."</p> + +<p class="normal">Mrs. Struvelius was again putting her hand into her pocket; but Ilse +held it back, and Laura cried out:</p> + +<p class="normal">"We will give no more."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Nevertheless," continued the Magister, impelled by the determination +of his judges, "as doubts have been raised of its genuineness, the +parchment may have lost some of its value for the dealer. But if I +should succeed in being of service to you, I respectfully entreat you +not to bear any malice against me for the unfortunate share which, +without any fault on my part, I have had in this sad business. It has +grieved me much the whole time; and since the criticism of Professor +Werner has been printed, I have daily lamented that I ever set eyes on +the parchment. I should sink into an abyss of misery if I were to lose +my respected patrons."</p> + +<p class="normal">These words excited the compassion of his judges, and Mrs. Struvelius +said, kindly:</p> + +<p class="normal">"We believe you, for it is a dreadful feeling to have deceived others, +even unintentionally."</p> + +<p class="normal">But Laura, who had established herself as president of the council, +decided shortly:</p> + +<p class="normal">"I beg that all who have taken part in this will meet here to-morrow at +the same hour. I give you to that time, Magister Knips, to procure the +parchment. After the expiration of this respite our house will be +closed to you, our washing withdrawn, and notice given to the Hahn +family. See, therefore, that we come to an amicable settlement."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Magister approached the table, drew with one finger the gold pieces +into the palm of his hand, which he modestly held under the edge of the +table, made three low bows, and took leave of the ladies.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse related the adventure to her husband, and Felix listened with +astonishment at the rôle which the learned factotum had played in the +tragedy.</p> + +<p class="normal">On the following morning the Magister made his appearance before the +Professor. Breathless he drew out of his pocket the unfortunate strip +of parchment, and carried it with bowed head and outstretched hand, +bending lower and lower, humbly and imploringly, from the door to the +writing-table of the Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I venture to bring this to you, rather than encounter the ladies for a +second time. Perhaps you will graciously deign to deliver this through +your wife into the hands of its new possessor."</p> + +<p class="normal">When the Professor examined him severely, he began a statement in +defence of himself. What he said was not improbable. The name of the +doubtful trader was known to the Professor. He was aware that he had +been staying in the town during the course of the last few weeks, and +from the numerous communications that Knips had had with this man in +the interest of his patrons, there was nothing extraordinary in their +intimacy. The Professor examined the parchment carefully. If there had +been a forgery here, it had been carried out in a masterly way; but +Knips produced a microscope from his waistcoat pocket, and pointed out +how, by means of the magnifying glass, one could discover that +sometimes the shadowy characters of the apparently very ancient +handwriting had been introduced <i>over</i> the words of the church prayers, +and had therefore been painted on at a later period.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Your strictures in the <i>Classical Gazette</i> drew my attention to this, +and early this morning, when I obtained the parchment, I carefully +examined what had been rendered indistinct by the paste. So far as I +may be permitted to have a judgment in such things, I now venture to +share your opinion that a forgery has been perpetrated on this strip."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor threw it aside.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I regret that you have ever had anything to do with it, even though +unintentionally; you have done a mischief, the painful effects of which +you cannot fail to see. I am sorry for it on your own account. This +unfortunate occurrence will throw a shadow over your life; and I would +give much to be able to wipe it away. For we have known one another +through much mutual work, Magister, and I have always felt a sympathy +in your self-sacrificing activity in favor of others. In spite of your +book-chaffering, which I do not approve of, and in spite of your waste +of time in labors which might be done by less efficient persons, I have +always considered you as a man whose extraordinary knowledge inspires +respect."</p> + +<p class="normal">The humble Magister raised his head, and a smile passed over his face.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have always, Professor, considered you as the only one among my +distinguished patrons, who has the right to tell me that I have learned +too little; you are also, Professor, the one to whom I venture to +confess that I have secretly never ceased to esteem myself as a man of +learning. I hope that you will not deny me the testimony that I have +always been a trustworthy and faithful laborer in that cause."</p> + +<p class="normal">He fell back into his humble attitude, as he continued:</p> + +<p class="normal">"What has happened will be a lesson for me in future."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I demand more of you. First, you must take the trouble of ascertaining +through your acquaintance the hidden source from which this forgery has +emanated, for it can scarcely be the accidental idea of an unscrupulous +man; it is rather the work of an ill-directed industry, which in time +will produce more evil. Further, it is your duty at once to deliver the +parchment to Professor Struvelius, and impart to him your discovery. +You yourself will do well to be more cautious in future in the choice +of the traders with whom you deal."</p> + +<p class="normal">In these views Knips fully acquiesced and departed, whilst he +imploringly besought the kind consideration of the Professor for the +future.</p> + +<p class="normal">"He has, I am certain, to some extent been concerned in the knavery," +exclaimed the Doctor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"No," rejoined the Professor. "His fault has been, that up to the last +moment he cared more for his bargain than for the discovery of the +truth."</p> + +<p class="normal">In the afternoon Mrs. Struvelius said to Ilse:</p> + +<p class="normal">"What we have succeeded in obtaining has been very painful to my +husband. For it has convinced him that he was deceived, while others +discovered the true state of the case. It is a cruel grief to a wife +when she is the instrument of bringing about such humiliation to him +she loves best. This sorrow I shall long continue to feel. Besides +this, our husbands are so estranged from one another, that a long time +will elapse, before their wounded feelings will admit of a +reconciliation, or allow them to cherish for each other the respect +which as colleagues they mutually owe. I hope, however, that the +relations between you and me will not suffer. I have discovered the +worth of your heart, and I beg of you--in spite of my unprepossessing +manner, of which I am well aware--to accept the friendship which I feel +for you."</p> + +<p class="normal">As she walked slowly towards the door in her black dress. Ilse looked +after her with a feeling of surprise, that the first impression made +upon her by the learned lady should have been so quickly obliterated by +other feelings.</p> + +<p class="normal">In the next number of the <i>Classical Gazette</i> there appeared a short +explanation by Professor Struvelius, in which he honorably acknowledged +that he had been deceived, by undoubtedly a very expert deception, and +that he must be grateful to the acuteness and friendly activity of his +honored colleague who had contributed to the clearing up of the matter.</p> + +<p class="normal">"This explanation has been written by his wife," said the obdurate +Doctor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"We may hope that the disagreeable affair has come to an end for all +concerned in it," concluded the Professor with a light heart.</p> + +<p class="normal">But the hopes even of a great scholar are not always fulfilled. This +quarrel of the scepter-bearing princes of the University had not only +introduced Ilse into a new position, but had brought another into +notice.</p> + +<p class="normal">On the evening of the decisive day that revealed the worthlessness of +the parchment, Magister Knips sat shivering upon the floor in an +unwarmed room of his poverty-stricken dwelling. Books lay in disorderly +heaps on the shelves by the wall and on the floor, and he sat +surrounded by them, like an ant-lion in his den. He shoved into a dark +corner an old cigar chest of his brother's, which was filled with many +small bottles and paint-pots, and laid the old books upon it. Then he +placed the lamp on a stool near him, and with secret satisfaction took +up one old book after another, examined the binding, read the title and +last page, stroked it caressingly with his hand, and then again laid it +on the heap. At last he seized an old Italian edition of a Greek author +with both hands, moved nearer to the lamp, and examined it leaf by +leaf.</p> + +<p class="normal">His mother called through the door:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Leave your books and come from that cold room to your supper."</p> + +<p class="normal">"This book has not been seen by any scholar for two hundred years. +They deny, mother, that it is even in existence; but I have it in my +hands--it belongs to me! This is a treasure, mother."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What good will your treasure do you, wretched boy?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"But I have it, mother," said the Magister, looking up at the +hard-featured woman; and his winking eyes glistened brightly. "To-day I +have read some proof-sheets in which a man of note maintains that this +volume which I hold here has never existed. He wishes the 'never +existed' to be printed in italics, and I have so marked it for the +compositor, though I know better."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Are you coming?" called out the mother angrily. "Stop your work. Your +beer is getting flat."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Magister rose unwillingly, slipped out of the room with his felt +shoes, and seating himself at the table helped himself to the scanty +fare before him and without further ado began to eat.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Mother," he said to the woman, who was watching his rapid meal, "I +have some money remaining; if you want anything, buy it; but I will +know how you spend it, and I will see that my brother does not again +borrow anything from you, for it has been earned by hard work."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Your brother will now pay all back, for Hahn has improved his +position, and he has a good salary."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is not true," replied the Magister, looking sharply at his +mother. "He has become too stylish to dwell with us now; but whenever +he comes he always wants something of you, and you have always loved +him more than me."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do not say so, my son," cried Mrs. Knips. "He is quite different; you +are always industrious, quiet, and collected, and even as a small boy +you began to save."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have obtained for myself what was dear to me," said the Magister, +looking toward his room, "and I have found much."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Ah, but what hardships you suffer for it, my poor child!" said the +mother flatteringly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I take things as they come," answered the Magister, making a cheerful +grimace. "I read proof-sheets, and I do much work for these learned +men, who drive in carriages like people of distinction, and when I come +to them they treat me like a Roman slave. No man knows how often I +correct their stupid blunders, and the bad errors in their Latin. But I +do not do it for all--only for those who have deserved well of me. I +let the mistakes of the others remain, and I shrug my shoulders +secretly at their empty heads. All is not gold that glitters," he said, +holding his thin beer complacently up to the light, "and I alone know +many things. I am always correcting their miserable manuscripts, but do +not correct their worst errors. I see how they torment themselves and +the little they do know they pilfer from other books. One sees that +every day, mother, and one laughs in secret at the course of the +world."</p> + +<p class="normal">And Magister Knips laughed at the world.</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>CHAPTER XVII</i>.</h2> + +<h3>THE DECEPTION OF MR. HUMMEL.</h3> + +<p class="normal">In the houses of the park there reigned peace, forbearance, and secret +hope. Since the arrival of Ilse the old strife seemed to have ceased, +and the hatchet to have been buried. It is true that Mr. Hummel's dog +snarled and snapped at Mr. Hahn's cat and was boxed on the ear in +return; and that Rothe, the porter, of A. C. Hahn, declared his +contempt of the storekeeper of the factory of Mr. Hummel. But these +little occurrences passed away like inoffensive air-bubbles which rise +in the place where there has been a whirlpool of enmity. The +intercourse between the two houses flowed on like a clear brook, and +forget-me-nots grew on its banks. If a misanthropical spell had +penetrated the ground at the time when Madame Knips ruled there alone, +it had now been expelled by female exorcists.</p> + +<p class="normal">One morning, shortly before the fair, a book-seller's porter placed a +pile of new books on the Doctor's writing-table; they were the advance +copies of the first great work he had written. Fritz opened the book +and gazed at the title-page for a moment in quiet enjoyment; then he +hastily seized his pen, wrote some affectionate words on the fly-leaf +and carried it to his parents.</p> + +<p class="normal">The book treated, in the words of Gabriel, of the old Aryans as well as +of the old Germans; it entered into the life of our ancestors before +the time in which they took the sensible resolution of making pretty +nosegays on the Blocksberg and rinsing their drinking horns in Father +Rhine. It was a very learned book, and so far as the knowledge of the +writer reached, it revealed many secrets of antiquity.</p> + +<p class="normal">It was not necessary for strangers to inform the father and mother of +the importance of the book which Fritz now brought them. The mother +kissed her son on the forehead, and could not control her emotion when +she saw his name printed in such large and beautiful characters on the +title-page. Mr. Hahn took the book in his hands, and carried it into +the garden. There he laid it on the table of the Chinese temple, read +the dedication several times and took a turn or so about the pavilion, +looking in again occasionally, in order to observe whether the style of +building harmonized well with the book; then he cleared his throat in +order to master his joyful emotions.</p> + +<p class="normal">Not less was the pleasure in the study of the Professor; he went +hastily through the book from beginning to end. "It is remarkable," he +then said, much pleased, to Ilse, "how boldly and firmly Fritz grapples +with the subject; and with a self-control, too, for which I should not +have given him credit. There is much in it that is quite new to me. I +am surprised that he should have concluded the work so quickly and +quietly."</p> + +<p class="normal">What the learned world thought of the Doctor's book may be known from +many printed eulogies. It is more difficult to determine what effect it +had in his own street. Mr. Hummel studied a detailed review of the work +in his paper, not without audible remarks of disapprobation however; he +hummed at the word Veda and grumbled at the name Humboldt, and he +whistled through his teeth at the praise which was accorded to the deep +learning of the author. When at the conclusion the reviewer formally +thanked the Doctor in the name of science, and urgently recommended the +work to all readers, Mr. Hummel's humming broke into the melody of the +old Dessauer, and he threw the paper on the table. "I do not intend to +buy it," was all that he vouchsafed to say to his wife and daughter. +But in the course of the day he cast an occasional glance at the corner +of the hostile house where the Doctor's room was, and then again at the +upper story of his own house, as if he wished to weigh the comparative +merits of both the learned men and their abodes.</p> + +<p class="normal">When Ilse told Laura her husband's opinion of the book, Laura colored a +little, and replied, throwing back her head: "I hope it is so learned +that we need not meddle with it." Yet this disinclination to meddle +with the book did not prevent her some days later from borrowing the +book from the Professor, upon the plea that she wished to show it to +her mother. It was carried to her own little room, where it remained +for a long time.</p> + +<p class="normal">Among the other inhabitants of the street, the importance of the Hahn +family--whose name had acquired such renown, and whose Fritz was +praised so much in the papers--was greatly increased. The scales of +popular favor sank decidedly on the side of this house, and even Mr. +Hummel found it expedient not to object to his family's speaking with +moderate approbation of their neighbor's son. When Dorchen, as +sometimes happened, met Gabriel in the streets, she even ventured to +accompany him for a few minutes into the courtyard of the enemy, in +spite of the growling of the dog and the sinister frowns of the master.</p> + +<p class="normal">One warm evening in March she had said a few civil words to Gabriel in +passing and was tripping neatly across the street to her own house, +with Gabriel looking after her full of admiration, when Mr. Hummel came +out just in time to witness the last greeting.</p> + +<p class="normal">"She is as pretty as a red-breast," said Gabriel to Mr. Hummel. The +latter shook his head benevolently. "I well see, Gabriel, how the wind +blows, and I say nothing, for it would be of no use. But one piece of +good advice I will give you. You do not understand how to deal with +women; you are not gruff enough with the girl. When I was young they +trembled at the faintest movement of my handkerchief, and yet they +swarmed about me like bees. This sex must be intimidated and you'll +spoil all by kindness. I think well of you Gabriel, and I give you this +counsel therefore as a friend. Look you, there is Madame Hummel. She is +a strong-willed woman, but I always keep her under restraint; if I +didn't growl, she would. And, as there must be growling, it is more +agreeable for me to do it myself."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Every animal has its ways," replied Gabriel. "I have no talent for +developing into a bear."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It can be learnt," said Mr. Hummel, benignantly. He raised his +eye-brows, and made a sly grimace. "Something is in progress in the +garden over there; they are probably speculating again on some new +arrival, to which I, in due time, shall take upon myself, under all +circumstances, to give the right name"--he lowered his voice--; +"something anonymous has been unpacked, and brought out into the +garden." With a feeling of indignation at his own caution, he +continued: "Believe me, Gabriel, the world is growing cowardly from +this over-production of children; and people are so crowded that +freedom ceases to exist; life is now slavery from the cradle to the +grave. Here I stand on my own ground, and if I choose to dig a hole on +this spot to the centre of the earth, no man can prevent me; and yet, +on my own property, we cannot express an outspoken opinion; and why? +Because it might be heard, and displease the ears of strangers. To such +a point have we come; a man is the slave of his neighbors. Now, only +think, I have but one neighbor opposite; on the other side I am +protected by the water and the factory, yet I must swallow the truth, +as I dare not speak out beyond my boundary. He who is surrounded on all +sides by neighbors must lead a lamentable life; he cannot even cut off +his head in his own garden without the whole neighborhood raising a cry +because the sight is not pleasing to them." He pointed with his thumb +to the neighboring house, and continued, confidentially: "We are +reconciled now; the women would not rest until we were. I assure you +they lacked the true spirit to carry on a quarrel over there; the +affair became tedious and so I gave in."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yet it is well that all is settled," said Gabriel. "If the fathers +quarrel, how can the children meet on good terms?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Why shouldn't they make faces at each other?" returned Mr. Hummel, +crossly. "I can't bear this everlasting bowing and scraping."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Every one knows that," replied Gabriel. "But if Miss Laura meets the +Doctor in our house, which often happens, she surely cannot growl at +him."</p> + +<p class="normal">"So they meet often!" repeated Hummel, thoughtfully. "There again you +have an instance of this overcrowding; they can't get out of each +other's way. Well! I can trust to my daughter, Gabriel; she has my +disposition."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I wouldn't be so sure of that," replied Gabriel laughing.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I assure you she is quite of my mind," affirmed Hummel, decidedly. +"But, as to this cessation of hostilities, you need not rejoice so much +at it; for, depend upon it, it cannot last long between our houses. +When the ice has thawed, and the garden amusements begin, there will be +trouble again. It has always been so and I do not see why it should not +continue so, in spite of reconciliations, and in spite of your new +mistress, for whom I nevertheless have great respect."</p> + +<p class="normal">The conversation, which had been carried on in the garden, was +interrupted by a dark, solemn-looking man, who presented a large letter +in a tinted envelope. He introduced himself to Mr. Hummel, and brought +him an invitation for his absent daughter to undertake the office of +godmother to a baby that had just been born to limit the space in the +world still more. To this invitation no objection could be made; the +young mother, the wife of a lawyer, was Laura's friend, and the +daughter of her godmother. It was an old connection of the family, and +Hummel, as father and citizen, duly accepted the invitation.</p> + +<p class="normal">"For whom is the other letter you have in your hand?" he asked of the +messenger.</p> + +<p class="normal">"For Doctor Hahn, who is to stand with Miss Laura."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Indeed!" said Hummel, ironically; "matters are going at a great +pace. Take your letter over there. Did I not tell you so, Gabriel?" he +added, turning to his confidant. "Scarcely reconciled before the +tribunal, and at once sponsors together; who may know but that +to-morrow morning the old scarecrow himself will come over and offer +to be 'hail-fellow-well-met' with me. There again you have the +consequences of over-crowding, and of Christianity too. This time my +poor child is the victim."</p> + +<p class="normal">He took the letter into the room and threw it on the table before his +wife and daughter.</p> + +<p class="normal">"This comes from reconciliation, weak women," he cried, tauntingly. "Now +you will have nurse, midwife, godfather, and all, about your heels."</p> + +<p class="normal">The ladies studied the letter, and Laura thought it inconsiderate in +her godmother to have chosen just the Doctor for her partner.</p> + +<p class="normal">"That's to accommodate the sponsor's carriage," exclaimed Mr. Hummel, +mockingly, from the corner. "It was made to carry two at once. Now, +that fellow Humboldt will come over here in white gloves in order to +fetch you to church, and I believe he will have impudence enough to +send you a sponsorial present."</p> + +<p class="normal">"If he did not do so, it would be an insult," replied the wife. "He +must do it, or it would give occasion for people to talk. We cannot +object to it; he will send a basket of flowers with gloves for the +godmother, and Laura will send him in return the pocket-handkerchief, +as is the custom among our acquaintances. You know that Laura's +godmother thinks a great deal of these things."</p> + +<p class="normal">"His flowers in our house, his gloves on our fingers, and our +handkerchief in his pocket!" said the master of the house, bitterly; +"Pray, what are things coming to."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I beg of you, Hummel," rejoined his wife, displeased, "do not annoy us +by finding fault with the civilities which are unavoidable, on such an +occasion, and of which no one takes advantage."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I thank you for your civilities which one cannot avoid, and to which +no one attributes anything. Nothing is so insupportable to me, among +the people here, as their eternal obeisances before one's face, whilst +they pull one to pieces behind one's back."</p> + +<p class="normal">He left the room and slammed the door behind him.</p> + +<p class="normal">The mother then began:</p> + +<p class="normal">"He has nothing really to say against it; he only wishes to maintain +his character for sternness. It is not absolutely necessary that you +should send the Doctor a present on this occasion, but you still owe +him some little attention from that encounter with the shepherd."</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura was reconciled to the thought of becoming godmother with the +Doctor, and said:</p> + +<p class="normal">"I will make a design for the corner of the handkerchief, and will +embroider it."</p> + +<p class="normal">The following morning she went out to buy cambric. But Mr. Hummel also +went out. He visited an acquaintance who was a furrier, took him +confidentially aside, and ordered a pair of gloves of white cat's skin +for a small hand; he directed that a cat's claw be fastened at the +point of each finger. But he wished it to be a delicate one, of an +unborn cat, or failing in that, of a very young kitten, and that the +claw should stand out stiffly. Then he entered another shop and asked +for some colored printed cotton pocket-handkerchiefs--such as one buys +for a few pennies--and chose one black and red, with a frightful +portrait, that just suited his frame of mind. This purchase he put in +his pocket.</p> + +<p class="normal">The morning of the christening arrived. In the house of Mr. Hummel the +flat-irons clattered; the mother added some last stitches; and Laura +tripped busily up and down the stairs. Meanwhile, Hummel wandered back +and forth between the door of the house and factory, watching every +person that entered. Spitehahn was sitting on the threshold growling +whenever the foot of a stranger approached the door of the house.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Show yourself as you are, Spitehahn," grumbled Hummel, approaching his +dog; "and catch hold of the woman from yonder by the dress; she will +not venture in, if you keep watch."</p> + +<p class="normal">The red dog answered by showing his teeth maliciously at his master.</p> + +<p class="normal">"That's right," said Hummel, and continued his walk.</p> + +<p class="normal">At last Dorchen appeared at her own house-door, and tripped with a +covered basket in her hand to the steps of Mr. Hummel's house. +Spitehahn rose grimly, uttered a hoarse growl, and bristled his hair.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Call that frightful dog away, Mr. Hummel," cried Dorchen, snappishly. +"I have a message for Miss Laura."</p> + +<p class="normal">Mr. Hummel assumed a benevolent expression of countenance and put his +hand in his pocket.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The ladies are at work, my pretty child," he said, drawing out a heavy +piece of money; "perhaps I can attend to it."</p> + +<p class="normal">The messenger was so startled at the unexpected politeness of the +tyrant, that she made a mute courtesy and let the basket slip out of +her hand.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It shall be attended to carefully," completed Mr. Hummel, with an +engaging smile.</p> + +<p class="normal">He carried the basket into the house, and called Susan to take it to +the ladies; after which he went into the hall again, and stroked the +dog. It was not long before he heard the door of the sitting-room fly +open and his name called loudly in the hall. He entered cautiously into +the ladies' room, and found them in a dreadful state of disturbance. A +beautiful basket was standing on the table, flowers were scattered +about, and two little fur gloves, with large claws at the ends of the +fingers, lay on the floor, like paws cut from a beast of prey. Laura +was sitting before them sobbing.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Holloa!" cried Mr. Hummel, "is that one of the sponsorial +pleasantries?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Henry," cried his wife vehemently, "your child has received an insult; +the Doctor has dared to send these to your daughter."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Ha!" cried Hummel; "cat's paws, and with claws! Why not? They will +keep you warm in church; you can lay hold of the Doctor with them."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It must be a joke," cried Laura, with the hot tears flowing down her +cheeks; "it is because I have sometimes teased him. I should never have +believed him capable of such rudeness."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do you know him so well?" inquired Mr. Hummel. "Well, if it is a joke, +as you say, take it as a joke then; this emotion isn't necessary."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What is to be done now?" cried the mother; "can she still stand +godmother with him after this insult?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I should think so," replied Mr. Hummel, ironically; "this insult +is a childish affair compared to others--compared to house-building, +bell-ringing, and dog-poisoning. If you can stomach all that, why not +cats' paws, too?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Laura has hemmed and embroidered a handkerchief for him," exclaimed +the mother; "and she had taken the greatest pains to finish it in +time."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I will not send it to him," cried Laura.</p> + +<p class="normal">"So you hemmed and embroidered it yourself?" rejoined Hummel. "It is +charming to live in friendship with one's neighbors. You are weak +womenfolk, and you take the matter too seriously. These are courtesies +which one cannot avoid, and to which no importance is attached. Do as +you said you would. You must just send the thing over to him. You must +not give him or any one else occasion to make remarks. Keep your +contempt to yourself."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Father is right," cried Laura, springing up; "away with the +handkerchief, and my account with the Doctor will be closed for ever."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That's right," assented Hummel. "Where is the rag? Away with it."</p> + +<p class="normal">The handkerchief lay ready on a plate, wrapped up in fine blue paper, +and also covered with spring flowers.</p> + +<p class="normal">"So this is the hemmed and embroidered thing? We will send it over +immediately."</p> + +<p class="normal">He took the plate from the table, and carried it quickly into the +factory; from thence the blue packet went, with many compliments, to +the godfather in the house of the enemy.</p> + +<p class="normal">Mrs. Hahn brought the card of greeting and the present to her son's +room.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Ah, that is a charming attention," remarked the Doctor, closely +examining the flowers.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is not so customary now-a-days to send presents to the gentlemen +too," said the Doctor's mother. "But I always thought it such a pretty +custom."</p> + +<p class="normal">She unfolded the paper inquisitively, and looked up in astonishment. A +printed cotton handkerchief lay within, as thick as leather and woven +with coarse threads. It might be a mask only, and in this hope she +unfolded it, but a frightful caricature alone appeared in diabolical +colors of red and black.</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is not a nice joke," said the mother, vexed.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor looked downcast. "I have sometimes teased Laura Hummel. This +probably has reference to some bantering that has passed between us. I +beg of you, mother, to place the flowers in a glass."</p> + +<p class="normal">He took the handkerchief, concealed it in a drawer, and again bent over +his writing.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I should not have expected this of Laura," continued the mother, much +disturbed. But as her son did not encourage further complaints, she +arranged the flowers for him and left the room, pondering upon the +mortification of her child.</p> + +<p class="normal">The carriage drove up and the Doctor got into it to fetch the +godmother.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Our doors are so near together," said Hummel, who was standing at the +window, "that he will only just have time to creep out from the other +side."</p> + +<p class="normal">After some difficulty in turning, the carriage arrived at the steps of +Mr. Hummel. The servant opened the door, but before the Doctor could +jump down Susan appeared on the steps and called out:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do not take the trouble of entering, the young lady will come +immediately."</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura swept down the steps, all in white as if veiled in a snowcloud; +and how pretty she looked! Her cheeks were indeed paler than usual, and +her brows were gloomily knit, but the sad expression gave an enchanting +dignity to her countenance. She avoided looking at the Doctor, only +slightly moving her head at his greeting, and when he offered his hand +to assist her, she passed by him and seated herself in her place as if +he were not there. He had some difficulty in finding room next to her; +she nodded, ignoring him, to Mr. Hummel, who was standing on the steps +looking far more cheerful than his child. The horses trotted slowly on; +Laura looked neither to the right nor to the left. "It is the first +time she officiates as godmother," thought the Doctor, "that causes +this solemn mood; or perhaps she is repentant because of the colored +handkerchief!" He looked at her hands; the gloves that he sent were not +to be seen. "Have I offended against etiquette?" he thought again, "or +were they too large for her little hands?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"He is silent," she thought, "that is his bad conscience; he is +thinking of the cat's claws, and has not a word of thanks for my +pocket-handkerchief; I have been sadly mistaken in him." This +consideration made her so sorrowful that tears again rose to her eyes; +but she pressed her lips tightly together, squeezed the thumb of her +right hand, and silently counted from one up to ten, an old recipe she +had formerly used for restraining vehement feeling.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Things cannot go on so," thought the Doctor, "I must speak to her."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You have not been able to use the gloves that T ventured to send you," +he began modestly; "I fear I have made a bad selection."</p> + +<p class="normal">This was too much; Laura turned her head sharply toward the Doctor. For +a moment he saw two flashing eyes, and heard the contemptuous words: "I +am no cat." Again her lips were compressed, and she clenched her hand +convulsively.</p> + +<p class="normal">Fritz reflected with astonishment whether gloves that wrinkle could +ever have been considered a characteristic sign of our domestic animal. +He thought the remark incongruous. "What a pity she is so whimsical!" +After a time he began again: "I fear you will feel the draught; shall I +close the window?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Not at all," answered Laura, with icy coldness.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do you know what the baby is to be called?" continued the doctor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"He is to be called Fritz," returned Laura; and for the second time a +flaming look of anger met his spectacles, then she turned away again.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ah! in spite of the lightning that flashed from her eyes, the Doctor +could not deny but that she was at this moment wonderfully lovely. She +also felt obliged to say something now, and began, over her shoulder:--</p> + +<p class="normal">"I think the name a very common one."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is my own name," said the Doctor; "and as I hear it every day, +I must agree with you. It is at least a German name," he added, +good-humoredly. "It is a pity that they are so much neglected."</p> + +<p class="normal">"As my name is a foreign one," replied Laura, again over her shoulder, +"I have a right to prefer foreign names."</p> + +<p class="normal">"If she continues like this the whole day," thought Fritz, discouraged, +"I shall have a very pleasant time of it, indeed."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I must sit next him at dinner, and bear the insult," thought she. "Ah! +life is terrible."</p> + +<p class="normal">They arrived at the house, both glad to find themselves among others. +When they entered the room, they hurried to different parts of it; but, +of course, being obliged to greet the young mother, they again had to +meet. When Laura turned to her godmother, the Doctor also approached +from the other side, and the good lady called to mind the day when they +had come together to her summer residence, and she could not refrain +from exclaiming: "That portends something; you have again come +together, dear children."</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura raised her head proudly, and replied: "Only because you have +wished it."</p> + +<p class="normal">They went to church. The little Fritz tossed about in his godmother's +arms, frightened at the baptismal font; but when he was handed over to +the tall Fritz, he broke out into an angry cry; and Laura observed +with contempt how disconcerted the Doctor was, and what awkward +efforts he made, by raising and lowering his arms, and by his looks, to +appease the little squaller, till at last the nurse--a very resolute +woman--came to his assistance.</p> + +<p class="normal">With the approach of sunset the duties of the day became more +insupportable. At the christening feast all Laura's most gloomy +anticipations were fulfilled, for she was seated beside the Doctor; +and, for both, it was a most disagreeable meal, indeed. The Doctor once +more ventured to make some advances, hoping to break through her +incomprehensible mood, but he might as well have attempted to thaw the +ice of a glacier with a lucifer match, for Laura had now become an +adept in the expression of social contempt. She conversed exclusively +with the father of the child, who sat at her other side, and encouraged +by his cheerful gossip she recovered her wonted elasticity of spirit; +while Fritz became more silent, and noticeably neglected a pleasing +young woman, his left-hand neighbor. But things grew still worse. When +the proper time approached, the other godfather, a city councillor, a +man of the world and a good speaker, came behind the Doctor's chair, +and declared that he could not undertake to bring the christening toast +as he was suffering with a headache, which drove away all his thoughts, +and that the Doctor must speak in his stead. The possibility of this +had never occurred to the Doctor, and it was so unpleasant to him in +his present mood that he quietly, but firmly, refused his consent to +the proposal. Laura again listened with deep contempt to the discussion +between the two gentlemen about an oratorical exercise which was not +even to be put in writing. The master of the house also observed it, +and a feeling of awkward expectation threw a gloom over the society, +which is not calculated to encourage unwilling after-dinner speakers, +but rather to depress them, and scatter their thoughts. Just, however, +as the Doctor was on the point of performing his duty, Laura, after +giving him another cold look, rose and clinked her glass. She was +greeted with a loud bravo; and she then said, to the astonishment of +herself, and delight of all present: "As the gentlemen sponsors are so +little inclined to do their duty, I crave your pardon for undertaking +what they ought to have done." Thereupon, she bravely proposed and led +the toast; it was a bold undertaking, but it was successful, and she +was overwhelmed with applause. On the other hand, sarcastic speeches +were made against the Doctor by the gentlemen present. Nevertheless, he +extricated himself tolerably, the situation being so desperate that it +restored to him his powers; nay, he had the impudence to declare that +he delayed intentionally, in order to procure for the society the +pleasure which all must have experienced in listening to the eloquence +of his neighbor. He then made an amusing speech on every possible +subject; and all laughed, but they did not know what he was aiming at, +till he adroitly turned it upon the godfathers and godmothers and in +particular proposed the health of his charming neighbor who sat beside +him. This answered well enough for the other guests, but to Laura it +was insufferable mockery and hypocrisy; and when she had to clink +glasses with him, she looked so indignantly at him, that he quickly +drew back from her.</p> + +<p class="normal">He now began to show his indifference after his fashion; he talked +loudly to his neighbor, and drank many glasses of wine. Laura drew her +chair away from him; fearing that he might drink too much, he became an +object of annoyance to her, and she gradually relapsed into silence. +But the Doctor took no heed of this; again he clinked his glass, and +made another speech, which was so comical that it produced the happiest +effect on the company. But Laura sat as stiff as a stone image, only +casting an occasional stolen glance towards him. After that the Doctor +left her side; his chair stood vacant, but, figuratively speaking, the +cotton pocket-handkerchief and the small fur gloves still lay upon it, +and it seemed quite uneasy under its invisible burden. The Doctor, +meanwhile, went about the table, stopping here and there to pay his +respects; and wherever he stopped there was laughing and clinking of +glasses. When he had finished his round, he approached the host and +hostess; and Laura heard them thank him for the merry evening, and +praise the gaiety of his spirits.</p> + +<p class="normal">He then returned to his place; and now he had the impudence to turn to +Laura, and, with an expression in which she clearly perceived a sneer, +he held out his hand to her under the table, saying, "Let us make +peace, naughty godmother; give me your hand." Laura's whole heart +revolted, and she exclaimed, "You shall have my hand immediately." She +put her hand quickly into her pocket, put on one of the cat's-skin +gloves, and scratched him with it on the back of his hand. "There, take +what you deserve."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor felt a sharp pain; he raised his hand, and he perceived it +was tattooed with red streaks. Laura threw her glove into his lap, and +added: "If I were a man, I would make you feel in another way the +insult you have offered me."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor looked about him; his left-hand neighbor had risen; and on +the other side, the master of the house, bending over the table, formed +a convenient wall between them and the outer world. He looked in +astonishment at the challenge in his lap; it was all incomprehensible +to him; he was conscious but of one thing, that Laura, in spite of her +passion, was enchantingly beautiful.</p> + +<p class="normal">He too put his hand into his pocket, and said: "Happily, I am in a +position to bind your present of this morning about the wounds." He +pulled out the red and black handkerchief, and began to wind it round +his wounded hand; in doing which, it could not fail being seen that the +hand had a most uncanny murderous appearance. When Laura saw the bloody +scratches, she was shocked, but she bravely concealed her repentance, +saying coldly, "At least it would be better for your hand if you would +take my handkerchief as a bandage, instead of that stiff clumsy thing."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is your handkerchief," replied the Doctor, sorrowfully.</p> + +<p class="normal">"This is worst of all," cried Laura, with quivering voice. "You have +behaved towards me to-day in a manner that is highly humiliating to me, +and I ask you what have I done to deserve such treatment?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"What have I done to deserve such reproaches?" asked the Doctor, in +return. "This morning you sent me this with your compliments.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I?" cried Laura; "you sent me these cat's paws. But I did not send +that handkerchief. My handkerchief had none of the beauty of this +colored print--it was only white."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I may say the same of my gloves; they were not blessed with +claws--they were plain kid."</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura turned to him, anxiously gazing into his face. "Is that true?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is true," said the Doctor, with convincing sincerity; "I know +nothing about these gloves."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then we are both victims of a deception," cried Laura, confounded. +"Oh, forgive me, and forget what has passed." Guessing the state of the +case, she continued: "I beg of you to say no more on the subject. +Permit me to bind your hand with this handkerchief."</p> + +<p class="normal">He held out his hand; she staunched the blood with her handkerchief, +and hastily wound it about the scratches.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is too small for a bandage," she said, sorrowfully; "we must put +your own over it. This has been a disagreeable day, Doctor. Oh, forget +it, and do not be angry with me."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor was by no means inclined to be angry, as might be perceived +from the eager conversation into which they now fell. Their hearts were +lightened; they vied with each other in their efforts at sincerity; and +when the carriage set them down at their own doors, they bade each +other a cordial good-night.</p> + +<p class="normal">The following morning, Mr. Hummel entered Laura's private room, and +laid a blue paper upon the table.</p> + +<p class="normal">"There was a mistake yesterday," he said; "here is what belongs to +you."</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura opened the paper quickly; it contained an embroidered +handkerchief.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have also sent back the gloves to the Doctor, with my compliments, +informing him that there was a misunderstanding, and that <i>I</i>, your +father, Hummel, sent him what was his own."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Father," cried Laura, going up to him, "this new insult was +unnecessary. Upon me you may inflict whatever your hatred to your +neighbors prompts you to do, but that you should again wound another +after what has happened yesterday, is cruel of you. This handkerchief +belongs to the Doctor, and I shall give it to him at the first +opportunity."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Exactly," said Hummel; "was it not hemmed and embroidered by your own +hands? You are responsible for whatever you do now. But you know, and +he knows too, how I feel about these exchanges of civilities. If you +choose to act contrary to my expressed wishes, you may. I will not +consent to our house being upon terms of exchanging presents, either +small or great, with the Hahn's; and since you, as I hear, often meet +the Doctor at our lodger's, it will be as well for you to bear this in +mind."</p> + +<p class="normal">He went out of the room complacently, and left his daughter in revolt +against his harsh commands. She had not ventured to contradict him, for +he was unusually calm to-day, different from his ordinary blustering +manner, and she felt there was a meaning in his words that checked her +utterance and sent the blood to her cheeks. It was a stormy morning for +her journal.</p> + +<p class="normal">Mr. Hummel was busy at his office with a consignment of soldiers' caps, +when he was disturbed by a knock at the door, and to his surprise, +Fritz Hahn entered. Hummel remained seated with dignity, till his +caller had made a respectful bow, then he slowly rose, and began, in a +business tone:</p> + +<p class="normal">"What can I do for you, Doctor? If you need a fine felt hat, as I +presume you do, the salesroom is on the floor below."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I know that," replied the Doctor, politely. "But I am come, in the +first place, to thank you for the handkerchief you so kindly selected +and sent me as a present yesterday."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That's pretty good!" said Hummel. "Old Blücher was painted upon it; he +is a countryman of mine, and I thought on that account the handkerchief +would be acceptable to you."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Quite right," answered Fritz. "I shall be careful to preserve it as a +keepsake. I must, at the same time, add to my thanks the request that +you will deliver these gloves to Miss Laura. If a mistake occurred +yesterday in the delivery, as you kindly informed me, it was not my +fault. As these gloves already belong to your daughter, I, of course, +cannot take them back."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That's better still!" said Hummel, "but you are in error. The gloves +do not belong to my daughter; they were bought by you, and have never +been seen by her; and early this morning they were returned to their +possessor."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Pardon me," rejoined Fritz, "if I take your own words as testimony +against you; the gloves were yesterday, according to the custom of the +country, sent as a present to Miss Laura; you yourself received them +from the hands of the messenger, and, by your words, acknowledged them. +The gloves, therefore, by your own co-operation, have become the +property of the young lady, and I have no claim to them."</p> + +<p class="normal">"No advocate could put the case in a better light," replied Hummel +easily. "There is only one objection to it. These gloves were +non-apparent; they were covered with paper and flowers, like frogs in +the grass. Had you come to me openly with your gloves, and requested to +be allowed to give them to my daughter, I should have told you +yesterday what I now say, that I consider you a worthy young man, and +that I have no objection to your standing as godfather every day in the +year, but I do very much object to your showing my daughter what +hereabouts are called attentions. I am not kindly disposed towards your +family and, what is more, I do not wish to be; therefore I cannot +permit that you should be so towards mine. For what is right for one is +fitting for the other."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am placed again in the unfortunate predicament of confuting you by +your own actions," rejoined the Doctor. "You, yesterday, honored me +with a mark of civility. As you have made me a present of a +handkerchief, in token of your favor, to which, as I had not stood +godfather with you, I had no claim, I also may say that what is right +for one is fitting for the other. Therefore you cannot object to my +sending these gloves to a member of your family."</p> + +<p class="normal">Mr. Hummel laughed. "With all respect to you, Doctor, you have +forgotten that father and daughter are not quite the same thing. I have +no objection that you should occasionally make me a present if you +cannot resist the inclination to do so; I shall then consider what I +can send you in return; and if you think that these gloves will suit +me, I will keep them as a token of reconciliation between us; and if +ever we should stand together as godfathers, I shall put them on and +exhibit them for your benefit."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have delivered them to you as the property of your daughter," +replied Fritz, with composure; "how you may dispose of them I cannot +decide. You know my wishes."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, perfectly, Doctor," assented Hummel; "the affair is now settled +to the satisfaction of all concerned, and there is an end of it."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Not quite yet," replied the Doctor. "What now comes is a demand I have +upon you. Miss Laura, as godmother with me, prepared and sent me a +handkerchief. The handkerchief has not come into my hands, but I have +undoubtedly the right to consider it as my property, and I beg of you +most humbly to send it to me."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Oho!" cried Hummel, the bear beginning to stir within him, "that looks +like defiance, and must be met with different language. You shall not +receive the handkerchief with my good will; it has been given back to +my daughter, and if she presents it to you she will act as a +disobedient child, contrary to the commands of her father."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then it is my intention to oblige you to recall this prohibition," +replied the Doctor, energetically. "Yesterday I accidentally discovered +that you exchanged the gloves I sent to Miss Laura for others which +must have excited in her the belief that I was an impertinent jester. +By such deceitful and injurious treatment of a stranger, even though he +were an adversary, you have acted as does not become an honorable man."</p> + +<p class="normal">Hummel's eyes widened, and he retreated a few steps.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Zounds!" he growled, "is it possible? Are you your father's son? Are +you Fritz Hahn, the young Humboldt? Why you can be as rude as a boor."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Only where it is necessary," replied Fritz. "In my conduct towards you +I have never been deficient in delicacy of feeling; but you have +treated me with injustice, and owe me due satisfaction. As an honorable +man you must give me this, and my satisfaction will be the +handkerchief."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Enough," interrupted Hummel, raising his hand, "it will be of no +avail. For, between ourselves, I have nothing of what you call delicacy +of feeling. If you feel yourself offended by me, I should be very +sorry, in so far as I see in you a young man of spirit, who also can be +rude. But when, on the other hand, I consider that you are Fritz Hahn, +I convince myself that it is quite right that you should feel aggrieved +by me. With that you must rest content."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What you say," replied Fritz, "is not only uncivil, but unjust. I +leave you, therefore, with the feeling that you owe me some reparation; +and this feeling is, at all events, more agreeable to me than if I were +in your position."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I see we understand each other in everything," replied Hummel. "Like +two business men, we both seek our own advantage. It is agreeable to +you to feel that I have injured you, and to me that is a matter of +indifference. So let it remain, Doctor; we are at heart, and before all +the world, enemies, but for the rest, all respect to you."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor bowed and left the office.</p> + +<p class="normal">Mr. Hummel looked meditatingly on the spot where the Doctor had stood.</p> + +<p class="normal">He was during the whole day in a mild, philanthropic mood, which he at +first showed by philosophizing with his book-keeper.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Have you ever raised bees?" he asked him, over the counter.</p> + +<p class="normal">"No, Mr. Hummel," replied he; "how could I manage it?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"You are not very enterprising," continued Hummel, reproachfully. "Why +should you not give yourself this pleasure?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I live in a garret, Mr. Hummel."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That does not matter. By the new inventions you may keep bees in a +tobacco-box. You put the swarm in, open the window, and from time to +time cut your honey out. You might become a rich man by it. You will +say that these insects might sting your fellow-lodgers and neighbors; +do not mind that; such views are old-fashioned. Follow the example of +certain other people, who place their bee-hives close to the street in +order to save the expense for sugar."</p> + +<p class="normal">The book-keeper seemed to wish to comply with this proposition.</p> + +<p class="normal">"If you mean----" he replied humbly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The devil I mean, sir," interrupted Hummel; "do not think of coming to +my office with a swarm of bees in your pocket. I am determined under no +circumstances to suffer such a nuisance. I am Bumble-bee enough for +this street and I object to all humming and swarming about my house and +garden."</p> + +<p class="normal">In the afternoon, when he was taking a walk in the garden with his wife +and daughter, he suddenly stopped.</p> + +<p class="normal">"What was it that flew through the air?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"It was a beetle," said his wife.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It was a bee," said Hummel. "Are this rabble beginning to fly about. +If there is anything I detest, it is bees. Why there is another. They +annoy you, Phillipine."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I cannot say so," she replied.</p> + +<p class="normal">A few minutes after, a bee flew about Laura's curls, and she was +obliged to protect herself with a parasol from the little worker, who +mistook her cheeks for a peach.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is strange; they were not so numerous formerly," said Hummel, to +the ladies; "it seems to me that a swarm of bees must have established +itself in a hollow tree of the park. The park-keeper sleeps out there +on a bench. You are on good terms with the man; call his attention to +it. The vermin are insufferable."</p> + +<p class="normal">Madam Hummel consented to make inquiries, and the park-keeper promised +to look to it. After a time he came to the hedge, and called out, in a +low voice:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Madam Hummel."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The man calls you," said Hummel.</p> + +<p class="normal">"They come from the garden of Mr. Hahn," reported the park-keeper, +cautiously; "there is a beehive there."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Really?" asked Hummel. "Is it possible that Hahn should have chosen +this amusement?"</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura looked at her father anxiously.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am a peaceful man, keeper, and I cannot believe my neighbor would do +us such an injury."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is certain, Mr. Hummel," said the park-keeper; "see, there is one +of the yellow things now."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That's so," cried Hummel, shaking his head; "it's yellow."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Don't mind, Henry; perhaps it will not be so bad," said his wife, +soothingly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Not so bad?" asked Hummel, angrily. "Shall I have to see the bees +buzzing around your nose? Shall I have to suffer my wife to go about +the whole summer with her nose swollen up as large as an apple? Prepare +a room for the surgeon immediately: he will never be out of our house +during the next month."</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura approached her father.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I can see you wish to begin a quarrel anew with our neighbors: if you +love me, do not do so. I cannot tell you, father, how much this +quarreling annoys me. Indeed I have suffered too much from it."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I believe you," replied Hummel, cheerfully. "But it is because I love +you that I must in good time put an end to this annoyance from over +there, before these winged nuisances carry away honey from our garden. +I don't intend to have you attacked by the bees of any of our +neighbors, do you understand me?"</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura turned and looked gloomily in the water, on which the fallen +catkins of the birch were swimming slowly towards the town.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do something, keeper, to preserve peace between neighbors," continued +Hummel. "Take my compliments to Mr. Hahn, with the request from me that +he will remove his bees, so that I may not be obliged to call in the +police again."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I will tell him, Mr. Hummel, that the bees are disagreeable to the +neighborhood; for it is true the gardens are small."</p> + +<p class="normal">"They are so narrow that one could sell them in a bandbox at a +Christmas fair," assented Hummel. "Do it out of pity to the bees +themselves. Our three daffodils will not last them long as food, and +afterwards there will be nothing for them but to gnaw the iron +railings."</p> + +<p class="normal">He gave the park-keeper a few coppers, and added, to his wife and +daughter:</p> + +<p class="normal">"You see how forbearing I am to our neighbor, for the sake of peace."</p> + +<p class="normal">The ladies returned to the house, depressed and full of sad +forebodings.</p> + +<p class="normal">As the park-keeper did not appear again, Mr. Hummel watched for him on +the following day.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Well, how is it?" he asked.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Mr. Hahn thinks that the hives are far enough from the street; they +are behind a bush and they annoy no one. He will not give up his +rights."</p> + +<p class="normal">"There it is!" broke out Hummel. "You are my witness that I have done +all in the power of man to avoid a quarrel. The fellow has forgotten +that there is a Section 167. I am sorry, keeper; but the police must be +the last resort."</p> + +<p class="normal">Mr. Hummel conferred confidentially with a policeman. Mr. Hahn became +excited and angry when he was ordered to appear in court, but Hummel +had in some measure the best of it, for the police advised Mr. Hahn to +avoid annoyance to the neighbours and passers-by by the removal of the +hive. Mr. Hahn had taken great pleasure in his bees; their hive had +been fitted with all the new improvements, and they were not like our +irritable German bees; they were an Italian sort, which only sting when +provoked to the utmost. But this was all of no avail, for even the +Doctor and his mother herself begged that the hives might be removed; +so, one dark night they were carried away, with bitter and depressed +feelings, into the country. In the place which they had occupied he +erected some starlings' nests on poles. They were a poor comfort. The +starlings had, according to old customs, sent messengers of their race +through the country and hired their summer dwellings, and only the +sparrows took exulting possession of the abode, and like disorderly +householders, left long blades of grass hanging from their nests. Mr. +Hummel shrugged his shoulders contemptuously, and in a loud bass voice, +called the new invention the sparrow telegraph.</p> + +<p class="normal">The garden amusements had begun; the sad prognostication had become a +reality; suspicion and gloomy looks once more divided the neighboring +houses.</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>CHAPTER XVIII</i>.</h2> + +<h3>CLOUDLETS.</h3> + +<p class="normal">A Professor's wife has much to bear with her husband. When Ilse found +herself seated with her friends, the wives of Professors Raschke, +Struvelius, and Günther, over a cozy cup of coffee, which was by no +means slighted, all manner of things came to light.</p> + +<p class="normal">Conversation with these cultured ladies was indeed delightful. It first +touched lightly on the subject of servants, and the troubles of +housekeeping called forth a volubility of chatter, like the croaking of +frogs in a pond, and Ilse wondered that even Flamina Struvelius should +express herself so earnestly on the subject of pickling gherkins, and +that she should anxiously inquire as to the marks of age on a plucked +goose. Merry Mrs. Gunther shocked the ladies of greater experience and +at the same time made them laugh, when she told them she could not bear +the cry of little children, and that as to her own--of which she had +none yet--she would from the beginning train them to quiet habits with +the rod. As has been said, the conversation rambled from greater +matters to small talk like this. And amidst other trivial remarks it +naturally happened that men were quietly discussed, and it was evident +that, although the remarks were made as to men in general, each thought +of her own husband, and each, without expressing it, thought of the +secret load of cares she had to bear, and each one convinced her +hearers that her own individual husband was also difficult to manage. +The lot of Mrs. Raschke was indeed not to be concealed, as it was +notorious throughout the whole town. It was well known that one +market-day her husband went to the lecture-room in a brilliant orange +and blue dressing-gown, of a Turkish pattern. And the collegians, who +loved him dearly and knew his habits well, could not suppress a +loud laugh, while Raschke hung his dressing-gown quietly over the +reading-desk and began to lecture in his shirt sleeves, and returned +home in the great-coat of a student. Since then Mrs. Raschke never let +him go out without looking after him herself. It also transpired that +after living ten years in the town he constantly lost his way, and she +did not dare to change her residence, being convinced that if she did, +the Professor would always be going back to his old abode. Struvelius +also gave trouble. The last affair of importance had come to Ilse's +personal knowledge; but it was also known that he required his wife to +correct the proof-sheets of his Latin writings, as she had a slight +knowledge of the language--and that he could not resist giving orders +to traveling wine merchants. Mrs. Struvelius, after her marriage, found +her cellar full of large and small casks of wine, which had as yet not +been bottled, while he himself complained bitterly that he could not +replenish his stock. And even little Mrs. Günther related that her +husband could not give up working at night; and that on one occasion, +poking about with a lamp amongst the books, he came too close to a +curtain, which caught fire, and on pulling it down he burnt his hands, +and rushed into the bedroom with his fingers black as coals, more like +an Othello than a mineralogist.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse related nothing of her short career, but she had also had some +experience. True, her husband was very good about working at night, was +very discreet over his wine, though on great occasions he drank his +glass bravely, as became a German Professor. But as to his eating, +matters were very unsatisfactory. Certainly it does not do to care too +much about food, especially for a Professor, but not to be able to +distinguish a duck from a goose is rather discouraging for her who has +striven to procure him a dainty. As for carving he was useless. The +tough Stymphalian birds which Hercules destroyed, and the ungenial +Phœnix, mentioned with such respect by his Tacitus, were much better +known to him than the form of a turkey. Ilse was not one of those women +who delight to spend the whole day in the kitchen, but she understood +cooking, and prided herself on giving a dinner worthy of her husband. +But all was in vain. He sometimes tried to praise the dishes, but Ilse +clearly saw that he was not sincere. Once when she set a splendid +pheasant before him, he saw by her expression that she expected some +remark, so he praised the cook for having secured such a fine chicken. +Ilse sighed and tried to make him understand the difference, but had to +be content with Gabriel's sympathizing remark: "It's all useless. I +know my master; he can't tell one thing from another!" Since then, Ilse +had to rest content with the compliments that the gentlemen invited to +tea paid her at the table. But this was no compensation. The Doctor +also was not remarkable for his acquirements in this direction. It was +lamentable and humiliating to see the two gentlemen over a brace of +snipes which her father had sent them from the country.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor, however, looked up to the Doctor as a thoroughly +practical man, because he had had some experience in buying and +managing, and the former was accustomed to call in his friend as an +adviser on many little daily occurrences. The tailor brought samples of +cloth for a new coat. The Professor looked at the various colors of the +samples in a distracted manner. "Ilse, send for the Doctor to help me +make a choice!" Ilse sent, but unwillingly; no Doctor was needed, she +thought, to select a coat, and if her dear husband could not make up +his mind, was not she there? But that was of no avail; the Doctor +selected the coat, waistcoat, and the rest of the Professor's wardrobe. +Ilse listened to the orders in silence, but she was really angry with +the Doctor, and even a little with her husband. She quietly determined +that things should not continue so. She hastily calculated her +pocket-money, called the tailor into her room, and ordered a second +suit for her husband, with the injunction to make this one first. When +the tailor brought the clothes home, she asked her husband how he liked +the new suit. He praised it. Then she said: "To please you I make +myself as nice-looking as I can: for my sake wear what I have made for +you. If I have succeeded this time, I hope that I may in future choose +and be responsible for your wardrobe."</p> + +<p class="normal">But the Doctor looked quite amazed when he met the Professor in a +different suit. It so happened, however, that he had nothing to find +fault with; and when Ilse was sitting alone with the Doctor, she +began--"Both of us love my husband; therefore let us come to some +agreement about him. You have the greatest right to be the confidant of +his labors, and I should never venture to place myself on an equality +with you respecting them. But where my judgment is sufficient I may at +least be useful to him, and what little I can, dear Doctor, pray allow +me to do."</p> + +<p class="normal">She said this with a smile; but the Doctor walked gravely up to her.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You are expressing what I have long felt. I have lived with him for +many years, and have often lived for him, and that was a time of real +happiness to me; but now I fully recognize that it is you who have the +best claim to him. I shall have to endeavor to control myself in many +things; it will be hard for me, but it is better it should be so."</p> + +<p class="normal">"My words were not so intended," said Ilse, disturbed.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I well understand what you meant; and I know also that you are +perfectly right. Your task is not alone to make his life comfortable. I +see how earnestly you strive to become his confidant. Believe me, the +warmest wish of my heart is that in time you should succeed."</p> + +<p class="normal">He left with an earnest farewell, and Ilse saw how deeply moved he was. +The Doctor had touched a chord, the vibration of which, midst all her +happiness, she felt with pain. Her household affairs gave her little +trouble, and all went so smoothly that she took no credit to herself +for her management. But still it pained her to see how little her work +was appreciated by her husband, and she thought to herself, "What I am +able to do for him makes no impression on him, and when I cannot +elevate my mind to his, he probably feels the want of a soul that can +understand him better."</p> + +<p class="normal">These were transient clouds which swept over the sunny landscape, but +they came again and again as Ilse sat brooding alone in her room.</p> + +<p class="normal">One evening, Professor Raschke having looked in late, showed himself +disposed to pass the evening with them, and Felix sent the servant to +the Professor's wife, to set her mind at rest as to the absence of her +husband. As Raschke, among all her husband's colleagues, was Ilse's +favorite, she took pains to order something that would please him. This +order doomed to death some chickens that shortly before had been +brought in alive. The gentlemen were sitting in Ilse's room when a +dreadful scream and clamor issued from the kitchen, and the cook, pale +as death, opened the door and appealed to her mistress. It appeared +that the girl's heart failed her in attempting to kill the fowls and as +Gabriel, who had hitherto performed all such necessary slaughter, was +absent, she did not know what to do, so Ilse herself had to perform the +indispensable act. When she returned, Felix unfortunately asked why she +had left the room, and Ilse told him what had occurred.</p> + +<p class="normal">The chickens were placed upon the table and did the cook no discredit. +Ilse carved and served them, but her husband pushed back his plate, +whilst Raschke, out of politeness, picked at the breast, but forbore to +eat a morsel. Ilse regarded the two gentlemen with astonishment.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You do not eat anything, Professor?" she at last said to her guest, +anxiously.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is only a morbid weakness," replied Raschke, "and it's very foolish +indeed, but the screams of the poor bird still linger in my ear."</p> + +<p class="normal">"And in yours, too, Felix?" asked Ilse, with increasing wonderment.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes," rejoined he. "Is it not possible to have these things done +quietly?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Not always," answered Ilse, mortified, "when the house is so small, +and the kitchen so near." She rang and ordered the ill-fated dish to be +taken away. "Those who can't bear things to be killed should eat no +meat."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You are quite right," replied Raschke, submissively, "and our +sensitiveness has but little justification. We find the preparations +unpleasant, yet as a rule we are well satisfied with the result. But +when one is accustomed to observe animal life with sympathy, he is +necessarily shocked at the sudden termination of an organism for his +own selfish purposes, when it is done in a way to which he is not +accustomed. For the whole life of an animal is full of mystery to us. +The same vital power which we observe in ourselves, is fundamentally at +work with them, only limited by a less complicated, and, on the whole, +less complete organization."</p> + +<p class="normal">"How can you compare their souls with that of man's?" asked Ilse; "the +irrational with the rational; the transitory with the eternal?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"As to irrational, my dear lady, it is a word to which in this case one +does not attach a very clear meaning. What the difference may be +between man and beast is difficult to decide, and on this subject a +little modesty becomes us. We know but little of animals, even of those +who pass their lives among us. And I confess that the attempt to fathom +this unknown problem fills me with awe and reverence, which +occasionally rises into fear. I cannot bear that any one who belongs to +me should grow fond of an animal. This arises from a weakness of +feeling which I own is sentimental. But the influence of the human mind +on animals has always seemed to me wonderful and weird; phases of their +life are developed, which in certain directions make them very similar +to man. Their affectionate devotion to us has something so touching in +it, that we are disposed to bestow much more love on them than is good +either for them or us."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Still an animal remains what it was from the creation," said Ilse; +"unchanged in its habits and inclinations. We can train a bird, and +make a dog fetch and carry what he would rather eat, but that is only +an outward compulsion. If let to themselves, their nature and manners +remain unaltered, and what we call culture they lack utterly."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Even upon that point we are by no means sure," rejoined Raschke. "We +do not know but that each race of animals has a history and an +evolution which extends from the earliest generation to the present. It +is not at all impossible that acquirements and knowledge of the world, +so far as they may exist in animals, have acted among them, though in a +narrower sphere, just as with men. It is quite an assumption that birds +sang just the same way a thousand years ago as they do now. I believe +that the wolf and the lynx, in cultivated regions, stand on the same +footing in the struggle for life as do the remnants of the red +Indians among the whites; whilst those animals that live in comparative +peace with man, like sparrows and other small creatures, and bees +especially, improve in their mode of work, and in the course of time +make progress--progress which we in some cases surmise, but which our +science has not yet been able to describe."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Our forester would quite agree with you in this," said Ilse, quietly; +"as he complains bitterly that the bullfinches of our neighborhood +have, within his memory, quite deteriorated in their singing, because +all the good singers have been caught, and the young birds have no one +to teach them."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Exactly," said Raschke; "among animals of every species there are +clever and stupid individuals, and it must follow that to some of them +is assigned a definite spiritual mission which extends far beyond their +own life. And the experience of an old raven, or the enchanting notes +of a melodious nightingale, are not lost on the future generations of +their race, but influence them continuously. In this sense we may well +speak of culture and continued improvement among animals. But as +regards the cooking, I admit that we exhibited our sympathies at the +wrong time and place, and I hope you are not angry with us, dear +friend."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It shall all be forgotten now," replied Ilse, "I will give you boiled +eggs the next time; they will involve no scruples."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The egg, too, has its story," answered Raschke; "but for the present, +I may fitly waive discussing this. What has brought me here," +addressing Felix, earnestly, "was neither fowls nor eggs, but our +colleague, Struvelius. I am seeking forgiveness for him."</p> + +<p class="normal">Felix drew himself up stiffly. "Has he commissioned you to come?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Not exactly; but it is the wish of some of our colleagues. You know +that next year we require an energetic Rector. Some of our acquaintance +are speaking of you. Struvelius will probably be Deacon, and for this +reason we wish to bring you into friendly relations; and still more for +the sake of peace at the University. We regret exceedingly to see our +classicists at variance."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What the man has done to me," replied the Professor, proudly, "I can +easily forgive, although his mean and underhand conduct has deeply +offended me. I feel much more seriously the effect of his foolish work +upon himself and our University. What separates me from him is the +dishonesty of spirit that has actuated his conduct."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The expression is too strong," cried Raschke.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It applies to his behavior exactly," returned the Professor. "When the +forgery was pointed out to him, his fear of humiliation was greater +than his love of truth, and he lied in order to deceive others--conduct +unworthy of a German professor, and I can never forgive it."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Again you are too severe," replied Raschke; "he has frankly and +loyally admitted his error."</p> + +<p class="normal">"He did so only when Magister Knips and others clearly proved the +forgery that had been committed in the manuscript, and so made any +further evasion impossible."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Human feelings are not so easy to analyze as numbers are," rejoined +Raschke; "and only he who judges charitably, judges rightly. He +struggled with wounded pride perhaps too long, but he gave in at last."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I tolerate no unknown quantity in the sense of honor of a scientist; +the question here was: Black or white? Truth or falsehood?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"You have, nevertheless," said Ilse, "shown the Magister much greater +leniency, and I have seen him with you since, more than once."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The Magister was less to blame in the matter," her husband replied. +"When the question was clearly before him, he employed his acuteness to +some purpose."</p> + +<p class="normal">"He took money for it," said Ilse.</p> + +<p class="normal">"He is a poor devil, accustomed, as a broker, to take his profits on +any exchange of antiquities, and no one would expect in such a +transaction that he should act like a gentleman. So far as his +oppressed spirit belongs to science, it is not without a sort of manly +pride; and I have the warmest sympathy for a nature of that kind. His +life on the whole is a continual martyrdom to the interests of others; +and when I employ such a man, I know exactly how far to trust him."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do not deceive yourself in that!" cried Raschke.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I shall take the risk and the responsibility," replied the Professor. +"But have done with the Magister--it is not he who is in question. When +I compare his offense with that of Struvelius, there is no doubt in my +mind as to who has shown the greater deficiency in sense of honor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"This again is so unjust," cried Raschke, "that I cannot listen to such +expressions in the absence of my colleague. It is with deep regret that +I miss in you the candor and dispassionate impartiality which I +consider to be unreservedly demanded in judging a fellow-professor."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You yourself told me," replied Felix, more quietly, "that he promised +silence to the trader, because the latter had held out the prospect of +obtaining other secret parchments. How can you, after such an +exhibition of selfishness, find a word to say in his defense?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is true he did so," replied Raschke, "and therein was his +weakness?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Therein was his dishonesty," said the Professor, "and that I shall +never condone. Whoever thinks otherwise, may shake his hand in +approbation of his conduct."</p> + +<p class="normal">Raschke rose. "If your words mean that he who grasps the hand of +Struvelius in pardon for what he has done, has lost in character and +self-respect, I reply to you that I am the man, and that this act of +mine has never lessened my sense of dignity nor humiliated me in my own +eyes. I entertain the highest respect for your pure and manly feelings, +which I have ever deemed exemplary; but I must now tell you, that I am +not satisfied with you. If this obduracy has come upon you merely +because Struvelius has personally offended you, you are violating the +standard which we are ever in duty bound to observe in judging our +fellow men."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Let it not be observed then!" exclaimed the Professor. "I recognize no +standard of leniency when I have to do with the demands which I make +upon the sense of honor and propriety in my personal acquaintances. It +affects me deeply that you are opposed to me in this way of thinking; +but such as I am, an erring and imperfect mortal, I cannot moderate +these claims upon those about me.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Let me hope then," broke in Raschke, "that it will never be your +misfortune to have to confess to others that you have been deceived +by an impostor in the very matter wherein your consciousness of +self-reliance has been so strongly aroused. For he who judges others so +proudly, would suffer no small affliction in the confession of his own +shortsightedness."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, that would be fearful for me," said Felix, "to involve others in +error and falsehood against my will. But trust me, to atone for such a +wrong I would use all my life and strength. Meanwhile, between that man +and me the gulf will remain as dark as ever."</p> + +<p class="normal">Raschke shoved back his chair. "I must go, then, for our discussion has +so excited me that I should make a very unentertaining companion. It is +the first time, my dear lady, that I have ever left this house with any +feeling of unpleasantness; and it is not my least annoyance, that my +untimely advocacy of the existence of souls in poultry made me bristle +up my crest against you also."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse regarded the excited countenance of the worthy man with pain, and, +in order to soothe him and restore the old friendly relations, she said +to him, coaxingly: "But you shall not escape the poor chicken, you'll +have to eat it, and I shall take care that your wife gives it to you +to-morrow morning for breakfast."</p> + +<p class="normal">Raschke pressed her hand, and rushed out through the door. The +Professor walked up and down the room in agitation, and then stopping +before his wife said, abruptly, "Was I in the wrong?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I don't know," replied Ilse, hesitating; "but when our friend spoke to +you, all my feelings went with him, and I felt that he was right."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You, too!" said the Professor, moodily. He turned on his heel and went +into his study.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse once more sat alone with a heavy heart, and she murmured, "In many +things he looks on life very differently from what I do. Towards +animals he is kinder, and towards men sometimes harsher than I am. +Strive as I may, I shall always be to him an awkward country lass. He +was kind to Madam Rollmaus, and will be so towards me; but he will ever +have to make allowances for me."</p> + +<p class="normal">She sprung from her chair with a burning face.</p> + +<p class="normal">In the meantime Raschke was roving about in the anteroom; there too +disorder prevailed. Gabriel had not returned from his distant errand, +and the cook had put all the dinner things upon a side-table till his +return, and Raschke had to look for his own great-coat. He groped among +the clothes and seized a coat and a hat. As to-day he was not as +absent-minded as usual, a glance at the rejected meal reminded him of +the fact that he had to eat a chicken, as enjoined by Ilse. He, +therefore, seized a newspaper which Gabriel had carefully laid out for +his master, took the chicken from the dish, wrapped it up in the paper, +and deposited it in his pocket, the depth and capacity of which +agreeably surprised him. Rushing past the astonished cook he left the +house. On opening the front door he stumbled over something on the +threshold, and heard a fearful growl behind him as he hurried down the +steps into the open air.</p> + +<p class="normal">The words of the friend whose house he had just left, still rung in his +ear. Werner's whole bearing had been very characteristic, and his +nature was a strong one. Strange, that in a moment of anger his face +had suddenly assumed a likeness to that of a Danish dog. Here the +philosopher's chain of ideas was broken by the sudden recollection of +the talk about animal souls.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is indeed to be deplored that it is still so difficult to determine +the significance of expression as revealing the animal soul. If success +attended our efforts here, science too would gain by it. If the +expressions and gestures exhibited in moments of passion by man and the +higher animals could be compared and collated in every detail, +important and interesting inferences might be drawn, both from that +which they manifested in common and from that wherein they differed. +For, in this way, the true nature and purport of their dramatic +actions, and probably new laws governing the same, might be +ascertained."</p> + +<p class="normal">Whilst the philosopher was thus meditating, he felt a repeated tugging +at the end of his overcoat. As his wife was accustomed, when he was +wrapt in thought, to nudge him gently if he met a friend, he paid no +attention, but took off his hat politely to the post on the bridge, and +said, "Good evening."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The common character and origin of mimical expression in man and the +higher animals might, perhaps, if fully known, give us glimpses into +the great secret of life." Again something pulled him. Raschke +mechanically lifted his hat. Another tug. "No more, dear Aurelia, I +have taken my hat off." It then occurred to him that it could not be +his wife who was pulling so low down at his coat. It must be his little +daughter Bertha, who occasionally walked with him, and, just like her +mother, would also nudge him gently when he had to bow to any one. +"Very well, dear child," said he, as Bertha kept continually pulling at +his hind coat pocket, and he put his hand behind him to catch the +little teazer. He caught hold of something round and shaggy, and at +once felt the sharp edges of teeth in his fingers, which made him turn +round with a start. He then saw, by the lamplight, a red, brindled +monster, with a great head and bristly hair, and a tuft instead of a +tail. It was an awful transformation of wife and daughter, and he +stared with amazement at this mysterious being, that stood opposite to +him, likewise regarding him in silence.</p> + +<p class="normal">"A remarkable meeting," cried Raschke. "What art thou, unknown +beast--presumably a dog? Get away with thee!" The animal slunk back a +few paces, and Raschke pursued his inquiry further. "If the facial +expression and the gesticulation attendant upon emotion could be thus +referred and traced back to original and common forms, the instinctive +tendency to appropriate and to adapt what is foreign would undoubtedly +result as one of the most universal and effective of laws. It would be +instructive from the involuntary actions of men and animals to +ascertain that which naturally belonged to each species and that which +each had acquired. Get away, dog;--home with you, I say! What is he +after, anyway? He is apparently one of Werner's people. The poor brute +is possessed of some overpowering idea and will lose his way running +about the city!"</p> + +<p class="normal">In the meantime, Spitehahn's attacks had become more violent, and he at +last dropped into a ludicrous march upon his hind legs, while, placing +his forefeet on the Professor's back, he buried his nose in the +latter's coat-pocket.</p> + +<p class="normal">Raschke's interest in the thoughts of the dog increased. He stopped by +a lamp-post and carefully examined his overcoat. He found that it +possessed a cape and long sleeves, which the philosopher had never +observed before on his own coat. The matter was now clear: he had +thoughtlessly taken the wrong coat, and the honest dog meant to +preserve his master's wardrobe, and to make the thief restore it. +Raschke was so pleased with the dog's cleverness, that he turned round +and spoke coaxingly to Spitehahn, trying to stroke his bristly coat. +The dog snapped at his hand. "You are quite right," said Raschke, "in +being angry with me. I will show you that I confess I am in the wrong." +So he took the coat off, and hung it over his arm. "It is, indeed, much +heavier than my own." He marched briskly on in his light coat, and saw +with satisfaction that the dog made no more attacks on his skirts. On +the other hand, Spitehahn seized the greatcoat, and began biting at it, +snapping at the Professor's hand and growling furiously.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor got angry with the dog, and as he came to a bench in the +Promenade, he laid the coat down on it, in order to deal with the +animal in earnest, and drive him home. By this means he got rid of the +dog and, what was more, of the coat too; for Spitehahn, jumping up +eagerly on the bench with a mighty leap, seized the coat, and kept the +Professor at bay. "It is Werner's coat," said the Professor, "and it is +Werner's dog, and it would be unjustifiable to beat the poor animal +because in his fidelity he has become excited, and it would be also +wrong to leave both dog and coat." So he remained with the dog, trying +to coax him; the animal, however, took no further notice of the +Professor; on the contrary, he devoted himself to the coat, which he +turned over and over again, scraping and gnawing at it. Raschke +perceived that the coat would not long stand such treatment. "The dog +must be mad," he said to himself, suspiciously, "and I shall have to +resort to violence after all towards the poor creature;" and he +considered whether it were better to jump up on the bench and drive the +mad dog off with a good kick, or to make the unavoidable attack from +below. He decided on the latter, and searched about for a stone or +stick to arm himself for the encounter. He then looked up at the trees +and the dark sky, and could not in the least tell where he was. "Is +this witchcraft?" he said to himself, amused. "Pray tell me," +addressing a solitary passer-by, "in what part of the town we are; and +will you have the goodness to lend me your stick for a moment?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"These are strange questions," replied the stranger, in a surly tone. +"I want my stick myself at this time of night. And who are you, sir, I +should like to know?" And he approached the Professor menacingly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am a peaceable man," replied the Professor, "and little inclined to +violent courses. But a struggle has commenced between that dog on the +bench and me about an overcoat, and I should be extremely obliged to +you if you would rescue the coat from the dog. But pray do no more harm +to him than is absolutely necessary."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Is it your coat?" asked the man.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Unfortunately, I cannot say it is," replied Raschke, conscientiously.</p> + +<p class="normal">"There is something wrong here," cried the stranger, again looking with +suspicion at the Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Something, indeed," replied Raschke; "the dog is mad, the coat has +been changed, and I don't know where we are."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Close to the Valley Gate, Professor Raschke," answered the voice of +Gabriel, who rapidly joined the group. "But, pardon me, how came you +here?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"How opportune," cried Raschke, delighted; "just take charge of the +coat and the dog."</p> + +<p class="normal">With astonishment Gabriel saw his friend Spitehahn, who was now sitting +on the coat, quite abashed and chapfallen at the sight of his master. +Gabriel drove the dog off, and seized the coat. "It is my own +overcoat!" he said.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, Gabriel," rejoined the Professor, "that was my mistake, and the +dog has displayed a wonderful fidelity in guarding it."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Fidelity!" said Gabriel, indignantly, as he pulled a parcel out of the +pocket; "it was greedy selfishness. There must be something to eat in +here."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Ah! I recollect now," cried Raschke; "it is the fowl that's to blame. +Give me the parcel, Gabriel; I must eat it myself. And we may now wish +one another good-night in peace, unless you will go with me a little +way to show me the road amongst these trees."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But you can't go in this night air without an overcoat," said the +tender-hearted Gabriel. "We are not far from our house, and it would be +better for you to return with me to the Professor's."</p> + +<p class="normal">Raschke paused a while, and laughed. "You are quite right, my good +Gabriel: my sudden departure was all wrong, and the soul of an animal +has this day given a lesson to a human soul."</p> + +<p class="normal">"If you mean this dog," replied Gabriel, "it is the first time in his +life he has given anybody a lesson. I suppose that he followed you from +our door, for I put bones there for him every evening."</p> + +<p class="normal">"At one time I thought he was quite mad," said the Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"He is a sly one when he chooses," replied Gabriel, with an air of +mystery; "but if I were to tell all my experiences with him to this +day----"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do tell me, Gabriel," cried the Professor, quite excited. "Nothing is +so valuable with respect to animals as authentic anecdotes, collected +by those who have observed them closely."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I can vouch for my experience," said Gabriel, with an air of +confidence; "and if you really wish to know what he is, I can tell you +he is possessed--he is a devil--he's a depraved brute--and bears a +grudge against the whole human race!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Hum!--is that so?" murmured the philosopher. "I believe it is much +easier to look into the heart of a Professor than that of a dog."</p> + +<p class="normal">Spitehahn crept along quietly but depressed, with his tail between his +legs, listening to the praise bestowed on him, whilst Raschke, +accompanied by Gabriel, returned through the park to the house. Gabriel +flung open the parlor door, and announced "Professor Raschke."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse stretched out both hands, "Welcome--welcome, dear Professor!" and +led him in to her husband's study.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Here I am again," said Raschke, in a cheerful tone, "after an +adventure like a fairy tale. I have been brought back by two animals +who have shown me the right path--a roast fowl and a perverted dog."</p> + +<p class="normal">Felix sprang to his feet, the two friends shook hands cordially, and, +after all misunderstanding, the evening passed off most pleasantly.</p> + +<p class="normal">When Raschke at length withdrew, Gabriel said sorrowfully to his +mistress: "It was the new coat; the chicken and the dog have ruined it +beyond all recognition."</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>CHAPTER XIX</i>.</h2> + +<h3>THE ILLNESS.</h3> + +<p class="normal">It was the first burst of spring in the wood and gardens adjoining the +city. The buds and the caterpillars had slumbered together in quiet +winter dreams; now the leaves expanded, and the grubs crawled over the +young green shoots. Under the bright rays of the sun in its higher +course, the struggle of life began,--the blooming and withering, the +rich colors, and the frost under which they were to fade, the bright +green leaves and the caterpillars that gnawed them; the eternal strife +began anew in buds and blossoms just as in the heart of man.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse, in her hours of instruction, was now reading Herodotus; he, too, +was a harbinger of spring for the human race; hovering above the +borderland between dreamy poetry and unclouded reality, the glad +proclaimer of a time in which the people of the earth rejoiced in their +own beauty and perfection, and first began to seek seriously truth and +knowledge. Again Ilse read with passionate excitement the pages which +brought a shattered world before her eyes with such vivid reality. But +there was not the same serene and exalted pleasure in the narrative as +in the works of the great poet who so directed the fate and deeds of +his heroes as to produce a pleasing impression upon the mind, even when +they excited sorrow and fear. For it is the privilege of human +invention to form the world as the tender heart of man desires it; with +alternations and fitting proportions of happiness and sorrow, the +recognition of each individual according to his powers and actions, and +due compensation. But the mind which here delineated the life of the +past, did so in a superhuman manner, life crowded life, so that one +devastated the other, destruction mercilessly overtook them, good and +bad alike; here too, there was retribution; here, too, there was a +curse, but their effect was incomprehensible and cruel. What was good +ceased to be good, and evil gained the victory. What was first a +blessing afterwards became ruin; what was now beneficent greatness and +dominion, afterwards became a disease, which destroyed the state. The +individual heroes were of little importance; if a great human power +rose and dominated for a moment. Ilse soon saw it disappear in the +whirling stream of events. Crœsus, the over-confident, good-hearted +king, fell; the powerful Cyrus passed away, and Xerxes was beaten. But +nations also sank, the blooming flower of Egypt withered, the golden +realm of Lydia was shattered, and mighty Persia first corrupted others +and then itself. In the young Hellenic people, that rose with such +heroic strength, she already saw busily at work violence, evil deeds, +and enmities, through which the most beautiful picture of antiquity, +after short prosperity, was to pass away.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse and Laura were sitting opposite each other, with an open book +lying between them. Laura, indeed, was not admitted to the private +lessons of the Professor, but her soul faithfully accompanied Ilse on +the path of learning. Ilse imparted the acquisitions of her hours of +instructions to her, and enjoyed the sweet pleasure of infusing new +ideas into the mind of her friend.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I felt great indignation at this Xerxes," cried Laura, "even from what +I read in the primer:</p> + +<div class="poem"> +<p class="t4">'Xantippe was a cross, mean thing<br> +No peace her husband had.<br> +But Xerxes was a Persian King<br> +And he was just as bad.'</p> +</div> + +<p class="continue">I long thought that Xantippe was his wife, and I wish he had had her. +On the other hand, look at the three hundred Spartans who sent the +others home and encircled themselves with wreaths, anointed themselves, +and put on the festive garb to march to death. That elevates the heart; +they were men. If I could show my veneration for their memory by means +of my stupid head and weak hands, I would work for it till my fingers +ached. But what can a poor creature like me do? At the utmost, +embroider traveling-bags for their journey to the lower world, and +these would come two thousand years too late. We women are pitiable +creatures," she exclaimed, with vexation.</p> + +<p class="normal">"There were others in the battle," said Ilse, "who affected me more +than the three hundred Spartans. These were the Thespians, who fought +and died with them. The Spartans were impelled by their proud hearts +and the strict discipline and commands of their rulers. But the +Thespians died willingly. They were a small people, and they well knew +that the greatest honor would attach to their distinguished neighbors. +But they were faithful in their humble position, and that was far more +self-sacrificing and noble. Ah! it was easy for all of them," she +continued, sorrowfully; "but for those who remained behind, their poor +parents, wives and children at home, what destruction of happiness and +unspeakable misery!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Misery!" cried Laura; "if they thought as I do, they were proud of the +death of their loved ones, and like them wore garlands in their sorrow. +What is the purpose of our life if we cannot rejoice in giving +ourselves up for higher things?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"For higher things?" asked Ilse. "What men value higher than wife and +child, is that higher for us also? Our duty is to devote our whole +hearts to them, our children, and our home. When, therefore, they are +taken from us, our whole lives are desolated and nothing remains but +endless sorrow. It is natural for us to view their vocation differently +than they do themselves."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I would like to be a man," cried Laura. "Are we then so weak in mind +and spirit, that we must have less enthusiasm, less feeling of honor, +and less love for our Fatherland than they? It is a fearful thought to +be one's whole life long only the waiting-maid of a master who is no +stronger or better than oneself, and who wears overshoes, that his feet +may not get wet, and a woollen muffler the moment a breath of cold air +blows."</p> + +<p class="normal">"They do wear these things here in the town," replied Ilse, laughing.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, nearly all of them do," said Laura, evasively; "but believe me, +Frau Ilse, these men have no right to expect us to devote our whole +heart and lives to them. It is just the most thorough of them that do +not give us their full heart. And how should they? We are good enough +to entertain them, and darn their stockings, and perhaps become their +confidants, if they should accidentally be at a loss what to do; but +the best of them look beyond us to the great All, and in that is their +special life. What is right for them should also be fitting for us."</p> + +<p class="normal">"And have we not enough in what they give us of their life?" asked +Ilse. "If it is only a portion it makes us happy."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Is it happiness never to experience the highest of emotions?" +exclaimed Laura. "Can we die like Leonidas?"</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse pointed to the door of her husband's room. "My Hellas sits there +within and works, and my heart beats when I hear his step, or only the +scratching of his pen. To live or die for the man one loves is also an +elevating idea, and makes one happy. Ah, happy only if one knows that +one is a source of happiness to him also!"</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura threw herself at the feet of her friend, and looked entreatingly +into her anxious face. "I have made you serious with my prattling, and +that was wrong of me; for I would gladly conjure a smile to your lips +every hour, and always see a friendly light in those soft eyes. But do +bear with me; I am a strange, unaccountable girl, and often +discontented with myself and others, and frequently without knowing +why. But Xerxes was a good for nothing fellow, to that I stick; and if +I had him here I could box his ears every day."</p> + +<p class="normal">"At all events he received his due," replied Ilse.</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura started suddenly. "Was that a proper retribution for the wretch +who had destroyed or made miserable hundreds of thousands, to return +home without a scratch? No punishment would be severe enough for such a +wicked king. But I know right well how he became so; his mother and +father spoiled him; he had always lived at home, had grown up in luxury +and all men were subject to him. And so he treated all with contempt. +It would be the same with others if they were in the same position. I +can well imagine myself such a monster, and many of my acquaintances +too."</p> + +<p class="normal">"My husband?" asked Ilse.</p> + +<p class="normal">"No, he is more like Cyrus or Cambyses," replied Laura.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse laughed. "That is not true. But how would it be with the Doctor +over there?"</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura raised her hand threateningly towards the neighboring house. "He +would be Xerxes, just as he is in the book, if one could think of him +without spectacles, in a golden dressing-gown, with a sceptre in his +hand, without his good heart (for Fritz Hahn undoubtedly has that); +somewhat less clever than he is, and still more spoilt, as a man also +who has written no book, and learnt nothing but to treat others badly; +he would then be Xerxes out and out. I see him sitting before me on a +throne, by a brook, striking the water with a whip because it made his +boots wet. He might have become a very dangerous fellow if he had not +been born here close to the city park."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I think so too," replied Ilse. In the evening, in the course of her +hour of study. Ilse said to her husband: "When Leonidas died with his +heroes, he saved his countrymen from the rule of foreign barbarians; +but after him many thousands of these glorious men fell in the civil +wars of the cities. In these quarrels the people became deteriorated, +and before long other strangers came and deprived their descendants of +their freedom. For what end did these many thousands die?--of what use +was all the hatred, and enthusiasm, and party zeal?--it was all in +vain, it was all a token of decay. Man is here like a grain of sand +that is trodden down into the earth. I find myself facing a terrible +mystery and I am afraid of life."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I will endeavour to give you a solution," replied her husband, +seriously; "but the words which I am now about to speak to you are like +the key to the chambers of the wicked Bluebeard: do not open every room +too hastily, for in some of them you will discover what, in your +present frame of mind, may raise anew your fears."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am your wife," cried Ilse, "and if you have any answer for the +questions which torment me I demand it of you."</p> + +<p class="normal">"My answer is no secret to you," said the Professor. "You are not only +what you consider yourself--a human being born to joy and sorrow, +united to individuals by nature, love, and faith--but you are bound +body and soul to an earthly power, of which you think but little, but +which, nevertheless, guides you from the first breath you drew to the +last gasp of life. When I tell you that you are a child of your people, +and a child of the human race, the expression will come so naturally to +you that you will not assign any deep meaning to it. Yet this is your +highest earthly relation. We are too much accustomed from childhood on +to cherish in our hearts only the individuals to whom we are bound by +nature or choice, and we seldom stop to think that our nation is the +ancestor from whom our parents are descended, that has produced our +language, laws, manners, that has given us all we possess, given us +everything that constitutes our life, and almost all that determines +our fortunes, and elevates our hearts. Yet not our nation alone has +accomplished this; the peoples of the earth stand to one another as +brothers and sisters, and one nation helps to decide the life and fate +of others. All have lived, suffered, and worked together, in order that +you may live, enjoy, and do your part in life."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse smiled. "The bad king Cambyses, and his Persian also?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"They also," replied the Professor; "for the great net of which your +life is one of the meshes, is woven from an infinite number of threads, +and if one had been lost the web would be imperfect. Take first a +simple illustration. You are indebted to the people of a period, of +which every record is now wanting, for the table by which you sit, the +needle which you hold in your hand, and the rings on your fingers and +in your ears; the shuttle was invented by an unknown people in order +that your dress might be woven, and a similar palm-leaf pattern to that +which you wear, was devised in the manufactory of a Phœnician."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Good," said Ilse; "that pleases me; it is a charming thought that +antiquity has provided so considerately for my comfort."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Not that alone," continued the scholar. "What you know, and believe +also, and much that occupies your heart, has been delivered to you +through your nation from its own and foreign sources. Every word that +you speak has been transmitted and remodelled through hundreds of +generations, to receive thereby that sound and significance which you +now so easily command. It was for this object that our ancestors came +into the country from Asia, and that Arminius struggled with the Romans +for the preservation of our language, that you might be able to give +Gabriel an order which both could understand. It was for you the poets +lived, who, in the youth of the Hellenic people, invented the powerful +rhythm of the epic verse, which it gives me such pleasure to hear from +your lips. Furthermore, that you may believe, as you do, it was +necessary that three hundred years ago there should take place in your +Fatherland a great and mighty struggle of opinion; and again, more than +a thousand years earlier, a mighty conflict of the soul in a small +people of Asia; and again, fifty generations earlier still, venerated +commandments given under the tents of a wandering people. You have to +thank a past which begins with the first life of man on earth for most +that you have and are, and in this sense the whole human race has lived +in order that you might be able to live."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse looked excitedly at her husband. "The thought is elevating," she +exclaimed, "and is calculated to make man proud. But how does that +agree with this same man being a nonentity, and crushed like a worm in +the great events of history?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"As you are the child of your nation, and of the human race, so has +every individual been in every age; and as he has to thank that greater +human fabric, of which he is a portion, for his life and nearly all its +content, so is his fortune linked to the greater fortune of his nation +and to the destiny of mankind. Your people and your race have given you +much, and they require as much from you. They have preserved your body +and formed your mind, and they demand in return your body and mind. +However lightly and freely you move about as an individual, you are +answerable to these creditors for the use of your freedom. Whether, as +mild masters, they allow you to pass your life in peace, or at some +period demand it of you, your duty is the same; whilst you think that +you live and die for yourself, you live and die for them. Contemplated +in this way, the individual life is immeasurably small compared with +the great whole. To us, the individual man who has passed away can only +be discerned in so far as he has influenced others; it is only in +connection with those who preceded him, and those who come after him, +that he is of importance. But in this sense great and little are both +of value. For every one of us who brings up his children, or governs +the State, or in any way increases the welfare, comfort, and culture of +his race, performs a duty towards his people. Countless numbers do this +without any personal record of them remaining; they are like drops of +water, which, closely united with others, run on as one great stream, +not distinguishable by later eyes. But they have not on that account +lived in vain; and, as countless insignificant individuals are +preservers of culture, and workers for the duration of national +strength, so the highest of powers in individuals--the greatest heroes +and the noblest reformers--only represent in their lives a small +portion of that national strength. Whilst man struggles for himself and +his own ends, he unconsciously influences his own time, and his own +people for all futurity. By ennobling the ideals and duties of future +generations, he pays his own debt to life. You see, my beloved, how +death vanishes from history in such a conception. The result of life +becomes more important than life itself; beyond the man is the +nation--beyond the nation is mankind; every human being that has moved +upon earth has lived, not only for himself, but for all others, and for +us also; thus our life has been benefited by him. As the Greeks grew up +in noble freedom and passed away, and as their thoughts and labors have +benefited later generations of men, so our life, though it moves in a +small circle, will not be useless to future generations."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Ah!" cried Ilse, "that is a view of earthly life which is only +possible to those who do great things, and in whom later times will +take an interest; my blood runs cold at the thought. Are men, then, +only like flowers and weeds, and a nation like a great meadow, and what +remains, when they are mowed down by time, only useful hay, for later +generations? Surely all that once existed and all existing at present +have lived also for themselves, and for those whom they have loved, for +wife and children and friends, and they were something more than +ciphers among millions; something more than leaves on an enormous tree. +Though their existence is so insignificant and useless that you can +perceive no trace of their work, yet the life and the soul of the +beggar and the life and the soul of my poor invalid in the village are +guarded by a power which is greater than your great net that is woven +of the souls of men."</p> + +<p class="normal">She arose and gazed anxiously into her husband's face. "Bow your human +pride before a power that you do not understand."</p> + +<p class="normal">The scholar looked at his wife with deep solicitude. "I do bow humbly +before the thought that the great unity of human beings on this earth +is not the highest power of life. The only difference between you and +me is, that my mind is accustomed to hold intercourse With the higher +powers of earth. They are to me revelations so holy and worthy of +reverence, that I best love to seek the Eternal and Incomprehensible by +this path. You are accustomed to find the inscrutable in the +conceptions which have been impressed on your mind through pious +traditions; and I again repeat what I before said, your faith and +yearnings arise from the same source as mine, and we seek the same +light, though in different ways. What the Gods, and also the Angels and +Archangels were to the faith of earlier generations--higher powers +which, as messengers of the Highest, hovered about and influenced the +lives of men--the great intellectual unity of nations and mankind are +in another sense to us, personalities which endure and yet pass away, +though according to different laws from what individual men do. My +endeavour to understand these laws is one form of my piety. You +yourself will gradually learn to appreciate the modest and elevating +conceptions of the holy sphere in which I live. You also will gradually +discover that your faith and mine are about the same."</p> + +<p class="normal">"No," cried Ilse, "I see only one thing, a great gulf which divides my +thoughts from yours. Oh, deliver me from the anguish which tortures me +in my concern for your soul."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I cannot do it, nor can it be done in a day. It can only be done by +our own lives, by thousands of impressions and by thousands of days, in +which you will become accustomed to look upon the world as I do."</p> + +<p class="normal">He drew his wife, who was standing as if transfixed, nearer to him. +"Think of the text: 'In my father's house are many mansions.' He who so +spoke knew that man and wife are one through the strongest of earthly +feelings, which bears all and suffers all."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But what can I be to you to whom the individual is so little?" asked +Ilse, faintly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The highest and dearest being on earth, the flower of my nation, a +child of my race in whom I love and honour what was before and will +survive us."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse stood alone among the strange books; without, the wind howled +round the walls, the clouds flitted across the face of the moon; soon +the room became dark, and then was lighted up by a pale glimmer. In the +flickering light the walls seemed to spread and rise to an immeasurable +height; strange figures rose from among the books, they glided by the +walls, and were suspended from the ceiling, an army of grey shadows, +which by day were banished to the bookshelves, now came trooping +towards her, and the dead who continued to live as spirits on earth +stretched out their arms to her and demanded her soul for themselves.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse, with head erect, raised her hands on high, and called to her aid +the beautiful images, which from her childhood had surrounded her life +with blessing, white figures with shining countenances. She bent her +head and prayed: "O guard the peace of my soul."</p> + +<p class="normal">When Ilse entered her room she found a letter from her father on her +table; she opened it hastily, and, after reading the first lines, sank +down sobbing.</p> + +<p class="normal">Her father had informed her of the death of an old friend. The good +pastor had been borne away from the narrow valley to the place of rest, +which he had chosen in the churchyard, near his wife. He had never +recovered from the disquiet which the departure of Ilse had caused him; +he had passed the winter in lingering illness, and one warm spring +evening death came upon him while sitting before his peach-tree in the +garden. There the faithful servant found him, and ran with the terrible +news to the manor. A few hours before he had requested Clara to write +to his dear child in the city, that all was well with him.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse had often been anxious about the life of her friend during the +winter, so the account was not a surprise to her. Yet now she felt his +loss as a terrible misfortune; it was a life which had been firmly and +faithfully devoted to her; she well knew that in later years she had +become almost exclusively the object of his thoughts and fond +affections. She had abandoned one who had been part of her life, +impelled by a stronger feeling, and it now appeared as if she had done +wrong in parting from him. She saw the staff broken which had bound her +firmly to the feelings of her childhood. It seemed as if the ground +tottered beneath her, as if all had become insecure, the heart of her +husband, and her own future.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor found her dissolved in tears and bending over the letter; +her grief moved him, and he anxiously begged her to think of herself. +He spoke to her tenderly, and at last she raised her eyes to him and +promised to be composed.</p> + +<p class="normal">But it was in vain. After a few hours he was obliged to carry her to +bed.</p> + +<p class="normal">It was a dangerous illness. There were days in which she lay +unconscious in death-like weakness. When, at times, she opened her +weary eyes, she looked into the careworn countenance of her husband, +and saw Laura's curly head tenderly bending over her; then all would +vanish again in vague insensibility.</p> + +<p class="normal">It was a long struggle between life and death, but life was victorious. +Her first impression, when she awoke as from a painless slumber, was +the rustling of a black dress, and the large curl of Mrs. Struvelius, +who had popped her head through the closed curtains, and was gazing +sorrowfully on her with her great grey eyes. She gently called her +husband by name, and the next moment he was kneeling by her bed, +covering her hand with kisses; and the strong man had so completely +lost all self-control that he wept convulsively. She laid her hand on +his head, stroked the matted hair, and said to him, gently: "Felix, my +love, I will live."</p> + +<p class="normal">There followed now a time of great weakness and slow convalescence; she +had many an hour of helpless depression, but withal a faint smile would +play at times over her thin, pale lips.</p> + +<p class="normal">Spring had come. The buds had not all been destroyed by the frost of +the previous night, and the birds twittered before her windows. Ilse +was deeply moved to see what a good nurse her husband was,--how +adroitly he gave her medicine and food, and would scarcely suffer +anyone to take his place by her bedside; he stubbornly refused to take +a few hours' sleep in the night, till she herself begged him to do so, +and then he could not resist. She learned from Laura that he had been +in great distress of mind, and when she was at the worst had been quite +distracted and moody, and angry with every one. He had sat day and +night by her bedside, so that it was wonderful how he had been able to +endure it. "The physician was unable to manage him," said Laura; "but I +found the right way, for I threatened him seriously that I would +complain to you of his obstinacy. Then he consented to my taking his +place for a few hours, and at last Mrs. Struvelius also, but +unwillingly, because he maintained that her dress rustled too much."</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura herself showed how devoted was her love; she was always on the +spot, hovering noiselessly about the sick-bed like a bird; she would +sit motionless for hours, and when Ilse opened her eyes, and her +strength was a little restored, she had always something pleasant to +tell her. She informed her that Mrs. Struvelius had come on the second +day, and, after making a little speech to the Professor, in which she +solemnly claimed the right of a friend, she seated herself on the other +side of the bed. He, however, had not listened to what she said, and +had suddenly started and asked who she was, and what she wanted there. +She had answered him quietly that she was Flaminia Struvelius, and that +her heart gave her a right to be there; thereupon she repeated her +argument, and at last he gave in. "Her husband, too, has been here," +added Laura, cautiously. "Just when you were at the worst, he rushed up +to your husband, who shook hands with him, but, between ourselves, I do +not think he knew him. Then," related Laura, "that absurd fellow, +the Doctor, came the very first evening, with a blanket and a tin +coffee-machine, and declared he would watch also. As he could not be +allowed in the sick-room, he placed himself with his tin apparatus in +the Professor's room; the Professor took care of you, and the Doctor +took care of the Professor." Ilse drew Laura's head down to her, and +whispered in her ear, "and sister Laura took care of the Doctor." Upon +this Laura kissed her, but shook her head vehemently. "He was not +troublesome, at any rate," she continued; "he kept very quiet, and he +was useful as a Cerberus to keep away the visitors and dismiss the many +inquirers. This he did faithfully. If it were possible for you to see +him, I believe it would give him great pleasure."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse nodded. "Let him come in." The Doctor came; Ilse stretched out her +hand towards him; and felt from the warm pressure, and from the emotion +on his countenance, that the learned confidant of her beloved husband, +on whose approbation she had not always counted, was a true friend. +Ilse found also that other gentlemen pressed to her bedside.</p> + +<p class="normal">"If the wife of my colleague will give me audience, I beg to apply for +admittance," said a cheerful voice, outside.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Come in, Professor Raschke," cried Ilse, from her bed.</p> + +<p class="normal">"There she is," exclaimed he, louder than is usual in a sick-room, +"returned to the glad light after a dangerous crisis."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What are the souls of animals doing, dear Professor?" asked Ilse.</p> + +<p class="normal">"They are eating the leaves in the adjacent woods," answered Raschke; +"there have been numerous ladybirds this year; see, there is one flying +about the medicine bottle; I fear it has used me as a stage-coach to +come in to visit you. The trees stand like brooms, and the poultry +are so fat that all prejudices concerning the enjoyment of these +fellow-creatures are quite set aside. I count the days until the happy +moment arrives when my friend will follow me to give evidence of my +improvement."</p> + +<p class="normal">It was a slow recovery, but accompanied by abundant feelings of +comfort; for fate grants to convalescents, as a compensation for +danger and suffering, to see all around them, free from the dust of the +work-a-day world, in pure outlines and fresh brilliancy. Ilse now felt +this mild poetry of the sick-bed, when she held out her hand to the +honest Gabriel, which he kissed, holding his handkerchief to his eyes, +whilst the Professor extolled his devoted service. She felt this +pleasure also when going down into the garden, supported by Laura's +arm. Mr. Hummel advanced to her respectfully, in his best coat, with +his hair brushed down and his defiant eyes softened almost into a mild +expression, and behind him followed slowly his dog Spitehahn, his head +also bent in unwilling respect. When Mr. Hummel had offered his homage, +he said, sympathisingly: "If you should ever wish for a little quiet +exercise, I beg of you to make use of my boat at your pleasure." This +was the greatest favor that Mr. Hummel could show, for he did not +credit the inhabitants of the neighborhood in which he lived with any +of the qualifications which are necessary to make aquatic excursions. +He was undoubtedly right when he called a voyage in his boat a quiet +amusement; for this season the boat had mostly rested upon bottom on +account of the shallowness of the water and the greatest amusement that +it could offer was to stretch out the hands to both banks, and tear up +a tuft of grass with each.</p> + +<p class="normal">When Ilse could sit in her room again, it often happened that the door +opened gently, her husband entered, kissed her, and then returned with +a light heart to his books. When she saw his tender anxiety, and his +happiness in her recovery, and in again having her near him, she no +longer doubted his love, and felt that she ought no longer to be +anxious about what he thought of the life and passing away of +individuals and of nations.</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>CHAPTER XX</i>.</h2> + +<h3>A COURT MATTER.</h3> + +<p class="normal">Among the inquiries after the Professor's wife during her illness, +there was one made by a stranger. Gabriel excited a little astonishment +in the household when he mentioned: "Once, as I was running to the +apothecary, a man of refined appearance was standing in the street +talking with Dorchen. Dorchen called to me, and the man made inquiries +concerning everything, and your illness seemed very inopportune to +him."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Did you ask his name?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"He would not give it. He was from your part of the country, and had +only made inquiries through the town."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Perhaps it was some one from Rossau," said Ilse, annoyed. "I hope he +has not made father anxious by his talk."</p> + +<p class="normal">Gabriel shook his head. "He meant something by it; he tried to find out +everything about the house, and asked impudent questions that I would +not answer. As he had a crafty look, I followed him to the nearest inn, +and the waiter told me that he was the chamberlain of a Prince." +Gabriel mentioned the name.</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is our Prince!" cried Ilse; "what can make him take such interest +in me?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"The man wished to take some news home," replied her husband. "He was +among the retinue on the hunting expedition last year; and it was +kindly meant."</p> + +<p class="normal">This answer quieted Gabriel, and Ilse, much pleased, said: "It is so +nice when one's Prince takes such interest in his children who are in +trouble far from home."</p> + +<p class="normal">But there was some foundation withal for Gabriel's shaking his head; +the inquiries did signify something.</p> + +<hr class="W10"> + +<p class="normal">Behind the buildings of a country farm-house, a young lady could be +seen, tying up the wild flowers of the meadow in a large bouquet; a +ball of blue yarn rolled in her lap whenever she added a fresh handful +of flowers. A youth was running about in the deep grass before her, +busily engaged in collecting flowers, placing them in order and +arranging them according to color for the nosegay-maker. It was evident +that the youth and young lady were brother and sister from the marked +family likeness of both countenances, and the rich walking-dress left +no doubt that they had not blossomed amidst the clover and camomile of +the soil, even though the horses' heads and the galoon-trimmed hats of +their attendants had not been visible through a gap between the barns.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You will never finish your bouquet, Siddy," said the young man, +incredulously, to the lady, as she awkwardly tried to knot the broken +thread.</p> + +<p class="normal">"If the thread were only stronger!" cried the busy maiden; "do knot it +for me!" But it turned out that the young gentleman was not more expert +himself.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Look, Benno, how beautiful the bouquet will be,--that was my idea."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is all much too loose," retorted the young man.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is good enough for the first time," replied Siddy; "there, see my +hands, how sweet they smell." She showed the blue points of her little +fingers, holding them up to his face; and as he good-humoredly sniffed +at them, she playfully rapped him on the nose. "I have enough of the +red flowers," she continued, again occupied with the nosegay; "now I +must have one more circle of white."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What kind of white?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"If I did but know their names," replied Siddy, thoughtfully; "I mean +Marguerites. What do you call these white flowers?" she asked, looking +back to a countrywoman who stood in a respectful attitude some steps +behind the busy pair, looking on at their proceedings with a pleased +smile.</p> + +<p class="normal">"We call them daisies," said the woman.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Ah, that's it?" cried Siddy; "cut long stalks, Benno."</p> + +<p class="normal">"They haven't got long stalks," said Benno, plaintively, carrying her +what he could pick near at hand. "I will tell you what astonishes me," +he began, sitting down by his sister on the grass. "This meadow is full +of flowers; when it is mowed the grass becomes hay, and one doesn't see +a thing of all the flowers in the hay."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Really?" replied Siddy, tieing another thread. "They are probably dried +up."</p> + +<p class="normal">Benno shook his head. "Only look at a bundle of hay; you will see few +of them in it. I think the people gather them beforehand, and sell them +in the city."</p> + +<p class="normal">Siddy laughed, and pointing over the green fields, said, "Look around +you; they are countless, and people only buy the more lasting garden +flowers; yet these are far prettier. How lovely is the star in the +flower of our Lady Marguerite." She held the nosegay up to her brother, +and looked lovingly at her work of art.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You have completed it after all," said the young man, admiringly; "you +were always a clever girl, Siddy, and I am so sorry that you are going +away from us," he added, feelingly.</p> + +<p class="normal">His sister gazed earnestly at him. "Are you, really? And will you always +think kindly of me, my brother? You are the only one here from whom I +find it hard to part, Benno. We are like two orphan children sitting in +the snow of a cold winter's night."</p> + +<p class="normal">She who thus spoke was Princess Sidonie, and the sun was shining warm +on the blooming meadow before her.</p> + +<p class="normal">"How do you like my bridegroom?" she asked, after a pause, busily +winding the blue thread around the finished nosegay.</p> + +<p class="normal">"He is a handsome man, and was very kind to me," said Benno, +thoughtfully. "But is he clever?"</p> + +<p class="normal">Siddy nodded. "I think he is. He writes nice letters. If you like, you +shall read one."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I shall be glad to do so," said Benno.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do you know," continued Siddy, mysteriously, "that I write to him every +day! For I think a woman ought to confide everything to her husband, +great and small, and I wish to accustom him and myself to that. To make +sure, I write to him under a false address, and my maid takes the +letters to the post, for I fear my stupid words might otherwise be read +before they go." She said this with apparent indifference, examining +her bouquet all the while. "He will hear every little detail of this +visit to Lady Marguerite, and that it has given you pleasure. Now the +bouquet is ready," she exclaimed, gaily. "I will fasten a handkerchief +round it; we will take it in the carriage, and I will set it on my +writing-table."</p> + +<p class="normal">Benno laughed: "It looks like a club. You can lend it this evening to +the savages in the ballet."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is better than the flat things which one can't even put in water," +replied the sister, jumping up; "come along, we will carry it to the +pump."</p> + +<p class="normal">They hastened to the farmyard, followed by the peasant woman. Benno +took a bucket and carried it to the pump.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Let me pump," cried Siddy. She seized the handle and tried to move it, +but did not succeed; only a few drops ran into the pitcher.</p> + +<p class="normal">Benno objected. "You are too clumsy," he said, "let me try it." He now +took hold of the wooden handle, and Siddy held the bucket. He pumped +vigorously, and the water spurted out over the bucket, upon the hands +and dress of the Princess. She made a slight exclamation, let the +bucket drop, and then both burst out laughing.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You have made a nice mess of me, you naughty wretch," cried Siddy. +"Oh, it makes no difference, mother," she added, to console the woman, +who ran up terrified, clasping her hands. "Now, Benno, an idea has +occurred to me: I will put on a gown of our dame Marguerite, and you a +smock-frock of her husband, and when our cousin comes he will not know +us, and we will surprise him."</p> + +<p class="normal">"If all only turns out well," rejoined Benno, doubtfully.</p> + +<p class="normal">"No one sees us," urged Siddy. "Good mother," she said, coaxingly, to +the country-woman, "come into your room, and help us to dress."</p> + +<p class="normal">The young Prince and Princess took the woman by the hand and led her +into the house. Benno laid his coat down in the hall, and looked +doubtfully at the smock-frock, which was brought to him by a stout +maid, who assisted him in putting it on. The elegant peasant lad seated +himself patiently on a bench, while waiting for his companion, and +employed his leisure in turning a grinding-stone and inquisitively +holding the tips of his fingers close to it. Whilst he was making this +experiment, he received a slight blow on his back, and with +astonishment beheld, standing behind him, a little peasant maid, in +blue petticoat and black jacket, and the usual cap of the country on +her head.</p> + +<p class="normal">"How do you like my appearance?" asked Siddy, crossing her arms.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Charming," exclaimed Benno. "I had no idea that I had such a pretty +sister."</p> + +<p class="normal">Siddy made a rustic curtsy. "Where have you kept your eyes, you foolish +boy? Now we must help in the household. What work can you give your new +servants, Mother Marguerite?"</p> + +<p class="normal">The woman simpered. "There is the fodder for the cows to be steeped in +hot water," she said.</p> + +<p class="normal">"No more water, we have had enough of that. Come, Benno, we will set +the table in the garden under the fruit-trees, and then carry out the +curds and cream."</p> + +<p class="normal">They went into the room, and brought out a small bench placing it on +the grass-plot, under an apple-tree; then they hurried back for the +plates and spoons. The woman and the maid carried out the table with a +large bowl of milk, and some rye bread. Siddy tripped about nimbly, +laid the tablecloth, and carefully smoothing it out, placed the colored +earthenware upon it.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Look!" whispered Benno, pointing with a troubled air to the worn +pewter spoons.</p> + +<p class="normal">"We can wash them, and dry them with green leaves," advised his sister.</p> + +<p class="normal">They ran with the spoons to the pump, and rubbed them hard with leaves, +but they could not polish them.</p> + +<p class="normal">"That's just their way," said Benno, consolingly; "it is part of a +country picnic."</p> + +<p class="normal">The table was laid, and Siddy brought forward some stools and wiped +them with her cambric handkerchief.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You are the Hereditary Prince," said Siddy, "so you must sit on the +bench, and we others on each side of you. The rye bread must be +crumbled, but every one can do that for themselves. There is no sugar, +but that doesn't matter."</p> + +<p class="normal">They sat waiting before the milk bowl, beating time with the spoons. A +little green apple fell plump into the milk, and spattered it about. +Both burst out laughing, jumped up, and collected the unripe apples and +plums from the grass, peering across the hedge at a path which led +through the woods to the town.</p> + +<p class="normal">"There he comes," cried Benno; "hide yourself!"</p> + +<p class="normal">A horseman rode up at a gallop. It was a young officer. He threw +himself off his snorting horse, fastened it to a post, and leaped over +the hedge. But he stopped amazed, for he was greeted with a crossfire +of unripe apples and plums from each side of the hedge. He quickly +collected some of the green shot, and defended himself as well as he +could against the assault. The little peasants sprang forth, and Benno +cried out, "You have kept us waiting a long time."</p> + +<p class="normal">Siddy made him a curtsy, saying, "Prince, the butter-milk is served."</p> + +<p class="normal">Prince Victor looked with evident admiration at the young peasant. +"Ah!" he said, good-humoredly, "now one sees how small the feet are +before which one does homage. All right, children. But first of all I +must have satisfaction for the attack."</p> + +<p class="normal">So saying, he knotted his pocket-handkerchief; the brother and sister +laughed, and said, beseechingly, "Be good, cousin, we will not do it +again." "Oh, dear Ogre, pardon and compassion!" implored Siddy, raising +the corner of her apron to her eyes.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Nothing of the kind," cried Victor; "I shall no doubt be arrested +again on your account, and shall therefore punish you beforehand." He +chased them round the table.</p> + +<p class="normal">"This is disagreeable, cousin," cried Siddy; "let us leave off this +nonsense, and come to the table. I will help you. There is the cream. +Everything must be fairly distributed when Victor is present."</p> + +<p class="normal">Victor examined the table. "It is all very nice, but there is no +sugar."</p> + +<p class="normal">"There was none to be had," cried the brother and sister, in chorus.</p> + +<p class="normal">Victor put his hand into his pocket, and placed a silver box on the +table. "What would become of you without me? Here is the sugar." He +again dipped into his pocket, and brought out a leathern flask with a +small drinking-glass. "Here is another important thing, the cognac."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What for?" asked Siddy.</p> + +<p class="normal">"To drink, most gracious cousin. If you will put this cold mess into +your interior without cognac, I shall not venture to oppose you; but I +advise you, Benno, as a man, to take care of your health."</p> + +<p class="normal">Both held their spoons with an air of embarrassment.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Is that necessary?" asked Benno, distrustfully.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is a pacifier, as our doctor says," declared Victor; "it calms and +quells the rebel substances into quiet submission. If you refuse the +cognac, it is just like on the way to hell. The path is easy at the +beginning, but what follows is chaos. At all events, you would be +spared the ballet to-day. Is that clear to you?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is very clear," cried Siddy, "that you are as usual making sport of +us. Give him a rap on his fingers, Benno."</p> + +<p class="normal">Benno tapped his hand with the spoon. Victor sprang up and parried it, +in fencing posture, with his spoon; and the brother and sister chased +their cousin merrily about among the trees.</p> + +<p class="normal">They were disturbed by a hasty tread, and a lackey made his appearance +for a moment at the garden-gate. "His most Serene Highness is riding +this way," he called out.</p> + +<p class="normal">All three stood still; the spoons fell into the grass. "We are +betrayed," cried Siddy, turning pale. "Away with you, Victor."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am an officer, and dare not run away," he replied, shrugging his +shoulders. He seized his sword and hastily fastened it.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You must take it all upon yourself," Benno, exclaimed the sister.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I would willingly do it," replied he, timidly, "but I have never had +any skill in invention."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Prince dismounted in front of the farm-house, helped by his +equerry. The lackey hastened forward to open the doors, and the Prince +approached slowly like a threatening storm. He entered the garden, and +his sharp eyes rested on the embarrassed Prince and Princess, who +stiffy made their obeisances to him.</p> + +<p class="normal">An ironical smile curled his lip when he saw the dishes on the table. +"Who has arranged this country carnival?" he asked. All were silent. +"Answer, Benno," he said, turning sharply to the young gentleman in the +blue smock-frock.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Siddy and I wished to have a little pastime in the meadow before she +left our country. I spilled some water over my sister, and she was +obliged to change her dress."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Where is your lady in waiting, Sidonie?" he asked his daughter.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I begged her to go to her aunt who lives in this neighborhood, and to +return in an hour," replied the Princess Sidonie.</p> + +<p class="normal">"She has not done right in forgetting, my commands, in order to gratify +yours; and she neglected her duty in exposing the Princess to such an +adventure. It's not fitting that princesses should enter village houses +alone, and disguise themselves."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Princess compressed her lips. "My gracious lord and father, forgive +me. I was not alone. I had the best protector with me that a princess +of our house could have, that was your Highness's son, my brother."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Prince drew back a few steps, and looked silently into her face; +and, so strong was the expression of anger and displeasure in his +countenance, that the Princess turned pale and cast down her eyes.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Has the Princess appointed Prince Victor to be her protector in the +peasant's farm?" he inquired. "Has Lieutenant"--he mentioned his family +name--"permission to leave the garrison?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I came here on horseback without permission," replied Victor, with +military composure.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Report yourself under arrest," commanded the Prince.</p> + +<p class="normal">Victor saluted and turned away. He unfastened his horse, and, nodding +behind the Prince's back, over the hedge, to his cousin, he trotted +back to the town.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Make haste and cease this mummery," ordered the Prince. "The Princess +will drive home in a carriage with the Hereditary Prince."</p> + +<p class="normal">The young people made their obeisances and left the garden.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I had a foreboding of this misfortune," said the Hereditary Prince, to +his sister, when in the carriage. "Poor Siddy!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I would rather be the maid of this countrywoman, and wear wooden +shoes, than continue to bear this life of slavery," cried the angry +Princess.</p> + +<p class="normal">"But do not make any remarks at dinner," begged Benno.</p> + +<p class="normal">The nosegay of wild flowers stood in the bucket, and was torn to pieces +in the evening by the countrywoman's cow.</p> + +<hr class="W10"> + +<p class="normal">The day following, the Lord High Steward, von Ottenburg, an old +gentleman with white hair, entered the apartment of the Prince.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have requested your Excellence to call on me," began the Prince, +politely, "because I wish to obtain your advice in a family matter. The +day approaches when the Princess will leave us. Have you seen my +daughter to-day?" he said, interrupting himself.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I come from her Highness," answered the old gentleman respectfully.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Prince smiled. "Yesterday I had to speak seriously to her. The +children took into their heads to act an idyl, and I found them in +peasants' dresses and in high glee. Our dear Siddy had forgotten that +such sport might expose her to misinterpretation, which she has every +reason to avoid."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Lord High Steward bowed in silence.</p> + +<p class="normal">"But it is not a question of the Princess now. The time has arrived +when a decision must be made concerning the next few years of the +Hereditary Prince's life. I have thought of his entering one of the +large armies, in spite of the consideration due to his delicate health. +You know that there is only one empire in which this is possible, and +even there unexpected difficulties have arisen. There are two regiments +in which one might be certain that the Prince would only have familiar +intercourse with the officers of high birth. One of these regiments is +commanded by Colonel Kobell, who quitted our service some years ago. It +is not fitting to make the Prince his subordinate. In the other +regiment an unexpected occurrence has taken place within this last +month. A certain Mr. Miller has been introduced into it, contrary to +the wishes of the corps of officers. Thus the Hereditary Prince is +debarred from belonging to the only army which he could enter."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Allow me to ask whether this second hindrance might not be removed?" +said the Lord High Steward.</p> + +<p class="normal">"They would gladly do anything to please us," replied the Prince, "but +they do not know how to manage it; for the appointment of this +unaristocratic lieutenant was made for political reasons."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Could the difficulty not be removed by giving rank to the family of +the lieutenant?" suggested the Lord High Steward.</p> + +<p class="normal">"That has been cautiously tried, but the father would not consent; and, +indeed, your Excellence, the objection would remain the same. You know +that I am not a purist in these things, but daily intercourse with such +a person would be unpleasant to the Hereditary Prince. Whether Miller, +or Von Miller, the dust of the flour would remain."</p> + +<p class="normal">There was a pause. At last the Lord High Steward began: "The advantages +of a military career are certainly undeniable for young princes who +have no means or chance of finding other active employment; but is this +course advisable for a future sovereign who needs a preparation for a +great career? I remember that in former times your Highness did not +take a favorable view of a soldier's life at Court."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I do not deny that," replied the Prince. "I must acknowledge to you +that I still take this view. The usual condition of society is not now +that of war, but of peace. The necessary training of a young prince for +war undoubtedly develops some manly parts of his character, but +delivers him helplessly into the hands of his officials in all +essential matters. In confidence, your Excellence, a pleasure in +epaulets lasts just during the time of peace; but in case of a great +war, where real military talent is requisite, the military +dilettanteism of princes, with few exceptions, turns out to be quite +useless. All this is undeniable. Unfortunately it is at present no +longer fashion that determines a military career for young princes, it +is a serious necessity. The times in which we live are such that a +strict connection between the Court and armies is inevitable; and what +at one time was thought to be unnecessary is now the support of +princes."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I do not see that the position of reigning princes is strengthened by +their being bad generals," answered the Lord High Steward. "Indeed, I +venture to assert that many of the difficulties which now occur between +princes and their people arise from the fact that our princes occupy +themselves too much with the shoeing of horses, the training of +recruits, and with the prejudices and ill conduct of garrisons, and +have too little of the firmness, noble pride, and princely feeling +which can only be developed by practice in worthier affairs."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Prince smiled. "Your Excellence, then, is of the opinion that the +Hereditary Prince should visit the University, for there is no other +mode of training when he leaves this Court. The Prince is weak and +easily led, and the dangers he would incur on this path are still +greater than intercourse with officers of inferior grade."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is true," interposed the Lord High Steward, "that during the next +few years the Hereditary Prince may find certain drawbacks in the +advantages of an academy; but with respect to personal intercourse, +there are sons of ancient families who are worthy of the honor of +associating with the Prince. It would perhaps be easier there for the +young gentleman to keep clear of unsuitable society than in a +regiment."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is not this danger which I fear for him," replied the Prince; "but +the unpractical theories and disturbing ideas which are there +promulgated."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yet we should learn what one has to battle against," rejoined the Lord +High Steward. "Does your Highness think, from the varied experience +which you have attained through a highly intellectual life, that an +acquaintance with these ideas is so dangerous?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Does a person go to hell in order to become pious?" asked the Prince, +good-humoredly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"A great poet having ventured this," replied the Lord High Steward, +"wrote his divine poem; and my gracious lord, who himself has always +preserved a warm interest in learned pursuits, considers our +Universities at best a species of mild purgatory. If an infernal flame +should cling to the soil of our illustrious Prince after his return +from this place, it will soon be eradicated by the high interests of +his princely calling."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes," assented the Prince, with lofty expression, "there is a +consecration in the office of princes which fits even a weak man for +the great interests which he has to grapple with through his life. But, +your Excellence, it is difficult to observe without contemptuous pity +the sentimental fools' paradise of the new rulers, and hear the old +phrases of love and confidence believed in and spoken of by princely +mouths. Undoubtedly these popular ebullitions are transitory, and many +of us older ones have once indulged in dreams, and endeavoured to plant +green moss where it has been withered by the sun; but the fearful +dangers of the present times make such wavering more dangerous to the +new rulers, and false steps in the beginning of a reign may often ruin +the position of the ruler afterwards."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Lord High Steward replied apologetically: "It is perhaps well to be +wiser than others, but to be more moderate is at no period +advantageous. Still a little poetry and youthful enthusiasm may be +allowed to our princes; and if I therefore venture to recommend a visit +to the University for his Highness, the Hereditary Prince, it is with +the satisfactory feeling that in doing so I express your Highness's own +opinion."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Prince looked sharply at the Lord High Steward, and a sudden cloud +passed over his brow. "How should you know what my secret thoughts +are?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"That would be quite a vain attempt with your Highness," replied the +old courtier, gently, "and it would little benefit an old servant to +spy into the secret thoughts of his master. But your Highness has +always hitherto given the Hereditary Prince tutors and attendants who +were not military. This leads every one to a conclusion respecting your +Highness's wishes."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You are right, as always," said the Prince, appeased. "It is a +pleasure to me to find that your views coincide with mine. For it is a +serious decision that I have to make; it robs me for a long time of the +company of my dear Benno."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Lord High Steward showed his sympathy by a silent bow. "Your +Highness's decision will undoubtedly produce great changes, for it will +at the same time remove all the young people from the Court."</p> + +<p class="normal">"All?" asked the Prince, surprised. "The Hereditary Prince will depart +shortly after the marriage of his sister, but Prince Victor will still +remain here."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then I humbly beg your pardon," rejoined the Lord High Steward. "I had +taken for granted that the departure of the Hereditary Prince would be +followed by the entrance of Prince Victor into a foreign army."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What makes you think that?" said the Prince, with surprise. "I have +not the least intention of providing for Prince Victor abroad; he may +practice the art of riding in our squadrons."</p> + +<p class="normal">"In this case his position at Court would be changed," said the Lord +High Steward, thoughtfully; "on occasions he would rank and act as the +representative member of this illustrious house."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What are you thinking of, my Lord High Steward?" replied the Prince, +captiously.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Will your Highness graciously explain how that can be avoided? The +rights of blood can never be given or taken away. The Prince is the +nearest relative of the Royal Family, and the rules of the Court +require a corresponding position, and the Court will insist that he be +not deprived of it."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The Court!" exclaimed the Prince, contemptuously; "You might as well +say at once, the Lord High Steward."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The Lord High Steward is appointed by your Highness to watch over the +regulations of the Court," replied the old gentleman, with solemnity. +"But as my personal opinion, I venture to suggest that service in this +capital and the proximity of the Court are not advantageous for the +active and energetic spirit of Prince Victor; it may be foreseen that +your Highness will often have occasion to be dissatisfied with him, and +that the loss of your Highness's favour, considering the lively and +popular character of the Prince, may give occasion to continual scandal +and malicious talk. Therefore I venture to assume that the +considerations which hinder the military career of the Hereditary +Prince in a foreign army will have no weight as regards Prince Victor."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Prince looked down moodily. At last he began, as if convinced: "I +thank you for having called my attention to these considerations: I +will come to a decision after mature deliberation. Your Excellence may +be satisfied that I know how to value the warm sympathy you take in me +and mine."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Lord High Steward bowed and left the room; the furrows deepened in +the face of the Prince as he looked after the old man.</p> + +<p class="normal">The consequence of this conversation was that the Hereditary Prince was +sent to the University, where the event did not create so much +commotion as was expected at Court.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Rector, one evening, came to Professor Werner, and after greeting +Ilse, began, "You set a good example to your country when you came to +us; a communication has been made from head-quarters to the University +that in the next term your Hereditary Prince will begin his studies +with us." Then, turning to the Professor, he continued: "It is expected +that we shall all do what we can, compatibly with the duties of our +office, to advance the education of the young Prince. I have to convey +to you the wishes of his Highness that you should lecture to the +Hereditary Prince in his own room."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I shall give no Prince's lectures," replied the Professor; "my branch +of learning is too comprehensive for that; it cannot be put into a +nutshell."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Perhaps you could lecture on some popular theme," advised the prudent +Rector. "It appears to me that greater value attaches to the beneficial +effect of your personal intercourse with the Prince than to the +contents of your lectures."</p> + +<p class="normal">"If it is agreeable to the Prince to be in our house, and he will +accommodate himself to our habits, I shall show him every respectful +and fitting attention. But in my course of instruction I shall make no +change on his account. If he attends my lectures as a student, well and +good; but I will never give any private lessons in his room or in that +of any one else."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Will not your refusal be regarded as an incivility?" rejoined the +Rector.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is possible," replied the Professor, "and I must acknowledge to you +that in this case it is particularly painful to me. But no personal +consideration shall induce me to give up a principle. I have formerly +experienced how humiliating it is to have to fashion and fit a serious +subject to the comprehension of a boy who has not the necessary +preparatory knowledge and the power of grasping and taking a real +interest in it. I shall never do it again. But I will do all that I can +for this young gentleman, although I must confess that my studies lie +far from the high road of princely education. If they wish to learn of +us what may be profitable for their future life, they must do so in a +regular way, and they should come to us with the preparatory knowledge +which alone will make it possible for them to derive advantage from +learning. I have here and there observed from a distance how sad is the +education of most of them. The shallow and superficial nature of their +training, which renders it almost impossible for them to take a warm +interest is any domain of intellectual labor, is also of little value +for their future life, and gives them little capacity for their duties +as rulers. We participate in inflicting this injury, if we impart a +mere varnish of learned culture to youths who have not in truth as much +knowledge as a freshman. And that is usually the object. It is not +necessary to visit the University in order to become a useful man; but +if one enters this difficult path--and I think undoubtedly that every +future ruler ought to do so--it should be in a way that will secure +valuable results. I do not condemn the teachers who think otherwise," +concluded the Professor, "there are undoubtedly subjects in which a +succinct presentation of some of the leading principles is possible and +profitable. But the study of ancient learning is not of this class, +and, therefore, I beg to be excused from giving private lessons to the +young Prince."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Rector expressed his approbation of these principles.</p> + +<p class="normal">"My poor Hereditary Prince," cried Ilse, pityingly, when the Rector +left.</p> + +<p class="normal">"My poor manuscript," retorted the Professor, laughing.</p> + +<p class="normal">"But you have made an exception in favor of your wife," rejoined Ilse.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Here the instruction is only the guide to the elucidation of our whole +life," replied the Professor. "Under these circumstances, you will be +able to contemplate only from a distance the future Sovereign of +Bielstein as belonging to you; and I shall also lose certain faint +hopes which I had built upon the passing acquaintance with his father. +For it is undoubtedly probable that my refusal will be considered as an +act of capricious pride."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor might have been at ease upon this point. Care would be +taken that his views should not reach the destination for which they +were intended. The sharpness would be blunted, the point broken, for +indeed in the higher regions such an idea would be considered so +monstrous that it could only be put down to the account of a reprobate +man; and this was by no means the case with the Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Rector was cautious enough to give plausible reasons for Werner's +refusal, and at the Prince's palace it was determined that the +Hereditary Prince should attend the Professor's lectures. From a +syllabus of Werner's lectures a course was selected; it was on the +inspection and explanation of casts of antique sculpture, during which +the Hereditary Prince and his attendant had at least not to sit among a +crowd of colored caps, but could wander about in princely isolation.</p> + +<hr class="W10"> + +<p class="normal">Again did the ripened ears of corn wave gently under the autumn breeze, +when Ilse went with her husband to the home of her childhood to visit +her father. A year abounding in happiness, but not free from pain, had +passed. Her own life also had been a little history in which she had +experienced peace and strife, progress and weakness. Her pale cheeks +showed that she had encountered suffering, and her thoughtful +countenance portrayed the serious thoughts that had passed through her +mind; but when she glanced at the weather-beaten church, and fixed her +eyes on the dark roof of her father's house, everything was forgotten, +and she felt again as a child in the peaceful home which now appeared +so refreshing and comforting. The farm-people thronged round the gate; +and her sisters rushed to meet her, and her father, towering above all, +helped her and her husband out of the carriage. She clasped every one +of them in a silent embrace; but when little Franz sprang up to her, +she pressed him to her heart, and, losing all her composure, burst into +tears, and the father was obliged to take the child from her arms.</p> + +<p class="normal">They could only pay a short visit, for his professional duties +compelled the Professor to return home soon; and though he had proposed +to Ilse to remain longer with her father, she declined doing so.</p> + +<p class="normal">The father looked searchingly at the manner and countenance of his +daughter, and made the Professor tell him repeatedly how rapidly and +easily she had made herself at home in the city. Meanwhile Ilse flew +through the farm-yard and garden out into the fields, again gambolling +with her little sisters, who would not let go her hand.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You are all grown," she exclaimed, "but my curly head most of all--he +will be like his father. You will be a country gentleman, Franz."</p> + +<p class="normal">"No, a Professor," answered the boy.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Ah, you poor child!" said Ilse.</p> + +<p class="normal">The laborers left their work and hastened to meet her, and there were +many kind greetings and questions: the head carter stopped his horses, +and the grey mare tossed her head. "She knows you well," said the man, +cracking his whip gaily.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse went into the village, to pay a tribute of respect to the dead and +to visit the living. It was with difficulty that she could get away +from the invalid Benz, and when at last she did so, he called for his +slate, and with trembling hands gave expression to his joy in poetry. +She then made a careful inspection of the farm-yard. Accompanied by a +train of maids, she walked between the rows of cattle, in spite of her +fashionable dress, like the legendary Frau Berchta, who scattered +blessings throughout the stable and house. She stopped before every +horned head; the cows raised their mouths to her, lowing; and there was +some important news to tell of each. The maids proudly showed her the +young calves, and begged her to give names to the grown-up heifers--for +the proprietor had desired that these young ones should be named by +Ilse--and she gave them the distinguished names of Kalypso and +Xantippe. All was familiar, all as formerly, and yet at every step +there was something new to eye and ear.</p> + +<p class="normal">Clara showed her household accounts: the young girl had kept them +admirably. The praises which were bestowed upon her by the house-keeper +and by the dairy maid, in confidential conversations, gave Ilse great +pleasure, and she said: "Now, I am quite satisfied you can do without +me here."</p> + +<p class="normal">Towards evening the Professor sought his wife, who had been absent some +hours. He heard the noise of the children by the brook, and guessed +where Ilse was. When he turned round the rock by the cave he saw her +sitting in the shadow, her eyes turned to her father's house. He called +her name, and stretched out his arms towards her; she flew to his +bosom, and said, softly: "I know that my home is in your heart; bear +with me, when old recollections crowd upon my mind and move me deeply."</p> + +<p class="normal">At night, when her father conducted the Professor to his bedroom, still +conversing with him upon business and politics, Ilse sent her sister +Clara to bed, and seated herself in her chair. When her father came in +to fetch his candle from the table, he found Ilse again in her old +place, waiting to bid him good night, while she handed him the candle +stick. He placed it on the table, and, walking up and down the room, as +he had done of yore, began, "You are paler and more serious than you +used to be. Will that pass?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I hope it will," replied his daughter. After a time she continued, +"They believe and think very differently in the city from what we do, +father."</p> + +<p class="normal">The father nodded. "That was the reason I was anxious about you."</p> + +<p class="normal">"And it is impossible for me to free myself from painful thoughts," +said Ilse, softly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Poor child," said the father, "it passes my powers to help you. For +us, in the country, it is easy to believe in a father's care, when one +goes across the fields and sees the growth of everything. But let a +simple countryman say a word in confidence to you. Moderation and +self-renunciation are necessary in all earthly concerns. We are not +better in the country and more sensible because we care little for what +is mysterious to man. We have no time for subtle inquiries, and if a +thought alarms us, our work helps to dispel our doubts. But thoughts +return frequently. I have had days--and have still--when my brains have +been on the rack, although I knew that no good would come of it; +therefore I now endeavor to keep such thoughts away. This is prudence, +but it is not courage. You are placed in a sphere in which hearing and +reflecting are unavoidable. You must struggle through it, Ilse. But do +not forget two things: on difficult subjects men take very different +points of view, and on that account they have, from the most ancient +times, hated and slaughtered each other like cannibals, merely because +each considered himself in the right. This should be a warning to us. +There is only one thing effectual against doubts: to do your duty and +concern yourself with what lies in your daily path; for the rest, do +not despair because one thinks differently from another. Are you sure +of your husband's love?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes," replied Ilse.</p> + +<p class="normal">"And have you a thorough respect for his conduct to yourself and +others?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then all is well," said the father; "for a tree is known by its +fruits. As regards the rest, do not worry about the present or the +future. Give me the candle, and go to your husband. Good night, Frau +Professor."</p> + +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h3>[END OF FIRST VOLUME.]</h3> + +<br> +<br> + +<br> +<br> + +<br> +<br> +<h2>THE</h2> + +<h1>LOST MANUSCRIPT</h1> + +<h3>A NOVEL</h3> +<br> +<br> +<h4>BY</h4> + +<h2>GUSTAV FREYTAG</h2> +<br> +<br> +<h3>Authorized Translation from the Sixteenth German Edition</h3> +<h3>COMPLETE IN ONE VOLUME</h3> +<br> + +<h3>SECOND, UNALTERED EDITION</h3> +<br> + +<h2>PART II</h2> +<br> +<br> +<hr class="W20"> + +<div style="margin-left:45%"> +<p class="normal">"<i>A noble human life does not end on earth +with death. It continues in the minds and +the deeds of friends, as well as in the thoughts +and the activity of the nation.</i>"</p> +</div> + +<hr class="W20"> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2>CHICAGO</h2> +<h3>THE OPEN COURT PUBLISHING COMPANY</h3> +<h4>LONDON: Kegan Paul, Trench, Truebner & Co.</h4> +<h3>1898</h3> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<div style="margin-left:20%"> +<p class="normal"><i>No one who has written a book has of himself become what he is; every +one stands on the shoulders of his predecessor; all that was produced +before his time has helped to form his life and soul. Again, what he +has produced, has in some sort formed other men, and thus his soul has +passed to later times. In this way the contents of books form one great +soul-empire on earth, and all who now write, live and nourish +themselves on the souls of the past generations. From this point of +view the soul of mankind is an immeasurable unity, which comprises +every one who ever thus lived and worked, as well as those who breathe +and produce new works at present. The soul, which past generations felt +as their own, has been and is daily transmigrating into others. What is +written to-day may to-morrow become the possession of thousands of +strangers. Those who have long ago ceased to exist in the body continue +to live in new forms here on earthy and daily revive in thousands of +others.</i></p> + +<p class="right"><span class="sc">Gustav Freytag</span>.</p> +</div> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<div style="margin-left:20%; margin-right:20%"> +<h2>CONTENTS:</h2> + +<br> +<h3>CHAPTER XXI.</h3> + +<p class="continue">The Butter Machine</p> +<br> +<h3>CHAPTER XXII.</h3> + +<p class="continue">Three Councils</p> +<br> +<h3>CHAPTER XXIII.</h3> + +<p class="continue">Philopena</p> +<br> +<h3>CHAPTER XXIV.</h3> + +<p class="continue">Among the Students</p> +<br> +<h3>CHAPTER XXV.</h3> + +<p class="continue">Chaos</p> +<br> +<h3>CHAPTER XXVI.</h3> + +<p class="continue">The Drama</p> +<br> +<h3>CHAPTER XXVII.</h3> + +<p class="continue">The Sovereign</p> +<br> +<h3>CHAPTER XXVIII.</h3> + +<p class="continue">In the Pavilion</p> +<br> +<h3>CHAPTER XXIX.</h3> + +<p class="continue">Two New Guests</p> +<br> +<h3>CHAPTER XXX.</h3> + +<p class="continue">Vexations</p> +<br> +<h3>CHAPTER XXXI.</h3> + +<p class="continue">Hummel's Triumph</p> +<br> +<h3>CHAPTER XXXII.</h3> + +<p class="continue">A Chapter from Tacitus</p> +<br> +<h3>CHAPTER XXXIII.</h3> + +<p class="continue">Cæsarean Insanity in the Hummel Family</p> +<br> +<h3>CHAPTER XXXIV.</h3> + +<p class="continue">Old Acquaintances</p> +<br> +<h3>CHAPTER XXXV.</h3> + +<p class="continue">In the Princess's Tower</p> +<br> +<h3>CHAPTER XXXVI.</h3> + +<p class="continue">Ilse's Flight</p> +<br> +<h3>CHAPTER XXXVII.</h3> + +<p class="continue">The Lord High Steward</p> +<br> +<h3>CHAPTER XXXVIII.</h3> + +<p class="continue">The Magister's Exit</p> +<br> +<h3>CHAPTER XXXIX.</h3> + +<p class="continue">Before the Crisis</p> +<br> +<h3>CHAPTER XL.</h3> + +<p class="continue">On the Road to the Rock</p> +<br> +<h3>CHAPTER XLI.</h3> + +<p class="continue">In the Cave</p> +<br> +<h3>CHAPTER XLII.</h3> + +<p class="continue">Tobias Bachhuber</p> +</div> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr class="W20"> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>CHAPTER XXI</i>.</h2> + +<h3>THE BUTTER MACHINE</h3> + + +<p class="normal">In the large hall of the University a select audience was assembled; +state and municipal dignitaries, and men of learning, and students, +were constantly streaming backwards and forwards through the doors of +the great entrance. The wives of the Professors sat above in the +gallery: Ilse was in the place of honor, in the middle of the front +row, with Laura. This was a great day for Ilse, for the splendor of the +highest academical dignity rested upon her husband's head. Felix Werner +had been chosen Rector Magnificus, and was now about to enter upon his +office.</p> + +<p class="normal">The instructors of the University walked in a long procession into the +hall; before them went the beadles in their antique dress of office, +carrying great maces in their hands; the gentlemen themselves walked in +the order of their several faculties. Theology began the procession, +and Philosophy closed it; the latter, both from the number and +importance of its members, was the strongest division; altogether they +formed a stately company; by the side of some nonentities went men of +the highest repute, of whom the country might well be proud; and it was +a pleasure to every one to see so much learning assembled. These great +minds, however, did not make a very dignified appearance in the +procession: they kept their ranks badly; many looked as if they were +thinking more of their books than of the impression made by their +appearance on the public; one had come behind time--it was Raschke--he +entered carelessly, running behind the tutors and nodding familiarly to +his acquaintances. The procession was received by the Academical Choir +with a Latin song, solemn, but unintelligible. The Professors ranged +themselves on their seats; the ex-Rector mounted the platform, which +was decorated with flowers; he first made a learned speech upon the +benefits which medical science had long ago derived from the wandering +tribes of Arabia, and then read a report of the academical events of +the last year. The discourse was fine; the proceedings were imposing; +the distinguished guests from the city and government sat immovable; +the Professors listened attentively, the students rattled only a little +at the door; and if at times from the high ceiling of the great hall +the spirit of weariness waved its great bat-wings before the eyes of +the audience, as is inevitable at academical ceremonies, Ilse to-day +did not remark it. When the Rector had ended his discourse, with a +graceful wave of his hand and some complimentary words, he invited his +successor to join him on the platform. Felix did so. The Rector took +off his cap and the golden chain and mantle, which looked like an old +regal mantle, and put them all upon his successor, with warm wishes and +expressions of esteem. Laura whispered to her neighbor: "If our +Professor had a sword at his side he would look like one of the +Electors in the pictures up there." Ilse assented joyfully; it was +precisely what she thought. Now Werner came forward with his scarlet +mantle and chain. The beadles crossed their maces on both sides of the +chair, and the new Rector majestically began an address to the +Professors and students, in which he begged for their good will and +promised good government. Again the Academical Choir began a Latin song +of triumph, and the procession of University instructors retired into +the neighboring room, where the Professors surrounded their Rector, +shaking hands with him, and the beadles packed the scarlet mantle and +chain in a chest, to be preserved for future occasions. Ilse, too, +received the congratulations of the ladies, who placed themselves on +the gallery steps and greeted her gaily as "Magnifica."</p> + +<p class="normal">As soon as she got home. Ilse threw her arms round her husband's neck, +and told him how stately he looked in his grand attire. "What the gipsy +said," she exclaimed, "has been fulfilled to-day: the man whom I love +has worn a prince's dress; I greet you, my Prince and Lord."</p> + +<p class="normal">It was on the afternoon of this great day that the visit of the +Hereditary Prince was announced. Ilse once more looked into every +corner of her bright dwelling, that she might experience no disgrace as +mistress of the house, and made her husband instruct her as to the +right form of speaking to an illustrious prince; "In order that I may +know what to say if he addresses me. I am anxious, Felix, for it is a +great thing to meet the future Sovereign of one's country."</p> + +<p class="normal">As the clock struck, the carriage drove up. Gabriel, in his best coat, +conducted the gentlemen to the Rector's room. Meanwhile Ilse walked up +and down, burning with expectation. It was not long before her door was +opened, and two gentlemen entered, introduced by her husband. The +Prince was of a slight figure, medium height, black hair, with small +face and features; over the delicate lips there was a dark line, which +showed the beginning of a mustache; his carriage was awkward and +embarrassed, and he gave one the impression of being a delicate and +weak man. He seemed confused when he approached Ilse, and he told her, +in so low a tone that she could scarcely make out his words, how much +he rejoiced in meeting with a countrywoman.</p> + +<p class="normal">His shy manner gave Ilse courage; she was touched by the countenance of +her young Prince, and accosted him: "We in our country cling to our +home, and as I now have the opportunity of making your Highness's +acquaintance, I venture to say that I remember your Highness. You were +quite a young gentleman, and I was only a half-grown girl when I first +saw you in your father's capital. Your Highness was sitting on a very +small horse; whilst my father and I made our obeisances, the horse +stood still and would not go on. You looked kindly at me, just as you +do now. I had a couple of roses in my hand, and, as you were our young +Prince, I offered them to you. But you shook your head and could not +take them, as you had to hold the bridle, and I believe you were a +little timid about your horse: but the horse poked its head into the +flowers. Then a tall man in uniform rode up and held the horse, and we +retreated. You see I remember it all, for it was an important thing for +a country girl to remember.--But will your Highness do me the honor to +take a seat?"</p> + +<p class="normal">The Prince's attendant, the Chamberlain von Weidegg, addressed Ilse +courteously; he was a man of middle age, tall, of good address, and not +bad looking; he took the lead in the conversation, and spoke pleasantly +of the hills and woods of their common country; it was an agreeable +interchange of words on every day subjects. The Prince was silent, +played with his eyeglass, and looked cautiously and wonderingly at the +stately wife of the Professor, who was sitting opposite him. At last +the Chamberlain inquired at what hour Ilse received strangers, and +expressed a wish that the Prince and he might be allowed occasionally +to visit her. "On account of the few persons with whom my illustrious +Prince can associate in this city, a house in which he may expect not +to be treated as a stranger will be particularly acceptable to him." +This was very pleasant and courteous, and when the Professor had +accompanied the strangers to the entrance, he said to his wife, "They +appear to be very amiable."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I had imagined my Prince to be quite different, Felix, bold and +haughty; but he has not even a star on his breast."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It must have been in his pocket," said the Professor, consolingly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"But he looks like a good youth," concluded Ilse, "and, as he is my +countryman, he shall be well treated."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is right," replied the Professor, laughing.</p> + +<p class="normal">In a short time the Hereditary Prince and his Chamberlain found out +that this good treatment was very pleasant. The Chamberlain proved +himself an agreeable man; he had travelled much, had experience of all +sorts, had seen much, and read a good deal on various subjects; he +collected autographs, had no vices and no bad habits. During a long +sojourn in Rome he had been intimate with old acquaintances of the +Professor, he had wandered through the ruins of Pompeii, and showed a +warm interest in the details of old Roman houses. Besides this he +understood how to listen and how to ask questions, and could, with +decorum, tell doubtful anecdotes of people of note. His conversation +was agreeable to the Professor, he was welcome at Ilse's tea-table, and +liked by her guests. It seemed also to give him pleasure to converse +with the learned men; he visited the Doctor and examined his old +wood-cuts; he treated Professor Raschke with considerate politeness, +and, with his Prince, accompanied the Philosopher on a fine winter +evening to his distant dwelling, and during the walk Raschke imparted +to them very interesting observations upon plants.</p> + +<p class="normal">It cannot be said that the Hereditary Prince was much at home among the +Professors; he listened with toleration to their conversation, as +became an academical student, and said the right thing at the right +time; but he showed by an impatient jerk of his lorgnette that he would +much have preferred any other kind of entertainment.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse was not pleased when he fidgeted with his glass, for she wished +that he should conduct himself with dignity among other men, and she +seemed to feel as if the gentlemen would reproach her because the +Prince took no real interest in serious subjects. As mistress of the +house, therefore, she was very attentive to him; she ventured to advise +him not to drink his tea too strong, and prepared it for him herself. +The Prince was pleased with this, and enjoyed sitting next to her or +watching her perform her duties at the table as hostess. It was only +with her that he ever lost his cautious reserve; he talked to her of +the remarkable things he had seen in the town, and when he had nothing +to say, he assisted her in her duties; he placed the cream jug before +her, and always passed the sugar-bowl when he thought that Ilse wanted +it.</p> + +<p class="normal">One evening as the Prince was sitting silently by Ilse's side, and the +gentlemen present were engaged in passing indignant judgment on the +arbitrary management of the Vatican Library, Ilse proposed to him to +look over a work that her husband had bought, containing good portraits +of famous men of learning and artists. They went to examine it by a +lamp in the next room, and the Prince looked at the portraits with +languid interest. "Of many of them I only know," began Ilse, "what my +husband has told me; I have not read their books, and of the beautiful +things they have painted and composed, I know but little."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is just my case," replied the Prince, honestly, "it is only about +the musicians that I know anything."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yet it is a pleasure to look at their portraits," continued Ilse; "one +judges from them what the character and merits of these men may have +been, and when one asks any person who knows more, one finds one's +views sometimes confirmed and sometimes erroneous. That seems to make +us like the men and become intimate with them, and we seek for +opportunities of making acquaintance with their works of art and +learning. I long to know more about them. But when one has read about a +great man, and after a time sees his picture, then his face appears +like that of a dear friend."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do you like to read?" asked the Prince, looking up.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am beginning to like it," replied Ilse; "but unlearned heads do not +take in serious things at once, especially when they excite earnest +thoughts."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I do not like to read," replied the Prince; "at least in the way in +which it is pressed upon me. It is tedious to me, for I have never +learned anything thoroughly, and I know nothing well."</p> + +<p class="normal">He said this with bitterness. Ilse was shocked at the confession. "Your +Highness will find that that will change now,--you will have such +excellent opportunities here."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes," replied the Prince, "from morning till evening, and one thing +after another. I am always glad when the lectures are over."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse regarded the young Prince sympathizingly. "That is very +unfortunate for your Highness. Is there nothing that you would care to +know or possess? no collection of minerals or butterflies, or of rare +books or engravings, like the Doctor over there has? In this way one +can find enjoyment the whole year, and while collecting these valuable +things one learns a great deal."</p> + +<p class="normal">"If I wish to have anything of the kind I can have any quantity of them +collected," replied the Prince; "but to what end? I have already so +many things about me. If I were to express a wish to collect minerals, +everybody about me would be in a state of excitement, and it would +either be forbidden or I should have a whole collection brought into +the house."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That indeed is of no use," said Ilse, pityingly; "the only pleasure is +in looking after each individual thing one's self; no man can know all, +but everyone should have something which he understands thoroughly. If +I may venture to compare my insignificant life with the important one +that awaits your Highness, I should like to tell you my own experience. +When my good mother was laid on her deathbed I was quite a young girl, +but I wished to take her place in the household. I found, however, that +I was quite at a loss what to do. I did not even know whether the +people were industrious or lazy; I did not understand how to do +anything, and if it was done badly I could not teach them better. One +evening I sat discouraged and angry with myself, and I believe I wept. +Then my good father said, 'You should not undertake so much at once, +you should first learn some one thing accurately.' Then he took me into +the dairy. Does your Highness know what that is."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Not exactly," replied the Prince.</p> + +<p class="normal">She then explained to him the whole day's work of the dairy. "This was +the result: I took it in hand myself, learned the work thoroughly, and +thus was able to judge the maids. I learned everything about the cows +accurately, and which was the best kind for us, and why; for every +species does not thrive everywhere. I soon became ambitious of making +good butter and cheese. I obtained information from those who were +skilled in it, and sometimes read a book about it. Then I conferred +with my father about improvements, and just when I came away we were +thinking of getting a new machine instead of our large wooden churn. It +is now set up; it is said to be very good, and to make good butter; but +I have not seen it. Does your Highness know anything about churning?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"No," replied the Prince.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse described the process to him as far as she could, and continued: +"When my father made up his books at midsummer, it was my pride that +the dairy produce should every year increase in amount; but I was +provoked that my father laughed at my small profits; he valued the cows +for other reasons." Ilse gave a slight explanation on this point, and +then continued: "From this time, your Highness, I felt quite at home in +the world. Now, if I go to a factory, I find myself looking upon it as +another kind of dairy, and when state revenues and government +expenditure are talked of, I compare them with our house and farming +accounts. But it is very silly in me to talk to your Highness about +butter and cheese."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Prince looked frankly into her eyes. "Ah kind lady," he said, +"yours has been a happy life; I have never been so fortunate as to be +able to enjoy quietly what I like. From morning to evening I have been +in leading-strings, and passed on from one person to another. When, as +a child, I went into the garden, the governess or tutor was always +there, and when I ran or jumped about on the grass, I was to do it in a +becoming manner; once, when I wished to turn a somersault, like other +boys, it excited the utmost dismay, on account of its indecorum. Every +moment it was said, 'that was not befitting a Prince,' or, 'this is not +the proper time.' When I came out of my room I was stared at by +strangers, and had always to take notice of them and bow to them; I was +told with whom I was or was not to shake hands, and who I was or was +not to accost. Every day passed thus. One was always to use empty forms +of speech in three languages, and every day the uppermost thought was, +whether one had conducted one's self well. Once I and my sister wished +to lay out a little garden; immediately the head gardener was called to +dig and plant for us, thus all our pleasure was spoilt. Then we wished +to act a little play, and had thought of a nice piece; again we were +told that it was foolish trash, and that we must learn a play by heart, +with French modes of speech, in which the children always exclaimed how +dearly they loved papa and mamma, whilst we had no mother. In this +training for mere show my childhood passed. I assure you I know nothing +thoroughly, and though I remain here at study forever, I feel that it +can do me no good, and I shall enter the world a very useless being."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Ah, that is sad," exclaimed Ilse, with deep sympathy; "but I entreat +of your Highness not to lose courage. It is impossible that the life +here, among so many men of the highest capacity and worth, should not +be beneficial to you."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Prince shook his head.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Think what a future lies before your Highness," continued Ilse. "Ah, +you have every reason to be brave and confident. Your office is the +highest on earth. We others work, and are happy if we can only preserve +one human being from evil; but you will have the welfare and lives of +thousands in your power. What you do for schools and learning through +the selection of good or bad teachers, and your decisions as to peace +or war, may ruin or make the whole country happy. When I think of this +exalted vocation, I feel a deep respect for you, and I would implore +you on my knees to do your utmost to make yourself a worthy prince. +Therefore, the best advice for you is, that you should be willing to +learn even what is wearisome to you. For the rest, have confidence in +the future: you will yet have pleasure in life, and a feeling of worth +and capacity."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Prince was silent; for every allusion to his future position as +Sovereign was forbidden at Court, and even less than others was the +heir to the throne allowed to indulge in such a thought or cherish such +a hope.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I hear lectures enough," said the Prince, at last; "but I wish that I +might have been brought up by a country gentleman, as you have been."</p> + +<p class="normal">They returned to the gentlemen, and the Prince paid much attention to +their conversation during the rest of the evening. When he went away, +Ilse said to her husband: "There is one who has what would make +thousands happy, yet he is unhappy, for they have bound up his honest +heart in leather like an automaton. Oh, be kind to him, Felix; open +your soul to him, that he may gain some of your confidence and power."</p> + +<p class="normal">Her husband kissed her, and said, "That will be easier for you to do +than for me. But he has himself suggested the right thing; three years +with your father would be the best training for him and his country."</p> + +<p class="normal">At breakfast the following morning the Chamberlain took the newspapers +from the hand of the lackey; the Prince was sitting silently at table, +playing with a tea-spoon, and watching a fly which was disrespectfully +trying to make its way from the edge of the cream-jug into the princely +cream. As the written instructions imposed upon the Chamberlain the +duty of guarding the Prince from all dangerous reading--by that was +meant all discontented newspapers and improper novels--he thought it +best to give him the inoffensive "Daily Gazette," whilst he himself +took up a loyal paper, in order to examine the court news and accounts +of promotions and the bestowal of decorations. He had long finished his +reading, but the Prince was still engaged with his shellfish and +oysters. The Chamberlain observed with regret how little interest +his young Highness took in the course of the world. An acquaintance +of the Chamberlain had been promoted to be master of the horse, +another announced his betrothal, and he did not fail to draw the +attention of the Prince to this news; but the latter only smiled in +his absent-minded way.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Chamberlain then entered upon his next duty: he reflected upon the +programme of the day. As it was incumbent upon him to make the Prince +acquainted with the novelties in art and literature in the city, he +waited impatiently till the Prince had done with the "Daily Gazette," +in order to obtain information from it on these points. At last the +Prince interrupted his cogitations by saying to him, "Mention is made +here of a permanent exhibition of agricultural implements; what is +there to see in such exhibitions?"</p> + +<p class="normal">The Chamberlain tried to explain, and was delighted to make a proposal +to visit this exhibition. The Prince expressed his assent by a slight +nod, looked at his watch, and went up to his room to go through his +three hours' morning course: one for the science of politics, one for +mythology and æsthetics, and one for tactics and strategy; then he +accompanied his attendant to the exhibition.</p> + +<p class="normal">Even the Chamberlain was bored as he followed his young master through +the great rooms, in which stood countless inexplicable machines. The +agent of the manufacturers began his explanations; the Chamberlain +asked such questions as would show a fitting love of knowledge; the +Prince went patiently from one unintelligible object to another, and +heard something of plows, scarifiers and rollers. At last, at the great +threshing-machine, the expounder had to call a workman to bring a +step-ladder, by ascending which they would be enabled to admire the +internal mechanism. The Prince left this labor to the Chamberlain; +played meanwhile with his lorgnette, and asked the agent, in the low +tone in which he was wont to speak:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Have you any butter-machines?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes," was the reply, "several different kinds."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Prince then quietly turned his attention to the great +threshing-machine, and learnt to value the beautiful arrangement by +which it threw out the straw into an invisible hayloft. At last they +came to the row of machines on which he had set his heart--the modern +successors of the old time-honored churn. There they stood beside each +other--the little hand-chum, by which, if the assertion of the guide +was to be trusted, a housewife could make her butter in an incredibly +short time; and the great machine, which could work sufficient to +supply the needs of the largest dairy. It was described to the Prince +how the cream, when poured in, was put in quick circular motion, and +how, as a result of this, the butter was separated from the milk. He +had already heard this much more agreeably told; but it gave him +pleasure to see the advantages of the modern invention, and he became +thoroughly convinced of its superiority. To the astonishment of his +attendant he asked intelligent questions, and took hold of the crooked +handle, endeavoring to turn it a little, but withdrew his hand with an +embarrassed smile. At last he inquired about the price. The Chamberlain +had rejoiced at the laudable desire of knowledge which his young master +had shown, but was much humiliated when the Prince turned to him and +said, in French, "What do you think? I have a mind to buy this little +machine." "For the sake of turning the handle," thought the +Chamberlain, with an inward shrug of the shoulders.</p> + +<p class="normal">"How is it that your Highness takes an especial interest in this?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"It pleases me," replied the Prince, "and one ought to buy something of +the man."</p> + +<p class="normal">The pretty machine was bought, carried to the Prince's apartments, and +placed in his study. Towards evening, whilst the Prince was taking his +music lessons, the machine had to appear in the report which the +Chamberlain prepared for the reigning Prince. The writer extolled the +interest which his Prince had shown in the useful implements of German +agriculture. But seldom had it been so difficult to the poor +Chamberlain to perform the duty of a true courtier, whom it behooves to +suppress his own personal feelings and to gloss over agreeably what is +annoying; for, in truth, he felt deep humiliation at the silly trifling +of his Prince. But at Court one does not thoroughly learn all the +intricacies of a princely mind, however much one may study them. Even +to the wisest chamberlain there remain certain inscrutable depths.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Hereditary Prince covered the butter-machine with a silk cloth, and +when he was alone, approached it carefully, turned the handle, and +examined the mechanism.</p> + +<p class="normal">Some days after, when the valet had undressed the Prince, placed his +slippers for him, and made his bow for the night, the Prince, contrary +to custom, remained sitting in his chair, and stopped the departure of +the servant by thus accosting him: "Krüger, you must do me a favor."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What are your Highness's commands?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Obtain for me to-morrow morning early, without any one seeing you, a +large jug of milk; but do not put the milk in the account."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Does your Highness wish it boiled or not boiled?"</p> + +<p class="normal">This was a difficult question. The Prince twirled his moustache +silently and looked helplessly at Krüger.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I hardly know," he began at last. "I should like to try churning a +little."</p> + +<p class="normal">Krüger was sharp enough to understand that this wish was connected with +the new machine, and, long accustomed not to be astonished at anything +in people of rank, he replied: "Then the machine must first be scalded, +otherwise the butter will taste bad; and, besides, I must order the +cream; so your Highness must wait patiently for a day."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I leave everything to you," said the Prince, well pleased; "take the +machine, and be careful that no one hears anything about it."</p> + +<p class="normal">When Krüger, two days after, entered the Prince's room, early in the +morning, he found his young master already dressed. Proud of his +confidential position, he informed him, "The Chamberlain is still +asleep, and all is ready."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Prince hastened on tip-toes into the room. A large can of cream was +poured into the machine; full of expectation, the Prince seated himself +by the table and said; "I will turn it myself." He began to turn while +Krüger looked on.</p> + +<p class="normal">"But it must be done with regularity, your Highness," admonished +Krüger.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Prince could not resist opening the cover and looking in. "It will +not come, Krüger," he said, despondingly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Cheer up, your Highness," said Krüger, "and graciously permit me to go +on with the turning."</p> + +<p class="normal">After that Krüger turned while the Prince looked on.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It comes," cried the Prince, delighted, as he looked in.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, it's made," replied Krüger. "But now comes other work. The butter +must be taken out and washed, if it please your Highness?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"No," said the Prince, doubtfully, "that will never do. But the machine +is good; bring me a spoon and some white bread, I will fish out what I +can; one must learn to help one's self."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Prince plunged his spoon into the mess, took out some of the +half-made butter, and spread it on his white bread with a feeling of +satisfaction that was quite new to him. "It tastes a little sour, +Krüger," he said.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Of course," replied Krüger; "the butter-milk is still in it."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It does not matter," said the Prince, consoling himself. "Krüger, I +did not think there was so much to be attended to in churning."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, all things are difficult in the beginning," replied Krüger, +cheerfully.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is all right," concluded the Prince, graciously; "take the machine +out, and clean it properly."</p> + +<p class="normal">After that the churn stood peacefully under the silk cloth; the Prince +in his lonely hours, would sometimes stand before it, and revolve in +his mind how he could deliver it into the hands of the person for whom +he had secretly intended it.</p> + +<p class="normal">The stars themselves appeared to favor him; for the revolving earth had +rolled into the last sign of the zodiac, which guides the souls of our +people with magic power to the most charming festival of the year. +Christmas was near, and the ladies of the street near the Park moved +about in secret activity. Intercourse with intimate acquaintances was +interrupted, books that had been begun were laid aside, theatres and +concert-rooms were empty; the tones of the piano-forte and of new +bravuras rarely sounded to the rattling of carriage-wheels in the +street; inward struggles were hushed, and bad neighbors little thought +of. From morning to evening, little fingers were occupied with beads, +wools, silk, paint-brush and palette; the day lengthened into +eight-and-forty hours; even during the minutes of unquiet morning +slumber, obliging crickets and other invisible spirits worked in the +pay of the ladies. The nearer the festival approached, the more +numerous were the secrets: in every closet were concealed things which +no one was to see; from all sides, packages were brought into the +house, that were forbidden to be touched. But whilst the other inmates +of the house secretly slipped past one another, the lady of the house +was the quiet ruler in the invisible realm of presents, and the +confidant and clever adviser of all. She was never weary; she thought +and arranged for every one; the world had become to her like a great +cupboard with numerous compartments, from which she was incessantly +fetching things, and in which she was always cautiously stowing +covered packages. When on Christmas Eve the spangled stars shine, the +wax-lights drip, and the golden balls glimmer and glisten on the +Christmas tree, it is then that the fancies of the children celebrate +their great day; but the poetic vision of the housewife and her +daughters, for months before, have filled the room with joyful +splendor.</p> + +<p class="normal">If one may regard the judgment of Mr. Hummel as valid, it is rarely +that the enthusiasm of Christmas week is fully developed in the men who +have the honor of being the representatives of the family. "Believe me, +Gabriel," said Mr. Hummel, one December evening, as he was watching +some children who were passing by with toys, "at this time man loses +his importance; he is nothing but a money-chest, in which the key is +turning from morning till evening; the best wives become barefaced and +foolish, all family confidence vanishes, everybody avoids everybody +else, the order of the house is disturbed, one's night's rest is +unscrupulously destroyed; when it is meal time, one's wife runs to the +market, and when the lamps ought to be extinguished, one's daughter +begins a new piece of embroidery. When at last the long bother is over, +then one must be delighted at a pair of new slippers which are an inch +too short, and for which later on one has to pay a long shoemaker's +bill, and to be pleased with a cigar case of beads, which is flat and +hard, like a dried flounder. Finally, after one has shot out golden +sparks like a rocket, the ladies expect one to show one's good feeling +by making them a present. Now, I have trained mine differently."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But I have seen you yourself," rejoined Gabriel, "With a package and +bandbox under your arm."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is true," replied Mr. Hummel, "a bandbox is inevitable. But, +Gabriel, I have given up all worry, for that was the most humiliating +part of the affair. I go every year to the same milliner now, and say, +'a hood for Madame Hummel;' and the person says, 'You shall be served, +Mr. Hummel;' and she places the structure ready made before me. Besides +this, I go every year to the same shop and say, 'I want a dress for my +daughter Laura, at such and such a price, more or less,' and a dress +well worth its value is placed before me. In confidence I must tell you +I have a suspicion that the women have seen through my trick, and +select the things themselves beforehand, for now they are always very +much to their taste, whilst in former years they were often objected +to. They have the trouble now of selecting the finery, and in the +evening they practice all sorts of dissembling artifices, unfold and +examine the goods, pretend to be astonished, and praise my excellent +taste. This is my only satisfaction in the whole childish amusement. +But it is a poor one, Gabriel."</p> + +<p class="normal">Such was the discordant strain in which the master of the house +indulged; but the dwellers in Park Street cared little for it, and like +opinions will always be regarded with like indifference. So much +sweeter is it to care for others than for one's self, and so much +happier to give pleasure than to receive it.</p> + +<p class="normal">For Ilse also the festival this year was to be a great event; she +collected like a bee, and not only for the dear ones at home; in the +city also she had nestled many great and little children in her heart, +from the five young Raschke's down to the little barefooted creatures +with the soup-pot. The sofa-corners assumed a mysterious appearance +whenever her husband, or Laura, or the Doctor entered unexpectedly.</p> + +<p class="normal">When the Chamberlain, some time before the holidays, deemed it becoming +for his Prince to pay a visit to the new Rector, the gentlemen found +Ilse and Laura busily at work, and the parlor of the Rector's wife was +changed into a great market stall. On a long table stood little +Christmas trees, and full sacks were leaning against the legs of the +table; the ladies were working with yard-measures and scissors, +dividing great hanks of wool, and unrolling pieces of linen, like +shop-keepers. When Ilse met the gentlemen and made excuses for the +state of her room, the Chamberlain entreated her not to disturb +herself. "We will remain here only if we are allowed to make ourselves +useful." The Prince also said, "I beg permission to help, if you have +anything for me to do."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is very kind," replied Ilse, "there is still much to be done +before evening. Permit me, your Highness, to give you your work. Pray +take the bag of nuts; and you, my Lord Chamberlain, have the goodness +to take the apples in charge; you, Felix, will have the gingerbread. I +beg the gentlemen to make little heaps, to each twenty nuts, six +apples, and a package of gingerbread."</p> + +<p class="normal">The gentlemen went zealously to work. The Prince counted the nuts +conscientiously, and was provoked that they would always roll together +again, but discovered that he could keep the portions apart by means of +strips of paper folded together. The gentlemen laughed, and related how +once, in a foreign country, they had introduced this German Christmas +amusement. The perfume of the apples and of the fir-trees filled the +room, and gave a festive feeling to the souls of all present.</p> + +<p class="normal">"May we ask the kind lady who are to benefit by our exertions?" said +the Chamberlain; "I hold here an uncommonly large apple, which I hope +may fall to the lot of one of your favorites. At all events, we are +doing what will give the poor children pleasure."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Finally it will," replied Ilse; "but that is not all; we shall give +this to their mothers, for the greatest pleasure of a mother is to give +presents herself to her children, to adorn the Christmas tree and to +work what the little ones need. This pleasure we shall not deprive them +of, and therefore we send them the stuff unmade. The Christmas trees, +too, they prefer buying themselves, each according to their tastes; +those you see here are only for children who have no mothers. These +trees will be adorned by us. Everything for the festive evening will be +carried out of the house today, so that the people may receive them in +good time, and arrange them for themselves."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Prince looked at the Chamberlain. "Will you allow us," he began, +hesitatingly, "to contribute something towards these presents."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Very willingly," replied Ilse, joyfully. "If your Highness wishes it, +our servant can look after it immediately. He understands it, and is +trustworthy."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I should like to go with him myself," said the Prince. The Chamberlain +listened with astonishment to this idea of his young master; but, as it +was laudable and not against instructions, he only smiled respectfully. +Gabriel was called. The Prince, much pleased, took his hat. "What shall +we buy?" he asked eagerly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"We want some little tapers," replied Ilse, "besides some +playthings;--for the boys, leaden soldiers; and for the girls, little +kitchen things; but all must be strong and cheap." Gabriel followed the +Prince out of the house with a large basket.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You heard what the lady ordered," said the Prince, in the street, to +Gabriel. "First the wax-tapers; you do the selecting and I will pay. We +are to buy them cheap; see that we are not cheated."</p> + +<p class="normal">"We need not fear that, your Highness," replied Gabriel; "and if we +should pay a few pennies too much, other children will benefit by it."</p> + +<p class="normal">At the end of an hour the Prince returned. Gabriel had a heavily-laden +basket, while the Prince also carried under his arms bundles of toys +and large paper bags full of sweetmeats. When the young gentleman +entered thus loaded, with color in his cheeks and as happy as a child, +he looked so good and pleasing that all were delighted with him. He +unpacked his treasures before the Professor's wife, and emptied the +contents of the paper bags on the table.</p> + +<p class="normal">His embarrassment had disappeared: he played with childish pleasure +with the pretty things, showed the others the artistic work in the +marchpane plums, begged of Laura to keep a candy knight-templar for +herself, and moved about and arranged everything so gracefully and +actively on the table that all looked at him with admiration and joined +in his childish jokes. When the ladies began to adorn the Christmas +trees, the Prince declared he would help them. He placed himself before +the saucer with white of egg, and was shown the way to lay it upon the +fruits and then roll them in gold and silver foil. Ilse arranged as a +prize for the gentleman who worked best and did most, a large +gingerbread lady with a hooped petticoat and glass eyes; and a +praiseworthy contest arose among the gentlemen to produce the best +things. The Professor and the Chamberlain knew how to employ their old +skill; but the Prince as a novice worked somewhat carelessly--there +remained some bare spots, and in others the gold foil bulged out. He +was discontented with himself, but Ilse cheered him, saying, "But your +Highness must be more sparing with the gold, otherwise we shall not +have enough." Finally, the Chamberlain obtained the lady in the hooped +dress, and the Prince, as an extra reward for his activity, a babe in +swaddling-clothes which looked on the world with two glassy bead eyes.</p> + +<p class="normal">Out of doors in the Christmas market, little children were standing +round the fir-trees and Christmas shops, looking hopefully and +longingly at the treasures there. And in Ilse's room the great children +were sitting at the table, playful and happy. Here there were no +cautious admonitions, and the Prince painted the outlines of a face +with the white of egg on the palm of his hand, and gilded it with a +gold-foil.</p> + +<p class="normal">When the Hereditary Prince rose to go, the Professor asked, "May I +venture to inquire where your Highness intends to pass Christmas Eve?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"We remain here," answered the Prince.</p> + +<p class="normal">"As some remarkable musical performances are in prospect," added the +Chamberlain, "his princely Highness has denied himself the pleasure of +having the Prince with him at this festival; we are, therefore, to pass +a quiet Christmas here."</p> + +<p class="normal">"We do not venture to invite you," continued the Professor; "but in +case your Highness should not pass this evening in other society, it +will be a great pleasure if you would do so with us."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse looked thankfully at her husband, and the Prince this time did not +leave it to the Chamberlain to answer, but eagerly accepted the +invitation. As he walked with his attendant through the crowded +streets, he began, cautiously, "But we must contribute something to the +Christmas table."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I had just thought of that," replied the Chamberlain; "but if your +Highness honors those worthy people with your company that evening, I +am not sure how your Highness's father will approve of a contribution +to the Christmas tree from my gracious Prince."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I do not wish it to be any of those eternal brooches and ear-rings +from the court jeweler's cases," cried the Prince, with unwonted +energy; "it should be some trifle; best of all, something as a joke."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is my view," assented the Chamberlain; "but it is advisable to +leave the decision to his Grace, your father."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then I had rather remain at home," replied the Prince, bitterly. "I +will not enter with some stupid present in my hand. Can it not be +managed that the visit be without any ceremony, just as the invitation +was?"</p> + +<p class="normal">The Chamberlain shrugged his shoulders. "A few days afterwards the +whole city will know that your Highness has shown Professor Werner this +unusual honor. Without doubt the occurrence will be reported to the +palace by persons who have no business to do so. Your Highness knows +better than I do how your father will receive such an account, coming +to him first from a stranger."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Prince's pleasure was spoilt. "Write, then, to my father," he +cried, angrily; "but represent the invitation just as it was given, and +express yourself as opposed to any conventional present from the court: +it would only wound this family."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Chamberlain rejoiced in the tact of his young master, and promised +to write the letter as he desired. This appeased the Prince, and after +a time he began: "It has just occurred to me, Weidegg, what we should +give. As the Professor's wife comes from the country, I will present +her with the machine which I lately bought, as a case for pretty +<i>bonbons</i> or something of that kind, that I will put in it."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Now he wishes to get rid of the useless plaything," thought the +Chamberlain. "That is impossible," he replied, aloud: "Your Highness is +not quite sure whether the lady would take the joke as it is intended. +It would not do to give a present which might give rise to +misinterpretation. Your Highness should on no account venture upon such +a thing. Even if the amiable lady herself did not object, it would be +much discussed in her circle. Your Highness's joke might be easily +considered as an ironical allusion to country manners, which +undoubtedly become the lady well, but might here and there occasion a +slight smile."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Prince's heart froze within him; he was furious with the +Chamberlain, and, on the other hand, shocked at the thought of wounding +Ilse. The poetry of the festival was entirely spoilt for him. He went +silently to his apartment.</p> + +<p class="normal">The answer to the Chamberlain's letter was to the effect that the +Prince, in spite of the apparent unsuitability, would not object to an +incidental visit, and that, if some mark of attention was unavoidable, +it might be procured from a gardener or confectioner. The Chamberlain, +therefore, bought a quantity of flowers and sweetmeats, and laid them +before the Prince. But he looked cold and silently on the gay bright +colors. Towards evening two lackeys carried the things to the Rector +with a little note from the Chamberlain, in which, in the name of his +Most Serene Prince, he begged the accompanying gift might be applied to +the ornamenting of the Christmas tree. Meanwhile the Prince stood +gloomily before his butter-machine, and quarrelled bitterly with his +princely dignity.</p> + +<p class="normal">When at the proper hour he entered Werner's apartment, the Christmas +gifts had been distributed and the candles extinguished. Ilse had done +it purposely. "It is not necessary to let these strangers see what +delight we take in these presents." The Prince received Ilse's thanks +for the splendid adornment of her table with reserve, and sat before +the tea-kettle silent and absent-minded. Ilse thought, "He is sorry +that he has had no glad Christmas Eve: the poorest child is merry with +his Christmas tree, and he sits as if shut out from the pleasures of +this happy time." She made a sign to Laura, and said to the Prince: +"Would your Highness like to see our Christmas tree? The lights had to +be extinguished lest they should burn down, but if your Highness likes +we will light it up again in all its splendor, and it would be very +kind of your Highness to help us."</p> + +<p class="normal">This was a welcome proposal to the Prince, and he went with the ladies +into the festive room. There he offered to take the staff, at the end +of which a wax-taper was fastened, in order to reach the highest lights +of the mighty tree. Whilst he was thus busily working at the tree his +heart became lighter, and he looked with interest at the presents which +were lying under the tree.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Now will your Highness have the kindness to go out of the room," said +Ilse, "and when I ring it will signify to you and Mr. von Weidegg that +your Highness is wanted."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Prince hastened out; the bell rang. When the gentlemen entered they +found two small tables laid out; on them small lighted trees, and under +each a large dish of pastry, made after the fashion of their own +country. "This is to be a remembrance of our home," said Ilse, "and on +the trees are the apples and nuts which you have gilded: those with the +red spots are your Highness's work. Here is a respectful gift sent from +the farm of my dear father. I beg the gentlemen to eat this smoked +goose's breast with a good appetite; we are not a little proud of this +dish. But here, my gracious Prince, there is, as a keepsake from me, a +small model of our churn; for this is at what I served my +apprenticeship as a child." On the Prince's seat stood this useful +instrument, made of march-pane. "On the bottom of it, your Highness, I +have written my motto of long ago. May the gentlemen accept my good +intentions!"</p> + +<p class="normal">She said this so joyously, and offered her hand to the Chamberlain so +kindly, that all thoughts of his dignity were forgotten, and he shook +her hand right honestly. The Prince stood before his machine, and +thought: "Now is the moment, or never." He read below the simple words, +"If a person has devoted himself with honest perseverance to some one +thing, it will be a blessing to him throughout his whole life." Then, +without any thought of the threatening consequences of his daring, he +said: "May I propose an exchange to you? I have bought a small churn; +it has a large wheel and a small one for turning, and one can churn as +much as one wants each morning. It would be a great pleasure to me if +you would accept this."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse thanked him with a bow; and the Prince requested that a servant +might at once be sent to his apartment for it. Whilst the Chamberlain +was still reflecting with amazement on the strange coincidence, the +piece of mechanism was brought into the room. The Prince placed it with +his own hands upon a corner of the table, explained the internal +arrangements to the company, and was much delighted when Ilse said she +had confidence in the invention. He was again the joyous child of the +other day, gaily drank his glass of wine, and, with charming grace, +proposed the health of the master and mistress of the house, so that +the Chamberlain scarcely knew his Telemachus again. On taking leave, he +himself packed up the marchpane, and carried it home in his pocket.</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>CHAPTER XXII</i>.</h2> + +<h3>THREE COUNCILS.</h3> + +<p class="normal">The year of the Rectorate had so changed the household and the current +of Ilse's thoughts that she remarked with astonishment to her husband, +"I feel as if I had just come from school into the bustle of the +world." Her husband's days were engrossed with distracting business: +difficult transactions between the University and Government, and +vexatious occurences among the students, took up a great portion of his +time.</p> + +<p class="normal">The evening, also, did not pass as in the first year, when Ilse watched +the quiet labors of her husband, or listened to his friends; for many +were occupied by the sessions of the Senate, and others by large +parties, which, as Rector, he could not avoid. When their friends came +to tea, the master of the house was often absent.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse had taken her father's lessons to heart; she lived in the present, +and avoided distracting thoughts. Her husband took pains to keep from +her anything that could disturb her repose of mind, and the +intellectual diet which he now gave her did her good. When he again saw +her in society in all her health and strength, with color in her cheeks +and a cheerful expression in her countenance, he felt it his duty for +ever to preserve this soul from the intrusion of conflicting ideas; and +he was pleased that, by frequent intercourse with various kinds of men, +and by the light bonds of a genial society, she began to feel at home +in his circle. It delighted him, too, to find that her ingenuous nature +was appreciated; and she was not only treated with distinction by the +men, but was also a favorite with the ladies.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse would not, however, allow her private conclave--as she called the +hours during which she received her husband's instruction--to be +disturbed; she adhered to it with rigid strictness; and if a day was +missed, the lost time had to be made up on the following one. But even +these lessons took a different course. The Professor now read to her +small extracts from old writers, who portrayed, in prose and verse, the +attractive beauty of the life of the ancients; her innocent mind +entered into the cheerful enjoyment of this strange world, and the +impressions which she received agreed perfectly with the way in which +she now regulated her own life. The Professor explained to her some of +the poems of the Greek anthology and of Theocritus, and a few of the +Roman lyrics; and, by way of comparison, he read to her the poems of +the great German who, in a remarkable way, had been able to unite Greek +beauty with German feeling.</p> + +<p class="normal">At her reception, Ilse showed all the dignity of her position as the +Rector's wife; every room was opened; the apartments were decorated and +brilliantly illuminated; the heads of the University and city, with +their wives, made their appearance in numbers; and the Prince and his +Chamberlain did not fail to be present. Laura assisted gracefully in +doing the honors, and quietly gave directions to the servants; cake and +wine were passed around; the guests made themselves very agreeable, and +separated in the highest spirits. The great evening had passed off +happily; the Doctor and Laura had left; Ilse gave her last injunctions +to Gabriel, and passed through the rooms once more, with the glad +feeling that she had done honor to Felix and herself. She came into her +dressing room, and glanced into the mirror.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You need not examine yourself critically," said the husband, +"everything was beautiful; but the most beautiful of all was the +Rector's wife."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Damon, my shepherd," replied Ilse, "you are blinded. It is not the +first time you have said this, but I like to hear it; you may still +tell it often to me. But Felix," she continued, as she unloosened her +hair, "there is something inspiring about such a society even where +people do nothing but talk. One does not carry away much of it, but +still there is a pleasure in being among them; they are all so +courteous and endeavor to appear to the best advantage, and each tries +to please the other."</p> + +<p class="normal">"They do not all succeed in giving a fair idea of what they are on such +occasions, least of all we book-worms," replied Felix. "But there is no +doubt these gatherings give a certain similarity of language and +manner, and, finally, also of ideas to persons who live in the same +circle. This is very necessary, for even those who live together often +differ as much in their thoughts and feelings as if they had been born +in different centuries. How did you like the Chamberlain?"</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse shook her head. "He is the most courteous and lively of all, and +knows how to say something civil to every one; but one cannot trust +him, for, as with an eel, one has no hold on him, and can never for a +moment look into his heart. I prefer our Prince with his stiff manner. +He talked to me about his sister to-day; she must be very clever and +charming. To which of your centuries does he belong?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"To the middle of the last," replied, her husband, laughing; "he is a +full century earlier than we are, of the period when men were divided +into two classes--those who were fit to be received at Court, and +serfs. But if you examine those about us, you will discover even +greater disparities. There is our Gabriel, who in his prejudices and +his poetry belongs to an age three centuries earlier than the present. +His ways of thinking remind one of the time in which the great +Reformers first educated our people to think. On the other hand, the +hostile neighbors are, in many points of view, the representatives of +two opposing tendencies which ran parallel to each other towards the +end of the last century--in our house, obstinate rationalism; in the +old people over there, a weak sentimentality."</p> + +<p class="normal">"And what time do I belong to?" asked Ilse, placing herself before her +husband.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You are my dear wife," he exclaimed, trying to draw her towards him.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I will tell you," continued Ilse, eluding him: "in your opinion, I +belong to a former age, and once that made me more unhappy than I +can express. But I no longer care about it. For when I can compel you +to kiss my hand as often as I desire it"--the Professor was very +willing--"when I see that it requires no persuasion to induce you to +kiss me on the lips--it is not necessary that you should try it now,--I +believe you. Further, when I observe that the learned gentleman is not +disinclined to hand my slippers to me, and perhaps even my dressing +gown--I do not wish to give you trouble now, but unhook my ear-rings +and open the jewel-box,--and when I, besides, observe that you are +anxious to please me, that at my wish you took the wife of the +Consistorial Councillor to dinner, whom you could not bear, and that +you have bought me this beautiful dress, although you understand +nothing about buying; when I, further, see that Magnificus is quite +under my sway, that I have the keys of the pantry, and even manage the +accounts; and, lastly, when I bear in mind that you, good bookworm, +think me, your wife Ilse, worthy of a little discussion together with +your Greeks and Romans, and that it is a pleasure to you when I +understand a little of your learned writings--I come to the conclusion +that you belong entirely to me, you and your century, and that it is +quite indifferent to me in what period of the world's history my spirit +originated. Then when I, the relic of a distant century, pinch your +ear, as I do now, the great master of the present and future, and his +philosophizing on the different natures of men, become simply +ludicrous. Now that I have held this discourse, can you sleep quietly?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"That would be difficult," replied the Professor, "whilst the learned +housewife is fluttering about the bed, holding discourses in her +dressing-gown which are more lengthy than those of a Roman philosopher, +and whilst she rattles the doors of the cupboards and wanders about the +room."</p> + +<p class="normal">"My tyrant requires his coffee early in the morning, so it must be +given out now, and I cannot sleep if I have not all the keys near me."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I see nothing will be of any use." said the Professor, "but a serious +exorcism."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I must see whether there are any lights burning in the rooms." But +immediately afterwards she knelt down by the bed, and threw her arms +round his neck. "Everything is so charming in the world, Felix," +exclaimed she; "let us humbly pray that our happiness may last."</p> + +<p class="normal">Yes, you are happy. Ilse; but, as your father said, you have to thank +your prudence for it, not your courage.</p> + +<hr class="W10"> + +<p class="normal">When Ilse wrote to her father, to describe how the great evening party +had passed off, she did not forget to add that her future Sovereign had +been among the guests, and that she had had much intelligent +conversation with him. Her father did not appear to attach much value +to this last communication, for he answered, rather irritated, "If you +are so influential an adviser, exert yourself to obtain a decision for +us in regard to the highway. The affair has been before the magistrates +for ten years; it is a shame that we should be so cut off from all the +world. The gray has broken his leg. Our estate would be worth ten +thousand dollars more if the Government were not so dilatory."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse read the letter to her husband, and said, "We can tell the Prince +about the road; he can arrange it with his father."</p> + +<p class="normal">Her husband laughed. "I will not undertake this commission: it does not +appear to me as if the Prince would have great influence with the +Government."</p> + +<p class="normal">"We will see about that," replied Ilse, gaily; "at the next opportunity +I shall speak to him about it."</p> + +<p class="normal">This opportunity soon occurred. The Consistorial Councillor, who was +now Theological Dean, had a tea-party. It was a distinguished and +dignified assembly, but not agreeable to Ilse; she had long mistrusted +the piety of the Dean, for beneath the gown of the bland gentleman she +clearly saw a fox's tail peeping out; in the speeches of the Dean's +wife there was an unpleasant mixture of honey and gall. The rooms were +small and hot, and the guests seemed bored; but the Hereditary Prince +and his Chamberlain had promised to come. As he entered, the master of +the house and some of the guests who were acquainted with the customs +of the Court endeavored to form a line for his reception; but all their +attempts were vain, from the heedlessness or obstinacy of most of the +company. The Prince, led by the Dean, had to make his way through the +groups up to the mistress of the house. His eyes turned from her sharp +features and wandered about to where Ilse stood, like a being from +another planet; she looked quite majestic; her ribbon head-dress sat +like a coronet on her wavy hair, which in great abundance almost +surrounded her head. The Prince looked shyly up to her, and could +scarcely find proper words with which to accost her. When, after a +short greeting, he again turned to the rest of the company. Ilse was +displeased; she had expected more attention from their intimacy. She +did not consider that his position in society was not that of a private +man, and that he had to fulfill his princely duties before he could go +about like others. Whilst with inward disgust he did what his position +required of him, going slowly round, he went first to Ilse's husband, +then to the other dignitaries; had some presented to him, and asked the +questions that are considered right in these cases; but he waited +impatiently for the time when fate would allow him to have a little +conversation with his countrywoman. But he did his duty bravely; the +Professor of History expressed his pleasure that some old chronicles of +his country would be published, and endeavored, half-talking and +half-teaching, to impress him with their importance. Meanwhile the +Prince thought that the Rector's wife would, at least, sit at his left +hand, the Chamberlain having pointed out to him that the Dean's wife +might be at his right.</p> + +<p class="normal">The affair was doubtful. The Dean's wife was certainly the hostess, but +the evening had a certain official University tone about it, and Ilse +was undoubtedly entitled to precedence among the professors' wives. +Nevertheless, all question ceased to exist when the fact was considered +that the Dean, on account of numerous presentations of theological +works, and many letters of admiring homage, had been made by the +reigning sovereign, Knight Commander of his order. He had been so +exalted by this, as the Chamberlain explained, that the difference of +dignity between the Magnificus and Dean was more than compensated, and +the Dean's wife had therefore the first place. The Chamberlain +acknowledged that in reality it was a matter of no consequence how +people were seated here, for there could be no question of any right of +rank in this society. But it would be more becoming for the Prince not +to neglect all distinctions.</p> + +<p class="normal">At his left, at all events, the Prince hoped to have Ilse. But even +this hope was frustrated by the artfulness of the Dean's wife. For +there was amongst the company a Colonel's wife; they were people of old +family, but recently come to the place. The lady of the house lost no +time in taking the Colonel's wife up to the Chamberlain, and on +meeting, it turned out that they had common relations. By this the +whole arrangement of rank at supper was disturbed. The lady claimed her +right to be presented. The Chamberlain took her to the Prince, who +cleverly anticipated the former's intention, and expressed a wish to +make the lady's acquaintance.</p> + +<p class="normal">"She allows herself to be presented to a student!" said little Mrs. +Günther, astonished.</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is a breach of social rights, which touches the dignity of +woman," said Mrs. Struvelius, displeased.</p> + +<p class="normal">"But she did it very nicely," said Ilse; "her manner with him pleases +me."</p> + +<p class="normal">The ladies did not know that the object of their remarks was, in this +moment of apparent humiliation, enjoying the triumph of a higher +position. The Prince, the Colonel's wife, and the Chamberlain for a +short time formed a group, from which the light of the evening +radiated, all three with the proud consciousness that they were united +in a bond of fellowship among strangers.</p> + +<p class="normal">The consequence of this presentation was that the Colonel's wife sat at +the left of the Prince, and Ilse between two Deans opposite to him. It +did not make it easier for the Prince to preserve his princely dignity +when every time he looked up, he saw the eyes and curls of his +countrywoman opposite to him. The evening passed slowly for him, and it +was not till the party was breaking up that he had an opportunity of +speaking to Ilse without restraint.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Just wait," thought Ilse; "you shall not escape the road."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Have you heard from your father?" inquired the Prince, a question by +which he frequently began the conversation.</p> + +<p class="normal">"My news is not good," replied Ilse; "only think, your Highness, one of +our horses has broken his leg. It was a grey which we raised ourselves, +a good gentle creature, which I have often ridden, though my father did +not much like my doing so. Then I must tell your Highness, the road +that leads to the great market-town, to which my father every year +sends his grain, is terribly bad, and the Government does nothing to +improve it. For ten years the matter has been agitated, but nothing +comes of it. If your Highness could help to obtain a good road for us, +I beg of you to do so; it will be a benefit to the whole district."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Prince looked at her kindly, and said, with embarrassment:</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is an affair of the Government, I believe my father knows nothing +of it."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am convinced of that," replied Ilse; "the gentlemen of the +Government have always reasons for doing nothing; they understand how +to make difficulties, and pretend they have no money."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Chamberlain approached, and as the conversation had taken an +uncomfortable political turn, the Prince quickly retreated, bowing and +smiling, with these words:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Let us hope for the best."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse, on going home, said to her husband:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Felix, I spoke to him about the road; he is a good youth, but in +society he uses only formal speeches."</p> + +<p class="normal">Fortune would have it that some weeks after, the State Councillor, who +held the chief administrative office at Rossau, came to the University, +visited the Chamberlain, and was introduced by him to the Prince. He +was invited to dinner, and the Prince showed uncommon interest in the +condition of the district in question; he inquired about the estates in +the neighborhood and their proprietors; and, at last, when standing +alone by the window with the Councillor, drinking his coffee, said:</p> + +<p class="normal">"How is it that there is no good road in the district? Could not you do +something about it?"</p> + +<p class="normal">The official duly enumerated the difficulties. At last the Prince +replied:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, I know there are plenty of reasons; but I shall be obliged to you +if you will give yourself the trouble of taking the matter in hand."</p> + +<p class="normal">Much impressed with these words, the Rossau official returned home. He +revolved them in his troubled mind for three days, and the more he +thought of them the more important they seemed; his own future might +depend upon the result. At last he came to the conclusion that an +extraordinary exertion was necessary; he therefore went at once to the +seat of Government and laid the whole case, and a large bundle of dusty +records concerning the road, before the minister. The minister thanked +him for his communication, and was also of opinion that this was an +incident which it would be prudent to make known to his Most Serene +Highness. When he had concluded his report on state affairs, he +mentioned that in the district of Rossau complaints had been made of +the bad condition of the roads, and that a strong desire had been +expressed for a new road, and the Hereditary Prince had shown a lively +interest in the matter. The Prince rose hastily from his seat.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The Hereditary Prince? What does that mean? It is very satisfactory to +me to find that my son takes an interest in the condition of the +country," he added. "I will take the affair into consideration."</p> + +<p class="normal">The same day a letter was written by the Prince himself to the +Chamberlain, saying:</p> + +<p class="normal">"How comes the Hereditary Prince to take an interest in the building of +a new road at Rossau? I desire further information."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Chamberlain was in great perplexity, and felt his position +endangered by the secret. At last, placed in a position between father +and son, he chose the path of frank disclosure to the rising sun, and +acquainted the Prince with his father's question.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You see what importance his Serene Highness attaches to the +communication; the details must be imparted to him."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Prince was equally confounded.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It was only a word thrown out casually," he rejoined, with hesitation.</p> + +<p class="normal">"So much the better," said the Chamberlain; "all that remains to be +said is, what gave rise to your Highness's wish. It may naturally seem +strange to the Prince that his subjects or magistrates should apply to +your Highness instead of to him. This, so far as I know, does not seem +to have been the case."</p> + +<p class="normal">"No," replied the Prince, "I heard of it at the house of the Rector. I +simply asked the Councillor about it when he was here. I wanted to be +able to give an answer," he added, shrewdly.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Chamberlain was satisfied, and in his report extolled the Professor +and Ilse, at whose house it was very pleasant to visit, and he did not +fail to observe that the Hereditary Prince enjoyed calling there. He +was rejoiced when, a few days after, a communication was made on +business by the Cabinet Secretary, and followed by a letter from the +Sovereign himself, in which he expressed his great satisfaction in the +conduct of the Hereditary Prince and the Chamberlain.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse was equally rejoiced when her father wrote to her:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Ilse, are you a witch? An order has been given to begin building the +road immediately; the surveyor is already here to mark it out."</p> + +<p class="normal">At dinner Ilse took the letter out of her pocket with great delight, +saying:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Read, you incredulous man, and see what our little Prince has been +able to accomplish; after all we did him injustice. My poor gray +excited his pity, and he wrote everything to his dear father."</p> + +<p class="normal">The next time that Ilse met the Hereditary Prince, she began, after the +first greeting, in a low voice:</p> + +<p class="normal">"My home owes warm thanks to your Highness, who has had the kindness to +exert yourself for our road."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Is it to be built?" asked the Prince, surprised.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Does not your Highness know it? Your intercession has induced his +Grace, your father, to have it made."</p> + +<p class="normal">"My intercession would have had little effect," continued the Prince. +"No, no," he added, earnestly disowning it. "I did not write to my +father. It was altogether his own decision."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse remained silent: she could not understand what should prevent the +son of a Prince from openly laying before his father a request on a +matter of business, the fulfillment of which would be beneficial to +many; that he should disown all participation in what he had evidently +done, appeared to her a quite inappropriate display of modesty.</p> + +<p class="normal">The last letter from Court had confirmed the Chamberlain in his opinion +that the intimacy of the Hereditary Prince in the Rector's house was +not distasteful to his father. He reflected sometimes on the reasons +for this interest in persons, who were so far removed from the sphere +of princely notice. He could not understand it. At all events it was +his duty not to keep the Prince away from their home, and likewise to +make himself agreeable to the Rector and his wife. This he did +willingly and honestly, and oftentimes went to the Professor's without +the Prince; he asked him to recommend books to him, showed great +deference for his judgment about men, and was guided by the Professor's +advice in the choice of the Prince's teachers. The energetic dignity +and proud frank character of the learned man attracted the courtier, +and Werner became a valuable acquaintance to him. He was also sincerely +attached to Ilse, and there were times when she too could discover +something of the worth and depth of heart of the Chamberlain.</p> + +<p class="normal">But although the Chamberlain possessed all the pliancy of a courtier, +and knew that the visits to the Rector's house were acceptable both to +his young master and the latter's father, he showed little complaisance +for the young Prince's wishes. Indeed, he was inclined to make +difficulties if the Hereditary Prince, which seldom happened, would +propose to join Werner's at tea; he went there with him at proper +intervals, but after the road affair he avoided any greater intimacy +for the Prince. On the other hand, the Chamberlain endeavored to make +the Prince at home with the students, and in a way that accorded with +his rank. Of the different associations which were denoted by colors, +customs, and statutes, the corps of the Markomanns was then the most +distinguished. It was the aristocratic club, included many sons of old +families and some of the best fencers; its members wore their colored +caps in the haughtiest manner, were much talked of, and not very +popular. The Chamberlain found a relative of his in this corps, and the +leaders were found to possess the qualifications necessary to +appreciate properly the social position of his young master.</p> + +<p class="normal">Thus the Prince became intimate with the association, he invited the +students to his apartments, sometimes joined in their lesser drinking +bouts, and was agreeably introduced by them into the customs of +academic life. He took fencing lessons, and, in spite of his small +delicate figure, showed some aptitude for it, and the swing of the +rapier in his room daily endangered the mirror and chandelier.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse expressed her astonishment to her husband that the Prince, who had +at first so quickly and easily opened his heart to them, had held back +so cautiously since the road affair.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Has he thought me too forward?" she asked, with vexation; "it was said +with the best intentions. But I find, Felix, it is not with these great +people as with us. If we once put confidence in people we feel at home +with them; but they are like the birds that sing a song close to your +ear, and then at once fly off and seek another resting-place far away."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The following year they will perhaps come again," replied her husband; +"any one who tries to domesticate them will be disappointed. If their +airy path brings them near, you may take pleasure in them; but one +should not trouble oneself about these triflers."</p> + +<p class="normal">Nevertheless, in secret Ilse was vexed with the unfaithfulness of her +little songster.</p> + +<hr class="W10"> + +<p class="normal">"My duty brings me to you to-day," began the Chamberlain, on entering +the Professor's room. "Among the lectures which are desired for the +Hereditary Prince is one upon Heraldry. I beg of you to recommend to me +a teacher who could give him a short course upon the subject. In the +capital, there was no suitable person, and I confess without blushing +that my knowledge is much too scanty for me to be able to impart any to +the Prince."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor reflected.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Among my colleagues I know no one whom I could recommend. It is +possible that Magister Knips may have knowledge of that kind. He is +well informed in all these by-paths of learning; but he has grown +up in a low condition of life, and his manner is highly obsequious and +old-fashioned."</p> + +<p class="normal">This old-fashioned obsequiousness did not appear any hindrance to the +Chamberlain; and as he himself wished to make use of the opportunity to +ascertain clearly the meaning of a mysterious figure in his own coat of +arms, which looked very much like a pitchfork, but which was really a +Celtic Druid's staff, he replied:</p> + +<p class="normal">"There need not be many lectures, and I can be present myself."</p> + +<p class="normal">Magister Knips was called, and was, as usual, at hand, and was +presented to the Chamberlain. The grotesque figure appeared comical to +the latter, but not at all objectionable. His modesty was undeniable; +his obsequiousness could not be greater. If one could put him into a +tolerable coat, he might, for a temporary object, be allowed to sit at +the same table with the Hereditary Prince and the Chamberlain. So the +Chamberlain asked whether Master Knips could undertake to give some +lectures upon heraldry.</p> + +<p class="normal">"If the gracious and noble gentleman might be content perchance with +German and French emblazonry, I believe I may venture to offer him my +undoubtedly unsatisfactory knowledge. But of English coats of arms and +figures my knowledge is not extensive, because of lack of opportunity. +I would, however, endeavor to give some information upon the new +investigations concerning the Honorable Ordinary."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That will not be necessary," replied the Chamberlain; and, turning to +the Professor, he said: "Will you allow me to arrange details with +Master Knips?"</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor left them to transact the business, and the Chamberlain +continued, more freely:</p> + +<p class="normal">"I will, trusting to the recommendation of the Rector, endeavor to +ascertain whether the Hereditary Prince can avail himself of your +instruction and derive the proper advantages therefrom."</p> + +<p class="normal">Knips bowed lower and lower, until he almost disappeared into the +ground; but his head was reverently bent towards the eye of the +Chamberlain. The latter mentioned a liberal sum as the price of the +lessons. Knips smiled, and his eyes twinkled.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I must further request, Master Knips, that you will not object to +assume a becoming appearance for the intended lectures. A black coat, +and trousers to match."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have them," replied Knips, raising his voice.</p> + +<p class="normal">"White waistcoat and white cravat," continued the Chamberlain.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have those likewise," warbled Knips.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Chamberlain considered it preferable to ascertain, by his own +inspection, the capabilities of the candidate in this respect.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then I beg of you to make your appearance at the apartments of the +Hereditary Prince in fitting guise. There we will confer upon details."</p> + +<p class="normal">Knips appeared the following morning in his state dress, and the +Chamberlain thought that the man did not look so bad after all. He gave +him to understand that a learned discussion was not required, but +rather a rapid survey, and, on his departure, presented to him a bottle +of perfume, for his white pocket-handkerchief, in order to consecrate +Knips' atmosphere.</p> + +<p class="normal">Knips prepared himself for his first lesson. He began by drawing forth +his paint-box, several complete letter-writers, and a book or two on +etiquette. He painted several coats of arms, and from the books he +abstracted some respectful forms of speech, such as the servile +language of our Government officials have sanctioned in intercourse +with the great, and learnt them all by heart. At the proper hour he +presented himself to the Chamberlain, polished and fragrant, like a +flower whose strength of stem had been extracted by the heat of the +midday sun. Thus he was brought into the presence of the Prince, and +almost withered into nothingness as he approached the chair in which he +was to sit; he began his lecture by drawing out of a small portfolio a +design of the Prince's ancestral coat of arms and a sketch of the +Chamberlain's armorial bearings; he laid them before the Prince with +the deepest reverence, and added his first explanations.</p> + +<p class="normal">His lecture, to use the Chamberlain's own words, was magnificent; his +obsequious arabesques which wound themselves into his discourse were +prolix, it is true, but not disagreeable; they were comical, yet +well-suited to the scrolls he was lecturing on. He frequently brought +drawings, and books on heraldry, and engravings from the library for +inspection, and showed himself more thoroughly informed than was, +perhaps, necessary. If he chanced to fall into historical discussions, +which were more interesting to him than his hearers, the Chamberlain +would simply have to raise his finger, and Knips respectfully resumed +the proper topic. The gentlemen took more pleasure in his lectures than +in many of those given by the Magister's patrons. The lessons were +continued throughout the term, for it was discovered accidentally that +Knips had a good deal of knowledge of tournaments, tilting, and other +knightly amusements. He told the Prince about the old festivities of +his noble house, described the ceremonial accurately, and even knew the +names of those who had assisted at them. His knowledge appeared +wonderful to his hearers, though it cost him little trouble to collect +this information. At the conclusion of the course he was richly +rewarded, and his hearers regretted that this strange figure, with his +old-fashioned knowledge, was no longer to lecture before them.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Look here, mother," cried Knips, entering his room, and taking a small +roll of money out of his pocket; "that is the largest sum I have ever +earned."</p> + +<p class="normal">The mother rubbed her hands. "My blessing upon the gracious gentlemen +who know how to value my son!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"To value?" replied Knips, contemptuously. "They know nothing about me +or my learning, and the less one teaches them the better they are +pleased. It is a labor for them even to look for what stands at +everybody's disposal, and what has been put in hundreds of folios is +new to them. I treated them like little boys, and they did not find it +out. No, mother, they understand how to value me even less than the +Professor world here. No one appreciates my knowledge. Yes, there is +one that does," he murmured to himself, "but he has more pride than the +Chamberlain. The Chamberlain seems to wish to inform himself about the +old tilts and masquerades; I will send him my little edition of Rohr as +a present. There is so little in it that it is good enough for him. I +bought the book for four groschens; the parchment is still tolerably +white. I will wash it with sal-ammoniac, and paste his coat of arms +into it. Who knows what may come of it?"</p> + +<p class="normal">He cleaned it, and prepared his paints.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The world is full of tricks, mother. Who would have thought that I +could have earned anything by this old absurd nonsense of heraldry?" He +drew and painted at the coat of arms. "I have seldom brought gold into +the house, and then it was always for underhand traffic that did me no +honor." Here he broke off. "I will once more put on my livery when I +take him the book, then put it out of sight."</p> + +<hr class="W10"> + +<p class="normal">In the district of Rossau the road surveyors put up their stakes, and +at the University, Magister Knips placed the white pig's-skin binding +in the hands of his illustrious patron.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse rejoiced that the road to her father's estate would be useful to +every one, and the professor heard with interest that the man whom he +had recommended had succeeded well, and he smiled kindly at the +expressions of gratitude tendered by the Magister. But for the good +formation of the new road, and the approved dexterity of the little +man, the happy couple, who in both cases had hit upon the right person, +were to receive thanks that they did not desire.</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>CHAPTER XXIII</i>.</h2> + +<h3>PHILOPENA.</h3> + +<p class="normal">One evening Ilse had placed the last remaining dainties of the holiday +season on the table; Laura was rattling an uncracked almond, and asked +the Doctor whence arose the time-honored custom of Philopena. The +Doctor doubted the antiquity of the custom and could not explain its +origin at the moment, but he was evidently perplexed at his uncertainty +in the matter. Thus, he neglected to request the mutual pledge of the +double almond. Laura cracked the shell and carelessly laid two almonds +between him and herself, saying: "There they are."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Shall we share them?" cried the Doctor, gaily.</p> + +<p class="normal">"If you like," replied Laura, "giving and taking, as is usually done. +But it must be only in joke," she added, thinking of her father; "and +no presents."</p> + +<p class="normal">Both ate the almonds with the laudable intention of losing the game. +The consequence was that the affair did not advance. Laura, in the +course of the following week, handed books, tea-cups, and plates of +meat to the Doctor. He was dumb as a stick, and never said, "I am +thinking of it." Had he forgotten the agreement, or was it his usual +chivalry? But Laura could not remind him of his forgetfulness, +otherwise she would win the philopena. She again became very angry with +him.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The learned gentleman does not hand anything to me," she said, to +Ilse; "he treats me as if I were a stick."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It must be unintentional," replied Ilse; "he has forgotten it long +ago."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Of course," cried Laura; "he has no memory for a pretty joke with such +an insignificant person as I am."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Make an end of it," advised Ilse; "just remind him of it."</p> + +<p class="normal">It so happened that the Doctor, on one occasion, could not avoid +picking up a pair of scissors, and handing them to her.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am thinking of it," said Laura; and added, pertly, "that's more than +you do."</p> + +<p class="normal">After that she offered the Doctor the sugar-bowl; the Doctor took a +piece of sugar out civilly, but was silent.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Good morning, philopena," she cried, contemptuously.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor laughed, and declared himself vanquished.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is not very nice of you," continued Laura, eagerly, "to have cared +so little about your philopena. I will never eat one with you again; +there is no honor in winning from gentlemen who are so absentminded."</p> + +<p class="normal">Shortly after, the Doctor handed her a small printed book in beautiful +binding. On the first page there was written, "For Miss Laura," and on +the second, "The Origin of Philopena; a Tale." It was the history of +the beautiful daughter of a king, who liked to crack and eat nuts, but +would not marry; she accordingly invented the following stratagem. +She presented to every prince who sought her hand--and they were +countless--the half of a double almond, and she ate the other half. +Then she said; "If now your Highness can compel me to take something +out of your hand without saying the words, 'I am thinking of it,' I +shall consent to marry you; but if I can induce your Highness to take +something from my hand without saying these words, your Highness shall +have your princely head shaven and forthwith leave my country." But +there was a trick in the fulfillment of this contract; for according to +the customs of the court no one could put anything into the beautiful +Princess's own hand on pain of death, but he must give it to the +lady-in-waiting and she would hand it to the Princess. But if the +Princess herself chose to take or hand something, who could prevent +her? Thus it became a bitter pleasure for the wooers. For however much +they might endeavor to induce the Princess to take something out of +their hands without the intervention of the lady-in-waiting, the latter +always interposed and spoilt their best-laid plans. But when the +Princess wished to get rid of a suitor, she was so gracious to him for +a whole day that he was quite enchanted; and when he sat next to her, +and was already intoxicated with joy, she took, as if by accident, +something that was near her,--a pomegranate, or an egg,--and said, +softly, "Keep this in remembrance of me." As soon as the Prince took +the thing in his hand, and perhaps was preparing to say the saving +words, the thing burst asunder, and a frog, a hornet, or a bat, flew +out towards his hair, so that he drew back frightened, and, in his +fear, forgot the words; whereat he was shaven on the spot, and sent +about his business.</p> + +<p class="normal">Thus years had passed, and in all the kingdoms roundabout, the princes +wore wigs,--these have since become fashionable. Then it happened that +the son of a foreign king, while traveling upon some business of his +own, by accident saw the almond-queen. He thought her beautiful, and at +the same he took note of the artifice that had ruined the hopes of her +former suitors. Now a little grey dwarf in whose favor he stood, had +given him an apple, at which he might smell once every year, and then a +clever idea would occur to him. He had, therefore, become very famous +amongst all kings on account of his clever ideas. Now the time of the +apple had come; he smelt, and at once this bright thought came to him: +"If you would win the game of giving and taking, you must under no +conditions either give anything to her or take anything from her." And +so he had his hands firmly bound in his girdle, went with his Marshal +to court, and said he also would be glad to eat an almond. The Princess +was much pleased with him, and had the almond handed to him. His +Marshal took it and put it in his mouth. Then the Princess inquired +what that meant, and why he always carried his hands in his girdle. He +answered that his Court customs were even stricter than hers; and he +must not take or give anything with his hands, but only with his feet +or head. The Princess laughed, and said:</p> + +<p class="normal">"In this way we can never manage our game!"</p> + +<p class="normal">He shrugged his shoulders and answered:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Only in case you will condescend to take things from my boots."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That can never be," cried the Court in chorus.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then why did you come here?" exclaimed the Princess, vexed, "if you +have such stupid customs?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Because you are so beautiful," returned the Prince; "and if I cannot +win you I can yet look upon you."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I can say nothing against that," answered the Princess.</p> + +<p class="normal">So the Prince remained at Court, and came to please her more and more. +But as she too was of a mischievous disposition, she endeavored in +every way to mislead him and persuade him to draw his hand out of his +girdle and take something from her. She conversed much with him, and +made him presents of flowers, bonbons, and smelling-bottles, and at +last even of her bracelet. Many times his hands twitched, but he felt +the pressure of the belt and recollected himself, nodded to the Marshal +who collected the things, and said:</p> + +<p class="normal">"We think of it."</p> + +<p class="normal">Now the Princess became impatient, and so one day she began after this +fashion:</p> + +<p class="normal">"My handkerchief has fallen down; could your Highness pick it up for +me?"</p> + +<p class="normal">The Prince took the handkerchief by the ends of his toes and waved it; +the Princess bent down, took the handkerchief from his feet, and cried +out, angrily:</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am thinking of it."</p> + +<p class="normal">A year had passed thus, and the Princess said to herself, "It cannot +continue so; an end must be made of the affair, in one way or the +other." So she began thus to the Prince:</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have the loveliest garden in the world, which I will show your +Highness to-morrow."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Prince smelt at his apple again. When they came to the garden the +Prince began:</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is wonderfully beautiful here; that we may be able to walk together +in peace, and not be disturbed by our game, I beg, my dear Princess, +that you will adopt my Court custom, if only for an hour, and allow +your hands to be bound. Then we shall be sure of each other, and +nothing vexatious can happen to us."</p> + +<p class="normal">This did not please the Princess, but he entreated and she could not +refuse him this trifle. Thus they walked together, with their hands +bound in their girdles. The birds sang, the sun shone warm, and from +the branches the red cherries hung down almost touching their cheeks. +The Princess looked up at the cherries, and exclaimed:</p> + +<p class="normal">"What a pity it is that your Highness cannot pluck some of them for +me."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Prince answered, "Necessity is the mother of invention;" and +seizing a cherry with his mouth he offered it to the Princess. Nothing +remains for her but to put her mouth to his in order to take the +cherry, and when she had the fruit between her lips, and a kiss from +him in addition, she could not at the moment say, "I am thinking +of it."</p> + +<p class="normal">Then he exclaimed, aloud, "Good morning, Philopena," drew his hands out +of his girdle and embraced her; they were of course married and if they +have not since died, they still live together in peace and happiness.</p> + +<p class="normal">This story the Doctor had written and caused to be printed especially +for Laura, so that no one else could have the book.</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura carried the book to her private room, looked with pride on her +name in print, and repeatedly read the foolish little story. She walked +to and fro reflecting; and when she thus considered her relations with +Fritz Hahn, she could not feel easy in her conscience. From her +childhood she had been under obligations to him; he had always been +good and kind to her; and she, and still more her father, had always +caused him vexation. She thought penitently of all the past, up to the +cat's paws; the indefinite feeling she had concerning the "<i>Philopena</i>" +was now clear to her; she could not be as unembarrassed as she ought to +be, nor as indifferent as she would wish, because she was always under +the heavy burden of obligation. "I must come to an understanding with +him. Ah! but there is a barrier between him and me,--my father's +commands." She revolved in her mind how, without acting against his +commands, she could give the Doctor some pleasure. She had ventured +something of the kind with the orange-tree; if she could devise +anything that would remain unknown to those over the way there would be +no danger; no tender relations and no friendship would arise from it, +which her father might wish to avoid. She hastened down to Ilse, +saying, "My obligations to the Doctor oppress me more than I can +express; it is insupportable to feel myself always in his debt. Now I +have bethought me of something which will bring this state of things to +a conclusion."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Take good care," replied Ilse, "that the affair is really brought to a +conclusion that will stand in the future."</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura went at once to the Professor, whom she found in his study, and +asked in a merry voice if he could not aid her in playing a joke upon +her kindhearted, yet unmanageable, neighbor. "He collects all sorts of +antiquities," she said, "and I should like to get him something rare +that he would like. But nobody must know that I have anything to do +with it, himself least of all."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor promised to think of something.</p> + +<p class="normal">Some time afterwards he placed in Laura's hands a small torn volume, +that looked reduced to a pitiful state. "They are single copies of old +popular songs," said he, "that at some time or other have been bound +together. I hit upon them by a lucky accident. The little book is +valuable; to the amateur its worth is beyond proportion greater than +the price. Do not be disturbed at its bad appearance. Fritz Will take +out the separate songs, and arrange them in order in his collection. I +am convinced you could not make him a present that would please him +better."</p> + +<p class="normal">"He shall have it," said Laura, contented, "but he shall suffer for it +nevertheless."</p> + +<p class="normal">It was a fine collection: there were some very rare pieces among them, +an entirely unknown edition of the ballad of the unfortunate Knight +Tanhäuser, the ballad of the Robber Toss Bowl, and a great many other +charming selections. Laura carried the book upstairs, and carefully cut +the thread of the bound sheets, which held them loosely together. She +then sat down to her writing-table, and commenced an anonymous +correspondence, which was made necessary by her father's tyranny, +writing the following in a disguised hand: "Dear Doctor, an unknown +person sends you this song for your collection; he has thirty more like +these, which are intended for you, but only on certain conditions. +First, you are to preserve towards every one, whoever it may be, +inviolate secrecy in the matter. Secondly, you are to send for every +poem another written by yourself, on any subject, addressed to O. W., +at the Post-office. Thirdly, if you are willing to agree to this +compact, walk past No. 10 Park street, with a flower in your +button-hole, about three o'clock in the afternoon on one of the next +three days. The sender will be exceedingly gratified if you will enter +into this pleasantry. Truly Yours N. N." The song of Robber Toss Bowl +was enclosed with this letter.</p> + +<p class="normal">It was five minutes after nine by the Doctor's watch, which was +confirmed by later investigations, when this letter was brought into +his room; the barometer was rising; light, feathery clouds fleeted +across the sky, and the moon's pale crescent shone forth from among +them. The Doctor opened the letter, the green-tinted paper of which +contrasted with the old printed sheet, yellow with age, that +accompanied it. He unfolded the yellow sheet hastily, and read:</p> +<div class="poem"> + +<p class="t4" style="text-indent:-6px">"Stortebecker und Godecke Michael,<br> +De rowten alle beede."</p> +<p class="t4" style="text-indent:-6px">"Godecke Michael and Toks Bowl, Knight,<br> +They fought all day and they fought all night."</p> +</div> + +<p class="continue">There was no doubt it was the original low German text of the famous +ballad, which had hitherto been lost to the world, that lay bodily +before him. He was as pleased as a child with a Christmas-box. Then he +read the letter, and when he came to the end, he read it again. He +laughed. It was clearly all a roguish jest. But from whom? His thoughts +turned first to Laura, but she had only the evening before treated him +with cold contempt. Ilse was not to be thought of, and such playful +mischief was very unlike the Professor. What did the house No. 10 mean? +The young actress who lived there was said to be a very charming and +enterprising young lady. Was it possible she could have any knowledge +of folk-songs, and, the Doctor could not help thinking, a tender +feeling for himself? The good Fritz chanced to step before the mirror +for a moment, and he at once uttered an inward protest against the +possibility of such an idea, and, laughing, he went back to his +writing-table and to his popular song. He could not enter into the +pleasantry, that was clear, but it was a pity. He laid the Robber Toss +Bowl aside, and returned to his work. After a time, however, he took it +up again. This valuable contribution had been sent to him, at all +events, without any humiliating condition; perhaps he might be allowed +to keep it. He opened a portfolio of old folk-songs, and placed it in +its order as if it had been his own. Having laid the treasure in its +proper place, he restored the portfolio to the bookshelf, and thought, +it is a matter of indifference where the sheet lies.</p> + +<p class="normal">In this way the Doctor argued with himself till after dinner. Shortly +before three o'clock he came to a decision. If it was only the joke of +an intimate acquaintance, he would not spoil it; and if there had been +some other motive, it must soon come to light. Meanwhile, he might keep +the document, but he would not treat it as his own possession till the +right of the sender and his object was clear. He must, in the first +place, communicate this view of the case to his unknown friend. After +he had made the necessary compromise between his conscience and his +love of collecting, he fetched a flower out of his father's +conservatory, placed it in his button-hole, and walked out into the +street. He looked suspiciously at the windows of the hostile house, but +Laura was not to be seen, for she had hid behind the curtains, and +snapped her fingers at the success of her jest when she saw the flower +in his buttonhole. The Doctor was embarrassed when he came in front of +the house appointed. The situation was humiliating, and he repented of +his covetousness. He looked at the window of the lower story, and +behold! the young actress was standing close to it. He looked at her +intelligent countenance and attractive features, took off his hat +courteously, and was weak enough to blush; the young lady returned the +civility tendered by the well-known son of the neighboring house. The +Doctor continued his walk some distance beyond; there appeared to him +something strange in this adventure. The presence and greeting of the +actress at the window certainly did not appear to be accidental. He +could not get rid of his perplexity; only one thing was quite clear to +him, he was for the present in possession of the ballad of the Robber +Toss Bowl.</p> + +<p class="normal">As his qualms of conscience did not cease, he debated with himself for +two days whether he should enter upon any further interchange of +letters; on the third he silenced his remaining scruples. Thirty +ballads, very old editions--the temptation was overpowering! He +looked up his own attempts in rhyme,--effusions of his own lyrical +period,--examined and cast them aside. At last he found an innocent +romance which in no manner exposed him; he copied it, and accompanied +it by a few lines in which he made it a condition that he should +consider himself only the guardian of the songs.</p> + +<p class="normal">Some days afterwards he received a second packet; it was a priceless +monastery ditty, in which the virtues of roast Martinmas goose were +celebrated. It was accompanied by a note which contained the +encouraging words: "Not bad; keep on."</p> + +<p class="normal">Again Laura's figure rose before his eyes, and he laughed right +heartily at the Martinmas goose. This also was an old edition of which +there was no record. This time he selected an ode to Spring from his +poems and addressed it, as directed, to O. W.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor was astonished that the Doctor kept silence about the +book of ballads, and expressed this to Ilse, who was partly in the +secret.</p> + +<p class="normal">"He is bound not to speak," she said; "she treats him badly. But as it +is he, there is no danger in the joke for the bold girl."</p> + +<p class="normal">But Laura was happy in her game of chess with masked moves. She put the +Doctor's poem carefully into her private album, and she thought that +the Hahn poetry was not so bad after all; nay, it was admirable. But +even more gratifying to her sportiveness than the correspondence, was +the thought that the Doctor was to be forced into a little affair of +sentiment with the actress. When she met him again at Ilse's, and one +of those present was extolling the talent of the young lady, she spoke +without embarrassment, and without turning to the Doctor, of the +curious whims of the actress, that once, when an admirer, whom she did +not like, had proposed to serenade her, she had placed her little dog +at the window with a night-cap on, and that she had a decided +preference for the company of strolling apprentices, and could converse +with them in the most masterly way in the dialect of her province.</p> + +<p class="normal">The unsuspecting Doctor began to reflect. Was it then really the +actress who, without his knowing it, was in correspondence with him?</p> + +<p class="normal">This gave Fritz a certain tacit respect for the lady.</p> + +<p class="normal">Once when Laura was sitting with her mother at the play watching the +actress, she perceived Fritz Hahn in the box opposite. She observed +that he was looking fixedly through his opera-glass at the stage, and +sometimes broke out in loud applause. She had evidently succeeded in +putting him upon the wrong track.</p> + +<p class="normal">Meanwhile he discovered that the unknown correspondent knew more than +how to write addresses. Laura had looked through the songs and studied +the text of the old poem of the Knight Tanhäuser, who had lingered with +Venus in the mountain, and she sent the ballad with the following +lines:--</p> + +<p class="normal">"While reading through this song I was overcome with emotion and horror +at the meaning of the old poetry. What, in the opinion of the poet, +became of the soul of poor Tanhäuser? He had broken away from Venus, +and had returned penitent to the Christian faith; and when the stern +Pope said to him, 'It is as little possible for you to be saved as for +the staff that I hold in my hand to turn green,' he returned to Venus +and her mountain in proud despair. But afterwards the staff in the +hands of the Pope did turn green, and it was in vain that he sent his +messengers to fetch the knight back. What was the singer's view of +Tanhäuser's return to evil? Would the 'Eternal love and mercy' still +forgive the poor man, although he had for the second time surrendered +himself up to the temptress? Was the old poet so liberal-minded that he +considered the return to the heathen woman as pardonable? Or is +Tanhäuser now, in his eyes, eternally lost? and was the green staff +only to show that the Pope was to bear the blame? I should be glad to +hear your explanation of this. I think the poem very beautiful and +touching, and, when one thoroughly enters into its spirit, there is +powerful poetry in the simple words. But I feel much disturbed about +the fate of Tanhäuser. Your N. N."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor answered immediately:</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is sometimes difficult, from the deep feeling and terse expressions +of olden poetry, to understand the fundamental idea of the poet; and +most difficult of all in a poem which has been handed down for +centuries by popular tradition, and in which changes in the words and +meaning must certainly have taken place. The first idea of the song, +that mortals dwell in the mountains with the old heathen gods rests on +a notion which originated in ancient times. The idea that the God of +Christians is more merciful than his representative on earth has been +rooted in Germany since the time of the Hohenstaufens. One may refer +the origin of the poem to that period. It probably attained the form in +which it is now handed down to us, about the middle of the fifteenth +century, when the opposition to the hierarchy in Germany was general, +both among high and low. The grand idea of this opposition was that the +priests cannot forgive sins, and that only repentance, atonement, and +elevation of the heart to God can avail. The copy which you have so +kindly sent me, is of the early period of Luther, but we know that the +song is older, and we possess various texts, in some of which it is +more prominently set forth that Tanhäuser after his second fall might +still trust in the divine mercy. But undoubtedly in the text you have +sent me the singer considers poor Tanhäuser as lost if he did not +liberate himself from the power of Venus, but that he might be saved if +he did. According to popular tradition he remained with her. The great +and elevating thought that man may shake off the trammels of past sin +may be discovered in this poem, the poetical value of which I place as +high as you do."</p> + +<p class="normal">When Laura received this answer,--Gabriel was again her confidential +messenger,--she jumped up with joy from her writing-table. She had with +Ilse grieved over poor Tanhäuser, and given her friend a copy of the +poem; now she ran down to her with the Doctor's letter, proud that, by +means of a childish joke, at which Ilse had shaken her head, she had +entered into a learned discussion. From this day the secret +correspondence attained an importance for both Laura and Fritz which +they had little thought of in the beginning; for Laura now ventured, +when she could not satisfy herself on any subject, or took a secret +interest in anything, to impart to her neighbor thoughts which hitherto +had been confined to her writing-table, and the Doctor discovered with +astonishment and pleasure a female mind of strong and original cast, +which sought to obtain clear views from him, and unfolded itself to him +with unusual confidence. These feelings might be discovered in his +poems, which were no longer taken out of the portfolio, but assumed a +more personal character. Laura's eyes moistened as she read the pages +in which he expressed in verse his anxiety and impatience to become +acquainted with his unknown correspondent. The feeling evinced in his +lines was so pure, and one saw in them the good and refined character +of the man so clearly that one could not fail to place full confidence +in him. The old popular songs, in the first instance the main object, +became gradually only the accompaniments of the secret correspondence, +and the wings of Laura's enthusiastic soul soared over golden clouds, +whilst Mr. Hummel growled below and Mr. Hahn suspiciously awaited fresh +attacks from the enemy.</p> + +<p class="normal">But this poetical relation with the neighbor's son, which had been +established by Laura's enterprising spirit, was exposed to the same +danger that threatens all poetic moods--of being at any moment +destroyed by rude reality. The Doctor was never to know that she was +his correspondent,--the daughter of the enemy whom he daily met, the +childish girl who quarreled with him in Ilse's room about bread and +butter and almonds. When they met, he was always as before the Doctor +with the spectacles, and she the little snappish Hummel, who had more +of her father's ill manners than Gabriel would admit. The sulking and +teasing between them went on every day as formerly. Nevertheless, it +was inevitable that a warm feeling should sometimes beam in Laura's +eyes, and that the friendly disposition with which she really regarded +the Doctor should sometimes be betrayed in a passing word. Fritz, +therefore, labored under an uncertainty over which he secretly +laughed, but which, nevertheless, tormented him. When he received the +well-disguised handwriting he always saw Laura before him; but when he +met his neighbor at his friend's she succeeded, by mocking remarks and +shy reserve, in perplexing him again. Necessity compelled her to this +coquetry, but it acted upon him each time like a cold blast; and then +it struck him, it can not be Laura,--is it the actress?</p> + +<p class="normal">There was general astonishment at the tea-table when the Doctor once +hinted that he had been invited to a masked ball, and was not averse to +attending the noisy gathering. The ball was given by a large circle of +distinguished citizens, to which Mr. Hummel belonged. The peculiarity +of this party was that the chief actors of the city were admitted as +welcome guests. As the Doctor had hitherto never shown any inclination +for this kind of social entertainment, the Professor was astonished. +Laura alone guessed the cause, but all received the announcement of +this unusual intended dissipation with silent pleasure.</p> + +<p class="normal">Mr. Hummel was not of the opinion that a masked ball was the place +where the worth of a German citizen was shown to greatest advantage. He +had unwillingly yielded to the coaxing of the ladies in his family, and +was now seen standing among the masks in the ball-room. He had thrown +the little black domino carelessly about his back like a priest's +mantle; his hat was pressed down over his eyes; the silk fringe of the +mask overshadowed his face on all sides, which was as unmistakable as a +full moon behind thin clouds. He looked mockingly on the throng of +masks that streamed past him, somewhat less comfortable and more silent +than they would have been without masks and colored coats. Obnoxious to +him more than all were the harlequins scattered about, who, at the +beginning of the festival, affected an extravagance of conduct which +was not natural to them. Mr. Hummel had good eyes, but it happened to +him, as to others, that he was not able to recognize every one who was +masked. All the world knew him, however. Some one tugged at his +clothes.</p> + +<p class="normal">"How is your dog Spitehahn?" asked a gentleman in rococo dress, bowing +to him.</p> + +<p class="normal">Hummel bowed in return. "Thanks for your kind inquiry. I would have +brought him for a bite of the calves of your legs if you had been +provided with that article."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Does this kind of a Hummel-bee sting?" asked a green domino, in a +falsetto voice.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Spare your remarks," replied Hummel, angrily; "your voice is fast +changing into a woman's. I quite pity your family."</p> + +<p class="normal">He moved on.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Will you buy a pack of hareskins, brother Hummel?" asked a wandering +pedlar.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I thank you, brother," replied Hummel, fiercely; "you may let me have +the ass's skin that your wife tore from your face in your last +quarrel."</p> + +<p class="normal">"There's the rough felt of our city," cried, pertly, a little clown, as +he gave Mr. Hummel a blow upon the stomach with his wand.</p> + +<p class="normal">This was too much for Mr. Hummel: he seized the diminutive clown by the +collar, took his wand away from him, and held the refractory little +fellow on his knee. "Wait, my son," he cried; "you'll wish you had a +rough felt in another place than on your head."</p> + +<p class="normal">But a burly Turk caught him by the arm. "Sir, how can you dare to lay +hold of my son in this manner?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Is this chattel yours?" returned Hummel, furiously; "your +blotting-paper physiognomy is unknown to me. If you, as Turk, devote +yourself to the rearing of ill-mannered buffoons, you must expect to +see Turkish bamboo on their backs, that is a principle of international +law. If you do not understand this you may come to me to-morrow morning +at my office; I will make the thing clear to you, and hand over to you +a bill for the watch-crystal that this creature from your harem has +broken for me."</p> + +<p class="normal">Thereupon he threw the clown into the arms of the Turk, and the wand on +the ground, and clumsily made his way through the masks who surrounded +him.</p> + +<p class="normal">"There is not a human soul among them," he growled; "one feels like +Robinson Crusoe among the savages." He moved about the ball-room +utterly regardless of the white shoulders and bright eyes that danced +about him, and again disappeared. At last he caught sight of two grey +bats whom he thought he knew, for it appeared to him that the masks +were his wife and daughter. He went up to them, but they avoided him +and mixed in the throng. They were undoubtedly of his party, but they +intended to remain unknown, and they knew that would be impossible if +Mr. Hummel was with them. The forsaken man turned and went into the +next room, seated himself in solitude at an empty table, took his mask +off, ordered a bottle of wine, asked for the daily paper, and lighted a +cigar.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Pardon me, Mr. Hummel," said a little waiter; "no smoking here!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"You too," replied Mr. Hummel, gloomily. "You see there <i>is</i> smoking +here. This is my way of masquerading. Matters are becoming wearisome. +Every vestige of humanity and all consideration for others is being +trodden under foot to-day; and that is what they call a <i>bal masqué</i>."</p> + +<p class="normal">Meanwhile Laura slipped about among the masks, looking for the Doctor. +Fritz Hahn could easily be discovered by sharp eyes, for he wore his +spectacles over his mask. He was standing in a blue domino, near an +elegant lady in a red mantle. Laura pressed up to him. Fritz was +writing something in the hand of the lady, most likely her name, for +she nodded carelessly; then he wrote again in her hand, pointing to +himself. Probably it was his own name, for the lady nodded, and Laura +thought that she could see under her veil that she was laughing. Laura +heard the Doctor speaking to the lady of a <i>rôle</i> in which he had +lately seen her on the stage, and he addressed her with the familiar +"thou." That was, indeed, the privilege of a masquerade ball, but it +was entirely unnecessary. The Doctor expressed his pleasure that in the +balcony scene the lady had so well understood how to represent the +glowing feeling of passion in such difficult metre. The red mantle +became attentive, and, turning to the Doctor, began to speak of the +<i>rôle</i> she had taken. The lady spoke for some time, and then Doctor +Romeo would continue still longer. The actress stepped back some steps +into the shadow of a pillar; the Doctor followed her, and Laura saw +that the red mantle curtly answered some other male masks, and again +turned to the Doctor. At last the actress seated herself quite behind +the pillar, where she was little seen by strangers, and the Doctor +stood near her, leaning against it, and continuing the conversation. +Laura, who had also placed herself near the pillar, heard how animated +it was. The subject was passion. Now it was not the passion which one +felt for the other, but that of the stage; but even that was more than +a friend of the Doctor could approve of.</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura stepped hastily forward, placed herself near Fritz Hahn, and +raised her finger warningly. The Doctor looked astonished at the bat, +and shrugged his shoulders. Then she seized his hand, and wrote his +name in it. The Doctor made a bow, upon which she held out her hand. +How could he know her in that disfiguring disguise? He gave decided +proof of his ignorance, and turned again to the lady in the red mantle. +Laura stepped back, and colored up to her temples under the mask. It +was in anger with herself, for she was the unfortunate one who had +brought him into this danger: and moreover she had come in such a +disguise that he could not recognize her.</p> + +<p class="normal">She returned to her mother, who had at last been fortunate enough to +find a companion in Laura's godmother, and had got into the corner of +the room in order to exchange observations on the bodily development of +the baptized little Fritz. Laura placed herself next her mother, and +looked at the dancing masks with indifference. Suddenly she sprang up, +for Fritz Hahn was dancing with the lady in the red mantle. Was it +possible? He had long abjured dancing. More than once he had ridiculed +Laura for her pleasure in it; even she herself had at times, when +sitting before her private journal, thought how childish this +monotonous whirling movement was, and how incompatible with a nobler +conception of life;--now he was turning himself round like a top.</p> + +<p class="normal">"What do I see?" cried her mother; "is not that ----? and the red one +is ----"</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is immaterial with whom he dances," interrupted Laura, in order to +avoid hearing the hated confirmation of it. But she knew Fritz Hahn, +and she was aware there was some signification in this waltz. Juliet +pleased him much, otherwise he would never have done it; he had never +shown her this mark of distinction. The old comedian of the city +theatre approached them as Pantaloon; he had at last found out the two +influential ladies; he tripped up to them, made grotesque obeisances, +and began to amuse her mamma with his gossip. One of his first remarks +was, "It is said that young Hahn will go upon the stage; he is studying +his <i>rôle</i> as lover with our prima-donna."</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura turned with annoyance from the flat remark. Her last hope was the +time of unmasking; she impatiently awaited the moment. At last there +was a pause, and the masks were removed. She took her mother's arm to +go through the room to greet their acquaintances. It seemed a long time +before she got into the neighborhood of Fritz Hahn, and not once did he +look at her. Laura made a movement with her hand to touch him gently; +but she pressed her fingers firmly, and passed by fixing her eyes upon +him. Now at last he recognized her, as he ought to have done long +before. She saw the look of pleasure in his countenance, and her heart +became lighter. She stopped while he exchanged some civil sentences +with her mother, and she expected that he would acknowledge that she +had already greeted him, but he did not mention a word of the +occurrence. Had so many written in his hand that he could not bear in +mind one poor little bat? When he turned to her he only praised the +ball music. This was all the notice he thought her worthy of. His +conversation with Juliet had been the free interchange of mind, but to +her he only addressed a few indifferent sentences. Her countenance +assumed the gloomy Hummel look, as she answered, "You used to have +little sympathy for the jingling instrument to which the puppets +dance."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor looked embarrassed, but laughed, and asked her for the next +dance. This was bad tact. Laura answered bitterly, "When the grey bat +was so bold as to flutter about Romeo, he had no dance free for her; +now her eyes are blinded by the bright light." She bowed her head like +a queen, took her mother's arm, and left him behind.</p> + +<p class="normal">What followed was still more aggravating. The Doctor danced once more +with the lady in the mantle. Laura observed how fascinatingly she +smiled on him, and he danced with no one else. Of her he took no +further notice, and she was glad when soon after Mr. Hummel came up to +them and said: "It was difficult to find you. When I inquired of the +people for the two ugliest disguises, you were pointed out to me. I +shall be glad if to-morrow morning you awake without headache. We have +had enough of pleasure today."</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura was glad when the carriage arrived at home; she rushed up to her +room, hastily took her book out of the drawer, and wrote rapidly:</p> +<div class="poem"> + +<p class="t4" style="text-indent:-6px">"Cursed be my deed and cursed all sinful art;</p> +<p class="t5">My own true happiness is now at stake</p> +<p class="t4">A troup of enemies surrounds my heart,</p> +<p class="t5">Which bleeding from so deadly wounds will break."</p> +</div> + +<p class="continue">she wiped away the tears which rolled upon her paper.</p> + +<p class="normal">The bright light of the following morning exercised its tranquilizing +influence on her fluttering thoughts. Over there Fritz Hahn was still +lying in his bed. The good youth had tired himself yesterday. Many +drops of water might still flow into the sea before friend Fritz would +determine to unite his fate with an actress of tragedy. She brought out +her supply of old ballads and selected one; it was a very jolly one: +the May-Bug's Marriage--in which the may-bug on the hedge asks in +marriage the young maiden fly. Many little birds occupy themselves +seriously about the wedding, but at last it is put an end to by some +disreputable conduct on the part of the bridegroom.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Good," said Laura; "my May-Bug Fritz, before you marry the frivolous +fly Juliet, other birds shall have their say about it."</p> + +<p class="normal">She folded up the song, and added to it a little note: "You guess +wrongly. The person who sends this to you never was Juliet." As she +closed the letter she said to herself, with more composure: "If he does +not now perceive that he was mistaken, one cannot think much of his +judgment."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor was sitting a little stupefied over his books, when his eye +fell upon the above letter. He cast a look upon the Marriage of the +May-Bug; he had never yet come across an old copy of it, and in rapidly +glancing over it he saw that many verses were quite different from our +current text. Then he took the note, and endeavored to interpret the +oracle. Now it was clear that the actress was the sender, for who else +could know that he had accosted her as Juliet, and that they had +conversed long about this <i>rôle</i>. But what could the words mean, "You +guess wrongly?" But even on this point his eyes were blinded; he had +maintained that the representation of passion could only be to a +certain extent attained by an actor, if he had never in his life +experienced a similar feeling. This the actress denied, and they had +endeavored to come to an agreement about it; her words, therefore, +clearly meant that she had impersonated Juliet without ever having +previously felt a great passion. This was a confession that showed +great confidence--nay, perhaps still more. The Doctor sat long looking +at the note; but he now felt pretty sure who his correspondent was, and +the discovery did not give him pleasure. For when he had reasoned the +matter out upon rational grounds, it had always been Laura's eyes that +beamed upon him from the paper, though undoubtedly quite another look +from that which she had favored him with yesterday. He laid the May-Bug +Marriage with the other songs, and again asked himself whether he ought +to continue the correspondence. At last he sealed in answer one of the +worthless trifles of his portfolio, and did not write anything in +addition.</p> + +<p class="normal">Some days after, when the Professor and Ilse were walking through the +streets, they passed by the dwelling of the actress; both saw their +friend standing at the window of the heroine, and he nodded to them +from within.</p> + +<p class="normal">"How has he made this acquaintance?" asked the Professor; "is not the +young lady considered very fast?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I fear so," answered Ilse, troubled.</p> + +<p class="normal">Now Mrs. Knips (who dwelt opposite to the actress) came running in to +Madame Hummel one day with the linen still damp, and told her that on +the previous evening a great basket of champagne had been taken to the +actress's house, and that in the night the loud singing of a dissolute +company had been heard over the whole street, and that young Doctor +Hahn had been among them!</p> + +<p class="normal">On Sunday the comedian had been invited to dinner at Mr. Hummel's, and +one of his first anecdotes was concerning a jovial party which had +taken place at the actress's. With the malice which is often to be +found in fellow-artists towards each other, he added, "She has found a +new admirer, the son of your neighbor over the way. Well! the father's +money will at least come to the support of art." Mr. Hummel opened his +eyes and shook his head, but only said, "So Fritz Hahn too has gone +among the actors and become dissipated: he is the last one that I +should have suspected of this."</p> + +<p class="normal">Mrs. Hummel endeavored to bring to mind her recollections of the ball, +and found in them a sorrowful confirmation of this, but Laura, who had +been sitting very pale and silent, broke forth vehemently to the actor:</p> + +<p class="normal">"I will not suffer you to speak of the Doctor in such a tone at our +table. We are well enough acquainted with him to know that he is in +conduct and principles a noble man. He is master of his own actions, +and if he likes the lady and visits her at times, a third person has no +right to say anything in the matter whatever. It is a malicious calumny +to say that he goes there with any dishonorable intentions, and spends +money that does not belong to him."</p> + +<p class="normal">The comedian, through fright, got a crumb of bread in his wind-pipe, +and burst out in the most violent fit of coughing that had ever seized +him, but the mother, in excuse of their pleasant visitor, replied:</p> + +<p class="normal">"You have sometimes felt yourself, that the conduct of the Doctor was +not quite the thing."</p> + +<p class="normal">"If I have said anything of the kind in foolish ill temper," cried +Laura, "it was an injustice, and I am very sorry for it; I have only +the excuse that I never meant it ill-naturedly. But from others I will +hear no slanderous talk about our neighbor." She rose from table and +left the room. The actor vindicated himself to the mother, but Mr. +Hummel grasped his wine-glass and, peering after his daughter, said:</p> + +<p class="normal">"On a gloomy day she is scarcely to be distinguished from me."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor was little troubled about his own misdeeds. He had paid a +visit to his partner after the ball, the occasion on which he had been +seen at the window. One of his school friends, now second tenor at the +theatre, had come and arranged with the actress to have a little picnic +on her approaching birthday, and Fritz had been invited to take part in +it. It was a merry gathering, and the Doctor had found much +entertainment among the light-winged birds of the stage, and had +rejoiced with the benevolence of a wise man at the good tact which was +visible amidst the easy style of their intercourse. There had also been +much intelligent conversation in the course of the evening, and he went +home with the impression that even for a person like himself it was +good to be for once associated with these lively artists. He had +endeavored that same evening, by a stratagem, to ascertain his unknown +correspondent. When they were singing songs, and with lively grace +reciting comic verses, he had produced the May-bug song and had begun +to sing it:</p> + +<div class="poem"> + +<p class="t4" style="text-indent:-6px">"The May-bug sat on the hedge, brum, brum;<br> +The fly sat beneath him, hum, hum hum."</p> +</div> + +<p class="continue">Some had joined in it; the lady in the mantle did not know the song, +however, but only a similar one from an old <i>rôle</i>; and when the bass +took up the melody from the Doctor, and in the following verses +portrayed each of the birds as they entered by gestures and comic +changes of the melody, the hostess laughed, and without any +embarrassment undertook to learn the song, so that the Doctor again +became very doubtful, and on returning home remained standing on the +threshold and looked significantly at the house of Mr. Hummel. If any +one had accurately investigated why, after this May-bug song, the +Doctor became noisy and gay like the others, he would perhaps have +discovered that the unembarrassed air of the actress had lifted a load +from his heart.</p> + +<p class="normal">But this helped him little with respect to the "brum" and "hum" of the +neighbors. All Park Street had latterly accorded to their Fritz Hahn +the highest respect; his picture had been placed among the serious men +of learning in their albums, whom they daily contemplated and spoke of. +Now strange features had appeared in the well-known face, and the +street could not bear that one of their children should appear +otherwise than he had been wont to do. Therefore there was much +whispering and shaking of heads, and this came to the knowledge of Mr. +and Mrs. Hahn, and, finally, to the Doctor. He laughed, but he did not +feel quite at ease about it.</p> +<div class="poem"> + + +<p class="t4" style="text-indent:-6px">"Tannhäuser, noble knight and man,</p> +<p class="t5">In Venus' wiles thou liest ensnared,</p> +<p class="t4">While I, a wicked Pope Urban,</p> +<p class="t5">To cause you shame and sorrow dared."</p> +</div> + +<p class="normal">Thus did Laura lament in her room, but she concealed her heavy sorrow, +and did not speak a word concerning the danger of the Doctor, even to +Ilse; and when the latter once slightly alluded to the new intimacy of +their friend, Laura broke the thread of her embroidery, and said, while +the blood rushed to her heart:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Why should not the Doctor visit there? He is a young man for whom it +is good to see different people; he stays too much in his room and with +his parents. If I had been a man like him, I should long ago have tied +up my bundle and gone out into the world, for our narrow field of +active life weakens the energies and dwarfs the mind."</p> + +<p class="normal">At the tea-table one of the company present turned the conversation on +the actress, and shrugged his shoulders over her free manners. Laura +felt what must be the Doctor's embarrassment; there sat poor Fritz, +obliged to listen to the derogatory criticisms--his intimate +acquaintances were silent, and looked significantly at him; his +position was terrible, for every fool made use of the lady's +unprotected position to show himself a Cato.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I wonder," she said, "that gentlemen should so severely criticise the +little freaks of an actress. A lady of that profession should be +treated with great consideration, for she is deprived of all the +protection and all the pleasure which we have in our families. I am +convinced that she is a worthy and sensitive girl."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor looked thankfully at her and confirmed her opinion. He did +not observe it, but it had happened as in his fairy-tale; Laura had +bent down to his feet and picked up the pocket-handkerchief.</p> + +<p class="normal">But she had still more to bear. The month of March began his theatrical +pranks in the world; first from his grey clouds he had cast a veil of +snow over the landscape; icicles hung from the roofs and white crystals +from the trees, and the wild storm howled all around. Suddenly all was +transformed. A mild south wind blew, the buds of the trees swelled, and +the fresh green made its appearance in the meadow; the children ran +about in the woods and carried home large bunches of spring flowers, +and people, rejoicing in the change, passed in unceasing pilgrimage +through the Park Street out into the sunshine.</p> + +<p class="normal">Even Mr. Hummel felt the presage of spring. He gave expression to this +annually by mixing the colors for his boat, and taking a pleasure walk +on a well-chosen afternoon with his wife and daughter to a distant +coffee-garden. This festive journey was but an indifferent pleasure for +Laura, for Mr. Hummel walked with sturdy step in front of the ladies; +he secretly rejoiced in the renewal of old nature, and only +occasionally favored his ladies with a remark over his shoulder when he +was annoyed at a change in the vegetation. But Laura knew that her +father thought much of this March pleasure, and this year, too, she +went with her mother behind him to a solitary village, where Mr. Hummel +smoked his pipe, fed the hens, scolded the waiter, and talked with the +landlord about the crops and gave the sun an opportunity of rejoicing +in the healthy appearance of his old friend, Mr. Hummel. Mr. Hummel, +who was usually by no means averse to society, loved now to be alone +with nature, and hated the place of resort of the citizens in the +country, where the aroma of new cakes and fritters destroyed the +perfume of nature.</p> + +<p class="normal">When he entered the coffee-garden with his ladies, he saw with +dissatisfaction that other guests were already there. He threw an +indignant glance on the gay society which had taken possession of his +usual place, and noticed among them the young actress, as well as other +members of the theatre, and with them the son of his adversary. Then he +turned to his daughter and said, blinking his eyes:</p> + +<p class="normal">"To-day you will be well satisfied; here you have, besides the +enjoyments of nature, those of art."</p> + +<p class="normal">It was a terribly hard trial to which Laura's courage was subjected; +but she raised her head proudly, and passed with her parents to another +corner of the garden. There she placed herself with her back to the +strangers. Nevertheless, she learnt more of their proceedings than was +good for her composure. She heard the sounds of laughter, and the merry +hum of the May-bug party; the less she saw of them the more painful was +the noise, and every sound was audible in the deep stillness, and her +mother's ears and eyes also were intent on the other party. After a +time the loud conversation of the artists ceased, and she heard her +name spoken in low terms. Immediately afterwards the gravel crunched +behind her, and she felt that the Doctor was behind her.</p> + +<p class="normal">He approached the table, greeted the father silently, made some +friendly remarks to the mother about the weather, and was just on the +point of turning to Laura with a forced composure that did not escape +her, when Mr. Hummel, who had till then silently borne the intrusion of +the enemy, took his pipe from his mouth, and began, with gentle voice:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Is what I hear of you possible, Doctor?--that you wish to change your +mode of life?"</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura plunged her parasol vehemently into the gravel.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I know nothing of it," replied the Doctor, coolly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is reported," continued Mr. Hummel, "that you intend to say +farewell to your books and become a professional actor. If this should +be the case, I beg of you to think kindly of my little business. I have +every kind of artistic head-gear: for lovers fine beaver, with galoon +for lackeys, and if ever you act the punchinello, a white felt hat. But +you would rather be called clown, perhaps. That is now the fashionable +<i>rôle</i>; buffoons are out of style; one shall address you as Sir Clown."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have no intention of going on the stage," replied the Doctor; "but +if ever the idea should occur to me, I would not come to you for the +artistic work of your manufactory, but for instruction in what you +consider good manners. I should then at least know what, in my +profession, was <i>not</i> befitting men of breeding."</p> + +<p class="normal">He bowed to the ladies, and went away.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Always Humboldt," said Mr. Hummel, looking after him.</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura did not move, but her dark eyebrows were knit so threateningly +that Mr. Hummel could not help perceiving it.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am quite of your opinion," he said, pleasantly, to his daughter. "It +is a great pity that he is spoilt by belonging to these straw-hat +people, but now there is no hope for him."</p> + +<p class="normal">He then took a bit of cake and offered it to a little poodle that was +sitting on its hind legs, begging and moving its paws.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Billy!" cried a lady's voice through the garden.</p> + +<p class="normal">The dog Billy, however, did not attend, but continued to show his +devotion to Mr. Hummel, who, having a greater tenderness for dogs than +for men, was feeding him.</p> + +<p class="normal">The actress came up hastily.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I beg of you not to give the naughty animal any cake,--there are +almonds in it," said the actress, pushing the dog away.</p> + +<p class="normal">"A pretty dog," replied Mr. Hummel, sitting down.</p> + +<p class="normal">"If you only knew how clever he was," said the lady; "he knows all +kinds of tricks. Show the gentleman what you have learnt, Billy."</p> + +<p class="normal">She held her parasol out: Billy sprang lightly over it, and bounded +into the lap of Mr. Hummel, where he wagged his tail and attempted to +lick the friendly gentleman's face.</p> + +<p class="normal">"He wants to kiss you," said the actress. "You should be proud of that, +for he does not do it to everyone."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is not every one who would like it," replied Mr. Hummel, stroking +the little fellow.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do not be troublesome to the gentleman, Billy," said the lady, +reprovingly.</p> + +<p class="normal">Mr. Hummel arose and presented the dog to her, which would not desist +from his attempts to kiss and lick the face of the worthy citizen.</p> + +<p class="normal">"He is a simple-hearted creature," said Mr. Hummel, "and is the same +color as my dog Spitehahn."</p> + +<p class="normal">The actress fondled the dog in her arms.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The rogue is very much spoilt; he creeps into my muff when I go to the +theatre, and I am obliged to take him with me. I was lately frightened +to death on his account; for once, while I was lamenting as Clara among +the citizens, Billy had run out of the green-room and, standing between +the curtains, began to wag his tail and caper about on his hind legs."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That must have been very pathetic," said Mrs. Hummel.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I moved about more than usual," replied the actress, "and at every +turn in the scene I had to call out, 'Lie down, Billy.'"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Excellent," nodded Mr. Hummel; "always presence of mind."</p> + +<p class="normal">"To-day I am thankful to the naughty little creature, though," +continued the actress, "for he has afforded me the opportunity of +making the acquaintance of my neighbors. Mr. Hummel, I believe?"</p> + +<p class="normal">Mr. Hummel bowed awkwardly. The actress turned to the ladies with a +bow, and the latter answered her greeting silently.</p> + +<p class="normal">There was much in the lady that pleased Mr. Hummel. She was pretty, had +a gay and cheerful countenance, and wore something on her bonnet with +which he was personally acquainted. He therefore moved a chair towards +her and said, with another bow:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Will you not have the kindness to take a seat?"</p> + +<p class="normal">The actress bowed in accepting it, and, turning to Laura, said:</p> + +<p class="normal">"I rejoice to be able to approach you at last. You are no stranger to +me, and you have often given me great pleasure, and I am glad to be +able to-day to thank you for it."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Where was it?" asked Laura, embarrassed.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Where you would certainly never have thought of it," replied the +other. "I have keen eyes, and over the footlights I observe the face of +every spectator. You cannot imagine how painful that is to me +sometimes. As you are always in the same seat, it has often been a +great pleasure to me to rest my eyes on your features and observe their +interested expression; and more than once, without your knowing it, I +have acted for you alone."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Ha!" thought Laura, "it is Venus." But she felt a chord had been +struck which gave out a pure tone. She told the actress how unwillingly +she missed any of the plays in which she acted, and that in their house +the first question, when they received the new bill of the play, was +whether the lady was going to act.</p> + +<p class="normal">This gave the mother an opportunity of entering into the conversation. +The actress spoke warmly of the kindness with which she had everywhere +been received. "For the greatest charm of our art is the secret friends +that we gain by our acting--people whom otherwise one perhaps never +sees, whose names one does not know, yet who take an interest in our +life. Then, if by accident one becomes acquainted with these kindly +strangers, it is a rich compensation for all the sufferings of our +vocation, among which the intrusive homage of common persons is perhaps +the greatest."</p> + +<p class="normal">It was clear she could not reckon the homage of the Doctor among these +sufferings.</p> + +<p class="normal">While the ladies were thus talking together, and Mr. Hummel listened +with approbation, some gentlemen approached the table. Mrs. Hummel +politely greeted the second tenor, who had once sung for her at the +godmother's house, and the worthy father of the stage, who knew Mr. +Hummel at the club, began a conversation with him concerning the +building of a new theatre. On this subject Mr. Hummel had, as a +citizen, a very decided opinion, in which the worthy father quite +agreed.</p> + +<p class="normal">In this way the two parties mingled together, and the table of Mr. +Hummel became a centre round which the children of Thalia thronged. +While the actress was talking with Mrs. Hummel in a very creditable and +domestic manner of the inconveniences of her dwelling, Laura glanced at +the Doctor. He was standing some steps from the party, leaning against +a tree, looking thoughtfully before him. Laura suddenly moved towards +him, and began speaking rapidly: "My father has offended you. I beg +your forgiveness."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor looked up. "It does not pain me," said he, kindly; "I know +his way."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have talked to her," continued Laura, with trembling voice; "she is +clever and amiable, and has an irresistible charm of manner."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Who?" asked the Doctor; "the actress?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do not attempt concealment with me," continued Laura; "that is +unnecessary between us; there is no one on earth who wishes for your +happiness more than I do. You need not trouble yourself about others +shaking their heads; if you are sure of the love of the lady, all the +rest is a secondary consideration."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor became more and more astonished. "But I do not wish to marry +the lady."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do not deny it, Fritz Hahn; that ill becomes your truthful nature," +rejoined Laura passionately; "I see how well the lady suits you. Since +I have seen her, I feel convinced that she is capable of appreciating +all that is good and great. Do not hesitate, but venture courageously +to seek her heart. Yet I am so troubled about you, Fritz. Your feelings +are warm and your judgment sound, but you cling too firmly to that +which surrounds you. I tremble, therefore, lest you should make +yourself unhappy by not deciding at the right moment upon a course +which will appear strange to your family. I know you from my early +childhood, and I am sure that your danger always has been to forget +yourself for others. You might pass a self-sacrificing existence, which +I cannot bear to think of. For I desire that all happiness should be +your portion, as your upright heart deserves." Tears coursed down her +cheeks, as she looked lovingly upon him.</p> + +<p class="normal">Every word that she spoke sounded to the Doctor like the trilling of a +lark and the chirrup of the cricket. He spoke softly to her: "I do not +love the lady; I have never thought of uniting her future with mine."</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura drew back, and a bright color suffused her face.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is a passing acquaintance, nothing more either for her or me; her +life belongs to art, and can hardly adapt itself to quiet domestic +habits. If I could venture to seek a heart for myself, it would not be +hers, but that of another." He looked towards the table, from whence at +that moment there came a loud laugh, evidently of Mr. Hummel, and spoke +the last words so low that they scarcely reached Laura's ear, and he +looked sorrowfully down on the buds of the elderbush in which the young +blossoms still lay hidden.</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura stood motionless, as if touched by the wand of a magician, but +the tears still continued to flow down her cheeks. She came very near +touching to her lips the cherry of her philopena legend.</p> + +<p class="normal">Then the merry cockchafers hummed round her, the actress nodded +smilingly to her, and her father called her:--the fairy tale was at an +end. Laura heard the actress say triumphantly to the Doctor, "He +offered me a chair, he is no growling bear after all. And he was so +kind to Billy."</p> + +<p class="normal">When Fritz returned home, he threw off his hat and overcoat, rushed to +his writing-table, and took up the little letters in the unknown hand. +"It is she," he cried, aloud, "fool that I was to doubt it for one +moment." He read all the letters again, and nodded at each. It was his +own high-minded, noble maiden who had before disguised herself, now she +had shown herself to him as she really was. He waited impatiently for +the hour when he should meet her at their friend's. She entered late, +greeted him quietly, and was more silent and gentle than usual. When +she turned to him she spoke seriously, as to a trusted friend. Her +quiet composure became her well. Now she showed herself to him as she +was, a refined mind full of true enthusiasm. Prudery and sportive moods +had only been the shell that, had concealed the sweet kernel. The +unassumed caution, too, with which she concealed her feelings among her +friends, delighted him. When the next ballad should come, then she +would speak to him as she felt, or she would give him permission to +write openly to her. The next morning the Doctor counted the minutes +till the arrival of the postman. He tore open the door and hastened to +meet the man. Fritz received a letter, he broke the cover impatiently, +there was not a line from his correspondent; he unfolded the old +printed sheet, and read the words of a coarse bacchanalian ditty:</p> +<div class="poem"> + + +<p class="t4" style="text-indent:-6px">"On the spit with ox and pig,<br> +Clear the green for reel and jig,<br> +Wine and rhyme and wassail-shout,<br> +Pass the flowing bowl about!"</p> +</div> + +<p class="normal">So the honest, simple-minded Doctor asked again: Is it she? or is it +possible that it is not?</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>CHAPTER XXIV</i>.</h2> + +<h3>AMONG THE STUDENTS.</h3> + +<p class="normal">Any one who would know the Professor at his best should see him sitting +surrounded by his students, the mature man amidst blossoming youth, the +teacher among his admiring scholars. For the greatest privilege of the +academical teacher is, that he not only exercises a personal influence +on the present, but ennobles the souls of men in later generations by +his knowledge. Out of the many who listen to lectures a chosen circle +attaches itself to the learned man, the tie of personal intercourse +connects the teacher and the scholar, lightly formed but lasting; for +what attracts one to the other, and often makes the stranger after a +few hours an intimate friend, is the pleasant consciousness that both +value and appreciate the same thing.</p> + +<p class="normal">This bond, so charming and profitable for both parties, is the noble +poetry which learning grants to its votaries. Strangers and men of +later generations judge the value of a man only by his books, but +however valuable may be the products of a man's mind thus transmitted, +it gives but an imperfect picture of it to later times; far different +does the living source work in the souls of those who receive knowledge +from the lips and eyes of the teacher. They are taught, not only by the +substance of his instructions, but still more by his method of +investigating and expounding, and, most of all, by his character and +the original style of his discourse. For these warm the hearts of his +hearers, charm their minds, and inspire them with respect. Such an +impression of the human mind, which leaves its traces on many, is +often more important in forming the character of young men than the +subject-matter of the instruction they have received. The character of +the teacher works in the scholars; new life is infused into them, and +they imbibe not only his excellencies, but also, sometimes, his +peculiarities and weaknesses. In each hearer the characteristics of the +master assume a different aspect, yet in each the influence of his mind +is apparent, even in minute particulars. The lessons which Felix gave +to his wife were not the only ones given in his house. One evening of +every week belonged to his students. There came, first, a few who +wished to ask questions and obtain information about their work; +afterwards, a greater number assembled. Ilse's room was also opened, +and Gabriel brought tea and simple fare, and an hour passed in easy +conversation, till, at last, the most intimate withdrew into the study +of their teacher, and clustered around him in numbers almost too great +for the narrow room. Here, also, the conversation was varied; sometimes +a humorous account of what they had experienced, or discussions in +which the Professor knew how to make his young friends take an active +part, and, interspersed with these, rapid criticisms upon men and +books, pointed remark and quick retort, such as are natural to those +who can recognize long melodies by a few tones. At these receptions +Felix disclosed his inmost soul with an openness that he never showed +in the lecture-room. He spoke of himself and others without reserve, +and entered pleasantly on what he had most at heart.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse was no stranger at these gatherings. Those who assisted in them, +whether serious men, old students, or young doctors, found pleasure in +the presence of the distinguished lady of the house, who, in her simple +way, took part in their intercourse. The year before she had shown her +intimacy with the Odyssey, when she summoned the gentlemen to the +enjoyment of a leg of wild boar, and expressed the benevolent wish that +they would not disdain to partake of the meal. After that she was +called Penelope in the circle, and she knew that this nickname spread +among the students beyond the walls of her house.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse had her favorites among the young men. Of this number was a worthy +student, not the most distinguished, but one of the most industrious of +the Professor's scholars. He was a countryman of hers and had been the +first to show her that students had tender feelings in their breasts. +This student had, during the last year, worked successfully in filling +his intellectual vacuum with collegiate knowledge. His lyrics he had +almost given up; for when the Professor sent him back his poems, he had +felt remorse and humbly begged pardon. Since that, having obtained a +good scholarship through Felix, he took a less misanthropic view of +domestic affairs; he proved himself a faithful and attached companion, +and now bore the honorable title of Doctorandus, which, according to +our grammarians, signifies a man who is about to be a doctor; he had +also attained a certain degree of recognition among the students; he +filled a position of honor in the great Arminia corps, always wore +their colors on his cap, and was ranked among the privileged seniors of +the society who, on drinking evenings, were exempted from the heavier +obligations of conviviality, and filled up by serious conversation the +pauses in which the stormy youths took breath.</p> + +<p class="normal">On one of these evenings the conversation took a learned turn even +before the party had retreated from Ilse's apartment to the study. An +interesting manuscript had been found in a distant library in South +Germany. There was much talk about the discovery and the editor, and +Felix recounted with satisfaction to some of his select circle all the +similar discoveries which had been made during the last twenty years. +Then our student, who had just received a cup of tea from Ilse, and was +stirring it with his spoon, said, in evident ignorance of the storm +that was lowering: "May there not be many things still undiscovered in +the neighborhood? In my town there is an old chest, which contains +books and papers from the monastery at Rossau. It is not impossible +that there may be something valuable there."</p> + +<p class="normal">Thus spoke the student, stirring his spoon, like a boy who applies a +burning match to a bombshell.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor started from his chair, and cast such a flaming glance at +the student that in fright he quickly set down his cup of tea in order +not to spill it "Where is the chest?" said the Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Where is it? I do not know," replied the student surprised. "I was +told of it, some years ago, by a countryman of mine, who was born in +the district of Rossau"--the student mentioned the name, and Ilse knew +the family--"but it must be in our county, for he lived there as tutor +in several places."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Was he a philologist?" asked an older scholar, as eager as the +Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"He was a theologian," replied our student. A murmur of regret passed +through the room.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then the account is still very uncertain," concluded the critic.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Did the man see the chest himself?" asked the Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am not certain of that, either," replied the student. "I did not +then know the importance that attached to the communication. But, I +think, he must have seen it himself, for I remember he said it was +thickly plated with iron."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Unfortunate man! You must do your utmost to procure us information +about this chest," cried the Professor. He paced impatiently up and +down the room, the students making way for him respectfully. "Your +communication is of more importance than I can now tell you," began the +Professor, stopping before the student. "Endeavor, in the first place, +to recall what you have heard about it. Did your acquaintance ever see +the chest open?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"When I come to think of it," replied the student, "I believe that he +saw some old monastic relics lying in it."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then it was no longer closed?" inquired the Professor. "And where is +your friend, now?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"He went to America last year with a brewer's daughter. I do not know +where he now resides, but it may be ascertained from his relations."</p> + +<p class="normal">Again a murmur of vexation passed through the room.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Endeavor to discover the residence of the man; write to him, and ask +for accurate information," exclaimed the Professor; "you can do me no +greater service."</p> + +<p class="normal">The student promised to do all in the power of man. When the party +broke up Gabriel communicated to the student a secret invitation to +dinner on the following day. Ilse knew that it would be agreeable to +Felix to have the company of one who had even an acquaintance who had +seen the chest that contained the books of Rossau, among which, it was +possible, the manuscript of Tacitus might lie, provided it was not +somewhere else.</p> + +<p class="normal">She, however, did not hear with any satisfaction of the secret chest, +for Ilse was, alas! incredulous in the matter of the manuscript. She +had sometimes vexed her husband by her indifference on the subject, +and, after the unfortunate Struvelius episode, avoided every mention of +the lost treasure. She had, besides, special reasons for it. She knew +how much every thought and discussion concerning it excited Felix. He +always became agitated, and his eyes shone as in fever. It is true he +controlled himself after a few minutes, and laughed at his own fervor; +but these outbreaks of latent ardor were not agreeable to his wife, for +she saw by these sudden flashings that the thought of the manuscript +still fretted the soul of her dear husband, and suspected that in +secret he often dreamt of it, and entertained secret designs against +the walls of her father's house.</p> + +<p class="normal">Our student had now aroused the storm. Later, the doctor was called in +and there was a long discussion and dispute. Ilse was glad that the +doctor did not attach much importance to the chest, and by sensible +suggestions brought the Professor at last to make humorous remarks upon +his own eagerness.</p> + +<p class="normal">When, on the following day at dinner, the student produced the letter +he had written in proof of his zeal, the Professor treated the matter +with more composure. "It is an uncertain account," he said, "even if +the relator tells the truth; he may be in error concerning the +particulars, or even the name of the monastery." When, afterwards, +information came from the house of the student that the theologian had +settled somewhere in Wisconsin as an apothecary, and that the student's +letter had been sent to an uncertain address in a distant country, the +whirlpool which the mention of the chest had provoked had subsided to +peaceful ripples.</p> + +<p class="normal">The greatest advantage consequent upon this episode came to our +student; for the Professor imparted the account to the Chamberlain, and +pointed out to him that in this chest there might be things of very +great value. The Chamberlain had several years before held the post of +castellan, and was well acquainted with all the relics of his +sovereign's castles, and was aware that there was nothing of that kind +to be found in any of them; but as the student appeared to him to be a +favorite of the family, he took kindly notice of the young man, and +offered to present him as a fellow-countryman to the Hereditary Prince. +This was done. The consequence of the introduction was that our student +was invited one evening on which the Prince received other academical +acquaintances.</p> + +<p class="normal">It was an anxious evening for the student, and the Arminian had various +reasons to be mistrustful. For, this year, there had been violent +storms among the students. It was the quarrel between the corps of +Markomanns and the Society of Arminians that had raised the tempest. +The recent cause of the storm was curious and instructive to those who +watch the secret links of earthly events. The discord which had +sundered the professors who were the representatives of ancient +learning, the struggle between Werner and Struvelius, had not at the +time much excited the academic youth. But, shortly afterwards, a song +had come forth among the students, in which the adventure of Struvelius +was treated disrespectfully. This song was a weak production; it was in +the form of a ballad, and adorned with a refrain to this effect:</p> + +<div class="poem"> + + +<p class="t4" style="text-indent:-6px">"Struvelius, Struvelius,<br> +Come out here with your Fidibus,<br> +Who burns himself will have a fuss."</p> +</div> + +<p class="continue">The author was never discovered. But when one considers that this song, +so far as could be perceived from its ludicrous style, was averse to +Struvelius and in honor of Werner, and further, that it first appeared +among the Arminians, and that among these children of Arminius was one +who had cherished lyrical tendencies in the past; that this one +belonged to Werner's circle, and that in this circle the parchment had +upon several occasions been contemptuously treated as a fidibus, one +cannot suppress the cautious supposition that our student had degraded +his departing muse by this miserable performance.</p> + +<p class="normal">This frivolous song had become popular with the Arminians; its refrain +was heard in the streets sometimes in the quiet night; it was very +vexatious to the Professor, and not less so to Werner's tea party, but +it could not be put down by force. The song and its origin were matters +of indifference to the Markomanns and their associates, but they did +not sing it simply because it was modelled upon a drinking song of the +Arminians. About the time that Werner entered upon his rectorate, some +students of all parties were sitting together in a restaurant; a +Markomann attempted to light his pipe by the gas-flame, and a spark +burnt the ribbon of his corps-colors; whereupon some of the Arminians +mockingly sang the refrain. The Markomanns sprang up and commanded +silence. Numerous challenges were the consequence. But, unfortunately, +the matter did not rest there. A number of Arminians had drawn up in +front of the Markomann's club-house, and had openly sung the tune in an +insolent manner on the main street; it led to disagreeable conflicts +between the parties and the city police, and investigations and +punishments were the result. Werner himself had, in private conferences +with some of the leaders, done what he could to suppress the +unfortunate song, and he had succeeded in banishing it at least from +the streets. But the ill-will remained in their hearts. By various +unfortunate occurrences it became clear that there was more disunion +and discordant feeling among the students than usual.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Arminian, as he hung up his cap in the Prince's ante-room beside +the smart ones of the great Markomann leaders, anxiously revolved all +this in his mind. The evening passed off more pleasantly than he had +expected. In the august chamber the Markomanns observed decorous +civility. The meeting indeed was of some importance; for this was just +the time when the students were talking about holding a great +<i>Commers</i><a name="div2_03" href="#div2Ref_03"><sup>[3]</sup></a> to celebrate the anniversary of some university event. +But, as often happens in the greater affairs of our nation, the feast +was in danger of being disturbed by the quarrel between the clans. Now, +while the Arminian was drinking punch together with the Markomanns, the +Hereditary Prince expressed the desire to participate in the +commemorative <i>Commers</i>; and Beppo, the leader of the Markomanns, +explained to the Arminian his views as to how the quarrel might be +adjusted. The Arminian offered to convey this proposal to his corps. +When the Chamberlain hesitated as to the participation of the +Hereditary Prince in the <i>Commers</i>, the Arminian, exhilarated by punch +and the flow of conversation, assured him that his comrades would +appreciate the honor done to their festival by the presence of the +Hereditary Prince.</p> + +<p class="normal">The efforts of our student were successful; the hatchet was buried, and +the academic youths prepared for a festival in common. A large hall, +richly ornamented with the colors of all the associations that took +part in the Commers, was filled with long tables. At the end stood the +presidents in festive attire, with their rapiers. On the chairs sat +many hundred students, arranged according to their respective corps and +clubs. Among the Markomanns were the Prince and his Chamberlain; and +the Prince on this occasion wore their colors in honor of the corps. +The full-toned melody of the songs, accompanied by stirring music, +resounded through the room; it was a goodly sight to behold so many +young men, the hope and strength of the rising generation, united in +festive song, according to the old customs of the university. Hitherto +the festival had passed without any disturbance. The Chamberlain, +remarking that cheeks were beginning to glow, and the songs becoming +wilder, so that the music was not rapid enough for the beating of the +academic pulse, advised the Prince to retire. The Prince, himself +excited by song and wine, immediately rose; before him walked all the +nobility of the Markomanns to clear the way through the surging +multitude. They were obliged to push through the crowd, who had risen +from their chairs and were moving about in confusion. But it chanced +that the Prince was cut off from his academical attendants and bumped +against an insolent Arminian, who, emboldened by wine and embittered by +the not very gentle touch of the advancing Prince, would not make way, +but barred the passage intentionally with his elbows, and coolly +proceeded to puff his pipe in the Prince's face. The Prince was +inconsiderate enough to push the Arminian roughly aside and cry, "You +are an impudent fellow;" whereupon the Arminian spoke the fatal word, +of which the consequence, according to academical custom, is either a +duel or loss of honor to the person insulted. In a moment he was +surrounded by the Markomanns. The same insulting word poured like hail +from all sides on the audacious offender; but he drew out his card-case +mockingly, and called out, "One after another; let the whole retinue +follow suit; like master like man." When the throng became greater, he +cried out to those behind him, "This way, Arminians," and began in loud +bass tones the battle-cry of his corps:</p> + +<div class="poem"> + + +<p class="t4" style="text-indent:-6px">"Struvelius, Struvelius,<br> +Come out here with your Fidibus."</p> +</div> + +<p class="continue">The tumult spread throughout the hall; over chairs and tables sprang +the Arminians to the aid of their endangered champion; the words of +insult and challenges flew in volleys in every direction. In vain did +the presidents call them to their places; in vain did the music +interpose; the angry cries of the contending parties could be heard +above the shrill <i>fanfare</i> of the trumpet. The presidents hastened +together, and, passing along in close array, separated the contending +parties. But the wild uproar was followed by violent discussions; the +associations stood apart from each other; separate groups jeered at one +another, and, according to the old custom of academic belligerents, +endeavored gradually to drive their opponents to use the word of +challenge. Some provoking expressions had already been used which were +forbidden by the social rules of the University; blades were glittering +in the air, and more than one hand clenched a wine bottle. The music +struck up the national hymn, but it was untimely, and from all sides +came the angry shout, "Stop it! stop it!" The frightened musicians were +silenced, and a fresh outbreak of the tremendous tumult seemed +inevitable, when an old leader of the Teutons, who knew his people +well, sprang up into the orchestra, seized a fiddle, seated himself in +a chair high up as director, and began the foolish tune, "<i>Ach, du +lieber Augustin, alles ist hin.</i>" The music began in plaintive tones. +Every one looked up, and at once noticed the eminent gentleman scraping +strenuously on the fiddle; the mood of all was suddenly changed, and a +general laugh arose. The presidents struck their blades on the table so +violently that more than one broke, and commanded peace; the leaders of +all the associations joined together, and declared the Commers to be +concluded, and called upon the clubs and corps to return peacefully +home, as they intended to take the affair in hand. The students +crowded angrily out of the hall, and dispersed to their respective +head-quarters; but in every group the events of the evening were +discussed with vehement bitterness, and embassies passed rapidly from +one camp to another throughout the night. The Chamberlain had +extricated the Prince from the throng after the first encounter. The +latter was sitting in his room, pale and dismayed at the consequences +likely to ensue from the unfortunate incident. The Chamberlain also was +terrified, for the responsibility of this fracas would fall upon his +head. Besides this he felt real sympathy for the young Prince, who so +deeply felt the insult to his honor, and who, with a fixed and saddened +gaze, received no comfort from the assurance that his princely honor +could suffer no more injury from these plebeians than from the sparrows +on the tree.</p> + +<p class="normal">After a sleepless night the Prince received the leaders of the +Markomanns, who came to announce the decision of their corps. They +stated that their senior officer, Beppo, had been chosen to represent +the Prince in all further dealings with the Arminian, and he, Beppo, +chivalrously begged him to concede to him this honor; he added that, in +the opinion of his association, the Arminian had no claim to the +privilege of receiving a challenge in consequence of that vile +insulting word, and if the Prince should refuse any further +participation in the matter, the Markomanns would take all the +consequences on themselves. But they could not conceal from him that +they alone held this view, nay, even some of their own corps had +objected. All things, therefore, considered, they thought the best +course would be for the Prince to make this concession--the greatness +of which they undoubtedly deeply felt--to the academical custom.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Prince had not yet recovered his self-possession, so the +Chamberlain begged the gentlemen to allow his Highness some hours for +reflection.</p> + +<p class="normal">Meanwhile our student, who had been restrained by the consideration of +his academical duties, and had kept aloof from any personal +implication, in great perplexity went to the Doctor with this news, as +in this affair he could not venture before the Rector. The Doctor +hastened to his friend, who had already had an account from the beadles +and the police.</p> + +<p class="normal">"As regards the personal conflict of the Prince, I have as yet received +no notice, and it is perhaps desirable, both for him and the +University, that it should not be entered into. I shall be watchful and +endeavor to provide against further consequences; and I shall perform +the duties of my office in every direction in the strictest way; but do +your best to prevent my learning any details of this affair, except +what may give me just ground for taking official steps."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Chamberlain was almost in a similar quandary as our student; he +also went full of anxiety to the Doctor, related the quarrel, and asked +what the Doctor considered was the duty of the Prince, and whether he +ought to allow himself to be represented in a duel.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor replied, with some reserve: "Duels are senseless and wrong! +If the Hereditary Prince is imbued with this view, and is willing to +take upon himself the consequences to his own life, and at some future +day to his government, I will be the last to oppose this martyrdom. But +if your young master is not free from the prejudices of his class, and +has been impressed with the idea that there is a certain honor for +cavaliers and officers, which is different from that of men of honor in +general, and which, in certain cases, makes a duel necessary, if your +Prince is going to decide the question upon these grounds, and in +future govern according to such views, in that case I will unreservedly +acknowledge that I cannot allow him the right to set himself in +opposition to the ideas of honor of our academical youths."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then you are of opinion," said the Chamberlain, "that the Prince must +consent to the offer of a representative?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have neither the right nor the wish to offer an opinion," said the +Doctor. "I can only say that the idea of a representative does not +please me. It appears to me that the affair is simple,--either reason +or personal courage."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Chamberlain rose quickly. "That is quite impossible; it would be an +unheard of deviation from custom, and would produce new and painful +complications for the Prince; it is also entirely contrary to my +convictions of what is allowable to a royal prince, and under no +considerations can the proposition be further entertained."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Chamberlain went away not much pleased with the radical views of +the Doctor. On his return home he said to the Prince:</p> + +<p class="normal">"The affair must be settled quickly before your father can learn of it. +Your father, considering the social standing of your opponent, would +positively prohibit any concession on your part; and yet I see that the +future intercourse of your Highness with the body of the students, and +even perhaps other personal relations, will be greatly endangered if +the public opinion here is not in some measure satisfied. If, +therefore, I may counsel your Highness, it will be to make a great +concession, and accept Herr von Halling as your representative."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Prince looked down, depressed, and finally said: "That will perhaps +be best."</p> + +<p class="normal">The great leader Beppo, one of the best swordsmen of the University, +was to fight for the Hereditary Prince. But now it appeared that the +Arminians were by no means satisfied with this idea of a +representative, and raised the impudent pretension that the Prince +should himself appear before them in fencing attire and cambric shirt. +The stout Ulf, for instance, the originator of the whole embroilment, +declared that he found the Markomann leader also on his list, and he +would not renounce the delightful prospect of having a pass with that +gentleman in his private capacity.</p> + +<p class="normal">This could not be denied. Meanwhile a large council of seniors, which +the Markomanns had quickly called together, decided that a substitute +should be allowed to enter the lists for the Prince. On the other hand, +their cunning proposition that the Arminian should first enter the +lists against the other men of their corps, was declined. They wished +by this to relieve the Prince of the whole affair, as it might be +assumed that even the great strength of the Arminian would be exhausted +before half the names on his list were cancelled. Nothing, therefore, +remained but for the two combatants to fight together at two different +times, the Markomann, in the name of the Prince, first.</p> + +<p class="normal">"We shall do our best to make the second meeting unnecessary," said the +Markomann significantly to the representative of the Arminian, on the +breaking-up of the conference.</p> + +<p class="normal">Every precaution was taken to keep the fatal duel secret; only those +concerned in it knew the hour: even to their near associates another +day was spoken of; for the beadles were watchful, and the University +had been called upon by the highest authorities to avert further +consequences by all means in their power.</p> + +<p class="normal">The day before the duel, the Prince invited the Markomanns to dinner, +and there was so much talk upon relevant matters that the Chamberlain +felt decidedly uncomfortable. Shortly before the breaking-up of the +party, the Prince was standing with Beppo in a recess of the window; +suddenly he seized the hand of the young man, held it fast, and his +frame was violently convulsed with suppressed sobbing. The valiant +youth looked at the Prince much moved.</p> + +<p class="normal">"All will go well, your Highness," said he, consolingly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"For you, but not for me," replied the Prince, and turned away.</p> + +<p class="normal">As towards evening the Hereditary Prince walked restlessly through the +rooms, the Chamberlain, who also wished to be relieved from his +troubled thoughts, proposed that they should that evening pay a visit +to the Rector. This was the only place where he was sure to hear +nothing of the disagreeable history, and he was sharp-sighted enough to +guess that this visit would be particularly agreeable to the Prince.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse knew everything. Our student friend, who had involuntarily played +the magpie, creating mischief between the parties, still haunted the +neighborhood; he ventured, on one of the student evenings, to remain +behind with Penelope when the others went into the Rector's room; he +related the whole quarrel, described the dangerous position of the +Prince, and begged her to say nothing of the occurrence to her husband. +When, therefore, the Prince entered, a forced restraint and uneasiness +was manifest in those present. The Chamberlain was more charming than +ever, and related agreeable Court stories, but without effect. The +Prince sat embarrassed in his place, next to Ilse; he felt the +seriousness of even her friendly words; he saw how sorrowfully her eyes +rested upon him, and when they met his he turned quickly away. At last +he began, with unsteady voice:</p> + +<p class="normal">"You once showed me the portraits of famous men that you have; may I +ask you to let me see the volume again?"</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse glanced at him and rose. The Prince followed her, as before, into +the next room. She laid the volume before him; he looked over it +without interest, and at last began, in a low tone:</p> + +<p class="normal">"All I wished was to be alone with you. I am helpless and very unhappy. +I have no person on earth who will give me disinterested advice as to +what I shall do. I have given offense to a student, and have been +bitterly insulted by him. And I am now compelled to allow another to +fight out the quarrel for me."</p> + +<p class="normal">"My poor Prince!" cried Ilse.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do not speak to me of it, gracious lady, with the feelings with which +a woman would regard it, but speak, as if you were my friend in advice. +That I should burden you with my troubles makes me feel at this moment +contemptible to myself, and I fear I seem so also to you." He glanced +gloomily down.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse spoke softly. "I can only say what is in my heart; if your +Highness has done an injustice, apologize for it; if you have been +insulted, forgive it."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Prince shook his head.</p> + +<p class="normal">"That would be of no use, it would only disgrace me afresh in my own +eyes, and those of all others. It was not on that point that I ask you. +Only one thing I wish to know; ought I to allow another to fight my +battle because I am a prince? All say that I must do it; but I have no +confidence in any, only in you."</p> + +<p class="normal">The blood mantled in Ilse's face. "Your Highness lays a responsibility +upon me that frightens me."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You once told me the truth," said the Prince, gloomily, "as no one on +earth has yet done, and every word you spoke was good and from your +heart. I therefore now pray you to give me your honest opinion."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then," said Ilse, looking at him eagerly, while the old Saxon blood +boiled in her veins, "if your Highness began the quarrel, you must end +it yourself like a man, and you must yourself take care that it is done +in an honorable way. Your Highness ought not to allow another to brave +your opponent and endanger himself on account of the wrong you have +done. To lead a stranger to wrong, to compel another to risk his life, +while you quietly look on, would be worst of all!"</p> + +<p class="normal">The Prince replied, dejectedly:</p> + +<p class="normal">"He is courageous, and superior to his adversary."</p> + +<p class="normal">"And does your Highness think it right to take advantage of your +opponent by the powers of one who is stronger than yourself? Whether +your representative wins or loses, you will be more indebted to him +than you ought to be to a stranger; and through your whole life you +will be burdened with the thought that he has shown courage, while you +have not."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Prince became pale and silent.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I feel just as you do," he said, at last.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Everything of this kind is dreadful," continued Ilse, wringing her +hands; "everywhere there seems to be ill-will and thoughts of bloody +revenge. But, if it is impossible for you to prevent a wrong, it is +your duty to take care that it does not become greater, and that its +consequences do not fall on the head of another, only on your own. My +heart tells me that you must yourself do, if not what is right, at all +events what is least wrong."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Prince nodded his head, and again sat silent.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I cannot speak of it to those about me," he began, at last, "least of +all to him," pointing to the Chamberlain. "If I am to prevent another +from fighting in my stead, it must be done immediately. Do you know any +one who can help me?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"My husband's office forbids his doing anything for your Highness in +this affair. But the Doctor?"</p> + +<p class="normal">The Prince shook his head.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Our student," exclaimed Ilse; "he is truly devoted to your Highness: +he is a countryman of ours, and feels greatly troubled about this +matter."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Prince reflected.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Will you allow me to have the use of your servant for a few hours this +evenings when you no longer need him yourself?"</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse called Gabriel into the room, and said to him:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do what his Highness desires of you."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Prince approached the window, and spoke in a low tone to the +servant.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Leave everything to me, your Highness," said Gabriel, as he went back +to his tea-cups.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Prince approached Ilse, who was standing motionless, staring at the +book.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have looked over the portraits," he said, with more composure than +he had shown during the whole evening, "and I have found what I was +looking for. I thank you."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse rose, and returned with him to the company.</p> + +<p class="normal">The guests had left, and Ilse was sitting alone in her room. What had +she done? Become the confidant of a man implicated in a bloody deed, +the secret adviser of a lawless action. She, a woman, was the +confederate of a strange man; she, the helpmate of one who should be +the guardian of the laws, had become the abettor of a crime. What dark +spirit had infatuated her when she confidentially held counsel with the +stranger in whispers on a subject which she could not venture to +confess to her husband? No!--he who had drawn her into this was not a +stranger. She had from her childhood heard of him with deep interest; +he was the future ruler of her country, and would be there master of +life and death. From the time she first knew him, so touching in his +joyless youth and in the weak helplessness of his position, she had +been tenderly solicitous about him; and from that day she had always +found in him an amiable and pure mind. She was now trembling with +anguish for him. She had driven him to his fate; she bore the guilt of +an action that was considered unseemly for one in his position. If from +her advice evil befell him--if the opponent of the poor, weak youth +should kill him,--how could she bear it on her conscience?</p> + +<p class="normal">She sprang up, and wrung her hands. Her husband called her, and she +shuddered, for she felt herself guilty in his sight. Again she asked +herself: "What bad spirit has distracted me? Am I no longer what I was? +Ah me! I have not acted as becomes a Christian woman, nor as a careful +wife who opens the shrine of her soul to one alone. Yet," she +exclaimed, raising her head, proudly, "if he were again to stand before +me, and again ask whether he should act as a man or as a coward, I +would again and again say the same thing. May God forgive me!"</p> + +<p class="normal">When Krüger entered the Prince's bedroom to undress him, the latter +laconically charged him with a commission that greatly astonished the +lackey. But as he saw himself thereby confirmed in his confidential +position, he promised obedience and silence. He extinguished the lamp, +and went to his post. An hour after, he introduced the student, who had +been brought by Gabriel through a back-door, into the bedroom of the +Prince. There a conversation took place in a low tone, the consequence +of which was that the student hastened from the house in great +excitement, and commissioned Gabriel, who was waiting, to order a cab +to be ready at an early hour in the morning near the corner of the next +street.</p> + +<p class="normal">A serious company, the flower of the different corps and associations, +tried fellows of daring aspect, were assembled at early dawn in the +hall of a tavern some distance from the town--an impressive sight for +every student heart. On this day most of the sanguinary agreements of +the memorable evening were to be settled in their proper order. The +first matter in hand concerned the academic honor of the Hereditary +Prince. The combatants were drawn up, dressed in their fencing attire; +each one stood, with his seconds and umpires, in a corner of the room; +the physician--it was the old Teuton of the fiddle--had prepared his +apparatus in a corner, and looked with grim satisfaction on his +impending work, which promised him new and instructive cases. But the +Arminians were unappeasable: once more their seconds addressed +themselves to the referees, and complained that the Prince was not +there, at least, to acknowledge his representative by his presence. +They therefore demanded that the impending combat should not be +reckoned for him, but accounted as a personal struggle between the two +students, who had frequently come athwart each other in various +delicate relations. As the Markomanns had not clear consciences, having +equivocally contrived to evade the question, they now proposed that the +Prince should subsequently meet the seconds at some place to be agreed +upon, where the customary reconciliation should take place.</p> + +<p class="normal">This was discussed with much bitterness, but briefly, as the hour +demanded. Suddenly the freshman, a young Arminian, who kept watch +outside, knocked twice at the door. All stood motionless. But the +seconds gathered the swords together and threw them into a dark closet, +while our student, who, as backer for his comrade, was binding silk +about wrist and arm, sprang quickly to the door and opened it. A slight +figure in a cloak and felt hat entered. It was the Hereditary Prince. +He removed his hat: his face looked paler than usual, but he spoke in a +composed manner:</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have come to you in secret; I beg that the gentlemen present will +permit me to take upon myself the responsibility of giving satisfaction +and will show me due consideration if I prove unpractised in any of the +customary formalities; it is the first time that I try my skill."</p> + +<p class="normal">There was a silence so profound that one could hear the slightest stir. +All present felt that this was a manly act. But Beppo, the Markomann, +stood confounded, and began:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Your Highness's presence now removes the only obstacle to our +proceeding with the duel. I insist that the course determined upon be +not reversed," and in a lower voice he added, "I beseech your Highness, +not to do what is so plainly unnecessary; it will cast upon us all a +responsibility that we dare not assume."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Prince answered firmly: "You have fulfilled your promise; I am as +grateful for the will as for the deed. But I am resolute." He took off +his coat, and said: "Put the bandages on."</p> + +<p class="normal">The second of the Arminian turned towards the umpire, saying, "I beg to +inform our opponent that not a moment is to be lost; we are not here to +exchange civilities; if the Prince wishes to have satisfaction himself, +we are ready."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Markomanns prepared the Prince, and one must acknowledge that the +brave fellows did it with as anxious solicitude as if they had in fact +been warriors of the race whose name they bore, and were preparing +their young king's son for deadly single combat.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Prince stepped up to the mark; the weapon trembled in the hand of +his second, a scarred veteran, as he took his position beside him. +"Ready!"--"Go!" The blades whistled in the air. The Prince did not +behave badly; a long habit of cautious self-command stood him in good +stead; he avoided exposing himself dangerously; and his second drew +upon himself a sharp warning from the umpire for inconsiderately +exposing his own person within reach of the enemy's blade. The Arminian +was far superior in strength and skill, but he afterwards acknowledged +to his intimate friends that it had quite disconcerted him to see the +princely scion within reach of his broadsword. After the fourth pass, +blood streamed from Ulf's broad cheek on to his shirt. His second +demanded the continuation of the fight, but the umpire declared the +quarrel ended. As the Prince stood still in his place the sword fell +from his hand, and there was a slight tremulous motion in his fingers; +but he smiled, and there was a pleased expression on his face. In one +short quarter of an hour a boy had attained the self-reliance of a man. +Before the Prince turned to his antagonist he embraced the Markomann, +and said: "Now I can thank you from my heart." The umpire led him to +his opponent, who was standing ill-humoredly before the Doctor, but yet +could not suppress a smile that gave him some pain, and both shook +hands. Then the Arminians approached to greet the Prince, while the +umpire called out "Second event."</p> + +<p class="normal">But the Prince, who had resumed his mantle, went to the director of the +duels, and began: "I cannot go away without making a great request. I +was, unfortunately, the cause of the painful occurrence that has +occasioned this discord among the students. I well know that I have no +right here to express any wish, but it would be a pleasant recollection +forever for me if I could bring about peace and reconciliation."</p> + +<p class="normal">At this moment the Prince might have made any demand upon his +Markomanns, and even the Arminians were impressed by the extraordinary +event. A murmur of approbation passed through the room, and the umpire +exclaimed in a loud voice: "The Prince has spoken well." The gloomy +looks of some individuals were disregarded; the seconds and seniors +held a consultation upon the spot, and the result was that the +impending challenges were amicably settled, and a general +reconciliation brought about.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Prince, surrounded by the Markomanns, left the house and jumped +into the carriage awaiting him. Krüger opened the bed-room door to him.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Chamberlain had been much surprised this morning at the long repose +of his young master; but when he came to breakfast he found his Prince +sitting comfortably at the table.</p> + +<p class="normal">After Krüger had gone away, the Prince began: "The duel has been +settled, Weidegg. I fought it out myself." The Chamberlain stood up, +horrified. "I tell you it because it could not long be kept a secret. I +hope that the quarrel among the students will be settled by it. Do not +say anything against it, nor be annoyed at the matter. I have done what +I considered to be right, or, at all events, what was least wrong, and +am happier than I have been for a long time."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Markomanns had begged of all present to give their word that the +events of the morning should not be spoken of, and one may assume that +every one kept his promise. Nevertheless, the news flew quick as +lightning through the University and city, that the Prince himself had +composed the quarrel by his valiant and manly conduct. The Chamberlain +perceived from the indications of pleasure from the Markomanns, and the +friendly greetings which his young master received in the street, and +still more from the altered demeanor of the Prince himself, that the +secret duel had had a good result, and this reconciled him a little to +the vexatious occurrence.</p> + +<p class="normal">When the Prince some time after visited the Rector's house, he was led +into the latter's study, and Werner greeted him, smiling. "I was +obliged to inform the government of what had lately taken place, and to +add, according to the unanimous sentiments of the students summoned to +appear before me, that your Highness had, by your interposition, +contributed essentially to the restoration of peace. It has become my +duty to express to you the warm acknowledgment of the academical +authorities. I venture to give expression to my own wish, that all that +your Highness has gone through on this occasion may ever leave an +agreeable and also profitable recollection."</p> + +<p class="normal">As the Prince bowed to Ilse, he said, in a low voice: "All has gone off +well. I thank you." Ilse looked proudly at her young Prince. Yet she +had not recovered from the fearful anxiety of the previous day, and she +was more reserved with him than usual.</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>CHAPTER XXV</i>.</h2> + +<h3>CHAOS.</h3> + +<p class="normal">Spring smiled cheerfully on the country; the flowering shrubs and the +beds in the garden combined their colors brilliantly; this year, +starlings actually sang in Mr. Hahn's cages, and rananculi and other +wild flowers in the meadow in front of Mr. Hummel's garden rejoiced in +the moist warmth. It was a pleasant time for our academical citizens; +the quarrels of the winter were settled, the beadles put on their +night-caps at ten o'clock, and the lectures of the Professors went on +smoothly and pleasantly.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Rector also enjoyed the repose, and he needed it, for Ilse saw with +anxiety that his cheeks were thinner, and that in the evening a +lassitude came over him that formerly he had not known.</p> + +<p class="normal">"He ought to rest from his work a few months," advised the physician; +"that will lend him new life and strength for years to come; every man +of studious habits requires such relaxation two or three times during +his life; traveling would be the best thing."</p> + +<p class="normal">Felix laughed, but his wife kept this counsel faithfully in mind, and +endeavored, meanwhile, as often as possible, to draw her husband from +his books into the air. She put her arm within his and took him into +the wood and green meadows; she pointed out to him the butterflies that +fluttered over the wild flowers, and the flights of birds that enjoyed +themselves in the warm sun-light.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Now is the time for that restlessness of which you once told me. Have +you not noticed it?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes," said the Professor, "and if you will go with me, we will, at +least in fancy, travel together into foreign parts."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Will you take me with you?" exclaimed Ilse, delighted. "I am like the +woodchuck: I only know the hole from which my master brought me, and +the cover of the cage in which I am fed. If I could have my wish, I +should like to see snow-capped peaks rising high above the clouds, and +abysses of immeasurable depths. But from the mountains I would descend +to olive-trees and oranges. For years I have heard of the men who have +lived there, and have seen how your heart leaps for joy whenever you +speak of the blue ocean and of the grandeur of the old cities. I would +gladly see all this, and hear you talk and feel the pleasure which you +would have in revisiting the scenes so dear to you."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Very well," said the Professor; "to the Alps and then to Naples; but +in passing I must work a few weeks at Florence upon Tacitus."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Ah!" thought Ilse, "there is the manuscript again."</p> + +<p class="normal">They were sitting under a large oak, one of the giants of the Middle +Ages, that towered above the new generation of trees in the forest, as +the cupola of St Peter's does above the towers and roofs of the Holy +City.</p> + +<p class="normal">When they came out from the copse into the open space, they saw, amidst +the flowers in the meadow, the livery of a lackey, and then perceived +the Prince and his attendant, together with a proprietor from a +neighboring village. The gentleman approached and greeted them.</p> + +<p class="normal">"We have a design upon some hours of your leisure," called out the +Chamberlain to the Professor, and the Prince began:</p> + +<p class="normal">"I wish to invite some of the ladies and gentlemen of the University to +an entertainment in the open air, as I cannot have the pleasure of +receiving them at a house of my own. It will be a small party, and as +rural as possible; we thought of this spot, as your wife had often +extolled it. I would be grateful for your assistance and advice as to +the arrangements."</p> + +<p class="normal">"If your Highness wishes to please the ladies, you should also invite +the children. If it is at the same time a children's party, your +Highness maybe assured that it will leave a pleasant impression."</p> + +<p class="normal">This was agreed to. Dainty invitations were sent to the Rector and +Deans, and the Professors with whom the Prince was personally +acquainted, and their families, to an entertainment in the open air. +The idea was approved by great and small, and gave rise to pleasant +anticipations among the acquaintances of the Rector's wife.</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura had received an invitation, and her pleasure was great. But when +in the evening it appeared that the Doctor was not invited, she was +quite put out.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I do not mean to be his advocate," said she, to Ilse, "but he is +precisely in my position; and if I am asked on your account, he ought +to be for the sake of your husband. Their having neglected to do this +is want of tact, or something worse; and, as he is not asked, I am +determined not to go; for, let Fritz Hahn be what he will, he has not +deserved a slight from these people."</p> + +<p class="normal">In vain did Ilse try to explain to her that the Doctor had not visited +the Prince, from whom the invitations came. Laura remained obstinate, +and replied:</p> + +<p class="normal">"You are an eloquent defender of your Prince, and more acquainted +with the customs of great people than I had supposed. But when the +picnic-day comes I shall feign illness, you may rely on that. If my +friend over the way is not invited I shall not go. But do not tell the +Doctor, lest little Fritz should fancy I do it for love of him; it is +not friendship for him, but displeasure at the Court people."</p> + +<p class="normal">One Sunday there drew up in the neighborhood of the great oak, first a +large van with Krüger and a cook, then the Prince's equipages bringing +the ladies and gentlemen, and an omnibus adorned with garlands and +wreaths brought the children of the different families. A tent had been +set up in the meadow, and a little apart, concealed in the copse, a +wooden hut was erected as a temporary kitchen; a band of music was +stationed in the wood and welcomed the parties as they arrived. The +Prince and his Chamberlain received their guests near the wood, and +conducted them to the centre of the picnic-grounds, where a prodigious +work of the highest confectionery art formed the lighthouse, in the +neighborhood of which they all dropped anchor. Soon there was a clatter +of cups, the unavoidable preparation for thorough German festivity. In +the beginning the company were solemn; there was something unusual in +the arrangement of the fête which occasioned reflection. But when +Raschke, raising the flaps of his coat, seated himself on the grass, +and the other gentlemen followed his example and lit the cigars which +were presented to them, the meadow assumed a bucolic appearance. Even +the Rector sat on the turf with his legs crossed in Turkish fashion; +near him the Consistorial Councillor on a chair; and somewhat further +off, on the trunk of a shattered tree, the still hostile Struvelius, +with his bristling hair and silent manner, like the sorrowful spirit of +an old willow. Apart from them, but enthroned on a high ant-hill, over +which he had spread his pocket-handkerchief, sat Master Knips; he held +his slouch hat respectfully under his arm, and rose whenever the Prince +approached. Meanwhile the latter exerted himself to entertain the +ladies, with whom he had been a favorite since the occurrence of last +winter, and to-day he completely gained the hearts of both mothers and +daughters. Ilse and he worked together with a mutual understanding: +Ilse, elevated by the thought that people were pleased with her Prince, +and he happy at heart that he had some work in common with the Rector's +wife.</p> + +<p class="normal">Never yet had he felt on such an intimate footing with her as he did +to-day. He looked only at her, he thought only of her. Amid the buzz of +conversation, amid the sound of the music, he listened to every word +that fell from her lips. Whenever he approached her he felt a glow of +transport. In plucking a leaf from a tree, the lace of her sleeve +passed over his face, and the touch of the delicate texture brought the +color into his cheeks. Her hand rested a moment on his as she offered +him a ladybird, and the slight pressure made his heart beat fast.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The ladybird knows your Highness's future," said Ilse. "You should ask +it: Ladybird, ladybird, shall I be happy long?--one year, two years? +and so forth, till it flies away."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Prince began the sentence, but had not arrived at the first year +when it flew away.</p> + +<p class="normal">"That does not apply to you," said Ilse, laughing, to console him. "The +little creature was angry at me yet."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I had rather bear the misfortune myself," said the Prince, in a low +tone, "than that you should suffer it."</p> + +<p class="normal">While Ilse, startled at the deep meaning of his words, turned to the +ladies, he stealthily picked up the kerchief that had fallen from her +shoulders, and, behind a tree, pressed it to his lips.</p> + +<p class="normal">Still merrier did the young people become, when from the hut behind the +bushes two men stepped forth with red-coats and drums, and invited them +to try their skill at the popinjay. The Chamberlain took the +superintendence of the boys, and Ilse of the girls; foresters and +lackeys helped with the cross-bows; the arrows struck incessantly on +the body of the bird, for the hitting was made easy, and those who did +not win could admire the prizes, which were arranged on two tables. +Everything went on smoothly, as is fitting at Court <i>fêtes</i>; the +lackeys moved incessantly among the company, with every imaginable +refreshment; the splints from the popinjays fell like hail, and the +Prince distributed the prizes to the children who thronged round him. +Bertha Raschke became queen of tournament, and a little son of the +Consistorial Councillor her consort. The children, carrying their +presents, followed the drummers with joyous shouts up to a long table, +where a supper was prepared for them. They were to sit down with the +king and queen in the middle. The foresters and lackeys served the +different courses. The Chamberlain could not have devised anything +better to please the parents; and the fathers walked behind the chairs +and enjoyed seeing the little ones drinking harmless wine out of the +crystal glasses, their rosy faces expressing delighted astonishment at +the beautiful china and silver dishes. They soon became merry; finally +the little Consistorial Councillor proposed the health of the Prince; +all the children cried "Hurrah!" the drummers drummed, the music struck +up, and the parents stood round thanking the giver of the feast. Ilse +brought a garland of wild flowers which the ladies had woven, and +begged permission of the Prince to put it upon him. He stood amidst the +happy party elevated by the innocent joy of all around him, and by the +respectful attachment which was visible on all countenances. He looked +at Ilse with silent thanks, and without apparent cause his eyes filled +with tears. Again the children screamed out "Hurrah!" and the drums +beat.</p> + +<p class="normal">A horseman in strange livery galloped out of the wood; the Chamberlain, +in consternation, approached the Prince, and handed him a letter with a +black seal. The Prince hastened into the tent, and the Chamberlain +followed him.</p> + +<p class="normal">The wild flowers had brought the young gentleman no good fortune. The +pleasure of the <i>fête</i> was over; the company stood in groups about the +tent, uncertain and sympathizing. At last the Prince and the +Chamberlain came out. While the latter turned to the Rector and to +those who surrounded him. Ilse saw the Prince at her side with deep +sorrow depicted on his countenance.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I beg of you to excuse me to the ladies, as I am obliged to depart +immediately: my sister's husband has died, after a short illness, and +my poor sister is very unhappy." In great agitation, he continued: "I +myself knew my brother-in-law only slightly, but he was very kind to my +sister, and she felt happier with him than she had ever been in her +life. She writes to me in despair, and the misfortune is for her quite +inexpressible. Under existing circumstances she cannot remain in her +present abode, and I foresee that she must return to us. It is our +bitter fate always to be tossed about, never to remain quiet. I know +that I shall meet with a similar misfortune. I feel myself happy +here,--to you I can confess this,--and I regret to say that this death +makes it very uncertain whether I shall ever return. I go to my sister +tomorrow for a few days. Pray think of me kindly."</p> + +<p class="normal">He bowed and retired into the tent, and in a few minutes his carriage +was on its way back to the city.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse hastened to her husband, who had been requested by the Chamberlain +to act for the Prince. It was immediately determined to break up the +party: the children were put into the carriages, and the rest returned +to the city in earnest conversation.</p> + +<p class="normal">Meanwhile Laura feigned illness, and sat in her little sitting-room +rummaging about among the old ballads. After the meeting in the village +garden she had discovered with dismay that, in her anxiety about the +Doctor, she had much diminished her treasure: full a dozen of the best +were gone, and thus the tie by which she held the collector's heart +fast threatened to come to an end. She had, therefore, not sent +anything since the drinking-song. But to-day, when the Doctor had +experienced treatment that gave her more concern than it did him, she +sought for something to console him.</p> + +<p class="normal">A heavy step on the staircase disturbed her in the work of selection. +She had hardly time to throw her treasures into the secret drawer +before Mr. Hummel was at the door. It was a rare visit, and Laura +received him with the foreboding that his coming portended serious +results. Mr. Hummel approached his daughter and looked at her closely, +as if she had been a new Paris invention.</p> + +<p class="normal">"So you have a headache, and could not accept the invitation? I am not +accustomed to that in my daughter. I cannot prevent your mother from +allowing her feelings to affect her brains, at times; but I have a +right to demand that your head should, under all circumstances, remain +sound. Why did you not accept the invitation to the picnic?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"It would have been an intolerable constraint upon me," said Laura.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I understand," replied Mr. Hummel. "I am not much in favor of princes, +but not much against them either. I cannot discover that they have +greater heads than other people. I am therefore obliged to consider +them simply as ordinary customers who are not always number one, +neither do they always wear number one goods. Nevertheless, when a +prince invites you, with other distinguished persons, to a respectable +summer entertainment, and you refuse to go, I, as your father, ask you +for the reason; and, between you and me, it shall now be no question of +headache."</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura perceived, from the expression of her father's countenance, that +he had some other idea in his head.</p> + +<p class="normal">"If you wish to know the truth, I will make no secret of it. I am not +invited on my own account; for what do these people care about me? It +is only as the appendage of our lodgers."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You knew that when the invitation came, and yet you jumped for joy."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The idea only occurred to me afterwards when--"</p> + +<p class="normal">"When you learnt that the Doctor over there was not invited," completed +Mr. Hummel. "Your mother is a very worthy woman, for whom I entertain +the highest respect, but it sometimes happens that one can screw a +secret out of her. When you thus ruminate over what neither your father +nor the world should know, you should confide it to no one, either in +our house or in any other."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Very well," said Laura, with decision; "if you have discovered it, +hear it now from me. I am a plebeian just as much as Fritz Hahn is; he +has been in the society of those Court people more frequently than I; +their taking no notice of him made it clear to me that they considered +one who is his equal as a superfluous addition."</p> + +<p class="normal">An expression of irony overspread the broad features of Mr. Hummel.</p> + +<p class="normal">"So that fellow over there is your equal?" he began; "that is exactly +what I wished to disabuse your mind of. I should not approve of your +regulating your feelings according to that weather-cock over the way. I +do not choose that the idea should ever come into the head of Hahn +Junior to build an arch across the street, and to wander about in +slippers from one house to the other. The thought does not please +me. I will bring forward only one reason, which has nothing to do with +the old grudge. He is his father's son, and he has no real energy +of character. One who can endure to sit year after year in that +straw-nest, turning over the pages of books, would not, if I were a +girl, be the man for me. It is possible that he may be very learned, +and may know much about things that other men care little for; but I +have not yet heard that he has accomplished anything by it. Therefore, +if that should happen, which will not happen so long as the property +over there is a poultry-yard,--if I, Henry Hummel, should consent that +my only child should sit knitting stockings in front of the white Muse, +it would be a misfortune for my child herself. For you are my daughter. +You are just as self-willed as I am; and if you should get among those +white-livered people, you would disturb them lamentably, and be very +unhappy yourself. Therefore, I am of opinion that your headache was +silliness, and I wish never to hear again of like ailments. Good day, +Miss Hummel."</p> + +<p class="normal">He strode out of the door, and as he heavily descended the stairs, he +hummed the tune:</p> + +<div class="poem"> + + +<p class="t6">"Bloom, sweet violet, that I myself have reared."</p> +</div> + +<p class="normal">Laura sat at her writing-table supporting her heavy head with both her +hands. This had been a trying scene. The speech of her stern father had +wounded her deeply. But in his depreciating observations on their +neighbor's son there was a certain truth, which had already crept like +a hateful spider over the bright leaves of her sympathy. He must go out +into the world. Her friends below were thinking of going into foreign +parts. Ah! she herself, a poor bird, fluttered her wings in vain, for +the fetters on her feet held her back. But he could free himself. She +would lose him from her neighborhood, perhaps lose him for ever; but +this ought not to hinder her from telling him the truth. She hastily +searched among the old sheets; she could find but one ballad, which +undoubtedly did not fit the Doctor, inasmuch as it expressed the +feelings of a dissolute wanderer. The song was inappropriate, but there +was none better. Our ancestors, when not occupied in highway exploits, +took little pleasure in travelling. The letter must do the work. She +wrote as follows:--</p> + +<p class="normal">"The summer birds are flying, and man also yearns after the distant +lands of his dreams. Do not be angry with the sender of this, for +begging you to imbibe something of the spirit of this song. Your home +is too narrow for you. Your merits are not appreciated here as they +deserve. You are deprived in the quiet house of your parents of those +experiences which a man gains when he forms his life by his own +qualifications. I well know that your highest task will always be to +promote learning by your writings. That you may do everywhere. But do +not think it beneath you to influence younger minds by personal +intercourse with them, and to participate in the struggles of their +generation. Away, Doctor! the unknown bird sings to you the song of the +wanderer. With sorrow will your loss be felt by those you leave +behind."</p> + +<p class="normal">About the same hour, Gabriel was sitting in his room brushing the last +specks of dust from his best livery which he had spread over a chair. +At his feet lay the red dog, licking his paws and giving utterance to +an occasional growl. Gabriel looked contemptuously at the dog.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You are not handsomer, nor better than last winter. Your knavish +nature delights in nothing but eating, and flying at the legs of the +passers-by. I have never known a dog so much hated, or who deserved it +so well; for your only pleasure is to despise all that is respectable. +What is your favorite amusement? When it has rained and a ray of sun +attracts people to walk in the wood, you lurk on the steps; and when a +young girl appears clad in her light summer dress, then you leap like a +frog into the puddle that lies before her, and spatter her dress all +over, and I have to fetch a cab to take her home. What did the +strolling cigar-dealer do yesterday to provoke you. His chest was +standing on the bench in Mr. Hummel's garden, and the prospect of a +bargain was certain. The cigar-man went a few steps from his chest to +speak to an acquaintance, and you, miscreant, made a spring at the +bread and butter lying on the chest, and came with all fours on the +glass. It broke, and the splinters mixed With the cigars; you trampled +them altogether into a powder, and then returned to the house. You, +monster, caused your master to deal roughly with the trader when he +complained of you, and the man packed up his wares and went away from +our house with a curse on his lips. On what nocturnal excursion have +you been since then? No human eye has seen you."</p> + +<p class="normal">He bent down towards the dog.</p> + +<p class="normal">"So this time it has gone into your flesh. I am glad to see you can +injure yourself as well as others."</p> + +<p class="normal">Gabriel examined the dog's paw and extracted a glass splinter. The dog +looked at him and whined.</p> + +<p class="normal">"If I only knew," continued Gabriel, shaking his head, "what pleases +the dog in me. Is it the bones, or perhaps some roguish trait of mine +that amuses him? He hates the whole world, and even snarls at his +master; but he comes to visit me and behaves himself like a worthy +companion. And he is still more crazy about my master. I do not believe +that the Rector knows much of Spitehahn. But whenever this fiend sees +my Professor, he peeps at him slyly from under his shaggy eyebrows, and +does his best to wag his tuft of a tail. And when my master goes to the +University, he runs after him like a lamb behind its mother. How comes +it that this black soul attaches itself to the Professor? What does he +want with our learning? They do not believe in you anyhow, Spitehahn."</p> + +<p class="normal">He looked round suspiciously and hastily donned his coat. Arrayed in +his Sunday attire he left the house. The Hahn family were not at home, +for Dorchen was looking out of the dressing-room window. She laughed +and nodded. Gabriel took courage, and stepped into the enemies' hall. +The door of the room opened. Dorchen stood on the threshold curtsying, +and Gabriel, holding the handle of the door, began, solemnly:</p> + +<p class="normal">"It would be much more pleasant for me if I could have the pleasure of +accompanying you in your walk to-day."</p> + +<p class="normal">Dorchen replied, twitching at her apron:</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have got to stay here to mind the house, but that need not prevent +you from going."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I should then take ho pleasure in it," replied Gabriel, bowing, "for I +should be always thinking of you, and I had much rather be with you +here than only think of you in the open air. If, therefore, you would +allow me to stay here a little while--?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Why, come in, of course, Gabriel."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Only to the threshold," said Gabriel, advancing, still holding the +open door. "I only wanted to say that the number of which you lately +dreamt is not to be found at any of the offices. I have, therefore, +taken another, and have had it drawn by a little beggar lad, as that +brings good luck. I shall be so pleased if you will play this number +with me. It is quite a sum, for it is a whole eighth of a ticket."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But that will be no good sign," said Dorchen, with pretty +embarrassment.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Why not, Fräulein? It was a real beggar-boy."</p> + +<p class="normal">"No, I mean when two play together who love one another."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Dear Dorchen!" cried Gabriel, approaching nearer and seizing her hand.</p> + +<p class="normal">A hollow gurgle interrupted the conversation. Dorchen drew back from +him terrified.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It was a ghost," she cried.</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is impossible," said Gabriel, consolingly: "for, first, it is +day-time; secondly, it is in a new house; and, thirdly, spirits +generally do not make such a noise. It was something in the street."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Your being here is a real comfort to me," exclaimed the timid Dorchen. +"It is fearful to be alone in a large house."</p> + +<p class="normal">"To be together in a small house is particularly jolly," cried Gabriel, +boldly. "Ah, Dorchen! if we could venture to think of it."</p> + +<p class="normal">Again a slight rumble was heard.</p> + +<p class="normal">"There must be something here," cried Dorchen. "I am so alarmed!"</p> + +<p class="normal">She sprang away from him to the middle of the room. Gabriel took a yard +measure, and looked under the furniture.</p> + +<p class="normal">"So you are there, are you?" he cried, angrily, poking with the yard +measure under the sofa.</p> + +<p class="normal">Spitehahn leaped forth with a bark on to the nearest chair, from the +chair on to the console, on which the clock stood; he knocked down the +clock, and dashed through the half-opened door.</p> + +<p class="normal">It was the parlor clock and a wedding present. Mr. Hahn wound it up +every evening before he went to bed; it had two alabaster pillars with +gilded capitals; the rest was of American wood, and represented a +triumphal arch. Now the treasure lay in ruins, the pillars shattered, +the woad broken, and the dial split. In the opened works a single wheel +whirled with fearful rapidity, all the rest was motionless. Dorchen +stood dismayed before the fragments, and wrung her hands.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The monster," groaned Gabriel, occupying himself in vain with the +shattered work of art, and endeavoring with no better result to comfort +the poor maiden, who trembled before the terrors of the ensuing hour.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I had a foreboding," cried Mr. Hahn, on his return home, "that +something would happen to-day. I forgot yesterday, for the first time, +to wind up the clock. But now my patience is at an end; there will be +war to the knife between him over the way and me." He approached the +sobbing maid threateningly. "Bear witness to the truth," he cried out; +"the court will demand your testimony. Do not seek safety in hypocrisy +and lies. Was it the dog, or was it you?"</p> + +<p class="normal">Dorchen dramatically related the whole transgression of Spitehahn; she +poked under the sofa, as if she could draw the dog out bodily; she +confessed, weepingly, to the open door, and explained Gabriel's +presence as owing to an inquiry he had made of her.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Unfortunate one," cried the master of the house, "I see your +embarrassment: it was yourself; your conscience pricks you. How can you +show that the dog was under the sofa? On your peril, I demand a +tangible evidence."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Here it is," cried Dorchen, still sobbing, and pointing in tragic +attitude with her hand to the ground.</p> + +<p class="normal">There certainly was an indubitable proof under the sofa, although not +strictly tangible. The dog had left behind him as sure a confirmation +as if he had impressed his seal on the ground.</p> + +<p class="normal">Now, Mrs. Hahn indignantly gave the orders which became a housewife +under such circumstances.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do not attempt it," cried Mr. Hahn; "away with towels and cloths; this +shall remain."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But, Andreas," exclaimed his wife.</p> + +<p class="normal">"This shall remain, I say; it must be acknowledged and certified to. +Bring Mr. Ruddy immediately, and his wife, and whatever witnesses you +can find on the street."</p> + +<p class="normal">The witnesses came, and, standing round, examined the place of the evil +deed; but Mr. Hahn hastened to his writing-table, and wrote a strong +letter to Mr. Hummel, in which he related the misdeed, and +threateningly demanded compensation. This letter Mr. Ruddy carried off +to Mr. Hummel, with a board on which were laid the ruins of the clock.</p> + +<p class="normal">Hummel read the letter carefully, and threw it on the table.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I congratulate your master upon his new undertaking for the summer," +he said, coldly. "Carry the debris back again; I have no answer for +such nonsense. Some people <i>will</i> make fools of themselves."</p> + +<p class="normal">The following day a judicial complaint again raised its Medusa's head +between the two houses. This time even Mrs. Hahn was deeply incensed; +and when she, shortly after, met Laura on the street, she turned her +good-humored face to the other side, to avoid greeting the daughter of +the enemy.</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura received the Doctor's answer to her letter. In a pretty poem the +happiness of the parental house was extolled, and he spoke of his great +delight in his neighbor's charming daughter, whom the poet saw in the +garden among her flowers, whenever he looked over the high hedge. He +further added: "The advice which you express so sincerely in your lines +has found an echo in me. I know what is lacking in my life. My learning +makes it impossible for me to find recognition in wider circles, an +honor, which the friends of a learned man desire for him more eagerly +than he himself does; it also makes it difficult for me to adopt the +academical course to which I have now a call in foreign parts. But the +nature of my studies takes from me all hope that any outward results +can ever overcome the hindrances which oppose themselves to the secret +wishes of my soul."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Poor Fritz!" said Laura; "and yet poorer me! Why must he give up all +hope because he studies Sanscrit? It is not courage that is wanting to +these learned men, as father says, but passion. Like the old gods about +whom you write, you have no human substance, and no blood in your +veins. A few sparks are occasionally kindled up in your life and one +hopes they may light up into a mighty flame; but immediately it is all +smothered and extinguished by prudent consideration." She rose +suddenly. "Ah! if one could but lay hold of Fritz by the hair and cast +him into the wildest tumult, through which he would have to fight his +way bloodily, defy my father, and hazard a great deal, in order to win +what he in his gentle way says he desires for himself! Away with this +quiet, learned atmosphere: it makes those who breathe it contemptible! +Their strongest excitement is a sorrowful shrug of the shoulders over +other mortals or themselves."</p> + +<p class="normal">Thus did the passionate Laura chafe in her attic-room, and again was +her paper moistened by bitter tears, as she sought consolation in +heroic verses, and called upon the foreign gods of the Doctor to take +the field against the pranks of Spitehahn.</p> + + +<div class="poem"> + + +<p class="t2">Glorious Indra and all ye divinities shining; in heaven,<br> +That have so often conferred blessings on races of men,<br> +Haste in rescue to us, for great misfortune doth threaten.<br> +Ominous shadows of night darken our peaceable home,<br> +Banish the child from the father; while flat on the door-step +outsprawling,<br> +Growleth with vengeful intent fiercely th' insidious cur.</p> +</div> + +<p class="normal">The peace was disturbed not only for the neighbors of the Park street, +but also for the young Prince, at whose fête the trouble had begun.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Prince was detained some weeks from the city. After his return, he +lived in the quiet retirement that the duties of mourning imposed upon +him. Lectures in his room were again resumed, but his place at Ilse's +tea-table remained empty.</p> + +<p class="normal">On the day when the University prizes were distributed, the students +made a great torchlight procession to their Rector's house. The flaming +lights waved in the old streets; the fanfares resounded, in the midst +of which the lusty voices of the singing students might be heard; +gables and balconies were lighted in colored splendor; the marshals +swung their weapons gaily, and the torch-bearers scattered the sparks +among the thronging crowds of spectators. The procession turned into +the street towards the valley; it stopped before the house of Mr. +Hummel. Again there was music and singing; a deputation solemnly +crossed the threshold. Hummel looked proudly on the long stream of red +lights which flickered about and lighted up his house. The whole honor +was intended for his house alone, though he could not prevent the glare +and smoke from illuminating the enemies' roof, also.</p> + +<p class="normal">Upstairs some of the rector's most intimate friends were assembled; he +received the leaders of the students in his room, and there were +speeches and replies. While those assembled were crowding nearer to +listen to the speech-making, the door of Ilse's room gently opened, and +the Prince entered. Ilse hastened to meet him, but he began, without +greeting:</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have come to-day to bid you farewell. What I foresaw has happened. I +have received orders to return to my father. To-morrow I and my +attendant will take formal leave of the Rector and yourself, but I +wished first to see you for a moment; and, now that I stand before you, +I cannot express the feelings that prompted me to come. I thank you for +all your kindness. I beg of you not to forget me. It is you who have +made the city so dear to me. It is you who make it hard for me to go +away."</p> + +<p class="normal">He spoke these words so softly that it seemed only as if a breath had +passed into Ilse's ear; and he did not await her answer, but left the +room as quickly as he came into it.</p> + +<p class="normal">Outside, in the open place by the common, the students threw their +torches in a great heap; the red flame rose high in the air, and the +gray smoke encircled the tops of the trees; it rolled over the houses +and crept through the open windows, and stifled the breath. The flame +became lower, and a thin smoke ascended from the dying embers. It had +been a rapid, brilliant glow, a fleeting fire, now extinguished, and +only smoke and ashes remained. But Ilse was still standing by her +window, and looking sorrowfully out upon the empty place.</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>CHAPTER XXVI</i>.</h2> + +<h3>THE DRAMA.</h3> + +<p class="normal">"He was a tyrant," exclaimed Laura, "and she was right not to obey +him."</p> + +<p class="normal">"He did his duty harshly, and she also," replied Ilse.</p> + +<p class="normal">"He was a cross-grained, narrow-minded fellow, who was at last humbled; +but she was a noble heroine, who cast from her all that was most dear +on earth in order to fulfill her highest obligations," said Laura.</p> + +<p class="normal">"He acted under the impulse of his nature, as she did according to +hers. Hers was the stronger character, and she went victoriously to +death. The burden of his deed crushed him during life," rejoined Ilse.</p> + +<p class="normal">The characters which the ladies were discussing were Antigone and +Creon.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor had one autumn evening laid the tragedies of Sophocles on +his wife's table. "It is time that you should learn to appreciate the +greatest poets of antiquity in their works." He read them aloud and +explained them. The lofty forms of the Attic stage hovered in the +peaceful atmosphere of the German home. Ilse heard around her curses +and heart-breaking lamentations, she saw a dark fatality impending over +men of the noblest feeling and iron will; she felt the storm of passion +raging in powerful souls, and heard, amidst the cry of revenge and +despair, the soft chords of soul-stirring pathos, sounding with +irresistible magic.</p> + +<p class="normal">The time had indeed come when Ilse could comprehend and enter into the +feelings and fate of others than herself.</p> + +<p class="normal">The bright rays of the midday sun do not always shine upon the paths of +man. Not with the eye alone does he seek his way amid the shadows of +night, but he hearkens, too, to the secret voices within his breast. +From the battle of clashing duties, from the irresistible impulse of +passion, it is not with most men a careful thought or a wise adage that +saves or ruins; it is the quick resolve which breaks forth from within +like an uncontrollable impulse of nature and which is yet produced by +the compulsion of their whole past lives--by all that man knows and +believes, by all that he has suffered and done. What forces us to the +good or the bad in the sombre hours of trial, people call character, +and the changing steps of the wayfarer through life as he seeks his way +amid difficulty and danger, the spectator at the play calls dramatic +movement.</p> + +<p class="normal">He only who has wandered amid the flitting shadows of night, and has +seriously listened to the secret admonitions of his inmost soul, can +fully understand the spirit of others who, in a similar position, have +sought to extricate themselves from an intricate labyrinth, and have +found safety or met destruction.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse, too, had experienced hours of fleeting terrors; she also had +trembled as to whether she had pursued the right path.</p> + +<p class="normal">The seventh tragedy of the Greek poet had been read; the boldest +representation of bitter passion and bloody revenge. Ilse sat mute and +horrified at the outbreak of fearful hatred from the heart of Electra. +Then her husband, in order to recall her to less anxious thoughts, +began: "Now you have heard all that remains to us of the art and power +of a wonderful poetical mind, and you must tell me which of his +characters has most attracted you."</p> + +<p class="normal">"If you mean that in which the power of his poetry has most impressed +me, it is always the newest form which has appeared to me the greatest, +and today it is the monstrous conception of Electra. But if you ask +which has pleased me most--"</p> + +<p class="normal">"The gentle Ismene?" interrupted the Professor, laughing.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse shook her head. "No, it is the valiant son of Achilles. At first +he was tempted to yield to the cunning counsel of his confederate, and +do violence to an unfortunate fellow-creature; but after a long +struggle his noble nature conquers: he sees that it will be wrong, and +he asserts his manhood by refusing."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor closed the book, and looked with astonishment at his +wife.</p> + +<p class="normal">"There is," continued Ilse, "in the greatest characters of your Greek +poet a stern rigidity that frightens me. Something is wanting in all to +make them like us; they do not doubt as we do, nor struggle; even when +they do right, their greatness consists in their immovable +determination to do something fearful, or rigid persistence in stemming +a terrible fate. But while we expect that the strong man shall act +powerfully, according to his nature, either for good or evil, he does +not gain our full human sympathy, unless we have the certainty that he +experiences an inward struggle such as we may ourselves feel."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Such as we may ourselves feel?" asked the Professor, seriously, laying +aside the book. "How do you come by this experience? Have you, Ilse, +some secret from your husband?"</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse rose and looked at him with dismay.</p> + +<p class="normal">But the Professor continued, cheerfully: "I will first tell you why I +ask, and what I would like to know from you. When I brought you from +your country-home you were, in spite of your deep German feeling, in +many respects just such as we like to picture to ourselves Nausicaa and +Penelope. You freely received impressions from the world around you; +you stood sure and strong in a firmly-bound sphere of right and duty; +with childlike trust you gathered from the moral habits of your circle, +and from Holy Scripture, your standard of judgment and conduct. Your +love for me, and contact with other souls, and the insight into a new +sphere of knowledge, awakened in your heart passionate vibrations; +uncertainty came, and then doubt; new thoughts struggled against old +impressions, the demands of your new life against the tenor of your +maiden years. You were for months more unhappy than I had any idea of. +But now, when I have been rejoicing in your cheerful repose of mind, I +find you have acquired a knowledge of human nature that astonishes me. +I have often lately seen, with secret pleasure, how warmly you have +sympathized with, and how mildly you have judged, the characters of the +drama. I had expected that their hard and monstrous fate would have +been repulsive to you, and that you would have felt rapid transitions +from tenderness to aversion. But you have sympathy with the dark forms +as well as with the bright, as if your soul had begun to anticipate +that in one's own life, good and evil, blessing and curse, might be +associated, and as if you had yourself experienced that man has not to +follow an outward moral law alone, however exalted its origin, but that +he may at some period be compelled to seek for some other law in the +depths of his own soul. But such an insight men can only attain when +they themselves experience danger and trouble. It is improbable that +this should have been the case with you, unless you have gone through +some experience to which I have been a stranger. I do not wish to urge +your confidence; I know what trust I can repose in you; but if you +think fit, I would gladly know what has given rise to this sensitive +feeling for the secret struggles of men who are hurried along by a +tragic fate."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse seized him by the hand and drew him into her room. "It was on this +spot," she exclaimed, "a stranger asked me whether he should expose +himself to the danger of death for the sake of his honor, or whether he +should expose another in his place. I had given him a right to ask such +a question, for I had before spoken to him of his life with greater +frankness than was prudent for a careful woman. I stood and struggled +against the question that he put to me, but I could not refuse to +answer; and, Felix, to tell you the truth, I did not wish to do so. I +gave him counsel which might have brought him to a bloody end. I gave +him that advice secretly, and I became entangled in a fatal web from +which I could not extricate myself. I thought of you, but I did not +dare to tell you, as you must either have been unfaithful to the duties +of your office, or you must for ever have wounded the honorable +feelings of another. I questioned our holy teachings: they told me only +that my advice was sinful. I was unhappy, Felix, that I had come into +this position, but still more unhappy that neither you nor the +teachings of my faith could help me out of it. It was no merit of mine +that things turned out better than I feared they would. Since that I +have known, Felix, what struggles of conscience are; now you know the +only secret that I have ever had from you. If I did wrong, judge me +mildly, for by all that is sacred I could not have done otherwise."</p> + +<p class="normal">"And the Prince?" asked her husband, softly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"He is a good and gentle soul, an immature man, while I was your wife. +With him there was no doubt and no struggle."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I know enough, you earnest, high-minded woman," said the Professor, "I +see that, as against your knowledge of life, I can now pack up my +books. For of what value is the teaching of books, however good they +may be, in comparison to that of life. A foolish student's duel, in +which you were the invisible adviser, has done more, perhaps to form +your mind, than my prudent words would have done in the course of +years. Be of good courage. Lady Ilse of Bielstein; whatever fate may +still await us, I know now that you are fitted for inward struggles, +and we need not be solicitous about dangers from without. For, however +much we human beings may be troubled and agitated here on earth, he who +has once learnt to know himself so well that he is able to read the +secret writing of other souls, is well protected against the +temptations of the world."</p> + +<p class="normal">What the German scholar said as he now so warmly clasped his wife in +his arms was not amiss, only it is a pity that we have no certainty of +reading the secrets of other souls; and it is a pity that the greatest +knowledge of the secret writing in the souls of others cannot serve us +in warding off the storms of our own passions.</p> + +<hr class="W10"> + +<p class="normal">The Chamberlain, who now acted as marshal to the Hereditary Prince, was +holding a conference with his father upon the concerns of his office. +Among other things there was also the question of promoting Krüger, of +butter-machine fame, to higher honors and, what was of no less +importance, to the full salary due the valet of an Hereditary Prince. +Contrary to expectations the Sovereign was ready to agree to his +proposals, and the Chamberlain, pleased at the gracious humor of his +master, was about to take leave, when the Sovereign stopped him by the +kind remark, "Your sister Malwine, looks ill; does she dance too much? +You should take care of her delicate health; nothing would be more +injurious to such a constitution than an early marriage. I hope to see +her pleasant countenance at Court for a long time yet."</p> + +<p class="normal">Now Fräulein Malwine was secretly betrothed to one of the Sovereign's +officers; it was known at Court and in the city, but the betrothed were +poor, and the consent of the Sovereign was necessary for their union. +In order to obtain this it was advisable to await a favorable +opportunity. Therefore the Chamberlain was alarmed at his master's +words; he perceived a secret threat in them, and while he thanked him +for his gracious sympathy, his face betrayed his dismay.</p> + +<p class="normal">After the Sovereign, by this short turn of the peg, had tuned the +strings of his instrument, he continued, with indifference: "If you +have a quarter of an hour to spare, I wish you to accompany me into the +cabinet of antiquities."</p> + +<p class="normal">They passed through corridors and halls into a distant part of the +castle, where, on an upper floor, a large collection of old coins, +carved stones, and other minor relics of Greek and Roman times, were +arranged. Many generations of rulers had contributed to it, but the +greatest part had been brought by the Sovereign himself when returning +from his travels. He had, in former years, taken great interest in the +arrangement of these things, and spent large sums in purchasing others; +but gradually this fancy had passed off, and for years the feather +brush of the curator had only removed the dust for occasional strangers +who had happened accidentally to hear of this almost unknown +collection, and had honored it with a visit.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Chamberlain, therefore accompanied his master with the feeling that +this unusual idea signified something; and he felt a gloomy +anticipation that what was impending boded no good. The Sovereign +returned with a nod the low obeisance of the dilapidated curator; he +passed in review the long rows of rooms, had some cases opened for him, +took in his hand the written catalogue, and examined carefully the gold +coins of Alexander the Great and his successors, and inspected a +collection of old glass vessels and vases, in which the artistic work +of the ancient glass-cutters was particularly striking. Then he asked +for the strangers' book, in which the names of the visitors were +recorded. After he had sent the man away with a commission, he began, +to his attendant: "The collection is less seen that it deserves; I have +long thought of having it made better known and more useful to men of +learning, by a better arrangement and a good catalogue. It has been one +of the little pleasures of my life; I have learnt much by it, and it +has at times banished annoyances from my mind. Do you know of any one +who would be fitted to undertake the management of a work so important +and exacting?"</p> + +<p class="normal">The Chamberlain bethought himself, but no one occurred to him.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I should prefer a stranger," continued the Sovereign. "That will give +rise to a passing and unembarrassed connection. He must of course be +learned and have good guarantees of character."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Chamberlain named several connoiseurs from other capitals. The +Sovereign looked at him keenly, and shook his head. "Think it over," he +repeated; "perhaps some one will occur to you."</p> + +<p class="normal">The examination continued. An antique vase interested the Sovereign by +reminding him of how he had obtained it. A Roman woman, of great beauty +and commanding figure, had suddenly confronted him and offered it to +him with such a distinguished manner, that he, as he laughingly +expressed it, was so surprised by the unusual demeanor of the woman, +and her sonorous voice, that he paid her more than she asked.</p> + +<p class="normal">No one yet occurred to the Chamberlain.</p> + +<p class="normal">On his way back to his apartments the Sovereign remained standing in +one of the spacious but lonely halls and asked the Chamberlain, "Has it +not occurred to you that Scarletti dresses badly?"</p> + +<p class="normal">The Chamberlain dissented, for the actress mentioned was supposed to be +in favor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yesterday evening she carried an immense bouquet. To which of our +young men is this ungraceful attention to be ascribed?"</p> + +<p class="normal">Again the Chamberlain was astounded.</p> + +<p class="normal">"As you are disposed to know nothing to-day," continued the Sovereign, +in a sharp tone, "I must tell you that I should be sorry to see the +Hereditary Prince having any intercourse whatever with the ladies of +the theatre. He is not old enough to carry on such connections with the +necessary reserve; and the vanity of these ladies will bring every +favor to public notice."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Chamberlain affirmed, upon his honor, that he knew nothing of these +civilities of the Hereditary Prince, and that, even if the assumption +of his gracious master was well founded, it could only have been a +passing idea of the Prince that had occasioned this gift. "Your +Highness will be convinced that I would not lend a hand to anything of +this kind."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But I do not choose that you should close your eyes to it," continued +the Sovereign, bitterly; "you stood in the box behind the Hereditary +Prince, and you must have seen the coquettish look of admiration which +she cast upon him. The present was probably sent by the new valet; let +him know that in my service one does not carry two faces under one +hood. But I require of you," he continued, more calmly, "that you +should redouble your vigilance. What occupies him now?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"He attends regularly the small evening parties of the Princess."</p> + +<p class="normal">"And in the day?" added the Sovereign, continuing the examination.</p> + +<p class="normal">"As your Highness knows, he is fond of music; he plays duets with the +music-master."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What does he read?"</p> + +<p class="normal">The Chamberlain named some French books. "May I be allowed humbly +to make a proposal? It would, in every point of view, be useful +to his Highness if he had the pleasure of devising or arranging +something--perhaps the laying out of a park, or the management of a +farm. I venture to suggest that a similar occupation has been found +advantageous to young princes at other courts. Perhaps one of your +Highness's castles could be adapted for such a purpose."</p> + +<p class="normal">"And the Hereditary Prince and Mr. von Weidegg would keep their own +court, and remain many months in the year far from ours, at their +villa," replied the Sovereign.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I assure your Highness that I never thought of such a thing," answered +the Chamberlain, offended.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I do not blame you," replied the Sovereign, with cutting courtesy. +"Consideration for my coffers forbids my assenting to your proposal; +but I shall think of it. It is a disappointment to me that the Prince +has not learned to take an interest in anything during his stay at the +University. Has he had no personal relations during that time that may +have given some zest to his life?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"He took great pleasure in the circle of Professor Werner," replied the +good Chamberlain, hesitatingly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I hope he preserves a grateful recollection of his teacher."</p> + +<p class="normal">"He speaks with great interest of him and his family," rejoined the +Chamberlain.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is well," concluded the Sovereign. "I will take into consideration +the question of agricultural occupation; and do not forget to think a +little concerning my collection."</p> + +<p class="normal">This new demand could no longer be withstood by the Chamberlain; he was +silent for some minutes, inwardly struggling, while the Sovereign moved +on with his head turned towards him, like one who waits for something +decisive.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I do not know that I can propose any one better for the purpose than +Professor Werner himself," said the Chamberlain, at last.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign again stopped. "You consider him fitted for the work?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"With respect to his scientific capabilities I naturally can form no +judgment," replied the Chamberlain, cautiously.</p> + +<p class="normal">Irritated by this cowardly attempt to draw back, the Sovereign asked +with emphasis, "Would he undertake such a charge?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"He has a very distinguished position at the University, and is happily +married; and he would, undoubtedly, not like to leave his present +position for any length of time."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Perhaps that may be arranged," rejoined the Sovereign. "Werner, then, +is the man. At a short interview I accidentally had with him he made a +good impression on me. Do not forget to remind me this evening that the +archives at Bielstein are to be searched."</p> + +<p class="normal">Thus did a father exert himself for the benefit of his son.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Chamberlain reminded his lord that evening that there had been a +question of an investigation in the archives of Bielstein, and the +sovereign thanked him for it. The following morning orders were given +through the Council to the keepers of the records and members of other +branches of the Court and State administration, to seek out and send +all records of a certain age that had reference to the castle of +Bielstein and monastery of Rossau. This order occasioned a great +raising of dust, and five large leather sacks were filled with records +and old papers. The collection was sent to the Professor; and in a +letter the Sovereign expressed his thanks for the attentions which the +Professor had shown the Hereditary Prince. He added that, remembering a +former conversation, he sent for his inspection all that, in a cursory +search, could be found concerning a place in which he took an interest.</p> + +<p class="normal">This letter gave cause for serious consideration to two inquiring +minds. When the dubious report of the student concerning an existing +chest had disturbed the peace of the house, the friends had again +turned their attention to the inventory of the deceased Bachhuber, and +had once more pondered over every word of it: "In a hollow and dry +place, LOCO CAVO ET SICCO." The word place, <i>locus</i>, occasioned much +thought; but they could come to no certainty about it. "Of the house of +Bielstein, domus Bielsteyn!"--here the expression house, <i>domus</i>, was +very remarkable. Did it mean that the manuscript lay concealed +in the dwelling house itself, or was the word house used in the +obsolete meaning of estate or property? The Doctor contended for the +dwelling-house, the Professor for the estate. Much depended upon this; +for if <i>domus</i> signified estate, the manuscript might be concealed in +any part of the property. "I have deposited it all, <i>hæc omnia +deposui</i>!" The word all, <i>omnia</i>, was very comforting; for it gave the +certainty that the deceased Bachhüber had not left the manuscript +behind. But the depositing was a matter of some doubt. Did the word +betoken that the manuscript was deposited only in Bielstein, and thus +given over and entrusted, so to speak, to the inhabitants?--or had the +writer chosen the expression because he wished to signify the interring +and blocking it up in some deep place? To us laymen in the Latin +tongue, it appears clear indeed that Bachhuber was very glad to have a +Latin vocabulary in which to signify the concealment of his treasure; +however, the feeling of the learned men was otherwise. Finally, the +friends agreed in taking the view, that, in spite of this account, the +walls of the house were worthy of future attention. The hollow places +which the Doctor had registered might be examined; the cupboard in the +wall in Ilse's bedroom appeared a place not to be despised. The +Professor, therefore, determined to obtain some certainty on that point +during the next vacation. The business of the Rector had only allowed a +short visit to the castle this time; but the Professor would be aided +by his position in the family, which opened Ilse's room and cupboard to +him.</p> + +<p class="normal">It was a fine August day; the father was riding about in his fields, +and Ilse sitting with Clara in household consultation, when an uproar +was raised in the kitchen, and the housekeeper, quite beside herself, +rushed into the sitting-room, exclaiming: "There are ghosts around +again!" There was, in fact, a loud knocking in the house, and the maids +congregated in the hall. The noise came from the upper story; so Ilse +hastened upstairs, and, on opening the door to her room, found the +Professor, in his shirt sleeves, working in the cupboard with various +tools he had obtained from the carpenter. He received her, laughing, +and called out, to tranquilize her, that he was nailing the cupboard +boards tighter. This was right, but he had first broken through them. +The manuscript was not there, and nothing was to be seen but an empty +space and a few bits of mortar. There was, however, one inexplicable +thing, which might be a trace of the manuscript--a small bit of blue +cloth rag; how that had come into the wall was a riddle. On further +examination, it appeared that it was not colored with indigo; +therefore, probably, it had existed previous to the introduction of +that color into civilization. Whether a mouse, in her motherly care, +had deposited it there as an ornament to her bed, and at the same time +for food in a desperate case of necessity, could not be ascertained, as +at present these folk seem to have no traditions of the past, and the +individual had probably been eaten some centuries ago by an ancestor of +one of our cats.</p> + +<p class="normal">This discovery might have given confidence to the friends, for there +were now two places where the treasure was not. But there is much that +is illogical in the nature of men. Even the Doctor inclined now to the +Professor's opinion, that the manuscript was perhaps not concealed in +the house; nay, that it might even be at a distance from the place.</p> + +<p class="normal">Such was the state of the matter when the Sovereign's packet arrived. +The friends were occupied many hours with the trunks, and examined the +records carefully. They found much that would be valuable for the +history of the district, but nothing that led to the manuscript. At +last, the Professor raised from the bottom of one of the trunks a thick +bundle of reports, on sheets sewed together, which had been sent by the +officials of Bielstein to the Government. Among them was the writing of +a deputy-bailiff of the last century, in which he notified that he was +hastening, in those times of suspense and danger, commanded by high +authority, to convey to the royal country residence, Solitude, the +chestful of hunting implements and old books which had up to that time +been in his custody.</p> + +<p class="normal">The writer of the letter had undoubtedly not foreseen what an +excitement his faded scroll would produce in a later generation.</p> + +<p class="normal">"This is the student's chest," cried the Professor, the color rising to +his cheeks, while he held out the document to his friend.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Remarkable!" said the Doctor. "It is impossible that this coincidence +can be accidental."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The student's chest was no will o' the wisp," cried the Professor to +his wife, in her room; "here is the confirmation."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Where is the chest?" inquired Ilse, skeptically.</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is just what we do not know," replied the Professor, laughing. +"Here is a new scent, indistinct, and in a new direction; but it may +lead shortly to the vanished parchment." The friends hastened back +eagerly to the bundle of records. "Old books!" exclaimed the Doctor; +"the house was a hunting castle; a generation before this letter was +written, the estate came first into the possession of this princely +family; it is not probable that they themselves, in their short hunting +visits, should have collected books there."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Old books!" exclaimed also the Professor; "it is possible that hunting +journals and accounts may be meant; but it is not impossible that the +chest may also contain some few things of the property of the +monastery. Ilse, where is the old castle belonging to your Sovereign +called Solitude?"</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse knew nothing of such a castle.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is a fortunate coincidence that the Sovereign himself may give us +an opportunity of obtaining more accurate information."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Ah, you poor men!" said Ilse, through the door, pityingly. "Now you +are far worse than before; as long as the treasure was still supposed +to be in our house, my father at least could keep a good look out; but +now, it is in a chest far away in the wide world, and no one knows +anything even of the house to which it may have been carried."</p> + +<p class="normal">The friends laughed again. "Your father's house is not on that account +less under suspicion," said her husband, consolingly.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor sent back the contents of the chest to the Royal Council, +expressed in his letter his warm thanks to the Sovereign, and mentioned +that an uncertain trace made him very desirous of obtaining permission +to make personal investigations.</p> + +<p class="normal">The letter had the desired result for both parties. The Sovereign had +the satisfaction, which is pleasing to earthly masters, of appearing to +confer a favor while he was seeking one.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor was joyfully surprised when he received from the Council +in the name of the Sovereign a letter promising to promote his +investigations in every way, and making the following proposal: The +Sovereign wished his cabinet of antiquities to be examined by a +scientific authority, and there was no one to whom he would more +willingly trust this task than to the Professor. He knew well how +valuable to others was the work of so learned a man, but he hoped that +his collection might appear of sufficient importance to him to spend a +few weeks upon it.</p> + +<p class="normal">At the same time the Chamberlain wrote, by desire of his gracious +master, that the Sovereign would be delighted if the Professor would +accept the hospitality of the Palace during the time of his stay. A +garden pavilion, which was a pleasant spring-residence, would be at his +disposition. The dwelling was large enough to receive his family also, +and he was commanded to suggest that there would be plenty of room if +the Professor would bring his wife and servants, as the Sovereign did +not wish that the learned man should be deprived of his domestic +comforts during his stay. The beginning of the spring would be the best +time for both parties; and the Chamberlain would be delighted to do the +honors of the capital to his countrywoman.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor hastened with flying steps to his wife, and laid the +letter in her lap. "Here, read what endangers our journey into foreign +lands. It will engross the greatest part of our traveling time. But I +must accept the invitation; for any prospect, even the most distant, of +obtaining the manuscript compels me to stake much that a man will only +sacrifice for a great hope. Will you accompany me on this chase? You +see, the kind people have thought of everything."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I a guest of our Sovereign!" exclaimed Ilse, reading the letter. +"Never should I have dreamt of such an honor. What will my father say +of it! It is a very honorable invitation for you," she continued, +seriously; "and you must at all events accept it. As for me, I think it +may be best for me to remain here."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Why should we be separated for weeks?--it would be the first time."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Send me to my father meanwhile."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Does not that come to the same thing?" asked the Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"What shall I do among these strangers?" continued Ilse, anxiously.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Nonsense," replied the Professor. "Have you any reason to give?" and +he looked at her, discomposed.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I cannot say that I have," replied Ilse.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then decide at once, and come. We should probably feel more free if we +could live as we liked; but I should not wish to reside for weeks at a +hotel in a foreign city; and, from another point of view, this +reception will save both parties the difficulty of offering and +refusing compensation. We shall remain there as long as is +indispensably necessary; then we shall go south, as far as we can. It +is, after all, only putting off the journey a few weeks."</p> + +<p class="normal">When the Professor's letter of acceptance arrived, the Chamberlain +informed the Sovereign of it in presence of the Marshal: "See to it +that the pavilion is arranged as comfortably as possible. Dinner will +be served at the pavilion at whatever hour the Professor wishes."</p> + +<p class="normal">"And what position does your Highness intend the strangers shall occupy +at Court?" inquired the Marshal.</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is understood," said the Sovereign; "he has the privilege of a +stranger, and will occasionally be invited to small dinners."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But the Professor's wife?" asked the Marshal.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Ah!" said the Sovereign, "the wife. It is true, she comes with him."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then," continued the Marshal, "there is to be dinner for two at the +pavilion; apartments for two, and a room for a lackey without livery."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is enough," said the Sovereign; "for the rest, we shall see. If +the Professor's wife visits our ladies, I assume they will return the +civility. We will leave the rest to the Princess."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What is the history of these strangers?" asked the Marshal of the +Chamberlain. "You know the people."</p> + +<p class="normal">"As one knows people in a strange city," replied the Chamberlain.</p> + +<p class="normal">"But you arranged their coming?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I only wrote according to the Sovereign's orders. The Professor is a +learned man of reputation, and a thorough gentleman."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But what has his wife to do here."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Chamberlain shrugged his shoulders. "He could not be got without +his wife," he replied, cautiously.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yet the Sovereign made a point of her coming."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Did that strike you?" asked the Chamberlain. "I, for my part, did not +remark it. He made it appear as if it were a matter of indifference to +him; and, furthermore, she is a country-woman of his."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You know that the Sovereign would be the last to infringe the rules of +the Court. There is no reason for anxiety."</p> + +<p class="normal">"At all events, the Princess must maintain her position. I hear this +Professor's wife is considered a beauty?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I believe she is also a woman of high character," replied the +Chamberlain.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor received the desired permission. Ilse made her +preparations for the journey with a solemn seriousness which struck all +around her. She was now to approach the presence of her Sovereign, whom +she had regarded from a distance with shy respect. It made her heart +heavy to think that the son had never spoken of his father, and that +she knew nothing of her illustrious master but his countenance and +manner. She asked herself, anxiously: "How will he treat Felix and me?"</p> + +<p class="normal">Whilst Felix was collecting all the books and documents which were +indispensable for the journey, the Doctor was standing sorrowfully in +his friend's room. He was satisfied that the Professor could not +withdraw from the duty of seeking for the manuscript; and yet his +invitation to Court did not please him. The sudden breaking of their +tranquil life disturbed him, and he sometimes looked anxiously at Ilse.</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura sat, the last evening, near Ilse, leaning on her shoulder, +weeping. "It appears to me," said the latter, "that something +portentous lies in my path, and I go in fear. But I leave you without +anxiety for your future, although you have sometimes made me uneasy, +you stubborn little puss; for I know there is one who will always be +your best adviser, even though you should seldom see each other."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I lose him when I lose you," cried Laura, in tears. "All vanishes that +has been the happiness of my life. In the little garden which I have +secretly laid out for myself, the blossoms are torn up by the roots, +the bitter trial of deprivation has come to me also; and poor Fritz, +who already was practicing resignation, will now be quite lost in his +hermitage."</p> + +<p class="normal">Even Gabriel, who was to accompany the travelers to the capital and +await their return home from abroad at the house of Ilse's father, was +excited during this period, and often disappeared into the house of Mr. +Hahn when it became dark. The last day he brought home from the market +a beautiful bird of uncommon appearance, with colored feathers, pasted +on a sheet, with the inscription: "Peacock from Madagascar." Gabriel +wrote, in addition, in clear, stiff characters: "Faithful unto death." +This he took in the evening to the enemy's house. A whispering might be +heard there, and a pocket-handkerchief be seen, which wiped the tears +from sorrowful eyes.</p> + +<p class="normal">"No allusion is meant to the name of this family," said Gabriel, +holding the bird once more in the moonlight, the beams of which fell +through the staircase window upon two sorrowful faces; "but it occurred +to me as a remembrance. When you look at it think of me, and the words +I have written on it. We must part, but it is hard to do so." The +honest fellow pulled out his pocket-handkerchief.</p> + +<p class="normal">Dorchen took it from him; she had forgotten her own, and wiped her eyes +with it.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is not for long," said Gabriel, consolingly, in spite of his own +sorrow. "Paste the bird on the cover of your trunk, and when you open +it and take out a good dress, think of me."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Always," cried Dorchen, weeping. "I do not need that."</p> + +<p class="normal">"When I return, Dorchen, we will talk further of what is to become of +us, and I hope all will go well. The handkerchief which has received +your tears shall be a remembrance for me."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Leave it to me," said Dorchen, sobbing. "I must tell you I have bought +wool, and will embroider you a wallet. This you shall carry about you, +and when I write, put my letters in it."</p> + +<p class="normal">Gabriel looked happy, in spite of his sorrow; and the moon glanced +jeeringly down on the kisses and vows which were exchanged.</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>CHAPTER XXVII</i>.</h2> + +<h3>THE SOVEREIGN.</h3> + +<p class="normal">The Hereditary Prince was walking with the Chamberlain in the gardens +which surrounded the royal castle on three sides. He looked +indifferently on the splendid coloring of the early flowers and the +fresh green of the trees; to-day he was more silent than usual; whilst +the birds piped to him from the branches, and the spring breeze wafted +fragrance from the tops of the trees, he played with his eye-glass. +"What bird is that singing?" he asked, at last, awakening from his +apathy.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Chamberlain replied, "It is a thrush."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Prince examined the bird with his glasses, and then asked, +carelessly, "What are those people ahead of us carrying?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Chairs for the pavilion," answered the Chamberlain; "it is being +arranged for Professor Werner. The house is seldom open now; formerly +his Highness, the Sovereign, used to live there occasionally."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I do not remember ever having been in it for a very long time."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Would your Highness like to see the rooms?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"We can pass that way."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Chamberlain turned towards the pavilion; the Marshal was standing +at the door; he had come to see that everything was in order. The +Hereditary Prince greeted him, cast a cursory glance at the house, and +was inclined to pass on. It was a small grey-stone structure, in old +fashioned style; there were shell-shaped arabesques round the doors and +windows, and little dropsical angels supported heavy garlands of stone +flowers with lines which appeared to have been cut out of elephant's +hide; the angels themselves looked as if they had just crept out of a +dirty swamp and been dried in the sun. The dark building stood amid the +fresh verdure like a large chest, in which all the withered flowers +that the garden had ever borne, and all the moss which the gardener had +ever scraped from the trees, seemed, to have been kept for later +generations.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is an uninviting looking place," said the Prince.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is the gloomy appearance that has always pleased his Sovereign +Highness so much," replied the Marshal. "Will not your Highness examine +the interior?"</p> + +<p class="normal">The Prince passed slowly up the steps and through the apartments. The +musty smell of the long-closed rooms had not been removed by the +pastiles that had been burnt in them; logs were blazing in all the +fireplaces, but the warmth which they spread still struggled with the +damp air. The arrangement of the rooms was throughout orderly and +complete. There were heavy <i>portières</i>, curtains with large tassels, +and fantastic furniture with much gilding, and white covers for the +preservation of the silk, mirrors with broad fantastic frames, round +the chimney-piece garlands carved in grey marble, and upon it wreathed +vases and little figures of painted porcelain. In the boudoir, on a +marble console, there was a large clock under a glass bell; a nude +gilded nymph poured water over the dial from her urn which was turned +to gilded ice. Everything was richly adorned; but the whole +arrangement, furniture, porcelain, and walls, looked as if no eye had +ever rested on them with pleasure, nor careful housewife rejoiced in +their possession. There were remarkable things from every part of the +world; first they had been placed in the large assembly-rooms which +were opened at Court fêtes; then they had ceased to be in fashion, and +were moved into side-rooms. It was now their destiny to be handed down +from one generation to another, and counted once a year to see if they +were still there. Thus they passed a never-ending existence--preserved, +but not used; kept, but disregarded.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is damp and cold here," said the Prince, looking round upon the +walls, and again hastening into the open air.</p> + +<p class="normal">"How do the arrangements please your Highness?" asked the Marshal.</p> + +<p class="normal">"They will do very well," answered the Prince, "except the pictures."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Some of them certainly are rather improper," acknowledged the Marshal.</p> + +<p class="normal">"My father would be pleased if you could remove these. When is +Professor Werner expected?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"This evening," replied the Chamberlain. "Perhaps your Highness would +wish to receive the guest after his arrival, or to pay him a visit +yourself."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You may ask my father," replied the Prince.</p> + +<p class="normal">When the Prince went with his companion up the staircase to his own +rooms in the castle, the Chamberlain began:</p> + +<p class="normal">"The Professor's wife was very much pleased once with the flowers which +your Highness sent her. May I commission the Court gardener to put some +in her room?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do what you think fitting," replied the Prince, coldly.</p> + +<p class="normal">He entered his apartment, looked behind him to see if he were alone, +and went with rapid steps to the window; from thence he looked over the +level lawn and the blooming rows of trees to the pavilion. He gazed +long through the window, then took a book from the table and seated +himself in the corner of the sofa to read; but he laid the book on the +table again, paced hastily up and down, and looked at his watch.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Court dinner was over. The ladies cast a half glance behind them to +see if the back-ground was clear for their retiring curtsies. The +gentlemen took their hats under their arms. The Marshal approached the +door, and held his gold-headed stick with graceful deportment--a sure +sign that the royal party was about to break up. The Princess, who was +still in mourning, stopped her brother.</p> + +<p class="normal">"When do they come? I am so curious," she said, in a low tone.</p> + +<p class="normal">"They are perhaps already there," answered he, looking down.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am going to the theatre to-day for the first time again," continued +the Princess. "Come into my box if you can."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Prince nodded. Information came to the Marshal, which he conveyed +to the Prince's father. "Your teacher, Professor Werner, is come," said +he, aloud, to his son. "You will undoubtedly wish to pay your +compliments to him." He then bowed to the Court, and the young Princess +followed him out of the room.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Chamberlain hastened to the pavilion. The Marshal followed +more quietly. A royal equipage had brought the travelers from the +nearest station. They passed rapidly by the trees in the park, the +pleasure-grounds, and the lighted windows of the royal castle. The +pavilion was no longer a shapeless building, as it appeared in the day, +under the glaring sun, to the indifferent eyes of the courtiers. The +moon lighted up the front, and shone with a glimmering halo on the +walls; it threw a silver glitter on the cheeks of the angels, and on +the solid broad leaves of their garlands, and brought out strongly on +the bright surface of the wall the shadows of the projecting cornices. +Wax-lights shone through the open door. Lackeys, in rich liveries, held +heavy candelabra. The steward of the house, a friendly looking +personage, in dress coat and knee-breeches, stood in the hall and +greeted the comers with polite words. Following the lackeys, Ilse +ascended the carpeted steps, on her husband's arm, and when the servant +threw back the <i>portière</i>, and the row of rooms appeared shining with +wax-lights, she could hardly suppress an exclamation of astonishment. +The steward led them through the rooms, explained the disposal of them, +and Ilse perceived, with rapid glance, how stately and comfortable they +all were. She looked with admiration at the abundance of flowers which +were placed in the vases and bowls. She wondered whether her little +Prince had shown this tender attention, but was undeceived when the +official announced that the Chamberlain had sent them. A pretty maid +was introduced, who was to wait upon her exclusively. Gabriel stood in +the ante-room considering where he and his traps would be taken, in +order that the Professor's boots might, in the morning, be no dishonor +to the splendor of the house. At last one of the lackeys showed him his +room, and, like a good comrade, pointed out to him the lamps of a +tavern, which for his leisure hours would be particularly agreeable.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse went through the rooms as if stupefied by their splendor, and +endeavored to open the window to let in some fresh air, for the strong +fragrance of the hyacinths threatened her with headache. Then came the +Chamberlain, behind him the Marshal, who was also an urbane gentleman +of very refined appearance; and both expressed their pleasure at seeing +the Professor and his wife. They offered their services on all +occasions, and pointed out from the windows the position of the +pavilion. Suddenly the lackey threw open the folding-doors, announcing +"His Highness, the Hereditary Prince."</p> + +<p class="normal">The young gentleman walked slowly into the room. He bowed silently to +Ilse, and gave his hand to the Professor. "My father has commissioned +me to express to you his pleasure that you have fulfilled his wishes;" +and, turning to Ilse, he continued: "I trust that you will find the +dwelling comfortable enough not to regret having left your residence at +home."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse looked with great pleasure at her Prince. He had, it appeared to +her, grown a little. His demeanor was still rather depressed; but he +had color in his cheeks, and it was clear that things were not amiss +with him. The little moustache was stronger and became him well.</p> + +<p class="normal">She replied, "I scarcely venture to turn round. It is like a fairy +castle. One expects every moment that a spirit will spring from the +wall and inquire whether one wishes to go through the air, or that four +swans will stop at the window with a golden carriage. No chair is +necessary to ascend to it, for the windows come down to the ground. The +Park Street sends its greeting, and I give your Highness heartfelt +thanks for the present which the Chamberlain sent me for the last +Christmas-tree."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor approached the Prince, mentioned to him the names of some +of his colleagues, who had sent to him their kindest remembrances, and +then begged him to express to his royal father his thanks for this +hospitable reception.</p> + +<p class="normal">Everything seemed to curl in ornamental scrolls. The lamps shone from +the silver chandeliers, the hyacinths sent out sweet fragrance from +every vase, the closed curtains gave the room a comfortable appearance, +and on the frescoed ceiling a flying Cupid was represented holding a +bunch of red poppies over the heads of the guests.</p> + +<p class="normal">"To-day we will leave you to rest, as you must be tired," said the +Prince, concluding the visit; and the Chamberlain promised to inform +the Professor at an early hour the next morning when the Sovereign +would receive him. Scarcely had the gentleman gone when a servant +announced that dinner was served in the next room.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Why, it is evening," said Ilse, shyly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Never mind," replied the Professor, "you have taken the first step. +Show good courage." He gallantly offered her his arm. The man in smart +livery conducted them into the next room, and drew back the chairs of +the richly-adorned table. There was no end of courses. In spite of +Ilse's protest a superabundant dinner made its appearance, and she +said, at last, "I must resign myself to everything. There is no use in +struggling against these spirits. Whoever lives in a Prince's household +must be bold enough to go through all."</p> + +<p class="normal">When the dinner at last was carried away, and Ilse had been freed from +her anxieties about Gabriel, she busily began arranging her things. +While she was unpacking she said to her husband, "This is a very +charming welcome, Felix, and I now have real confidence that all will +go well."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Have you ever doubted it?" asked the Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse answered, "Up to this hour I have had a secret anxiety, I know not +why, but it has now vanished; for the people here all seem so friendly +and kindhearted."</p> + +<p class="normal">As the Prince passed through the gardens back to the castle the two +cavaliers behind him conversed together.</p> + +<p class="normal">"A charming woman," said the Marshal--"a beauty of the first order. +There is good blood there."</p> + +<p class="normal">"She is in every respect a distinguished lady," replied the +Chamberlain, aloud.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You have already told me that once," replied the Marshal. "I +congratulate you on this acquaintance from the University."</p> + +<p class="normal">"How do you like the Professor?" asked the Chamberlain, turning the +conversation.</p> + +<p class="normal">"He appears to be a clever man," replied the Marshal, with +indifference. "It is long since the pavilion has had such a beauty in +it."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Prince turned round, and he saw by the light of the large +chandelier that the gentlemen exchanged looks with one another.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Prince's carriage drove up. He entered it without saying a word to +his companions, and drove to the opera. There he entered the ante-room +of the royal box.</p> + +<p class="normal">"How do the strangers like their abode at the pavilion?" asked the +Sovereign, kindly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"They are content with everything," replied his son; "but the rooms are +damp, and would not be healthy for a prolonged stay."</p> + +<p class="normal">"They were never considered so, as far as I recollect," replied the +father, coldly, "and I hope you will be convinced of it." Then, turning +to the Chamberlain, he said, "To-morrow, after breakfast, I wish to +speak to Mr. Werner."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Hereditary Prince went into the box to his sister, and seated +himself silently at her side.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Where are the places for the strangers?" asked the Princess.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I do not know," replied her brother.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Princess looked behind her inquiringly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The strangers' box is opposite," explained the Chamberlain; "but they +have enough to do to-day settling themselves."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What is the matter with you, Benno?" asked the sister, after the first +act. "You cough."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have caught a little cold. It will pass."</p> + +<p class="normal">After the theatre the Prince retired to his bedroom, and complained to +Krüger of a headache and sore throat. When he was alone, he opened the +window and looked across the pleasure-ground to the pavilion, the +lights of which glimmered like stars in the night. He listened. Perhaps +he might hear some sound from there. He found it warm, for he took off +his necktie, and long stood motionless at the window, till the cool +night air came into his room and the last light was extinguished. Then +he closed his window gently and went to bed.</p> + +<p class="normal">This was not prudent, for the Prince, whose health was easily affected, +awoke the following morning with a severe cold. The doctor was hastily +called, and the Prince was obliged to keep his bed.</p> + +<p class="normal">When the indisposition of the Hereditary Prince was announced to his +father, it put him in a bad humor. "Just now!" he exclaimed. "He has +every misfortune unhealthy people are heir to." When, afterwards, the +Professor was announced, the way in which he received the announcement +was so cold and constrained that the Chamberlain felt very anxious +about the reception of the Professor. The long habit, however, of +receiving graciously, and the dignified bearing of the Professor, had a +softening influence. After a few introductory words, the Sovereign +began a conversation about Italy; and it appeared that the Professor +was in correspondence with a distinguished literary Roman, who was one +of the Sovereign's most intimate acquaintances when he was last in +Italy. This gradually placed the Professor in quite a different light +to the Sovereign. He had sent for him as a mere useful tool, but he now +found he was a man who had claims to personal consideration, because he +was known to others whose position was respected by the Sovereign. The +Sovereign then asked how the matter of the lost manuscript stood, and +smiled at the eager zeal of the Professor, when he told him of the new +clue which he had found in the records.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It would be well for you to prepare a memorial of the whole state of +the affair, which will assist my memory, and add to it what help you +wish from me or my officials."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor was very grateful.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I will not deny myself the pleasure of taking you to the museum," +continued the Sovereign. "I shall thus see what a learned man, who is a +thorough connoisseur, thinks of the quiet amusement of an amateur +collector."</p> + +<p class="normal">The doors flew open, the learned man entered the spacious rooms with +the Sovereign. "We will first go rapidly through the rooms that you may +obtain a general view of their contents and arrangements," said the +Sovereign. While the Professor looked at the abundance of beautiful and +instructive remains of antiquity, many of which were quite new to him, +the Sovereign gave some account of them; but soon left it to the +learned man to search out for himself objects of interest, and it was +now his turn to give explanations. Here there was an inscription, which +no one probably had copied; there a specimen of pottery, with very +interesting figures on it; then a statuette, a remarkable variation of +a celebrated antique piece of sculpture; here the unknown coin of a +famous Roman family, with their coat of arms; and there a long row of +amulets, with hieroglyphics.</p> + +<p class="normal">It was a great pleasure to the Sovereign to find out the importance of +apparently insignificant objects, and every moment to receive new +information concerning their value and names, but the Professor had the +tact to avoid long explanations. He looked with quite a youthful +interest on the collection. It happened just at a time when he was not +occupied with great works, he brought with him a lively susceptibility +for impressions, and at every step he felt how charming were the new +views which he obtained; for there was much here that invited a closer +examination. He inspired the Sovereign with something of the enjoyment +he felt himself. There was no end of his questions, and the answers of +the Professor. The Sovereign was delighted to tell how he had obtained +many of the objects, and the Professor, by relating similar stories of +discoveries, led him on to give further accounts. Thus some hours +passed without the Sovereign experiencing any weariness, and he was +much astonished when he was told that it was dinnertime. "Is that +possible?" he exclaimed. "You understand the most difficult of all +arts, that of making the time pass quickly, I expect you at dinner; +tomorrow you shall see the collection again, undisturbed by my remarks; +then you must favor me with a written report of what is desirable with +respect to the arrangement, so as to make the valuable objects +serviceable to science."</p> + +<p class="normal">At dinner--there was no one present but some gentlemen whom the +Professor, by the advice of the Chamberlain, had visited in the +morning--the conversation was continued. The Sovereign related much +about Italy, and contrived in a cursory way to draw attention to the +personal relations of the Professor with his own acquaintances, in +order that his Court might know something about the man with whom he +was so much pleased. The conversation was easy and pleasant, and before +the Sovereign left the company, he turned again to the Professor, and +said, "I desire much that you should feel at home with us, and I hope +to pass more than one day as agreeably as I have done this."</p> + +<p class="normal">To the Professor also it had been a refreshing day, and in going away, +he said, in great spirits, to the High Steward: "His Sovereign Highness +understands very well how to say kind things."</p> + +<p class="normal">The High Steward bowed his white head civilly, and replied, "That is +the vocation of princes."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Certainly," continued the Professor; "but so warm an interest in the +details of a remote province of scientific inquiry is more than I had +anticipated."</p> + +<p class="normal">The High Steward made a courteous movement, which was to signify that +he could not contradict the assertion; he enveloped himself in an +old-fashioned little mantle, bowed silently to the gentlemen who were +similarly occupied, and entered his carriage.</p> + +<p class="normal">In intelligence and education the Sovereign was superior to most of his +fellow princes. He had preserved much of the elasticity of his youth in +advanced age; his bodily condition was excellent, and he took great +care of his health; he was still capable, in case of necessity, of +exertions which would have been severe to a younger man. In his youth +he had devoted himself enthusiastically to the ebullitions of the then +fashionable poetry, and had indulged in higher and freer aspirations +than other men. He had at that time corresponded with learned men and +artists of repute, and he liked to tell of his intimacy with some man +of prominent mind. But his youth and manhood had fallen in a weak and +decrepit period of our development. In the years when a foreign +conqueror had treated the German princes as the greater part of them +well deserved, he also as a youth had bowed to the foreigner, and +abandoned the sinking vessel at the right time to save his title to his +country. Since then he had ruled over a pitiful race of men, for he had +entered upon his government at a time of great national exhaustion; he +had found little that he was compelled to respect or fear, seldom any +men firm enough to maintain their rights against him, and no public +opinion that was strong enough to oppose his encroachment by a +unanimous determination. His country was governed by officials, the +official places were continually increased, and concerning every lost +key of a village church there was accumulated a bundle of legal +documents; he allowed these prolix forms of proceedings which benumbed +the life of the people to remain unaltered, and only took care that the +officials, whenever his personal interest came into play, should be +pliant servants, who would procure him money, and withdraw from +publicity any past wrong dealings of their Sovereign.</p> + +<p class="normal">When he came into contact with his people, he was affable and +good-humored, made it easy for petitioners to approach him, listened +kindly and sympathetically to all complaints, and threw the blame on +the officials. He was not unpopular; sometimes the discontented +grumbled at the high taxes, and over the costly expenditure of their +master; and, here and there, an anecdote of his private life reached +the public; but the new spirit of the times, which was beginning to +stir also in his country, struggled only weakly in helpless assaults +against his system of government. And although as a ruler he showed no +inclination to remedy existing evils, yet, to those at a distance, he +appeared personally to be a humane, good-hearted man. He had a kindly +acknowledgment and a gracious word for every one; he knew much of the +private relations of his subjects, and occasionally showed his personal +sympathy for individuals; he loved children, for he would sometimes +stop in the streets to notice pretty boys and girls, and inquire after +their parents; he gave a fête to the school children of his capital +every year, appeared at it himself, and took pleasure in their games.</p> + +<p class="normal">His Court was in many respects a model of order and pleasing display. +By all who surrounded him he was considered a distinguished man; and +contrived--which is most difficult for a prince--that those who daily +associated with him should always have a feeling of his superiority. He +had never been a military man, and he did not refrain from sarcastic +remarks on the warlike propensities of other princes. His Court long +remained free from the military influence that prevailed in neighboring +capitals. Gradually, indeed, he made some concessions to the fashion, +and his aides-de-camp became important members of the royal household; +but he was not on a comfortable footing with the officers of his +household, and, in spite of his quiet manner, was always feared by +these gentlemen. There were hours when it appeared that his reserved +character was not only accompanied by severity, but by something quite +anomalous, in addition: at such moments, cynical jests or brusque and +irritative remarks fell from his lips, and he lost all consideration +for the claims of those about him. But the young noblemen and +aides-de-camp bore the secret thorn of their position without being +subjected to the loud criticism which is often expressed by the +courtiers of ruling princes, for the Sovereign understood how to treat +them with respect before strangers. He held strictly to etiquette, even +on their behalf, and cleverly took care of their interests in the +presentation of favors--orders and decorations--which foreign princes +visiting his Court were bound to bestow; he never called upon them for +anything contrary to the dignity of their office, and knew how to +maintain his own and that of his Court in intercourse with strangers.</p> + +<p class="normal">His wife had died early, and the inhabitants of the capital always +preserved a grateful recollection of that pale and delicate lady. It +was said that the marriage had not been a happy one; yet the sorrow of +the Sovereign was strong and lasting. He always spoke with great +tenderness of the departed, and every year, on the anniversary of her +death, fastened a garland in her mausoleum.</p> + +<p class="normal">He had two children. The eldest, the Princess, had returned to Court +after the death of her husband; and the Sovereign, in the eyes of the +Court and the people, treated her with especial regard. He had opened +his whole heart to the Court chaplain about her. "I should like to see +her married again; she has a right to look forward to a brilliant +life,--her heart is warm, her nature energetic; and from my experience, +I consider a long state of widowhood a bad thing for the Princess. But +I fear she will resist. I have perhaps, always been a weak father to +this child. You know, venerable sir, how dear she has been to me."</p> + +<p class="normal">Thereupon the pious gentleman, with folded hands, exclaimed: "I know +it, and I know how warmly the heart of her Serene Highness is attached +to her father." The people also remarked that the Sovereign was a good +father. On every birthday a great Court fête was arranged for the +daughter; and when the Sovereign once happened to be travelling at this +time, he appeared suddenly, contrary to all expectation, on the evening +of the birthday, in his travelling dress, at the Princess's opera-box, +kissed her on the forehead before all the people, and said that he had +hastened his return in order to wish her joy upon her <i>fête</i> day. +Besides this, he neglected no opportunity of showing her the little +attentions which in every father gave an impression of amiable +gallantry, and which in every ruling Sovereign are doubly appreciated. +Before every ball he sent his daughter a nosegay, and every time had it +brought by the head gardener into the castle to inspect it himself. He +was glad when distinguished travellers caused their arrival to be +announced to the Princess, and always observed accurately whether she +was well entertained during their reception. But, in spite of the great +trouble the father took to give a good appearance to his relations with +the Princess, it was thought that he had a secret dislike for her. It +may be possible for a prince to be incomprehensible to those who are in +daily intercourse with him in certain important concerns, but it is +almost impossible to deceive them constantly.</p> + +<p class="normal">The relations of the father to his son were very different. The latter, +a sickly, shy boy, had been deprived of self-confidence by the way in +which his father had watched over his education. The boy had not the +capacity to assert himself; it was still a difficult task for him to +overcome his shyness in his intercourse with strangers. When the list +of persons invited was handed to him, and he considered what he was to +say to individuals, apt questions seldom occurred to him, and what he +did bring out was so awkwardly done that it was very evident that he +had been coached. Even to the persons of the Court the young Prince was +silent and indifferent; the ladies and gentlemen were therefore +inclined to assume that he was a little weak-minded. His father treated +him with contempt, and his tone towards his son sometimes sounded short +and harsh, as if it were not worth his while to conceal his disdain for +him.</p> + +<p class="normal">In this respect, however, injustice was done to the father. A reigning +sovereign is easily led to consider his son as a young rival. The son +will be his successor, and will, in the next generation, expose his +father before all the world, upset all his arrangements, and be +reconciled to all who have been discontented and his opponents. When he +has become sovereign, it is impossible that he should not discover +something under the former Government that has been wrong, and +everything will be brought before him in which his father has failed +and done evil. This would have been reason enough for the Sovereign to +treat his son with coldness and reserve. Now he was nobody, a powerless +slave who was indebted to his father for every penny he had; but some +day he would be everything. But his son was in his eyes insignificant; +he moved in the prescribed track as if possessed of no will of his own; +he had never defied him, was content with everything, and had yielded +silently and respectfully to every command; it was not to be supposed +that he could really govern himself, still less would he put his father +in the shade. Thus by degrees was added to the father's quiet feeling +of contempt, one of almost compassionate kindness. The timid +submissiveness of the Prince was very satisfactory to his father; it +was very agreeable to him to provide, as he was well able, a support +for the weak reed which was to carry on the future of his family. To +him he showed himself as he was: what he did for him was done with the +feeling that he was benefiting another, not himself.</p> + +<p class="normal">But just now, when he had been taking pains to procure a pleasure for +the Hereditary Prince, the latter fell ill!</p> + +<hr class="W10"> + +<p class="normal">Ilse went with Gabriel through the rooms, trying to arrange them to +please herself; she moved the tables about, examined the curtains, and +looked doubtfully at the porcelain vases.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am surprised," said Gabriel, "that amongst this beautiful furniture +one thing should be wanting, a cuckoo-clock. That would be very +suitable: it gives life, when it opens its door, and makes profound +obeisances as they do at Court. For they are very polite here, however +deceitful they may be at heart. I have no confidence in the lackey; he +asks me too many questions. How would it be taken if we got rid of him? +I could manage to do the housekeeping alone, with the maid. No cooking +can be done here, for there is no kitchen; every drop of warm water +must be brought from the cellar over there where the white jackets work +like so many ghosts."</p> + +<p class="normal">"There is no use worrying about it," said Ilse, decisively; "we must +accustom ourselves to the regulations, pride must put up with much; we +have no secrets, and I know you will be cautious."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The gardener has placed a table and chairs, with flowers about it, in +front of the house," said Gabriel. "Shall I take your work down; the +sun appears warm?"</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse went in front of the house; near the door was a space bordered +with plants in pots, a cosy spot in the warm midday sun: one looked +from under the green arbor over the paths and smooth turf, up to the +walls of the castle. Ilse sat down in a rustic chair, holding her +embroidery in her hands, but looking up at the large stone palace, that +rose with its towers and newly built extensions, some hundred steps +from her. There dwelt the great ones of the earth, near to whom she had +been so suddenly brought. She counted the rows of windows, and thought +that there must be more than a hundred rooms and halls, all grandly and +splendidly furnished, and she wondered how many people it must require +to fill such a building that it might not look empty and desolate. +Approaching steps disturbed her thoughts. A middle-aged gentleman was +advancing up the gravel walk: he drew near: it was the Sovereign. Ilse +rose, alarmed. He came up to her slowly. "Madame Werner?" he asked, +touching his hat. Ilse curtsied low; her heart beat; she was unprepared +for this meeting with him whom she had been accustomed from her +earliest youth to consider the greatest man on earth. Though she had +once seen him, it was but for a moment. Her thoughts, ever since the +years when she had adorned him with the crown and sceptre of a mock +king at cards, had attached themselves to him with shy respect. Often +when she had looked at the Hereditary Prince, she had endeavored to +form some conception of what his father must be like; what she had +heard of him had not helped to diminish her fears.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign looked with delight on the beautiful woman before him, +who received his flattering greeting with silent embarrassment. "You +are no stranger to me," he began, "and you have reason to be satisfied +with the years that have passed since my walk over your father's farm. +You may now try our mode of life. We also take pleasure in the spring, +and I see the sun casts friendly rays on the spot which you have +selected."</p> + +<p class="normal">He seated himself on one of the rustic chairs, pointing at the same +time to another. "Do not let me interrupt your work. I am taking a +walk, and beg to be allowed to rest myself for a moment here."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The work is in idle hands," answered Ilse, "I was looking at the +castle, and thinking how large the household must be that requires so +much room."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is an old building," remarked the Sovereign. "Many centuries have +contributed to increase it, and yet, in the opinion of the officers of +my household, it is not large enough. One easily increases one's +requirements. But then, again, one rejoices in withdrawing into a +smaller abode. I myself once lived in this pavilion, alone, with only a +few necessary servants. Such solitude does one good."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That I can imagine," replied Ilse, sympathizingly. "But to such as we +are it is something new to see so grand a style of life. The castle and +its grounds with the blooming trees, are like large precious stones set +in gold. It gives me heartfelt pleasure to have so near a view of your +Highness's home; it helps to give one an idea of the mode of life of +our gracious Sovereign."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then you still consider yourself a child of our country," said the +Sovereign, smiling.</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is natural," answered Ilse. "From my childhood I have heard of +your Highness as our ruler; whenever I looked in the newspaper I saw +your Highness's name; everywhere I have seen your Highness's pictures; +and, since I have been old enough to go to church, I have prayed for +your Highness's happiness and health. This is a bond of union; it is, +indeed, only on one side, for your Highness cannot care about us all, +but we think and care much about our ruler."</p> + +<p class="normal">"And speak of him sometimes with dissatisfaction," replied the +Sovereign, good-humoredly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Just as it happens, gracious Prince," replied Ilse, honestly. "One +does not always speak well of one's neighbors; but, in serious matters +and in trouble, a good heart shows itself. So it is with the Sovereign, +each one forms his own idea of him according to circumstances, trusts +in him, or is angry with him, and ends by thinking that he and his +prince belong to one another."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It were to be wished that so good a feeling might be shown by every +subject," rejoined the Sovereign; "but fidelity is wavering, and +personal attachment disappears."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Many know too little of their Sovereign," said Ilse, apologizing. "How +can they care for him when they see so little of him? For seeing does +much: we at Rossau have seldom the honor of setting eyes on our +prince."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The feeling of that country has been described to me as +unsatisfactory."</p> + +<p class="normal">"We are situated in a distant corner, but we have a heart. Your +Highness will scarcely remember the maidens at Rossau, who received you +seventeen years ago at the triumphal arch. There were twenty; the +little town could not produce any more. They all wore the national +colors on their bodices and petticoats; they, of course, had to buy the +dresses themselves. One of the maidens was miserably poor, but she was +pretty, and did not like to be left behind, so she worked the whole +week during the greater part of the night, in order to procure money +for her dress. In her last illness, for she died young, she asked to be +buried in this dress, as that day had been one of greatest honor and +pleasure to her. But your Highness was hardly able to stop there; you +drove quickly through the triumphal arch, and, perhaps, did not even +see the maidens."</p> + +<p class="normal">Whilst Ilse was speaking, she was secretly strewing bread crumbs beside +her. The Prince observed her hand, and she excused herself.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The finches call to their gracious Sovereign, 'Give, give!' The little +ones are very tame here."</p> + +<p class="normal">"They are probably fed by the servants," said the Prince.</p> + +<p class="normal">"To love animals is the custom of our country!" exclaimed Ilse; "and +tame birds suit well with a royal castle, for all here should feel +joyful confidence."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign's glove fell to the ground, and as the loyal Ilse quickly +bent down to pick it up, the Sovereign's eye rested for a moment upon +her head and form. He rose slowly. "I hope, Madame, that you will be of +the number of those joyful ones who place confidence in the possessor +of this spot. As master of the house, I have made inquiry after the +health of my new lodger. I wish that you may feel here some portion of +the pleasure that you know how to impart to others."</p> + +<p class="normal">He civilly acknowledged Ilse's respectful curtsy, and returned to the +castle.</p> + +<p class="normal">There the Chamberlain waited to report to him concerning the health of +the Hereditary Prince.</p> + +<p class="normal">"His Highness is unfortunately still obliged to keep to his bed."</p> + +<p class="normal">"He must take care of himself," replied the Sovereign, graciously, "and +not leave his room too soon."</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>CHAPTER XXVIII</i>.</h2> + +<h3>IN THE PAVILION.</h3> + +<p class="normal">The splendid iris colors wherewith Ilse had at first adorned her new +abode gradually faded. As, instead of the steward and lackeys by whom +she was received, there was now only a single servant, in a dark coat, +to assist Gabriel, so everything else that surrounded Ilse appeared now +in the modest colors of common earthly life. This was natural, and Ilse +herself said so to her husband. But there was one thing she did not +like: she was separated from her husband more than in the city. The +morning and a portion of the afternoon he worked in the museum, and +devoted many hours also to his own object among the archives and +records of the Marshal's office, whose private offices were willingly +opened to him. When he returned home he had sometimes to dress in haste +for the Court dinner, and Ilse dined alone. However attentive the +servant might be in bringing up the numerous dishes, the lonely meal +was uninviting and sad to her. But a great many evenings were spent in +a new entertainment: a Court carriage used to stop at the pavilion, and +convey her and her husband to the theatre. When for the first time she +entered the private boxes near the stage, she rejoiced in the +comfortable position, which allowed her to give her attention to the +performance undisturbed by the public. When she leant back in her box +she saw nothing of the spectators, except the Sovereign's seat +opposite. The theatre was very grand, much richer in decorations and +costumes than she had seen in the city, and there were some good +singers at the opera. Absorbed in the performance, she did not remark +with what curiosity she was regarded by the public, and that the +Sovereign's opera glass was often directed towards her. She soon found +that the theatre was the best amusement of the capital, and her husband +took care that she should not miss this recreation, although he, +perhaps, would have preferred remaining with his books, or examining a +bundle of records from the archives. Between the acts, Ilse looked with +curiosity down upon the people, who were all strangers to her, and said +to Felix: "This is the only occasion upon which I have ladies near me."</p> + +<p class="normal">During the day she felt her solitude. Her father had a mercantile +friend in the city to whom she made a point of going the first day, but +in the family of the little merchant she found no one to suit her. +According to the advice of the Chamberlain, she went round with Felix +to pay visits to the Court ladies. In most of the houses no one was at +home, and she had to leave cards. Rarely were these visits returned; +and it always happened that on her return home from the city, or from a +walk in the gardens of the castle, she found the cards of some lady. +This was annoying to her, for she wished to try how she could get on +with the ladies. Some of the gentlemen of the Court, indeed, used to +present themselves to her in the morning,--the Chamberlain and the +Grand Marshal,--but the visits even of the Chamberlain became shorter; +he looked depressed, and spoke of little but the continued +indisposition of the Hereditary Prince.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse was very anxious to know the Princess. The second day after her +arrival the Chamberlain announced that her Highness would see the +Professor and Madame Werner at a certain hour. Ilse stood with her +husband amidst the silk and gilding of the royal room; the door flew +open, and a young lady in half mourning swept in. Ilse recognized at +once that she was the sister of the Hereditary Prince: a delicate +refined face, the same eyes, only more lively and brilliant, and an +enchanting smile played round the delicate mouth. The Princess bowed +her small head gravely, said a few civil words to her, and then turned +to Felix, with whom she immediately entered into lively conversation. +Ilse observed with admiration the ease of her manner, and the tact with +which she could say kind things; she soon discovered what an active +mind lay concealed within that lovely form, and that her husband's +answers were instantly followed by intelligent remarks on the part of +the prude lady. At the close of the visit the Princess turned again to +Ilse, and said how much her brother lamented that his illness deprived +him of the pleasure of seeing her. The words and tone were very kind, +but there was a pride and princely dignity in the manner which hurt +Ilse. When the Professor on their return spoke with warmth of the +charming lady, and exclaimed, "That is an uncommonly bright mind! Like +her outward appearance, her inward spirit has a fairy grace about it!" +she was silent; she felt that her husband was right, but she also felt +that the Princess had excluded her from the footing of intimacy which +she had accorded to her Felix.</p> + +<p class="normal">Being in this state of mind, she was surprised and pleased at one mark +of attention which was shown her. Since her interview with the +Sovereign the head gardener brought her every morning, at the same +hour, a vase of the most beautiful flowers, with the compliments of his +Highness. This was not all: a few days after the Sovereign came again, +when Ilse was sitting, as before, in front of the door. He asked +whether it was not advisable, on account of the slight breeze that had +sprung up, to enter the house; she took him into the room; he sat down +there, and asked, as if accidentally, whether she was well entertained, +and had found any acquaintances in the city. He took so much interest +in her that Ilse said to her husband, when he returned home, "How +mistaken are the opinions that one forms about strangers! When I came +here I thought the Sovereign was a thoroughly reserved man, but I find +him very friendly, and he seems quite a good family man too; but with +such a large household it may frequently be necessary to be strict."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign's short visit was repeated. The next time he found the +Professor with his wife. On this occasion he was more serious than +before.</p> + +<p class="normal">"How were you satisfied with the Hereditary Prince?" he asked the +Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Those who instructed him praised his industry; among the students he +gained popularity, and there was general regret at parting from him."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign remarked the word popularity.</p> + +<p class="normal">"How did the Prince contrive to gain this?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"He showed an upright character and decided will, and one felt +confidence in him."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign gave a searching look at the Professor, and perceived +from his calm manner that this was not empty civility.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The attachment of the students showed itself on the departure of the +young Prince by a festive serenade," interposed Ilse.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I know," replied the Sovereign. "I assumed that Weidegg by his +endeavors contrived to have this done."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It was of their own free will, and showed their warm feeling," added +the Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign remained silent.</p> + +<p class="normal">"He won the hearts of the ladies also," continued Ilse, "and we +lamented his Highness's absence from our tea-parties."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign still continued silent; at last he began, in a bitter +tone:</p> + +<p class="normal">"What you tell me surprises me. Considering you as the Prince's +instructor, I may speak more openly to you than to my household. The +Prince has a weak character, and I have no confidence in his future."</p> + +<p class="normal">"He gave us the impression of having, under all this shy reserve, the +qualities for the formation of a firm and noble character," replied the +Professor, respectfully.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse thought that this was the moment to introduce something +advantageous to the Prince.</p> + +<p class="normal">"May I venture to tell your Highness, which my husband entirely +approves of, that the Prince wishes far more knowledge concerning +agricultural industry? As I am myself from the country, your Highness +will forgive me if I should say that this is the best school for our +dear young Prince."</p> + +<p class="normal">"On the estate of your father?" asked the Sovereign shortly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Anywhere," replied Ilse, innocently.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have never heard him express any such wish," concluded the +Sovereign, rising. "In any case I am grateful to you for the interest +you take in his future."</p> + +<p class="normal">He took leave with an air of reserve, and returned to his daily +business.</p> + +<p class="normal">The day was a difficult one for all who had to do with him. He rode out +with his aide-de-camp into a rough, woody country, where his soldiers +after a night-march were practising field service. Generally he cared +little about the details of manœuvres, but on this occasion he +harassed his aides-de-camp and soldiers by sudden changes of +disposition. When the soldiers at last returned home exhausted, he went +to inspect a distant stud and a plantation, and wandered about four +hours on rough hill roads. No one could do anything to suit him--blame +and bitter remarks alone fell from his lips. In the evening there was a +Court concert; the aide-de-camp, tired to death, stood in the hall, +counting the minutes till his retirement. Then the Sovereign on +withdrawing, called him to his study; there he seated himself in an +arm-chair near the fire-place and gazed at the fire, occasionally put +on a log, and held the silver handle of the fire-tongs in his hand, +striking it at intervals on the iron bars of the grate. Meanwhile the +aide-de-camp stood some steps behind him, one hour, two hours, till he +was ready to faint. It was not till the middle of the night that the +Sovereign rose and said, "You must be tired; I will not detain you +longer." He spoke this mildly, but his eyes glittered with an +unpleasant gleam, and the aide-de-camp acknowledged later to his +intimate friends that he should not forget that look as long as he +lived.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The Sovereign has visited the pavilion for the third time!" said the +Chamberlain, to the Hereditary Prince, who was sitting in his room with +his throat tied up. The Prince looked down on the book which was lying +before him.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do the guests seem to like their residence here?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I cannot say that of the Professor's wife: I fear she is placed in a +difficult position here. The marked distinction which his Highness +shows her, and certain old recollections which attach to the +pavilion----"</p> + +<p class="normal">The Prince rose, and looked so indignantly at the Chamberlain that he +became mute.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The Sovereign was very ungracious to-day," he continued, in a +depressed tone. "When I reported to him concerning your Highness's +health, I met with a reception which was not encouraging."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Hereditary Prince approached the window.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The air is mild, Weidegg; I shall endeavor to go out to-morrow."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Chamberlain was very uncertain how this decision of the Hereditary +Prince would be received: he departed in silence.</p> + +<p class="normal">When the Prince was alone, he tore the shawl from his shoulders and +threw it on one side.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Fool that I was! I wished to preserve her from gossip, and have +exposed her to worse. I myself sit here in seclusion, and my father +visits her in my stead. It was a cowardly device. If I cannot avert +what is impending for this poor creature, I will play my part in the +game that is beginning."</p> + +<p class="normal">When the Prince on the following morning went to his father, the latter +began, with calm coldness:</p> + +<p class="normal">"I hear from strangers that you have the desire to obtain some +knowledge of agriculture. The wish is sensible. I shall consider how +you can find an opportunity to obtain this knowledge somewhere in the +country. It will also be advantageous to your health, and will agree +with your inclination for a quite poetic life."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I shall do what my honored father bids me," replied the Hereditary +Prince, and left the room.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign looked after him, and murmured:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Not a word to be got out of him but cowardly submission; always the +same submissive compliance. Not an eyelash moved when I ordered him to +do what was unwelcome. Is it possible that this pliant boy is a master +of dissimulation, and is deceiving me and all of us?"</p> + +<p class="normal">If Ilse in spite of the distinction with which the Prince treated her, +had a foreboding of the dark shadow which hung over the pavilion, far +different was the tone of mind of her husband; he lived in the midst of +the interesting investigations to which the museum gave rise, and the +poetry of his earnest mind worked busily, and cast a brilliant lustre +over his sojourn in the capital. He was a hunter who trod with light +step over his hunting ground, breathing the pure mountain air, whilst +around him the rays of the sun gilded the mossy ground and heather. The +time had now come when that of which he had dreamt for years was within +reach of his hand. It is true the new track of the manuscript remained +indistinct. The fate of that chest which had been mentioned in the old +letter could not be ascertained. In the Prince's library, and in a +collection of books in the city, there were found neither manuscripts +nor other books which could be ranked among the possessions of the +monastery of Rossau. He had renewed his acquaintance with the +head-forester, but the latter could think of no place where old hunting +implements were kept. He went through old catalogues of the Marshal's +office, and nowhere could the chest be discovered. But it was more +strange still that the name of a royal castle Solitude was quite +unknown in the capital. The castle, like one in an old legend, had +vanished. But, strange as this circumstance was, yet the account of the +student had won for this old letter of the official an importance which +gave the searcher hopes of a good result. For only a few years ago some +one, who knew little of the value of such a narrative, had seen the +Rossau chest. It was no longer a deceptive image from a distant past; +on any day a lucky accident might lead him to it. But when the +Professor gazed on the slate roof of the royal castle, and ascended the +grand steps, he had always a joyful presentiment that he was now near +his treasure. With the help of the Castellan he had already examined +the whole ground-floor of the castle; he had climbed up under the beams +of the old roof like a marten, and had opened the old garrets, the keys +of which had not turned for a generation. He had found nothing. But +there were other houses belonging to the Sovereign in the town and +neighborhood, and he was quite decided to examine one after the other +secretly.</p> + +<p class="normal">In this time of restless agitation, when his fancy was always opening +new prospects, intercourse with agreeable persons was very refreshing. +He himself, in this state of excitement, proved a good companion, and +observed with cheerful interest the proceedings of those about him. The +Sovereign showed him great distinction, and the young noblemen were +very attentive; he took his place among them with dignity and without +pretension.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Chamberlain informed the Professor how much the Princess had been +pleased with him, and Felix rejoiced when one forenoon she and her +lady-in-waiting visited the museum, and begged for his guidance. When +the Princess was going away, thanking him, she begged he would mention +to her some books from which she could herself learn a little about +that portion of the life of antiquity, the ruins connected with which +he had shown her; she told him also of an ancient vase which she +possessed, and asked him to come and see it.</p> + +<p class="normal">The learned man was now standing with the Princess before the vase. He +explained to her the subject of the pictures, and told her something +about the old Greek pottery. The Princess led him into another room, +and showed him some valuable sketches. "I wish you to see all I possess +of objects of art." While he was examining these, she began, suddenly: +"You have now learnt to know us a little, and how do you like us?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have met with great kindness," replied the Professor, "which is +agreeable to one's self-esteem; it gives me pleasure to observe a life +so different from that of my circle and people, who are differently +bred."</p> + +<p class="normal">"In what do you find us differently bred?" asked the Princess, +pressingly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The habit of acting your part fittingly at every moment, and +maintaining your position among others, give persons an easy +confidence, which always has a pleasant effect."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That would be an advantage which we share with every tolerable actor," +replied the Princess.</p> + +<p class="normal">"At all events, it is an advantage always to play the same rôle."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You think, therefore, it is no longer art if we become adepts in it, +and act our part well," rejoined the Princess, smiling; "but in that +also there is danger; we are from childhood so much accustomed to +behave suitably, that it endangers our sincerity; we observe the +effects of our words, and we soon think more of the good effect than of +the purport of what is said. I myself, while talking with you, remark +with pleasure how much I please you, yet I am nothing more than a poor +princess. But if our aptness in presentation pleases you, in like +manner we are attracted by a character that is calm and confident +without attending to outward appearances; and perhaps a deficiency in +the forms of society and the plain speaking of a powerful mind are +interesting to us, if they do not wound our feelings, for on this +point, we are sensitive. Whoever would wish to leave a pleasant +impression, would do well to treat our pretensions with consideration. +I do not wish you to treat me so," she said, interrupting herself, "but +I am solicitous on your account. Yesterday I heard you flatly +contradicting my father. I beg of you to have regard for our weakness, +for I hope that you are still to remain long with us."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor bowed. "If I opposed his views more warmly than was +necessary, it is because I lie under a temptation which is dangerous to +men of my calling. Disputation is the weakness of men of learning."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Good, we will reckon up our qualities one against the other. But you +are in the happy position of always attacking things boldly; we, on the +contrary, must be cautiously on the defensive. The great importance of +external appearances is instilled into us from youth, and cannot be +dispensed with. With you there is probably seldom any strife about +precedence, and I fear it is quite immaterial to you what place you +take in our degrees of rank; but these things are great events to us, +not only to our Court, but still more to ourselves. Many of us are for +days unhappy, because we have not taken our proper place, at dinner. +Many visits are discontinued on that account, old alliances are broken +off, and there is frequent quarrelling behind the scenes. When we +occasionally meet with clever people of your stamp, we ourselves laugh +over these weaknesses, but few are free from them. I have already +fought for my place at dinner, and made a great fuss about it," she +added, with good-humored frankness.</p> + +<p class="normal">"No one can entirely free himself from the ideas of his circle," +replied the Professor, courteously. "A century ago there was the same +tormenting eagerness about rank and social precedence among the +citizens. With us it has become different since our life has been +pervaded with a strong intellectual element. In the future, even at +Court, people will laugh at these things as antiquated frippery."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Princess raised her little finger threateningly. "Mr. Werner, that +was spoken again as the learned man: it was not polite. For, though we +move entirely in the track of fashion and of Court manners, we do not +remain behind those from whom we are socially separated."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Perhaps it is because you separate yourselves," said the Professor. +"The warmest pulse of our nation has always been in the middle class; +from them education and new ideas have gradually spread to the princes +and the people. Even the peculiarities and weaknesses of the +civilization of a period rise to the throne generally half a century +after the educated middle class of the nation have suffered from them, +and are only just appreciated there when they are already giving way +among the people to some new tendency of the time. Therefore, it is +often difficult for the Sovereign and his people to understand each +other."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Oh, how right you are!" exclaimed the Princess, drawing nearer to him. +"It is the fate of princes, the misfortune of us all, that the most +valuable culture of our time seldom exercises a good influence upon us. +There is a want of fresh air in the atmosphere in which we live, we are +all weak and sickly. All who approach near us must accommodate +themselves to our prejudices, and we accustom ourselves to regard men +according to the rules which we have devised for them ourselves. Have +you ever before been brought into contact with any of our great +rulers?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"No," replied the Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Have you never sent what you have written to any of them?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have had no occasion to do so," replied the Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then you are unacquainted with the scale of favors that are shown to +you learned gentlemen. Now, I must repay you for the delightful +instruction you have given me about ancient vases, by giving you some +instruction in return. Sit down opposite to me. You are now my pupil." +The Princess leaned back in her chair, and assumed a serious +expression. "We assume that you are pious and good, and look up +respectfully to the handle of the Imperial globe that we hold in our +hand. Your first presentation comes,--a handsome book; the title-page +is opened: 'Upon antique vases.' Hm--who is the man? One informs +oneself a little about the fellow, and it is well if your name is +already to be found in print. Thereupon follows an answer of +acknowledgment from the Council, short variations according to formula +No. 1. Your second presentation makes its appearance: a beautiful +binding, an agreeable impression, therefore a warmer acknowledgment in +courteous expressions, according to formula No. 2. A third +presentation: again a large volume, the gilt edges are unimpeachable; +the Council take the book up and weigh it. If the author is a lesser +light, he enters the class of gold breastpins; if he is worthy of a +higher consideration, from a well-known name, and what is more +effective with us, from a title, he reaches the sphere of orders. There +are different classes of orders which are distributed among strangers, +accurately according to their titles. But he who is persistent, and +does not tire of showing fresh marks of respect, hops gradually, like +the green frog, at intervals of years, to the highest rank."</p> + +<p class="normal">"My kindest thanks for the instruction," replied the Professor. "I must +be allowed in this case to take the Council under my protection. For +what could the illustrious gentlemen do when they are overrun with such +a multitude of indifferent presents?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"It was a fair example," said the Princess, "of how beautifully we have +arranged, in all directions, the steps to our favor. For the rest, we +are, with respect to what we accord to people, not only civil, but +economical. He who has no colored ribbons to give, finds himself +greatly inconvenienced. But," continued she, in a changed tone, "in the +same way our principal efforts in every undertaking are made with an +eye to vain show and empty forms; and as hundreds are so weak and +abject that they are attracted in this way, we think we can thus attach +millions to us."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Many small advantages may be obtained in this manner," replied the +Professor; "but there is an error in your reasoning; he who tries to +attach men to him by their weakness, vanity, and pride, does not gain +the best part of their life. In quiet times this attraction is +unnecessary, and in times of danger it has only the strength of a rope +of sand."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Princess nodded her head.</p> + +<p class="normal">"We know that right well," she said, confidingly; "and we do not feel +comfortable and secure, in spite of the profuse distribution of honors. +What I tell you would sound like high treason to my illustrious +relatives, only because I express it, not because I think it. Do not +consider me the black sheep of the flock, there are wiser people than I +who in secret form the same judgment; but we cannot find our way out of +the barrier, and we cling to it, although we know that the support is +weak. For as the humming-bird gazes on the serpent, so do we view the +prospect that the present age opens before us, with a shudder and +helpless expectation." She rose. "But I am a woman, and have no right +to speak with you upon these important subjects. When I feel uneasy I +use the right of women--to complain--which I have done abundantly to +you. For I have it at heart to please you, Mr. Werner. I wish you to +consider me as a woman who deserves something better than complaisant +words and polite nothings. Allow me often the pleasure of rectifying my +judgment by yours."</p> + +<p class="normal">She put out her hand to the learned man with hearty confidence. Werner +bowed low, and left the room. The Princess looked after him with a +pleased expression.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor went fresh from the conversation to the pavilion, and +told his wife all that had passed.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I did net consider it possible," he exclaimed, "to find a woman of +this rank with so liberal and high-minded an understanding of her +position. What was most charming was her animated, and unaffected +manner--a charm that made itself felt at every moment, both in voice +and movement. I am enchanted with the little lady. I will immediately +prepare the book that she wished for."</p> + +<p class="normal">He seated himself at the table, marked out passages, and wrote remarks +on small strips of paper, which he laid within.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse was sitting by the window, looking at her husband in astonishment. +It was no wonder that the Princess pleased him. Ilse herself had with +the quick intuition of a woman perceived her power of attraction. Here +was a soul that, amidst the constraint of her Court, longed for +intercourse with a man of liberal culture; here was a powerful mind +that rose above the prejudices of rank,--clever, light of fancy, and +quick of comprehension. Now this woman had found a man to whom she +could look up, and with her little hands she cast her fetters about +him.</p> + +<p class="normal">The room was becoming dark. Felix was still sitting writing and making +notes. The rays of the evening sun shone upon his head, but the dark +shadow of the unfamiliar room hovered over Ilse. She rose from her +chair behind her husband.</p> + +<p class="normal">"He is good to me," she said to herself; "he loves me, as one always +does the person whom one has taken into confidence. He is not like +other men; he will not allow a stranger to take away my rights; he is +innocent as a child, and does not perceive the danger that threatens +him and me. Take care, Ilse, not to awake the night-wanderer. I, fool! +What right have I to complain if another should benefit by his rich +mind? Have I not enough for myself in the treasure of his life? No," +she exclaimed, and threw her arms round her husband's neck; "you belong +to me, and I will have you entirely."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor raised his head, and his look of astonishment brought +Ilse to her senses.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Forgive me," she said, feebly; "I was thinking."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What is the matter. Ilse?" he asked, kindly; "your cheeks are hot. Are +you ill?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"It will pass over; have patience with me."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor left his book, and occupied himself anxiously about his +wife.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Open the window," she said softly. "The air of the close room feels +heavy to me."</p> + +<p class="normal">He was so tenderly concerned about her that she again looked cheerfully +at him.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It was a foolish weakness, Felix; it has passed away."</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>CHAPTER XXIX</i>.</h2> + +<h3>TWO NEW GUESTS.</h3> + +<p class="normal">The Professor was standing with the Chamberlain and the Sovereign in +the study. The latter held in his hand the memorial that Werner had +prepared respecting the new catalogue of the museum.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Only now can I form an estimate concerning the extent of the catalogue +which you consider necessary. I am ready to agree to your proposals, if +you will bind yourself to undertake the superintendence of the new +arrangement and of the catalogue. If you cannot do us this service, +everything must remain as before, for only the great confidence which I +have in you, and the wish to keep you here, will induce me to make the +necessary sacrifice. You see I make the undertaking dependent upon the +degree of inclination which you yourself have for this work."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor replied that his presence might be desirable for the +introductory arrangements, and that he was ready to spend some weeks +upon it. Afterwards, it would be sufficient if from time to time he +examined the progress of the work.</p> + +<p class="normal">"With this I shall be content for the present," said the Sovereign, +after a pause; "our contract is, then, concluded. But I see that it +will be necessary to get some one who will carry out the details under +your guidance. Will the Curator be able to it?"</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor thought not.</p> + +<p class="normal">"And could you propose any one?"</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor thought over the old members of his circle.</p> + +<p class="normal">But the proper man at once occurred to the Chamberlain.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Would not Magister Knips do for this work?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Just the man," said the Professor; "industry, knowledge, everything +about him, makes him peculiarly adapted for it. I believe that he may +be had at once. I can answer for his trustworthiness with respect to +the care of objects of value. But I cannot take this responsibility +upon me without disclosing to your Highness that once in his life, from +want of caution, he was implicated in a disagreeable affair, that +lessened the confidence, not only of myself, but of many of his +acquaintances."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor then related, with forbearance towards all concerned, the +history of the forged parchment sheet of Tacitus.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign listened with interest, and pondered.</p> + +<p class="normal">"With respect to the safety of the collection, the old catalogue will +allow of constant control. You consider the Magister innocent of this +deception?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I do consider him so," replied the learned man.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then I request you to write him."</p> + +<p class="normal">Some days afterwards Magister Knips entered the capital. He carried his +travelling-bag and hat-box to an unpretending inn, at once clad himself +in the dress which he had always spoken of to his mother as his livery, +and sought the Professor at the Pavilion. Gabriel saw the figure in the +distance passing through the blooming shrubs, his head on his shoulder +and his hat in his hand; for Knips considered it proper to uncover his +head in the sacred precincts of the castle, and entered like a walking +bow into the distinguished horizon. The Professor could not conceal a +smile when he saw the Magister in courtly attire, polished and +fragrant, standing before him, with two low obeisances.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It was the Chamberlain who proposed you for this occupation, and I did +not object to it. For on the supposition that you will be suitably +remunerated, an opportunity for work is afforded which may perhaps +raise you for good above your insignificant occupation, and which, if +dutifully carried out, will entitle you not only to our warmest thanks, +but to those of the whole learned world. Your conduct here may +therefore be decisive for the rest of your life. Remember, also, every +hour, Mr. Magister, that you have to show conscientiousness and +fidelity, not only to learning, but also with respect to the property +of the prince who has called you to this post of confidence."</p> + +<p class="normal">"When I read the letter of the right honorable and most highly +respected Professor," answered Knips, "I did not doubt that his kind +intentions were to give me the opportunity of assuming a new character +in life. Therefore, upon entering the portals of an unknown career, I +entreat with deep emotion, above all, for the continuation of your good +opinion, which I trust to be able to deserve by faithful obedience."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Very well then," concluded the Professor; "announce yourself to the +Chamberlain."</p> + +<p class="normal">The day following Knips was sitting before a row of antique lamps, with +brown Holland sleeves to preserve his dress coat, his pen behind his +ear, surrounded by the books of the castle library; he opened them, +compared, wrote, and was as active in his work as if he had all his +life been a clerk in a bric-a-brac establishment of ancient Rome.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Chamberlain announced before dinner, with satisfaction, to the +Hereditary Prince, "Magister Knips has come;" and the Prince repeated +to his sister, "The wise Knips is here."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Ah, the Magister!" said the father, with equal good humor.</p> + +<p class="normal">The same week the Sovereign was taken by the Chamberlain into the +museum, in order that Knips might fall under his notice. The Sovereign +looked with curiosity upon the lowly bent man, who perspired with +fright, and who now quite resembled a mouse which is prevented by a +powerful fascination from disappearing into its hole. The Sovereign +discovered immediately what he called a subaltern nature; and the pale +flat face, retreating chin, and dolorous aspect, appeared to amuse him. +In passing, he remarked the rampart of books from which Knips had +emerged.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You have made yourself quickly at home; I hope that you will find all +the books that are indispensable to your work."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have ventured," said Knips in a high and rasping voice, "to borrow +from your Highness's library much that I needed. My wants are moderate, +and what I lacked, I have managed, through the assistance of honored +patrons, to obtain from the university library of my native city."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign answered with a short nod, and proceeded. Magister Knips +remained standing in an attitude of deferent respect till the Sovereign +had left the room, when he returned to his chair, and, without turning +to the right or left, resumed his writing. Whenever the Sovereign +entered or left the room he started up and sank down again, as if +turned into an automaton by his great respect.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Are you satisfied with him?" asked the Sovereign, of the Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Beyond expectation," answered the latter.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Chamberlain, pleased by his recommendation, reminded his master +that Knips was also an excellent painter of coats of arms, and +possessed remarkable knowledge of the customs and regulations of the +old Court festivals.</p> + +<p class="normal">When the Sovereign left the gallery he cast a dignified glance over the +bent head of the little man; but Knips might well be pleased with the +results of this presentation, for he was pronounced very respectful, +and regarded useful for further projects.</p> + +<p class="normal">He had soon an opportunity of showing his usefulness in an +extraordinary case. The arrangements of the Court were in every respect +exemplary, and not least when the Sovereign wished to show some mark of +attention. A confidential councillor kept a list of the birthdays on +which the Sovereign was bound to make a present, and also of the +popular festivals where it was necessary for him to present a silver +cup or some other testimony of his royal sympathy. On this list was +noted down the fixed value of the present; and as the time approached +the councillor sent the necessary information to the Chamberlain, whose +business it was to choose a suitable present. On the birthday of any +member of the princely family the Chamberlain only made suggestions; +the Sovereign himself decided what was to be given.</p> + +<p class="normal">Now the birthday of the Princess was approaching. The +gentleman-in-waiting, therefore, made a visit to her lady-in-waiting, +in order to discover secretly what the Princess would like. In this not +uncommon way many things were proposed; the Chamberlain of his own idea +added modern trifles, among them copies of colored initial letters, +which just then were painted in albums and letter-sheets, for he knew +that the Princess had wished for things of the kind. The Sovereign +glanced over the list, and at last stopped at the initial letters.</p> + +<p class="normal">"These Parisian manufactures will hardly please the Princess. Could she +not have painted letters copied from old parchments by a draughtsman? +Did you not extol Magister Knips to me? He could prepare very pretty +little designs."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Chamberlain expressed deferent surprise at his Highness's idea, and +sought the Magister. Knips promised to paint all the letters of the +alphabet in the old characters, and the Chamberlain meanwhile looked +after the cover. When the work of the Magister was laid before the +Sovereign he was indeed surprised.</p> + +<p class="normal">"These are like the beautiful old rubrics," he exclaimed; "how do they +come here?"</p> + +<p class="normal">Every letter was so painted on the old parchment that at cursory glance +it could not be discovered whether the work was old or new.</p> + +<p class="normal">"This shows wonderful talent; take care that the man is compensated +according to the value of his service."</p> + +<p class="normal">Knips lapsed into a state of respectful transport when the Chamberlain +demonstrated to him the satisfaction of the Sovereign in shining coins. +But it did not end there. For shortly afterwards the Sovereign visited +the museum at the time when Knips was working. The Sovereign stopped +again in front of the Magister, and said:</p> + +<p class="normal">"I was delighted with your pictures. You possess a rare aptitude: both +eyes and judgment might be deceived by the counterfeit of antiquity."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Your most gracious Highness must pardon me if, on account of shortness +of time, the imitation was imperfect," replied the bowing Knips.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am quite satisfied with it," rejoined the Sovereign, examining +sharply the countenance and bearing of the little man. He began to +vouchsafe a feeling of interest for the Magister. "You must have +formerly had opportunities of exercising this art in a remunerative +way."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It has been reserved for your Highness to render my little dexterity +valuable to me," replied Knips; "hitherto I have only practised such +imitations for my own pleasure, or here and there to please others."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign laughed, and went away with a gracious nod. Magister +Knips was judged to be very useful.</p> + +<hr class="W10"> + +<p class="normal">The Princess was sitting at her writing-table; the pen in her little +hand flew over the paper; sometimes she looked into a book, which had a +learned appearance, and copied passages which were designated by marks. +Steps in the ante-room disturbed her work; the Hereditary Prince +entered, with an officer in foreign uniform.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Sit down, children!" exclaimed the Princess. "Put aside your sabre, +Victor, and come to me. You have become a handsome fellow: one can see +that you have taken your place among strangers."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am breaking my way through," replied Victor, shrugging his +shoulders, and laying his sabre cautiously near, that he might reach it +with his hand.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Be tranquil," said the Princess, consolingly; "we are now safe; he is +busy."</p> + +<p class="normal">"If he said so, we must not depend upon it," replied Victor. "You have +become serious, Siddy. Even the room is changed--books, nothing but +books." He opened one at the title-page. "'Archaeology of Art.' Tell +me, what are you doing with this trash?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am breaking my way through," repeated Siddy, shrugging her +shoulders.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Siddy patronizes learning," explained the Hereditary Prince. "We now +have literary tea-parties, she has pieces read and rôles assigned. Take +care, you will have to join it."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I only read villains' parts," replied Victor; "or, at the most valets' +rôles."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The inferior parts are always my share," said the Hereditary Prince. +"The best that falls to my lot is a good-natured father, who ends by +giving his blessing."</p> + +<p class="normal">"He has talent for nothing but open-hearted goodness; he protests if he +has more than four verses to recite, and even with that there are +pauses during which he fidgets with his lorgnette."</p> + +<p class="normal">"His proper vocation would be that of pastor," said Victor, mockingly. +"He would favor his congregation with short sermons, and set them a +virtuous example."</p> + +<p class="normal">"If he were only better than you, there would be no merit in it, +Victor. You have the reputation of playing such naughty tricks that we +are not allowed even to know them?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"All calumny!" cried Victor, "I am harshly judged in my regiment +because of my strict principles."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then Heaven preserve us from an invasion of your comrades. I am glad +that you mean to pass your leave of absence in our parts; but I am +surprised at it. You are free: the whole world is open to you."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, free as a jackdaw that is thrown out of its nest," replied +Victor; "but there are times when it occurs to one that a garrison has +not all the charms of home."</p> + +<p class="normal">"And that you seek with us?" asked the Princess. "Poor cousin! But +meanwhile you have been campaigning. I congratulate you. We hear that +you behaved gallantly."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I had a good horse," said Victor, laughing.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You have also visited all our relations?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have penetrated the mysteries of three Courts," replied Victor. +"First, at my cousin's, the innocent shepherd's Court,--a charming +rural life! The Grand Marshal carries embroidery in his pocket, at +which he works among the ladies. The lady-in-waiting comes with her +spaniel to dinner, and has him fed in the kitchen. Twice every week +people are invited from the city to tea and pastry. When the family are +alone at their tea they play for hazel-nuts. I believe that they are +gathered in the autumn by the whole Court. Then I went to the Court of +my great-uncle, with the six-foot grenadiers. I was the smallest of the +society. One day all were in the costume of generals, the day after all +were Nimrods, in hunting-coats and gaiters. One day it was drilling, +and the next hunting. Powder is the greatest article of consumption at +Court there. Even the ballet-dancers, they say, wear uniforms under +their gauze. Lastly, there was the great Court of Aunt Louisa. All with +white heads and powder. Any one with the hair of youth endeavoured to +rid of it as quickly as possible. In the evening virtuous family +conversation, and if any talked scandal, they would on the following +morning receive an order from the Princess to contribute to some +benevolent institution. The Princess Minna asked me whether I attended +church regularly, and when I told her that at all events I played +regularly at whist with our chaplain, I was held in great contempt. She +danced the first country dance with her brother and only the second +with me. The evening society was accurately arranged according to the +respective dignities of the guests. There was the hall of the Privy +Councillors, of the Chamberlains, and of the small folk of the Court; +and, besides that, a lower place for an unavoidable class of citizens, +in which bankers and artists wait to be noticed by their Highnesses."</p> + +<p class="normal">"These formalities make us ridiculous to the whole world," exclaimed +the Hereditary Prince.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Princess and Victor laughed at this sudden ebullition.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Since when has Benno become a Red?" asked Victor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is the first time I have heard him speak in this way," said the +Princess.</p> + +<p class="normal">"A prince should only invite gentlemen into his society; but whoever is +there should be considered as the equal of the rest," continued the +Hereditary Prince.</p> + +<p class="normal">Again the others laughed.</p> + +<p class="normal">"We thank you for the wise remark, Professor Bonbon," cried Siddy.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It was in this room that we dressed you up as an owl, Bonbon; and you +sat here groaning under Siddy's mantle when the Sovereign surprised +us."</p> + +<p class="normal">"And where you received punishment," replied Benno, "because you had so +disfigured a poor fellow like me."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Fix him up again!" cried Siddy.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Victor took a colored silk handkerchief, formed two points by knots +for ear-tufts, and covered the head of the Hereditary Prince, who +quietly submitted. His serious face, with his dark eyebrows, looked +strangely from under the covering.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The feather-coat is wanting," exclaimed Siddy; "we must imagine it. I +am the quail, and Victor the cock. I know the melody that we used to +improvise as children."</p> + +<p class="normal">She flew to the pianoforte and ran over the notes. The Hereditary +Prince twisted the theatre-bill, which he pulled out of his pocket, +into a cornet, and cried into it, "Tu-whit, tu-whoo, Mrs. Quail, I eat +you."</p> + +<p class="normal">The quail sang: "Pik werwit old tu-wooh, that you will not do." And the +cock crows, "Cock-a-doodle-doo, dearest quail, I love you."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That has never been true, Victor," said the Princess, in the midst of +the game.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Who knows?" rejoined he; "cock-a-doodle-doo."</p> + +<p class="normal">The concert was in full flow. Victor sprang about, clapped his hands +and crowed; the Hereditary Prince on his chair screeched unweariedly +like an owl; Siddy moved her head in time, sang her pik-wer-wit, +calling out occasionally, "You are very funny little boys." A slight +knocking was heard; they quickly left off their play; the sabre was +restored to its belt; and the quail became in a moment the +distinguished lady.</p> + +<p class="normal">"His Grace your father begs to inform your Highness that he will wait +upon you," announced the page.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I knew that he would disturb us," cried Victor, in a rage.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Away with you, children," cried Princess Sidonie. "I must repeat once +more, cousin, that I rejoice to have you with us again. We three will +hold together. Benno is brave, and my only comfort. Avoid conversing +with me whenever the Sovereign is present. I will not take it amiss if +you do not notice me at all. The spy who is placed about me is now my +maid of honor, Lossau. Every word that you speak in her presence is +reported; you know the gentlemen, they have not become more pleasant."</p> + +<p class="normal">"There is Benno's Chamberlain," asked Victor; "the Sovereign was +talking to him a long time to-day."</p> + +<p class="normal">"He is good-humored, but weak," remarked the Hereditary Prince; "and +devoted to his place. There is no dependence on him."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Try to behave well, Victor," continued the Princess; "be a good +Chinese, and wear your pigtail according to rule, and deport yourself +exactly according to the privileges of the tuft that you wear on your +cap. Now, away with you down the private staircase."</p> + +<p class="normal">Princess Sidonie hastened to the door of the reception-room to meet the +Sovereign. The Sovereign passed through the rooms to her study. He cast +a glance at the open book:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Who has made these marks?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Mr. Werner noted the most important passages for me," replied the +Princess.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am glad that you make use of this opportunity to obtain instruction +from so distinguished a man. Apart from the pedantic manner which +attaches to his profession, he is a remarkable man. I wish, on account +of his disinterested activity, to make his position as agreeable as +possible, and I beg that you will do your best towards accomplishing +it."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Princess bowed silently, closing her hand convulsively.</p> + +<p class="normal">"As it is impossible to bring him and his wife into closer relations +with the Court, I wish you would invite them to one of your little +tea-parties."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You must pardon me, my most worthy father, if I do not see how this +can be. My evening parties have hitherto consisted only of my ladies +and the principal members of the Court."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then you must alter that," said the Sovereign, coldly; "you are not +prevented from introducing into it one or other of our officials, with +their wives."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Pardon me, my father; as this has never yet happened, every one would +remark that the change has only been occasioned through the strangers. +It would occasion much ill-natured remark if an accidental visit were +to upset what has been the acknowledged rule up to the present day."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The consideration of foolish gossip shall not prevent you," replied +the Sovereign, angrily.</p> + +<p class="normal">"My gracious father must take a favorable view of the considerations +which hinder my doing anything of the kind. It would not become me, a +woman, to dispense with the habits and customs which my lord and father +has considered binding upon himself. You have deigned to permit the +attendance of Mr. Werner at your small dinners, and I could, without +giving any uncommon offence, receive him at my tea-table. His wife, on +the other hand, has never been brought into relations with the Court +through your own sanction. It would ill become the daughter to venture +what the father himself has not done."</p> + +<p class="normal">"This reason is a poor disguise for ill-nature," replied the Sovereign. +"Nothing hinders you from leaving out the whole Court."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I can have no evening society, however small, without inviting the +ladies of the Court," replied the Princess, pertinaciously; "and I +cannot ask them to take part in a mixed society."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I will take care that Miss von Lossau shall appear," replied the +Sovereign, in a bitter tone. "I insist upon your conforming to my +wishes."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Forgive me, gracious father," replied the Princess, in great +excitement, "if I do not obey you in this case."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do you dare to defy me?" cried the Sovereign, with a sudden outbreak +of anger, approaching the Princess.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Princess turned pale, and stepped behind a chair as if for +protection.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am the only lady of our house," she exclaimed; "and I have in this +high position to pay regard to considerations from which, neither as +the lord of this Court, nor as my own father, you can release me. If +your Highness chooses to make new Court regulations, I will willingly +conform to them; but what your Highness requires of me now is not a new +regulation, but an irregularity which is humiliating for me and for us +all."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Impertinent, insolent fool!" cried the Sovereign, no longer master of +himself. "Do you think you have outgrown my control because I once let +you out of my hands? I have brought you here in order to hold you fast. +You are in my power; no slave is more so. Within these walls no power +prevails but mine, and if you do not bend to it, I will break your +stubborn spirit."</p> + +<p class="normal">He approached her threateningly. The Princess drew back to the wall of +her room.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I know I am your prisoner," she cried out, with flashing eyes. "I knew +when I returned here that I was entering my prison. I knew that no cry +of anguish could penetrate these walls, and that a slave would find +more protection among men than the child of a prince from her father. +But in this room I have a supporter, to whom I often look imploringly; +and if your Highness deprives me of the help of all the living, I call +upon the dead for protection against you."</p> + +<p class="normal">She pulled the cord of a curtain, and the life-sized picture of a lady +became visible, in whose soft countenance there was a touching +expression of sorrow. The Princess pointed to the picture and looked +fixedly at the Sovereign.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Will your Highness venture to insult your daughter before the eyes of +her mother?"</p> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign drew back, and gave vent to a hoarse murmur, turned away, +and motioned with his hand.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Cover the picture," he said, in a feeble voice. "Do not excite +yourself and me unnecessarily," he began, in a changed tone. "If you do +not choose to fulfill my wishes, I will not insist upon it." He took +his hat from the table, and continued, in a softer tone: "You are +beloved by the citizens; the weather is as warm as summer, and promises +to last. I will, on your birthday, arrange to have a morning concert +for the officials and the citizens in the park. I will send you a list +of invitations through the Lord High Steward. In the evening we shall +have a gala-supper and visit the opera."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign left the room without looking at his daughter. The +Princess followed him to the anteroom, where the attendants were +standing. At the door she made a low curtsy. The Sovereign gave a +friendly sign with his hand. The Princess then flew back into her room, +threw herself down before the picture, and wrung her hands.</p> + +<hr class="W10"> + +<p class="normal">The Princes were walking in the park, and the promenaders bowed and +looked after them. The Hereditary Prince took off his hat with the +dignity of a man; Victor touched his hussar cap lightly, and nodded +sometimes familiarly to a pretty face.</p> + +<p class="normal">"All old acquaintances," he began; "it is a pleasure, indeed, to be +home again."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You always were a favorite of the people," said the Hereditary Prince.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have amused and provoked them," replied Victor laughing. "I feel +like Hercules with his mother earth, and am ready for any mischief. +Benno, do not look so dejected; I cannot stand it."</p> + +<p class="normal">"If you had, like me, to walk always at the same hour you would look so +too," replied Benno, stopping before an empty water-tank, in which four +little bears were sitting, looking at the public, who were throwing +bread to them. The Hereditary Prince took a piece of bread from the +keeper, who approached him hat in hand, and threw it mechanically to +the bears. "And if you had by high command to show yourself every day +as the friend of the people, and feed these stupid bears, you would +also weary of them."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Pooh!" exclaimed Victor, "it only depends upon yourself to make these +louts amusing."</p> + +<p class="normal">He sprang with one jump into the walled place among the animals, laid +hold of the first bear as a sheep is carried to be shorn, threw it upon +the second, and the third upon the fourth; a horrible growling and +clawing began among the bears; they fought violently together, and the +bystanders shouted with pleasure.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Your hand, comrade," called out the Prince, to one of the spectators, +who were watching him and giving vent to loud expressions of +approbation. "Help me out."</p> + +<p class="normal">The person called upon was our friend Gabriel, who held out both hands.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Here, your Excellence, quick, that they don't catch your uniform."</p> + +<p class="normal">Victor sprang lightly up, giving his supporter a slap on the shoulder.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Thanks, comrade; if you ever get into a fix, I will lend you a hand +too."</p> + +<p class="normal">The people cried "Bravo!" with much laughter.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You must force life into the place," said Victor. "If your father does +not drive me away, I shall in a week make it as lively at your Court as +I have done here in the bear-pit."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I, meanwhile, have suffered for it," replied Benno, with vexation; +"one man said to another, 'What a pity that that fellow has not as much +courage!' of course meaning me."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Never mind: you are the wise one. In the eyes of thoughtful people, +your virtues shine bright when placed in contrast with mine. Now let me +into your confidence. What lady of the theatre do you favor with your +attentions, that I may not be in the way? I do not wish to interfere +with you."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Nothing of this kind is permitted me," replied Benno.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Not permitted?" asked Victor, astonished; "what kind of tyranny is +this? Has it become the fashion here to be virtuous? Then impart to me, +at least, what other lady, from political reasons, may only be admired +by me in the distance?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I believe that you have free choice," replied Prince Benno, depressed.</p> + +<p class="normal">"What a blessing for me that I am not Hereditary Prince! But what has +occasioned the Sovereign to invite me here so graciously?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"We do not know; Siddy also was surprised."</p> + +<p class="normal">"And I, fool, thought she had a hand in the game."</p> + +<p class="normal">"If she had attempted anything of the kind, you would assuredly have +had no invitation."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That he does not like me is evident. I had a cool reception."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Perhaps he wishes to have you married."</p> + +<p class="normal">"To whom?" asked Victor, quickly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"He has caused you to visit amongst our relations," replied the +Hereditary Prince, cautiously.</p> + +<p class="normal">"He? By no means. I was passed on from one to another, and everywhere +treated like a nice boy. The whole was clearly concerted."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Perhaps one of our great matchmakers was at the bottom of it," said +the Hereditary Prince.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Not in my case, depend upon it. I am ill looked upon by the conclave +of mothers of our country, who have in charge the feelings of our +princely families. They would not stir a finger for me."</p> + +<p class="normal">"If my father has not done it, or none of our relations, the Lord High +Steward must have done it."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Bless you for this supposition," exclaimed Victor. "If he wishes to +have me here then all is right."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Have you spoken to him?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have been with him; he talked to me about the campaign, and spoke in +his usual friendly way, but nothing more."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then it was he, you may depend upon it."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But why?" asked Victor. "What can I do here?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"That you must not ask me; he favors me with little of his confidence."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Why do you turn away from the pavilion at every bend in the path?" +asked Victor. "Have you placed steel traps there? By Jove, what a +glorious face! Look, you dissembler! So, you are become virtuous?"</p> + +<p class="normal">The Hereditary Prince colored with indignation.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The lady up there deserves the most considerate treatment," he said, +moodily.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then that is the beautiful stranger," cried Victor; "she is reading. +If she would only turn a look this way, that one might see more than +her profile. We will go there: you shall introduce me."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Under no circumstances," replied the Hereditary Prince; "least of all +now."</p> + +<p class="normal">Victor looked at him in astonishment.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You refuse to present me to this lady? I do not need it," and he let +go his arm.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You are mad!" cried the Hereditary Prince, holding him back.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I was never more in my senses," rejoined Victor.</p> + +<p class="normal">He hastened up to a tree, the low branches of which nearly reached to +the window, and with the agility of a cat he climbed up to the top. +Ilse looked up and perceived the Hereditary Prince, and an officer +climbing up a tree. She withdrew from the window. Victor broke off a +switch, and touched one of the panes. A bell rang, a window was opened, +and Gabriel looked out.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Always in the air, your Excellence?" he cried out; "what are your +Excellence's commands?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Tender my respectful compliments to your mistress, and request her to +favor me with a moment's interview upon urgent business."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse appeared, with her usual serious countenance, at the window, the +servant behind her. The young gentleman held on fast by one hand, and +raised the other to his cap.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I beg your pardon. Madam, for choosing this unnatural way of +presenting myself to you, but my cousin down there has sent me up here +against my will."</p> + +<p class="normal">"If you fall, Sir, you may take with you the full conviction that it +was unnecessary to climb the tree: the door of the house is always +open."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse retreated, and Victor bowed again.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The lady is quite of my opinion," he cried out, reprovingly, to the +Hereditary Prince, "that you have done very wrong in keeping me from +the door."</p> + +<p class="normal">"There is no way of getting out of this scrape but by going in at once, +and apologizing," replied the Hereditary Prince.</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is exactly what I wish," cried Victor. "One must always let +people know what they want."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Princes entered the house together, and Ilse received them with a +silent curtsy.</p> + +<p class="normal">"This is the gentleman," began the Hereditary Prince, "of whom, Mrs. +Werner, I have often spoken to you. As a boy he was always called, by +those who knew his character, Master Madcap."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Your Highness should not have acted so," returned Ilse, sorrowfully; +"I am a stranger here, and more exposed to misrepresentation than +others." She then turned to the Hereditary Prince. "It is the first +time that I have seen your Highness since your recovery."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am in danger of being again banished from your presence," replied +the Hereditary Prince, "and it has been your wish."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse looked at him surprised.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You have imparted to my father the purport of a conversation that I +once had with you," continued the Hereditary Prince, in a tone of +vexation. "You have thus caused my father to determine that I shall be +removed from here into the country."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I would not on any account that your Highness should believe me +capable of betraying a confidence. If the harmless words I spoke to +your father were contrary to your wishes, I can only say, in excuse, +that they proceeded from the warmest interest in your Highness."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Hereditary Prince bowed silently.</p> + +<p class="normal">"This terzetto is composed of only dissonances," exclaimed Victor. "We +are all three vexed at each other,--I most of all, for my disobliging +cousin has exposed me to the danger of entirely losing your favor, +without having first had the opportunity of winning it. Yet I beg +permission at some future time to introduce myself in a better light +than amongst the foliage of the tree."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Princes took leave. When they were clear of the house, Victor said:</p> + +<p class="normal">"I would like to get a little straight in this matter of the +Professor's wife. I perceive now that it is in no case advisable for me +to lay my homage openly at her feet. Do not be angry with me, Benno,--I +will spoil no man's game; if you can make use of me, I am at your +service."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Hereditary Prince remained standing, and looked so sorrowfully at +his cousin that even he became serious.</p> + +<p class="normal">"If you would do me a service for which I should thank you as long as I +live, help me to procure the departure of those that dwell in that +house, from this country as quickly as possible. It will bring them no +good fortune to remain near us."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Say it right out: they will believe you sooner than me."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What reason shall I give?" asked the Hereditary Prince. "There is only +one, and I am the last who should venture to express it."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The lady looks as if she could take care of herself," said Victor, +consolingly. "I am more anxious about you. I see you are in danger of +being for once of the same mind as your father. Will you not at least +venture to raise objections to his sending you away?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"By what right?" asked the Hereditary Prince; "he is my father, Victor, +and my sovereign. I am the first of his subjects, and it becomes me to +be the most obedient. So long as he does not command me to do anything +which is against my conscience, I am in duty bound to obey him at once. +That is the rule of conduct that I have laid down for myself from my +own convictions."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But let us suppose," rejoined Victor, "that a father wishes to remove +his son in order to devise mischief against another, in whom his son +takes an interest?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I still think that the son must go," replied the Hereditary Prince, +"however hard it may be for him; for it does not become him to foster +suspicions of his father in his soul."</p> + +<p class="normal">"More son than Prince!" cried Victor; "and there is an end of it, +virtuous Benno. Ah, Bergau, where are you going?"</p> + +<p class="normal">The Marshall, whom he accosted, replied, hastily, "To the Pavilion, my +Prince."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Have you heard any details," asked Victor, mysteriously, "concerning +the scare they have had at the castle of my great-uncle? It was about a +woman, or rather an apparition, which, in reality, was a spirit that +entered as a spectre, with a great row; it began as a thundering noise +and ended like a funeral march; it made the doors shake, and the +chandeliers jingle like a peal of bells. Have you heard nothing of it?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Nothing. What apparition? When--and how?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I do not quite know," replied Victor; "but if you hear anything of it, +I beg you to let me know."</p> + +<p class="normal">This the Marshal promised to do, and hastened away.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Marshal was blameless in his service; he inspected all the accounts +conscientiously, took care to have good wine in the cellar, and +discharged the ceremonial details of his office well. Besides this, he +was a worthy nobleman, but without any great abilities. He was, +therefore, a valuable champion of Court; for he contended, with all the +energy of a fanatic, for the venerated customs of his household against +the irregular pretensions of foreign guests, and was sometimes made use +of by the Sovereign as a battering-ram to assault a wall which another +would have gone cautiously round. He now came to Ilse, ill-pleased at +heart with the commission which he had been commanded to carry out +dexterously. He found the Professor's wife in an unfavorable mood. The +boldness of Victor, and the secret reproach conveyed in the words of +the Hereditary Prince, had made her discontented with herself, and +suspicious of the uncertain position in which she was placed. The +Marshal long stirred the bowl from which he had to pour; he turned the +conversation to Ilse's home and her father, whom he had once met at a +cattle-show.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is a fine estate, I hear, and has a very high reputation."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse, taking pleasure in this praise of what was dear to her, entered +unsuspiciously into the conversation, and told him of the neighboring +farms and their owners.</p> + +<p class="normal">At last the Marshal began:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Your father is worthy of every distinction; pardon me, therefore, if I +put one question: Has your father ever had the wish to be ennobled?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"No," replied Ilse, staring at the Marshal with astonishment; "why +should he have such a wish?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I refrain from all observations upon the favorable effect which such +an elevation would have upon the career of your brothers and sisters; +that is obvious. One can easily conceive that modesty and pride may +hinder a man from seeking these advantages. But I am convinced that his +Highness the Sovereign, even for his own interest, would be glad to +confer such a favor; for the position of your father, with respect to +my gracious master, would thereby become much more satisfactory."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is very satisfactory as it is," said Ilse.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Considering the personal relations into which you have entered with +our Court, I may venture to speak openly to you," continued the +Marshal, with more confidence. "It would be very desirable for his +princely Highness, and for us all, if, on the occasions of his +Highness's accidental presence in your country, he could find a house +in which he might receive hospitality."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse interrupted him in great astonishment. "I beg of you, Mr. Von +Bergau, to explain yourself more clearly, for I do not understand this +matter at all. The Sovereign has already honored our house several +times with his presence."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Marshal shrugged his shoulders. "In cases of necessity, the +friendly offer of your father has been accepted, but it has always been +for a short time, and that incidentally; for even if your father, in +his official position, was not at all unfitted for this honor, yet +there was no lady who could do the honors of the house."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I performed the duties of that position as well as I could."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Marshal bowed. "There was much discussion as to how the breakfast +should be arranged without affronting the ladies of the house, and it +was very welcome when your father entirely refrained from requiring the +participation of his ladies. Allow me also to add, that a rise in your +father's position would be desirable for yourself. For your husband, as +a learned man of distinguished merit, is in the position of obtaining, +on expressing a wish, a rank and position which would establish him as +a member of the Court. And if this proposal should be carried into +effect, it would give you, under certain limitations, an entrance there +also. It would give the Sovereign and Princess an opportunity of +receiving you at the castle, and invitations to great Court balls and +concerts would be possible."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse rose. "Enough, my lord, I understand you. I know what my father +will do when you offer him that of which you speak; he will laugh and +reject the offer, and will say, if our citizen's home is not good +enough for our Sovereign to enter, we must resign the honor. But I +cannot reject it with the composure which I expect of my father; and I +must tell you, my lord, that if I had had any idea that I, as a lady, +was not entitled to enter this society, I would never have set foot +here."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse, with difficulty, controlled the indignation which worked within +her. The Marshal was confounded, and endeavoured to pass it off +equivocally; but Ilse could not be dealt with; she continued standing, +and so compelled him to depart.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor found his wife in a dark room brooding over what had +passed. "Will you have a patent of nobility?" she exclaimed, springing +up; "it will be prepared for you at once, and for my father also, in +order that we may all have the advantages of becoming fit society for +the castle without their feeling it a humiliation. It is unsatisfactory +to them only to see us occasionally. I know now why I dine alone, and +why the Sovereign would not enter our sitting-room at Bielstein. We +must have a new name, that we may obtain the education and the manners +which will make us worthy of going to Court. And not only us, but +perhaps our children. Can you hear this without coloring with shame at +our being here? They feed us like strange beasts, which they have +procured out of curiosity and will again cast us out of the pen."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Why, Ilse!" cried Felix, in astonishment, "you are expending more +pathos than is necessary. What do the prejudices of these men signify +to us? Has not the Sovereign done everything to make our residence here +agreeable, according to what we are accustomed? If the people here are +obliged by the customs in which they have been brought up, and by the +regulations of their circle, to limit their intercourse with us to +certain definite forms, what does that signify? Do we wish to become +their confidants, and to live with them as we do with our friends at +home? They have not deserved such an unfolding of our souls. When we +came here we entered into a simple business relation, and we undertook +also the obligation of adapting ourselves to their rules of life."</p> + +<p class="normal">"And we are free to leave here as soon as these rules no longer please +us?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Just so," answered the Professor; "as soon as we have sufficient +grounds for considering them unbearable. I think that is not the case. +They require nothing of us that is degrading: they show us the most +assiduous attention: what does it signify if we do not take part in +their daily intercourse, which we have no right or reason to desire?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do not let us deceive ourselves," exclaimed Ilse. "If in our city any +one was to say to you, you may only look at my shoes, but not raise +your eyes to my face; you may only go out with me into the open air, +but not come into my house; I can eat with you standing, but not sit +down at your table, as my dignity forbids me to do so,--what would you, +who live so proudly in your circle, reply to such a fool?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I would endeavour to learn the reason of his +narrow-mindedness,--perhaps pity him--perhaps turn away from him."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then do so here," cried Ilse. "For we are invited guests to whom the +people of the house close their doors."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I repeat to you that we are not guests who are invited to associate +with the people here. I have been called upon for work, and I have +accepted this call, because I look for such great advantage in it to my +branch of learning that I would bear far worse things than the +disagreeable customs of the Court. I dare not set at stake these +important interests by an opposition to social pretensions which do not +please me. It is just because I have no particular respect for these +rules that they do not disturb me."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But it grieves and makes one angry that people, in whose life one +takes an interest, cling to such miserable antiquated triflings," said +Ilse still bitterly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"So that is it?" asked Felix. "We are anxious about the souls of the +grandees? There is something to be said on that point. There is an old +curse on every privilege which falls to the lot of most who share in +it. This may be the case with court privileges. The life of our princes +lies confined within the boundaries of a small circle; the views and +prejudices of those around them, whom they are not free to choose, +hedge them in from the first day of their life until the last. That +they are not stronger and freer arises for the most part from the +confined atmosphere in which they are kept by etiquette. It is a +misfortune, not only for themselves, but for us, that our princes look +upon the society that is not noble with the eyes of a deputy +chamberlain or a courtier. This evil one feels painfully when one comes +into contact with them. I think, undoubtedly, that the struggle which +is going on in different parts of our fatherland will not come to a +good conclusion, until the dangers are removed which arise from the +effect of the old Court regulations on the training of our princes. +But it appears to me they are already broken through in many places, +and the time may come when all this nonsense will be the subject of +good-humored satire. For this etiquette of Court is, after all, only +the remains of a past age, like the constitutions of our guilds, and +other ancient customs. So far you are right. But those who indulge in +personal irritation, as you do now, expose themselves to the suspicion +that they are only angry because they themselves desire entrance into +the prohibited circles."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse looked silently down.</p> + +<p class="normal">"When you and I," continued the Professor, "come accidentally into +personal contact with such modes of thinking, there is only one thing +that befits us--cool contempt and indifference. We wish, for the sake +of our princes, to remove the impediments which limit their intercourse +with their people; but we have no wish or impulse to put ourselves in +the place of those who apparently direct the rulers of our country. +For, between ourselves, we, who pass our lives in strenuous mental +labor, would in general be bad companions for princes. We are deficient +in the graceful forms and tact, and the easy complaisance of society. +The stronger minds would hurt, by their independence, and the weaker +would become contemptible by abject subservience. Freedom of choice is +all that we wish for our rulers. One feeling we may preserve without +arrogance--all who separate themselves from our circle lose more than +we do."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse approached him, and laid her hand in his.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Therefore, Lady Ilse," continued her husband, cheerfully, "be +contented for these few weeks. If it should happen to you in reality to +be an invited guest of the Court, then you may enter into negotiations +concerning your pretensions; and if in such a case you have to take +exceptions, do it with a smile."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do you speak so from the calm confidence of your soul," asked Ilse, +looking searchingly at her husband, "or because you have it much at +heart to remain here?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have my manuscript much at heart," replied the Professor; "for the +rest, the loss of peace is a greater deprivation to me than to you. You +have from your youth, and especially this last year, taken a warm +interest in the inmates of this princely castle. You have at times felt +yourself much interested in them, and it is on that account that you +are more wounded than needful."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse nodded her head assentingly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Bear with it. Ilse," continued her husband, encouragingly; "remember +that you are free, and may any day leave it. But it would be more +agreeable to me if you did not leave me alone."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Would that be more agreeable to you?" asked Ilse, softly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You little fool!" exclaimed the Professor. "Today we will give up the +theatre, and have our evening reading. I have brought with me what will +drive away all vexations."</p> + +<p class="normal">He brought the lamp to the table, opened a little book, and began:</p> + +<p class="normal">"It happened, one Whitsuntide, that Nobel, the King of all the Beasts, +held a Court," and so on.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse sat with her work in her hand by her husband; the light of the +lamp fell on his countenance, which she examined searchingly, in order +to read therein whether he still felt towards her as before; till at +last the iniquities of the fox brought a smile to her lips, and she +took the book from him, and read on quietly and comfortably, as at +home.</p> + +<p class="normal">"How is the Lady Bergau?" asked the Princess, of her attendant, the +little Gotlinde Thurn.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Very ill, your Highness. She has been much disturbed by the sudden +departure of her husband, and her confinement is expected every hour."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Bergau gone away?" asked the Princess, in astonishment.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The Sovereign has commissioned him to purchase some porcelain +curiosities in a distant city."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Princess looked significantly at her confidant.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Forgive me, your Highness, if I venture to say," continued the +lady-in-waiting, "that we are all indignant. Bergau, it is said, had a +scene yesterday with the strange lady at the Pavilion; and this morning +early the Sovereign expressed himself, in giving his orders, in a way +that made any objection out of the question."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What has happened at the Pavilion?" asked the Princess.</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is not known," replied the angry lady; "but, from some +expressions of Bergau, one may conclude that the stranger has raised +pretensions, demanded an introduction at Court, and threatened to leave +in the event of a refusal. The arrogance of the woman is unbearable. We +all beg that your Highness will be gracious enough to maintain our +rights."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Good Linda, I am a dangerous ally for you," replied the Princess, +sorrowfully.</p> + +<p class="normal">The birthday of the Princess was kept both by the Court and city. Many +people wore gala dresses; numbers pressed with their congratulations +into the ante-chamber of the princely daughter. The Princess received +in full dress on this day. She appeared for the first time out of +mourning, and looked lovelier than ever. In a side room, the door of +which was open, stood the tables, which were covered with presents. +Much were the splendid dresses which the Sovereign had ordered for his +daughter admired by the ladies; and scarcely less so the beautiful +miniature work of the Magister by the connoisseurs.</p> + +<p class="normal">About three o'clock the concert began in the gardens of the castle. +Gentlemen and ladies of the nobility, the officials, and citizens, +entered the space marked out for them. The numerous attendants of the +Princess greeted the ladies of the company and arranged them in a large +circle, behind which were the gentlemen, forming a dark setting; on one +side the families of the Court, on the other those of the city. The +guests accommodated themselves easily to the compulsory mathematical +line; it was only on the city side that there was any irregularity. The +new city councillor Gottlieb, a distinguished butcher, pushed in from +behind his wife and daughter, and placed himself squarely in the front +row; and it required the positive directions of the lady-in-waiting to +make him retreat to his place.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I pay the taxes," said Gottlieb, stubbornly, to those about him; but +even from his neighbors he was the object of a disapproving smile.</p> + +<p class="normal">When Ilse entered this society of strangers with her husband, she felt +alarm at the cold, inquisitive looks directed at her from all sides. +The Chamberlain conducted her to the first lady-in-waiting. The +Baroness bowed in cool acknowledgment, and pointed to the place where +she was to be stationed--at the end of the Court side, opposite the +entrance. The royal party, preceded by the Marshals, made their +appearance punctually; the Princess, radiant and smiling, on the arm of +the Sovereign; the young Princes behind. The ladies' dresses rustled +like a forest of trees, as they bent in deferential salutation; behind +them the heads of the assembled gentlemen dropped with solemn movement. +The Princess executed a circular bow--a consummate piece of Court +<i>technique</i>--and proceeded to walk about the line. The sun shone with +summer warmth, and all rejoiced in the beautiful day and in the +happiness of the child whose birthday was now celebrated. The Princess +looked enchantingly lovely, and showed, by her noble appearance and +gracious manners, how well fitted she was to do the honors of a Court. +The ladies-in-waiting preceded her, beckoning to individuals to come +forward, and mentioning the names of those who were strangers to the +Princess. She had a kind word for every one, or a nod and sweet smile, +which made all feel that they were the object of her attention. The +Sovereign, to-day, appeared among his citizens with the self-possession +of a family father.</p> + +<p class="normal">"A large number of old friends and acquaintances," he remarked, to the +head Burgomaster. "I knew that this would be quite after my daughter's +own heart. It is the first time since her severe trial that she has had +the opportunity to meet again so many that have taken a friendly +interest in her life."</p> + +<p class="normal">But none of the ladies there looked with such eager attention on the +circle of the Princess as Ilse. She forgot her anger at the prejudices +of class, and the annoyances attendant on her solitary position among +these strangers, and looked unceasingly at the young Princess. Like all +present, she felt the charm of her gracious manner. This facility of +giving pleasure to others in a few minutes by merely a look or word, +was quite new to her. She looked back anxiously at Felix, who was +watching the graceful movements of the Princess with pleasure. She came +near, and Ilse heard her questions and answers to the fortunate ones +with whom she was more familiar. Ilse saw that the Princess cast a +fleeting glance at her, and that her expression became more serious. +The Princess had lingered with a lady who stood in front of Ilse, +inquiring with interest after the health of her sick mother; she now +passed slowly by Ilse, bowing her head almost imperceptibly, and said, +in a low voice, "I hear you intend to leave us."</p> + +<p class="normal">The unexpected question, and coldness of the tone and look, aroused the +pride of the Professor's wife, and, under the flash of her large eyes, +the Princess also became more erect, and they exchanged a mutual glance +of hostility, as Ilse answered:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Your Highness will pardon me! I shall remain with my husband."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Princess looked at the Professor: again a pleasant smile passed +over her face, and she continued her progress. Ilse also turned quickly +toward her husband, but he was looking about innocently, and, pleased +with the world, he had not observed the little scene.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign, however, had; for he stepped right across the space to +Ilse, and began:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Among old acquaintances we also greet our new ones. Not that this +expression is applicable in your case to me and the Hereditary Prince; +for we owe thanks to you for the hospitality of your home; and we +rejoice to show you to-day the circle in which we live. I lament that +your father is not among us. I cherish the greatest respect for the +useful activity of his life; and I know how to value all his services +to agriculture. He has obtained a prize at the Agricultural Exhibition; +pray convey my congratulations to him. I hope his example will be +followed throughout the country."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign well understood how to make up for the neglect of his +Court to Ilse. A Professor's wife has many objections to Court usages +and high rank; but when well-deserved praise is accorded by princely +lips, before a distinguished assembly, to those she loves, it affords +her the greatest pleasure. After the annoying question of the daughter, +the striking attention of the father was a great satisfaction. Ilse +gave the Sovereign a look of deep thankfulness, and he now turned +kindly to her Felix, and remained long talking with him. When at last +he went on to others, the uncommon consideration he had shown the +strangers before the assembled company had the usual result; the +gentlemen of the Court now thronged round Ilse and the Professor, to +show attention also on their part. Ilse now looked about her with more +composure, and observed how slowly the Hereditary Prince passed along +the circle, singling out gentlemen and ladies according to a secret +systematic rule, and at the same time stopping occasionally and moving +his eye-glass, as if he were taking something into consideration. +Prince Victor, on the other hand, pursued a thoroughly irregular +course, like a comet, whose points could only be determined by looking +out for the fairest faces. He had talked long with the daughter of the +city councillor, Gottlieb, and had made the young lady laugh so much +that she was alarmed at herself, colored, and held her handkerchief +before her mouth. He then suddenly approached Ilse.</p> + +<p class="normal">"A horticuitural exhibition like this is exceedingly entertaining," he +began, carelessly, as if speaking to an old acquaintance. "Yet, after +all, there are many thorny cactuses to be handled."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It must be very wearisome for the princely party, who have to speak to +so many," said Ilse.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do not imagine that," replied Victor. "It is pleasant to see so many +people before one, who dare not open their mouths unless told to; +princely blood will bear still greater fatigues for that enjoyment."</p> + +<p class="normal">The company were set in motion. The Sovereign offering his arm to the +Princess, led her into a great, richly decorated tent. The guests +followed, and a host of lackeys offered refreshments. After that the +ladies seated themselves behind the royal family; the gentlemen +standing round. The concert began with a majestic flourish of the +kettledrums; and, after a short time, ended with a furious onslaught of +fiddles. The Princess now noticed some of the gentlemen, but with less +regularity than the ladies. Ilse was engaged in conversation with Miss +von Lossau, but the Princess walked to where Felix Werner was standing +and asked eager questions. The Professor became animated, and +explained; the Princess asked more, laughed, and answered. The +officious Lord High Steward glanced at the clock. It was high time for +the ladies of the Court to dress for dinner, but the Sovereign nodded +to him, looked contentedly at the Princess, and, in the best of humor +said to his son: "To-day she reigns; we will willingly wait."</p> + +<p class="normal">"My dear Highness forgets us all, she is so engrossed with the +stranger," whispered Miss von Thurn, to Prince Victor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Calm your faithful heart, Dame Gotlinde," said Victor. "Our Lady +Bradamante has not used her conquering weapons for a whole year. She +would try her powers to-day even upon a cabbage-head."</p> + +<p class="normal">The following morning the Princess sat among her ladies, and they +talked, as usual, of the previous day, admired the Princess, condemned +a little those who were absent, and expressed astonishment at the +toilet and manner of several city ladies.</p> + +<p class="normal">"But your Highness did not speak to the wife of the City Treasurer." +exclaimed Gotlinde Thurn; "the poor woman took it as a slight, and +cried after the concert."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Where was she standing?" asked the Princess.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Near the stranger," answered Gotlinde.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Ah, it was on that account," said the Princess. "What is she like?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"A round little woman, with brown eyes and red cheeks. My brother +lodges in her house; that is how I know her. She makes admirable +tarts."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Make up for it to her, Linda," said the Princess; "say something kind +to her for me."</p> + +<p class="normal">"May I tell her that your Highness has heard of her excellent +cherry-brandy, and would be glad to have a few bottles of it? That +would make her more than happy."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Princess nodded.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The daughter of the City Councillor Gottlieb," said the Baroness +Hallstein, "has become quite a belle."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Prince Victor forgot everybody in his attentions to her," exclaimed +Miss Lossau, with vexation.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You may congratulate yourself, dear Betty," replied the Princess, +sharply, "if you are forgotten by my cousin. The attentions of the +Prince are generally a source of alarm for the ladies who are favored +with them."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But we are all grateful to you," exclaimed Baroness Hallstein, a lady +of spirit and character, "for having supported the Court in opposition +to the lady from the Pavilion. Your cool remark gave general pleasure."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do you think so, Wally?" said the Princess, thoughtfully. "The woman +is proud, and was defiant. But I had wounded her first, and on a day +when I had the advantage."</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>CHAPTER XXX</i>.</h2> + +<h3>VEXATIONS.</h3> + +<p class="normal">The year began well in every respect. Woodcock and snipe had betaken +themselves to their homes before the sportsmen had donned their boots, +and the March-daffodils had really bloomed in March. The moon, between +its first and last quarter, smiled every evening with wry, distorted +mouth. At Court the Princess had turned her mind to search after lost +manuscripts with the Professor, and in the city an uncommon inclination +to quaff the punch of the fragrant woodruff-plant was perceptible among +the citizens and tempted them to daring undertakings. Even quiet heads +were infected by the intoxication of the season; straw and paper ruled +supreme. All the world wore not only hats but also caps of straw; all +the world occupied themselves with speculations and new investments. +The house of Hahn was in the ascendant. The orders were so numerous +that they could not be executed. In all the corners of the house sat +girls, sewing straw plaits together; the smell of the brimstone in the +street and neighboring gardens was insupportable. In the evenings Mr. +Hummel sat on his upturned boat, like Napoleon at St. Helena, a +vanquished man. With angry contempt he regarded the tumult of humanity. +Repeatedly did his acquaintances call upon him to launch into the great +activity of the time, to become a member of some stock-company, to +found a bank, dig for coal, or smelt iron. He rejected all these +proposals. When he went into his idle workshops, where he was only +occupied in a struggle with moths, his book-keeper ventured to make a +remark as to the possible future fashions in Parisian hats; he laughed +demoniacally and replied:</p> + +<p class="normal">"I cannot indulge in any speculation as to the covering that people +will require when these wild projects cease; but if you wish to know +what will be the next fashion, I will inform you. People will wear +pitch-caps. I wonder that you are still at your desk. Why do you not do +like others of your colleagues, who spend their time in wine-shops?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Mr. Hummel, my means do not allow of that," replied the depressed man.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Your means!" cried Hummel; "who asks after that now? Lucifer-matches +are as good as ready money. The street-porters discount bills and give +one another their likenesses. Why do you not live like the book-keeper +Knips over there? When I bought an orange for my wife of the Italian, I +saw him sitting in the back room with a bottle of iced champagne. Why +should you not put yourself on ice in this hot weather? These are +nothing but ruinous, hare-brained projects; it is a Sodom and Gomorrah; +the straw fire burns, but it will come to a frightful end."</p> + +<p class="normal">Mr. Hummel closed his office and walked in the twilight into the park, +where he wandered up and down on the frontiers of his territory like a +spirit. He was awakened from his meditations by the wild barking of his +brindle favorite, who rushed up to a bench in a shady part of the park, +and savagely seized the boots and trousers of a man sitting there. +Hummel approached nearer; a small man and a young woman hastily +separated. Hummel was sufficiently man of the world not to let himself +be seen, and he hastened back to his garden and continued his walk in +wild strides.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I knew it; I always said so; I have given a warning all along. Poor +devil!"</p> + +<p class="normal">Then he walked angrily towards the great beech-tree on his own premises +and forgot the supper hour, so that his wife had to call him twice from +the garden. When he was sitting at table also he looked as dark as a +thunder-cloud, and expressed such a deep contempt for human nature that +the ladies soon became silent. Laura made another effort to lead the +conversation to the wife of the Burgomaster, who had shown great +respect for Hummel whenever she passed by, but he broke out with the +terrible words:</p> + +<p class="normal">"She is no better than the rest of womankind."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is enough, Hummel," exclaimed his wife; "this conduct is very +unpleasant, and I must beg of you not to indulge so far in your +ill-temper as to let it deprive you of a proper judgment of the worth +of women. I can forgive much, but never an insult to the nobleness of +human nature."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Away with you and your noble human nature," replied Hummel, rising +from the table, and pushing back his chair; he then rushed vehemently +into the next room, where, in the dusk, he continued pacing angrily to +and fro, for he was much disturbed about Gabriel. Certainly the social +position of this man was not exalted; he was not a relation, not a +householder, not even a citizen. Accordingly, Mr. Hummel revolved in +his mind whether an interference in the secret feelings of this man +became him. He did not come to a decision without a struggle, but he +could not silence the voice which sounded in the corner of his heart in +favor of Gabriel.</p> + +<p class="normal">Meanwhile, the ladies were sitting at their disturbed repast. Laura +looked down gloomily; such scenes were not new to her, and they became +more painful. The mother was in great consternation at this anger +against the world of femininity, and sank beneath the waves of stormy +thoughts. At last she came to the conviction that Hummel was jealous. +That was very ludicrous, and there certainly was no cause for such a +feeling, but the vagaries of men were incalculable. The comic actor had +come the day before at her invitation, and he had been very +entertaining; he had enjoyed the wine and dinner, and on taking leave +had kissed her hand with a true theatrical expression. Was it possible +that this expression had produced the mischief? Mrs. Hummel began to +pace up and down, looking in the mirror in passing by, and determined, +like a valiant housewife, to hold forth to her husband this very +evening on his folly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Go up stairs Laura," she said, softly, to her daughter, "I wish to +speak to your father alone."</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura silently took the candle and carried it to her private table. She +placed herself at the window and looked toward the neighbor's house, +where the Doctor's lamp still glimmered through the curtains. She wrung +her hands, and exclaimed:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Away, away from here; that is the only way to save myself and him."</p> + +<p class="normal">Meanwhile, Mrs. Hummel had the supper removed, and, mustering courage +for the impending encounter, at last entered the room in which Mr. +Hummel was still blustering about.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Henry," she began solemnly, "are you yet in a state of mind to +consider calmly the circumstances which have robbed you of all +composure?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"No," cried Hummel, throwing a boot at the door.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I know the cause of your anger," continued Mrs. Hummel, looking +modestly down. "No explanation is necessary for that. It is possible +that he may sometimes have ventured more than was necessary in looks +and small remarks; but he is amiable and full of talent, and we must +make allowances for his vocation."</p> + +<p class="normal">"He is a miserable fop," cried Mr. Hummel, hurling his second boot from +him.</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is not true," cried Mrs. Hummel, warmly. "But if it were, +Henry--even if you could judge him utterly unworthy,--do not forget +that pride and a feeling of duty dwell in the heart of your wife, and +that your suspicion is an insult to these protecting genii."</p> + +<p class="normal">"She is a coquettish, silly flirt," replied Hummel, dragging his +slippers from under his bed.</p> + +<p class="normal">Mrs. Hummel started back horrified.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Your wife has not deserved this treatment. You tread under foot what +should be holy to you. Come to your senses, I conjure you; your +jealousy approaches to madness."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I jealous of such a person!" cried Hummel, contemptuously, vehemently +knocking the ashes from his pipe. "Then I must indeed be out of my +mind. Leave me in peace with all this nonsense."</p> + +<p class="normal">Mrs. Hummel seized her pocket-handkerchief and began to sob:</p> + +<p class="normal">"He has so often amused me; he tells anecdotes as I never heard any one +in my life; but if he excites you, so that you lose your reason and +insult your wife by calling her names, I have made many sacrifices +during our wedded life, and he also must fall on the altar of domestic +peace. Accept it, he shall never again be invited."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Who is he?" asked Hummel.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Who but the comedian?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Who is she?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Mrs. Hummel gave him a look which showed indubitably that she herself +was the lady.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Is it possible," exclaimed Hummel in astonishment, "that is how the +land lies? Why do you want to slaughter your theatrical buffoon on the +altar of domestic peace? Rather put something slaughtered before him; +that would be more agreeable to his cultivated palate. Be composed, +Philippine. You are often unintelligible in your speeches, and you make +too much ado; you spin your theatrical webs in your head, and you have +your humors and confused ideas in general; but for the rest, you are my +worthy wife, of whom no evil shall be thought either by myself or +others. Now do not thwart me, for I have determined to write him a +letter."</p> + +<p class="normal">While Mrs. Hummel, stupefied, seated herself on the sofa, and +considered whether she should be mortified or tranquilized by her +husband's praise, and whether she had been under a foolish delusion, or +that her Henry's madness had taken the new form of <i>bonhomie</i>, Mr. +Hummel wrote as follows:--</p> + +<p class="normal">"My Dear Gabriel,--Yesterday, on the 17th of this month, at 7.45 in the +evening, I saw, on bench No. 4, on the common, Dorothy from over the +way sitting with Knips junior. This is for warning and further +consideration. I am ready to act according to your orders. Straw, +Gabriel!--Your affectionate</p> +<p class="right">H. Hummel."</p> + +<p class="normal">By the same post a letter flew from Laura to Ilse in the Pavilion. The +faithful soul wrote sorrowfully. The little quarrels of the house and +the neighborhood vexed her more than was necessary. Of the Doctor she +saw little, and what was the bitterest grief for her, she had given +away the last song; she had nothing more to send to the Doctor, and +wished to continue the correspondence without inclosures. Ilse was +greatly surprised by one sentence, the sense of which was not very +clear to her: "I have obtained permission from Miss Jeannette to give +lessons in her institution. I will no longer be a useless bread-eater. +Since I have lost your society all is cold and desolate about me. My +only comfort is, that I at least am prepared to fly into foreign parts, +and there collect the grains which I need for the prolongation of my +life."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Where is my husband?" asked Ilse, of her maid.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The Professor has gone to her Highness, the Princess."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Call Gabriel."</p> + +<p class="normal">"He has received bad news, and is sitting in his room."</p> + +<p class="normal">Immediately afterwards Gabriel entered, with a distressed countenance.</p> + +<p class="normal">"What has happened?" asked Ilse, alarmed.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is my own affair only," replied Gabriel, with quivering voice; "it +is no good news that this letter has brought to me."</p> + +<p class="normal">He took out of his pocket Hummel's crumpled letter, and turning away, +leaned his head against the window-sill.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Poor Gabriel!" exclaimed Ilse. "But there may still be some +explanation to justify the girl."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I thank you for your confidence in her, Mrs. Werner," replied Gabriel, +solemnly, "but this letter informs me of my misfortune. He who has +written to me is true as gold. But I knew all, before I had received +it. She did not answer my last letter; she has not sent me the +pocket-book; and yesterday evening, when I went out and was thinking of +her, a lark flew towards me and sang a song that made me certain of +it."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is folly, Gabriel, You ought not to let your judgment be +influenced because a bird accidentally occasioned you sorrowful +thoughts."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It was evident, Mrs. Werner," replied Gabriel, sorrowfully. "Just as +the lark flew up and I was thinking of Dorothy, the words which I heard +as a child and which I have not heard since, occurred to me. It is no +superstition, and I can repeat the sentence to you:</p> + +<div class="poem"> + + +<p class="t4" style="text-indent:-6px">'Lark, dear lark, high o'er the smoke,<br> +What new thing have you to tell me?'</p> +</div> + +<p class="continue">This thought came to me, and then I heard, as distinctly as if some one +was whispering the answer in my ear:</p> + +<div class="poem"> + + +<p class="t4" style="text-indent:-6px">'Two lovers sat near a hazel-bush,<br> +The third was crying and moaning;<br> +The two pass the threshold of Hymen's house,<br> +The third sits alone and mourns a spouse.'"</p> +</div> + +<p class="normal">Gabriel took out his pocket-handkerchief.</p> + +<p class="normal">"That was a certain foreboding that Dorothy had been false to me."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Gabriel, I fear she was always fickle-minded," exclaimed Ilse.</p> + +<p class="normal">"She has a heart like a bird," said Gabriel, apologetically. "She is +not a serious person, and it is her nature to be friendly with all. +That I knew; but her gaiety, light-heartedness, and pleasant jesting +made her dear to me. It was a misfortune for me and her that I was +obliged to leave her just when she began to favor me and discourage +others who were showing her attention. For I know that the book-keeper +had long had his eyes upon her, and had prospects which would enable +him to marry her, and that was a better provision than I could give +her."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Something must be done about this," said Ilse. "Do you want to go back +to the city to ascertain how matters stand? My husband will immediately +give you permission. Perhaps it is not so bad after all."</p> + +<p class="normal">"For me it is as bad as it can be, Mrs. Werner. If you will have the +kindness to look after Dorothy, to see that she is not made unhappy, I +will thank you from my heart. I shall never see her again. If one loves +any one, one should not leave them alone when they are in temptation."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse endeavored to comfort him, but Gabriel's words went to her heart.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The third sits alone," she repeated, in a tone of sorrow.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse was again alone in the hall, looking sadly at the strange walls. +All the sorrow that had ever moved a human soul in this room, jealousy +and wounded pride, feverish expectation and hopeless longing, mourning +over the destruction of happiness, and terror for the future, the cries +of anguish and the plaints of tormented conscience, all these now awoke +an indistinct and trembling echo in the heart of the woman.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is strange and gloomy here, and if I try to express in words what +distresses me, all power of expression fails me. I am no prisoner, and +yet the air that surrounds me is that of a dungeon. The Chamberlain has +not been near me for days, and the young Prince, who used to speak to +me as to a friend, comes seldom, and then but for a few minutes, and it +is worse than if he were not here. He is as depressed as I am, and +looks at me as if he felt the same nameless anguish. And his father? +when he comes to me he is so kind that one cannot but like him; but as +soon as he turns his back his features appear before my mind distorted. +It is not good to be near the great people of the world; they seem to +take a fancy to one and open their heart as to friends, and one +scarcely feels the elevation of mind occasioned by this, when +tormenting spirits seem suddenly to draw them back into their invisible +realm, and one is troubled and excited about them. Such a life is +destructive of peace.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Felix says, one ought not to care about these frivolous people. How +can one avoid interest and anxiety about them when the welfare of their +souls is a blessing to all?</p> + +<p class="normal">"Is it only this that gives you such restless thoughts. Ilse?" she +asked herself; "is it this, or is it pride, now wounded, and now again +flattered; or is it anguish about the loved one whom she wishes +secretly to tear from you?</p> + +<p class="normal">"Why am I so fearful about you, my Felix? Why do I despair because he +has found a woman here of the same stamp of mind as his own? Am I not +so also? Have I too not unfolded in the light of his mind? I am no +longer the ignorant country-girl that he once brought from among the +herds. If I am deficient in the attractive charm of the distinguished +lady, what can she give him more than I? He is no boy, and he knows +that every hour I live for him. I despise you, miserable thoughts; how +have you found entrance into my soul? I am no prisoner within these +walls, and if I linger here where you have power over me, I remain on +his account. One should not forsake him whom one loves,--that word was +spoken for me also. My father's child shall not cry and mourn even +though her loved one should be sitting with the Princess by the +hazel-bush."</p> + +<hr class="W10"> + +<p class="normal">Gabriel was stealing along in a distant part of the pleasure-ground. He +suddenly felt a touch on his shoulder; Prince Victor was standing +behind him.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Friend Gabriel?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"At your Highness's commands."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Where have you served?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"With the Blue Hussars."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Good," nodded the Prince; "we are in the same branch of the service. I +hear you are a trustworthy fellow. But what is the matter with you?" He +took out his purse. "We will share; take what you want."</p> + +<p class="normal">Gabriel shook his head.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then the women are at fault," cried the Prince; "that is worse. Is she +proud?"</p> + +<p class="normal">Gabriel dissented.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Is she faithless?"</p> + +<p class="normal">The poor fellow turned away.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am, alas! a bad intercessor with parents," said the Prince, +sympathizingly; "the race of fathers have little confidence in me. But +if it is only a question of appealing to a girl's conscience, then +depend upon me."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I thank you for your good-will. Highness, but nothing can help me. I +will have to fight it out alone."</p> + +<p class="normal">He turned away again.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Bah! comrade, have you forgotten the soldiers' saying: 'Like all, love +one, grieve for none?' If your heart is heavy, you should not rove +about as you do. In lack of another companion put up for the time with +me."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is too much honor," said Gabriel, taking off his cap.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Prince had during this conversation gradually led him into a +thicket; he seated himself on the root of an old tree, and motioned +Gabriel to the next trunk.</p> + +<p class="normal">"We are in concealment here; you look out that way, I will watch this +road, that no one can surprise us. How do your lodgings please you? +Have you found pleasant acquaintances?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I think it prudent to trust no one here," answered Gabriel, +cautiously.</p> + +<p class="normal">"But I do not belong here; there is no reason why you should not make +me an exception. You may assume that we belong to the same company, +that we are sitting by the same fire, and drinking from the same flask. +You are right: all is not so safe here as it looks. I do not like these +nocturnal disturbances in the castle. Have you heard of them?"</p> + +<p class="normal">Gabriel assented.</p> + +<p class="normal">"In such an old castle," continued the Prince, "there are many doors +that few know--perhaps also passages in the wall. Whether it is spirits +or something else, who knows? It glides about and sometimes comes +out when one least expects it; and just when one has put on one's +night-shirt a secret door is opened, or a plank in the floor rises, and +a cursed apparition floats up, removes what is on the table, and before +one can bethink oneself, disappears again."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Who can allow such a thing, your Highness?" replied Gabriel, +valiantly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Who can be on his guard?" said the Prince, laughing; "it stretches out +its hand, and one becomes immovable; it holds a sponge before the nose +of the sleeper and he does not awake."</p> + +<p class="normal">Gabriel listened attentively.</p> + +<p class="normal">"People say that in the Pavilion all is not secure," continued the +Prince. "It would be as well for a trusty man to make an examination in +secret; and if an entrance should be found that is not regular it +should be fastened with a screw or a bolt. It is indeed uncertain +whether or not one may find such a thing, for such devil's work is +slyly managed."</p> + +<p class="normal">He nodded significantly to Gabriel, who stared at him in great +astonishment.</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is only a thought of mine," said the Prince; "but when a soldier +is in foreign quarters he looks after every security during the time +that his people sleep."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I understand all," replied Gabriel, in a low voice.</p> + +<p class="normal">"One must not cause others unnecessary alarm," continued the Prince; +"but in secret one may do one's duty like a brave man. I see you are +that." The Prince rose from his seat. "If you should at any time need +my help, or have anything to tell me which no one else should know, I +have a fellow with a great moustache, a good, quiet man; make his +acquaintance. For the rest, take care of yourselves here. There is a +lackey who idles about near you; if there are any errands to do he can +attend to them. It is a good thing for a family to have a trustworthy +man at hand in a strange house. Good day, comrade, I hope I have +changed the current of your thoughts."</p> + +<p class="normal">He went away; Gabriel remained in deep thought. The bantering of the +Prince had roused the honest man from his sorrow; he busied himself now +about the house in the day-time, but in the evening, when his master +and mistress were at the theatre, he was to be seen sometimes with the +Prince's servant in confidential conversation on a garden bench.</p> + +<p class="normal">The spirit of sad foreboding spread its grey veil over the walls of the +Pavilion, but in the Sovereign's castle meanwhile an invisible +hobgoblin of another kind was at work, disturbing great and small. The +stable was in consternation. The Prince's favorite saddle-horse was a +white Ivenacker. When in the morning the groom went to the horse, he +found it with a large black heart painted on its chest. He could not +wash out the scandalous mark, probably the evil spirit had in this +prank employed a dye intended for the hair of man. Connoisseurs +declared that only time could heal the injury. They could not help +making it known to the Sovereign who was violently angry, and set the +strictest investigations on foot. The night-watchers of the stable had +seen no one, no stranger's foot had entered the place; only the groom +of Prince Victor, a moustached foreigner, had, at the same time with +the other stable servants, cleaned the horse that he had lately +received as a present from a relative. The man was examined, he spoke +little German, was said by the other servants to be harmless and +simple, and nothing could be learnt from him. Finally, the stable-boy +who had kept watch was dismissed from service. He disappeared from the +capital, and would have been reduced to great misery if Prince Victor +had not provided for the poor wretch in his garrison.</p> + +<p class="normal">There was a great uproar among the ballet-girls. In the new tragic +ballet, "The Water Sprite," the first dancer, Guiseppa Scarletti, had a +brilliant <i>rôle</i>, in which she was to wear green-silk trunks, with rich +silver trimmings. When she was to put on this part of the costume, +which was very important for the <i>rôle</i>, for the first representation, +her assistant was so awkward as to hand it to her wrong side foremost. +The lady expressed her displeasure strongly, the tire-woman turned it +round, and it was still wrong. Upon nearer inspection of this piece of +art, it was discovered, with dismay, that it presented two convex +surfaces like the shell of a bivalve. Mademoiselle Scarletti broke out +into a fury, and then into tears and finally hysterics; the manager and +the intendant were called; the <i>artiste</i> declared that after this +disgrace and disturbance she could not dance. It was not until Prince +Victor, whom she highly esteemed, came into the dressing-room to +express his deep indignation, and the Sovereign desired her to be told +that the insult should be punished in the severest manner, that she +recovered sufficient courage to play the difficult <i>rôle</i>. Meanwhile +the fairylike rapidity of the theatrical tailor had remedied the injury +to her dress. She danced superbly, but with a sad expression that +became her well. The intendant was already rejoicing that the +misfortune had thus passed off, when suddenly, in the midst of the last +scene, when the whole depth of the stage was disclosed, the exchanged +trunks appeared under Bengal lights in the water nymph's grotto, +hanging peacefully upon two projecting points of a silver rock, as if a +water sprite had hung them up to dry. Upon this there was a +disturbance, and loud laughter among the audience, and the curtain had +to fall before the Bengal lights were extinguished. It all looked like +revenge, but again the culprit could not be discovered.</p> + +<p class="normal">The hair of all the servants stood on end. They knew that in the bad +times of the princely house a black lady walked through the corridors +and rooms, which portended misfortune to it. The belief in this was +general; even the High Marshal shared in it; the black lady had +appeared to his grandfather, when, on a lonely night, he was awaiting +the return of his gracious master. One evening, after the Court had +withdrawn, the Marshal was walking, with the lackey carrying a light +before him, through the empty rooms to the wing in which Prince Victor +lodged, in order to smoke a cigar with him. Suddenly the lackey started +back and pointed, trembling, to a corner. There stood the black figure, +the head covered with a veil; she raised her hand threateningly, and +disappeared through a door in the tapestry. The light fell out of the +hand of the lackey, the Marshal groped in the dark to the anteroom of +the Prince, and sank down on the sofa there. When the Prince entered +from his dressing-room he found him in a state of the highest +consternation: even a glass of punch, which he himself poured out, +could not arouse him from his depression. The news that the black lady +had appeared flew throughout the castle; an uneasy foreboding of evil +occupied the Court. In the evening the lackeys ran hurriedly through +the corridor, and were frightened at the echo of their own steps, and +the Court ladies would not leave their rooms without escort. The +Sovereign also heard of it; his brow contracted gloomily, and at dinner +he looked contemptuously at the Marshal.</p> + +<p class="normal">Even the Court ladies were not spared. Miss von Lossau, who lodged in a +wing of the palace over the rooms of the Princess, returned to her +apartment one night in the happiest frame of mind. Prince Victor had +paid her marked attentions. He had been very amusing, and had shown a +degree of feeling which he had never before evinced. Her maid undressed +her, and she laid herself to rest with sweet and pleasant thoughts. All +was quiet: she fell into her first sleep. The image of the Prince +danced before her; then she heard a slight noise; there was a +crackling; something moved slowly under her bed. She started; the +mysterious noise ceased. She was on the point of deluding herself into +the belief that it was a dream, when the noise was repeated under the +bed, and something came clattering out. She heard an alarming sound, +and saw by the faint light of the night-lamp that a ball was slowly +pushing itself behind the chair, and stopping in front of the bed. Half +unconscious from terror, she jumped out of bed, touched a strange +object with her naked foot, at once felt a sharp pain, and sank back +with a scream. She now raised a loud cry for help, till her maid rushed +in, and tremblingly lit the candle. The lady was still shrieking in a +corner, where the prickly spectre-ball still lingered in quiet +timidity, and gradually showed itself to be a great hedgehog, which was +sitting there, still dreamy from its winter sleep, with tears on its +nose. Miss Lossau became ill from fright. When the physician hastened +to her the next morning, he found the lackeys and maidservants +collected in close conclave before her door. On the door was pasted a +white placard, on which was to be read, in large characters, "Bettina +von Lossau, Princely Court Spy." Again there was the strictest +investigation, and again the culprit was not discovered.</p> + +<p class="normal">But the spirit of torment that had quartered itself under the roof of +the castle did not confine its tricks to the Court and its household: +it ventured to disturb the Professor also in his learned work.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse was sitting alone, looking absent-mindedly at the pictures of +Reynard the Fox, when the lackey threw open the door, announcing:</p> + +<p class="normal">"His Highness, the Sovereign!"</p> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign glanced at the picture in the open book.</p> + +<p class="normal">"So that is the view you take of our position. The satire of those +pages is bitter, but they contain imperishable truth."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse closed the book, coloring.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The ill-behaved beasts are rude egotists; it is otherwise among men."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do you think so?" asked the Sovereign. "Those who have had experience +with them will not judge so leniently. The two-legged animals that +pursue their aims at the courts of princes are, for the most part, as +reckless in their egotism, and as much inclined to profess their +attachment. It is not easy to restrain their pretensions."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Amongst the bad there are surely some better, in whom good +preponderates?" rejoined Ilse.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign inclined his head civilly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"He who has to watch all keenly feels the narrow-mindedness of every +individual, for he must know where and how far he can place confidence. +Such an observation of various natures, which is always seeking to +separate the reality from the glitter, to sound the worth of different +characters, and to retain for the observer superior judgment, sharpens +the perception of the deficiencies of others. It is possible that we +may sometimes judge too severely, while you, with your warm feeling, +fall into the amiable weakness of viewing men in too favorable a +light."</p> + +<p class="normal">"My lot, then, is happier," exclaimed Ilse, looking at the Sovereign, +with honest commiseration.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is sweeter and happier," said the latter with feeling, "to give +one's self up without restraint to one's feelings, to associate +innocently with a few whom one chooses freely, to avoid by slight +effort the ill-disposed, and to open one's heart gladly, and without +restraint, to those one loves. But he who is condemned to live in the +cold atmosphere of business, struggling against countless interests +which clash together, can only carry on this existence by surrounding +his daily life with regulations which will at least preserve him from +overwhelming burdens and annoyances, and compel the foxes and wolves to +bend their stubborn heads. Such rules of Court and government are no +perfect work; there will often be complaints against them. You, +perhaps, may have had occasion to remark that the customs and etiquette +of a Court are not without harshness; yet they are necessary, for it +makes it easy to us to withdraw and keep within ourselves, and maintain +a certain isolation, which helps us to preserve our inward freedom."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse looked conscious.</p> + +<p class="normal">"But believe me," continued the Sovereign, "we still are human beings; +we would gladly give ourselves up to the impulse of the moment, and +live without restraint with those whom we esteem. We must often +sacrifice ourselves, and we experience moments when such sacrifices are +very severe."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But within the princely family itself these considerations do not +apply," exclaimed Ilse. "The mutual intercourse of father and children, +brothers and sisters,--these holy relations can never be disturbed."</p> + +<p class="normal">A cloud came over the countenance of the Sovereign.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Even they suffer in their exposed position. We do not live together; +we see each other less alone, generally under the observation of +others. Each has his special circle of interest, is influenced by those +about him, who perhaps diminish his confidence in his nearest +relations. You know my son; he has all the qualifications of a good, +open-hearted man, but you will have observed how suspicious and +reserved he has become."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse forgot all caution, and again felt a little proud of being a +confidante.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Forgive me," she explained; "I have never found that. He is only +bashful, and sometimes a little awkward."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign smiled.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You lately expressed an opinion with reference to what would be +advantageous for his future. That he should for a time become +acquainted with the management of a large family estate; it would +undoubtedly be good for him to learn the work of a country gentleman by +experience. Besides this, he is not happy at Court."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse nodded.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Have you also remarked that?" asked the Sovereign.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I will give good advice for my Prince," thought Ilse, "even if it is +not quite agreeable to him. May I venture to say," she said aloud, +"that this is the best time of all. For he must learn, your Highness, +the spring tilling, which is in full operation, so there must be no +delay."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign was much pleased with this zeal.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It will not be easy to find a place," he said.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Perhaps your Highness has an estate in the neighborhood where there is +a small manor-house."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then he could come often to the city," replied the Sovereign sharply.</p> + +<p class="normal">"That would not do," continued Ilse, eagerly. "He must first thoroughly +know the work of the people, and for that be constantly in the fields."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I could not find a better adviser," said the Sovereign, in excellent +humor. "There is nothing in the vicinity that will answer; I have +thought, however, of your father's estate."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse started with surprise.</p> + +<p class="normal">"But our mode of life is not adapted for the accommodation of a +prince," she replied with reserve. "No, gracious Sovereign, the +domestic arrangements of our family would not be suitable to the +pretensions of the young man. I say nothing of other considerations +which formerly never occurred to me, and which have first come home to +me here. Therefore, if I may speak what I feel, I am of opinion that +this, for many reasons, will not answer."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It was only a thought," replied the Sovereign, good-humoredly. "The +object may perhaps be attained without encroaching upon your father. It +has been my wish," he continued, with chivalrous politeness, "to give +you and your father a public proof of my esteem. I have special reasons +for it." He looked significantly at Ilse, and she thought of the +birthday of the Princess.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I know the reason," she said softly.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign drew his chair near.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Your father has a large family?" he asked. "I have a vague +recollection of having seen several rosy-cheeked boys about."</p> + +<p class="normal">"They were my brothers," said Ilse, laughing; "they are handsome little +fellows, gracious Sovereign, if I, as a sister, may praise them; they +are at present somewhat uncouth, but good and clever. My Franz wrote to +me only yesterday to beg me to greet your Highness for him. The little +urchin thinks it is the right thing. Now, as I have the opportunity, I +will show you the letter as he has written it; it is a stupid, childish +message, but it comes from a good heart."</p> + +<p class="normal">She felt in her pocket and brought forth a letter written in fair +characters.</p> + +<p class="normal">"See, your Highness, how well the child writes. But I must not show you +the letter, for your Highness would find in it a confirmation of your +opinion, that men have always selfish wishes in the background when +they think of their princes. The poor boy also has his wish."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then let us have it," said the Sovereign.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse showed him the letter; the Sovereign graciously took hold of the +letter, and in doing so, his hand rested on hers.</p> + +<p class="normal">"He is so barefaced as to ask your highness for an india-rubber ball. +The ball is already bought."</p> + +<p class="normal">She jumped up and brought a gigantic colored ball.</p> + +<p class="normal">"This I shall send to him to-day, and I shall write to him that it is +not seemly to beg of so great a personage. He is nine years old, but +still very childish--your highness must forgive him."</p> + +<p class="normal">Enchanted by this frank open-heartedness, the Sovereign said:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Write to him, at the same time, that I wish to tell him he must +endeavor to preserve through the dangerous paths of life the pure +feeling and loyal spirit of his eldest sister. I also feel how great is +the blessing of your character to all who have the happiness of +breathing your atmosphere. In a course of life which is filled with +harrowing impressions, in which hatred and suspicion take more from the +peace of the soul than hours of repose can restore to it, I have still +retained my susceptibility for the innocent freshness of a mind like +yours. You give me genuine pleasure."</p> + +<p class="normal">Again he laid his hand gently on hers; Ilse looked down confused at the +praise of her dear Sovereign.</p> + +<p class="normal">A hasty step approached; the Sovereign rose, and the Professor entered. +He bowed to the Sovereign, and looked surprised at his wife.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You are not ill?" he exclaimed. "Pardon, gracious Sir, I came in great +anxiety about my wife. A strange boy rang the bell at the Museum, and +brought a message that I must go immediately to see my wife, as she was +ill; fortunately it was a mistake."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am thankful for the error," replied the Sovereign, "as it gives me +the opportunity of saying to you what I was intending to mention to +Madame Werner; orders have been given at the stable that a carriage +shall be ready for you at any hour that you wish to take a journey in +the neighborhood to pursue your mysterious investigations."</p> + +<p class="normal">He took leave graciously.</p> + +<hr class="W10"> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign opened the window of his study; the air was sultry, the +sun had been shining long upon the earth; now it had vanished, heavy +clouds rolled themselves, like great shapeless porpoises, over the city +and castle. The Sovereign fetched a deep breath, but the heavy, sultry +air forced the smoke from the chimneys of the castle down to his +window, enveloping his head like a great mist. He hastily opened the +door of the gallery which led to the reception-rooms, and walked out. +Against the walls hung a row of oil pictures, the portraits of +beautiful ladies whom he had once favored with his attentions. His look +strayed from one to the other; at the end of the row was an empty +place; he stopped before it, and his fancy painted a picture with +blonde hair, and a true-hearted, frank light in the eyes, more touching +than any of the other faces.</p> + +<p class="normal">"So late," he said, to himself. "It is the last place and the strongest +feeling. They are fools who tell us that years make us indifferent. If +I had come across her at the other end," he glanced back along the +gallery, "at the beginning of my life, when I yet looked longingly at +the roses on the cheeks of maidens and was touched by the song of +hedge-sparrows, would such a woman then have preserved in me what I +have lost forever? Useless thoughts of the past! I must in the present +keep firm hold of what has come within the reach of my hand. She is +indifferent about the weak youth; but she feels herself uneasy here, +and if she tries to escape me I have no power to keep her back. I +remain alone; daily the same wearisome faces, whose thoughts one knows +before they are spoken, whose wishes one knows before they open their +mouths, and whom one sees to be prepared with feigned feelings. +Whatever wit or will they have works secretly against me; what I +receive from them is only the artificial glitter of life. It is sad to +be a master before whom living souls turn into machines, and year after +year to open the lid and examine the works. I myself have made them," +he said, jeeringly, "but I am weary of my work."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I know that the doubt arises often in my mind," the Sovereign +murmured, "whether my unhappy skill has made them lies of human nature, +or whether I myself am an automaton, which when wound up nods and +repeats the same gracious words without thought. I know there are hours +when I am ashamed of myself, when I strut about the stage as a clown or +a bully; I see the wires that move my joints; I feel a desire to place +my own head in the vice in order to improve what is faulty in it, and I +see a large chest open into which I am thrown when my <i>rôle</i> is played +out."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Oh," he groaned, from the depths of his heart. "I know that I am a +reality, if not by day, yet at night. None of those about me are +tormented in lonely hours as I am; their temples do not beat with fever +heat when they lie down after their day's work.</p> + +<p class="normal">"What pleasure have I amidst these dull tapestry-rooms, or among the +old pictures of Mother Nature? Laughing without amusement, angry about +trifles,--everything cold, indifferent, and soulless!</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is only in rare moments, when I have been with her, that I feel +like another man; then the warm blood courses through my veins. When in +her honest simplicity she talks of all that she loves and takes +pleasure in, a woman with a child's heart, then I become young again +like her. She talked to me of her brother 'curly-head.' I see the boy +before me, a lively lad, with his sister's eyes. I see the little +simpleton eating his bread and butter, and it moves me as if I were +reading a touching story. I long to catch up the boy in my arms as if +he belonged to me.</p> + +<p class="normal">"She herself is true and upright; it is a pure mind, and beneath her +calm gentleness strong passion lies concealed. What a passion she fell +into when my messenger offered her the patent of nobility! She is a +woman to live with whom is worth some trouble, and to gain whom a man +would do much.</p> + +<p class="normal">"But what can I do? What I can give her will be of little value to her; +what I take from her--how will she make up her mind to that?" He looked +timidly at the empty place on the wall. "Another picture was to have +hung there," he exclaimed; "why is it not there? Why does the +remembrance of one long gone lie on my brain like a stone, the pressure +of which I feel every day when mingling among men, and every night when +I rest my weary head upon my hands? That woman slept many years ago in +the same room where now the stranger reposes; she did not awake, as it +would have been right for her to have done; when she did awake and came +to consciousness, a spring broke in her weak mind, and she remained a +soulless body."</p> + +<p class="normal">A feverish shudder passed through him; he shook himself and rushed out +of the gallery, looked shyly behind him, and closed the door.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The violence of passion is extinguished," he continued, after a time; +"with years one becomes more cautious. I will hold her fast, whatever +may be the result; it is no longer the burning glow of youth, it is the +heart of a ripened man that I offer to her. With firm patience will I +await what time prepares for me; slowly will this fruit ripen in the +warm sun. I shall persevere, but I will hold her fast. Her husband is +becoming suspicious about her; it was an awkward excuse that he +invented; he also is struggling out of my hand. I must keep her, and +only childish means can be used for these childlike hearts."</p> + +<p class="normal">The bell rang, the servant entered, and received an order.</p> + +<p class="normal">Magister Knips appeared before the Sovereign; his cheeks were flushed, +and vehement excitement worked in his features.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Have you read the memorial which Professor Werner has written +concerning the manuscript?" asked the Sovereign, carelessly. "What is +your opinion of it?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is a prodigious, astounding account, Most Gracious Prince and +Sovereign. I may well say that I feel this discovery in all my limbs. +If the manuscript should be found, the fame attending the discovery +will be imperishable; it would be discussed in the preface of every +edition in which the question of the manuscript occurred, to the end of +the world; it would raise the learned man to whose lot this greatest +earthly good fortune should fall, high above his fellow mortals. Your +exalted Highness also, according to Act 22, § 127, of the law of the +country, would undoubtedly have the first right to the discovered +treasure, and his Highness would be hailed among all people as the +protector of a new era of knowledge concerning the Romans."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign listened with satisfaction to the enthusiasm of the +Magister, who in his excitement forgot his humble bearing, and +pathetically stretched out his arm in the direction in which he saw the +radiant crown hovering above the head of the Sovereign.</p> + +<p class="normal">"All this would occur if one found the treasure," said the Sovereign; +"but it is not yet found."</p> + +<p class="normal">Knips collapsed.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Undoubtedly it is presumptuous to think that such a happiness could +fall to the lot of any human being, yet it would be a sin to doubt its +possibility."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Professor Werner seems to attach much value to the discovery," +rejoined the Sovereign, indifferently.</p> + +<p class="normal">"He could not be a man of sterling judgment who did not feel the +importance of this gain as much as does your Highness's most humble +servant and slave."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign interrupted the speaker.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Mr. Von Weidegg has proposed to you to remain in my service. Have you +agreed to do so?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"With the feelings of a rescued man," exclaimed Knips, "who ventures to +lay at your Highness's feet thanks and blessing with unbounded +veneration."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Have you already engaged yourself?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"In the most binding way."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Good," said the Sovereign, stopping the stream of the Magister's +respectful assurances by a motion of his hand. "It has been reported to +me, Magister that you have a special good fortune in finding such +rarities--good fortune," repeated the Sovereign, "or what comes to the +same thing, skill. Do you seriously believe that these indistinct +traces will lead to the lost treasure?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Who can now maintain that such a discovery is impossible?" cried the +Magister. "If I might be allowed, with the deepest respect, to express +my views, which burst forth from my heart like a cry of joy, it is, I +dare not say probable, but yet not improbable, that an accident might +lead to it. Yet if I may venture respectfully to express my experience, +which perhaps is only a superstition, if the manuscript be found, it +will not be found where one expects, but somewhere else. Hitherto +whenever in my humble existence I have had the good fortune of making a +discovery--I mention only the Italian Homer of 1848--it has always been +contrary to all anticipations; and what your most exalted Grace calls +my skill is--if I must explain the secret of my good fortune--really +nothing but the circumstance that I have generally sought where, +according to human probability, no treasure could be supposed to lie."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The views which you entertain are certainly not solacing for an +impatient person," said the Sovereign, "for that may last a long time."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Generations may pass away," replied Knips, "but the present and the +future will search until the manuscript be found."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is but poor comfort," said the Sovereign, laughing; "and I +confess, Magister, you disappoint by these words the lively expectation +which I cherished, that your dexterity and skill would soon obtain for +me the pleasure of seeing the book in the hands of the Professor--the +book itself, or at least some palpable proof of its existence. I am a +layman in all these things, and can form no judgment of the importance +which you attach to the discovery. To me at present it is only to play +off a joke, or--to repeat the words which you lately used with respect +to your miniatures--only for the sake of raillery."</p> + +<p class="normal">The expression and manner of the Magister altered gradually, as if +under the spell of an enchanter; he shrank into himself, laid his head +on his shoulder, and looked with a terrified eagerness at the +Sovereign.</p> + +<p class="normal">"In short, I wish that Mr. Werner should soon be put upon a certain +trace of the manuscript, if it is not possible to obtain the manuscript +itself."</p> + +<p class="normal">Knips remained silent, staring at the speaker.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I desire you," continued the Sovereign, emphatically, "to employ the +talent you have already shown for this object. Your help must, of +course, remain my secret, for I should like Mr. Werner to have the +pleasure of making the discovery himself."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It must be a large manuscript," stammered out Knips.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I fear," replied the Sovereign, carelessly, "it must long have been +torn to pieces. It is not impossible that some scattered leaves may +have been preserved somewhere."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Magister stood thunderstruck.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is difficult to satisfy the Professor."</p> + +<p class="normal">"So much the greater will be your merit and reward."</p> + +<p class="normal">Knips remained silent, in a state of terror.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Has your confidence vanished, Magister?" said the Sovereign, +ironically. "It is not the first time that you have succeeded in such a +discovery." He approached closer to the little man. "I know something +of former trials of your dexterity, and I have no doubt of the +comprehensiveness of your talent."</p> + +<p class="normal">Knips started, but still he remained speechless.</p> + +<p class="normal">"For the rest, I am contented with your activity," continued the +Sovereign, in a changed voice. "I do not doubt that you will in many +ways know how to make yourself useful to the officials of my Court, and +thereby consult your own future interest."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What high honor!" said Knips, pitifully, drawing out his +pocket-handkerchief.</p> + +<p class="normal">"As regards the lost manuscript," continued the Sovereign, "the stay of +Mr. Werner will, I fear, be only temporary. The task of pursuing the +investigations in our country would, in that event, fall upon you."</p> + +<p class="normal">Knips raised his head, and a ray of pleasure passed over his troubled +face.</p> + +<p class="normal">"If the manuscript is, in fact, as valuable as the learned gentlemen +seem to think, then in case, after the departure of the Professor, +there is still something to discover, you will have found with us an +occupation which is especially suited to you."</p> + +<p class="normal">"This prospect is the highest and most honorable which my life can +attain to," replied Knips, more courageously.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Good," said the Sovereign; "endeavor to deserve this claim, and try +first what your dexterity can do."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I will take pains to serve your Highness," replied the Magister, his +eyes cast on the ground.</p> + +<p class="normal">Knips left the private apartment. The little man, who now descended the +staircase, looked very different from the happy Magister who a few +minutes before had ascended it. His pale face was bent forward, and his +eyes wandered furtively over the faces of the servants, who watched him +inquisitively. He seized his hat mechanically, and he, the Magister, +put it on his head while still in the royal castle. He went out into +the court; the storm swept through the streets, whirled the dust round +him, and blew his coat-tails forward.</p> + +<p class="normal">"He drives me on; how can I withstand him?" murmured Knips. "Shall I +return to my proof-sheets in that cold room? Shall I all my life depend +on the favor of professors, always in anxiety lest an accident should +betray to these learned men that I once overreached them and derided +them?</p> + +<p class="normal">"But here I pass a pleasant life, and have opportunities of being the +cleverest among the ignorant and making myself indispensable to them! I +am so already; the Sovereign has shown himself to me as one comrade +does to another, and he can, if I do as he wishes, as little part from +me as the parchment from the writing on it."</p> + +<p class="normal">He wiped the cold sweat from his brow.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I myself will find the manuscript," he continued, more confidently. +"<i>Jacobi Knipsii sollertia inventum</i>. I know the great secret, and I +will search day by day where only a wood-louse can creep or a spider +hang its web. Then it will be for me to decide whether I shall take the +Professor as an assistant to edit it, or another. Perhaps I will take +him and he will be thankful to me. He will hardly find the treasure, he +is too dignified to listen and to spy out where the chests are +concealed."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Magister hastened his steps; the wind whistled in sharp tones +behind him,--it tore from the trees the dry leaves of the last year, +and scattered them on the hat of the little man. The dust whirled more +rapidly round him; it covered the dark Court dress with a pale grey +coating, it pursued and enveloped him, so that the foliage of the trees +and the figures of men disappeared from his sight, and he hastened +onward wrapped in a cloud of dust and dead leaves. Again he raised his +pocket-handkerchief, sighed, and wiped the perspiration from his +temples.</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>CHAPTER XXXI</i>.</h2> + +<h3>HUMMEL'S TRIUMPH.</h3> + +<p class="normal">There was a lowering sultriness in nature, and also in the busy world +of men. The barometer fell suddenly; thunder and hail coursed over the +country; confidence was gone, stocks became worthless paper; +lamentation followed arrogance; water stood in the streets; and the +straw hats disappeared as if wafted away by the storm.</p> + +<p class="normal">Whoever in these changing times might wish to observe Mr. Hummel in a +good-humored frame of mind must do so in the afternoon before three +o'clock, when he opened his garden door and seated himself near the +hedge. During this hour he gave audience to benevolent thoughts; he +listened to the striking of the city clock, and regulated his watch; he +read the daily paper, counted the regular promenaders, who daily walked +at the same hour to the wood and back again to the city, and he +accosted his acquaintances and received their greetings. These +acquaintances were for the most part householders, hard-headed men, +members of the city commissions, and councillors.</p> + +<p class="normal">To-day he was sitting at the open door, looking proudly at the opposite +house, in which some secret commotion was perceptible; he examined the +passersby, and returned with dignity the bows and greetings of the +citizens. The first acquaintance was Mr. Wenzel, a gentleman of means, +and his sponsor, who for many years had taken a constitutional every +day, summer and winter, through the meadows to get into perspiration. +It was the one steady business of his life, and he talked of little +else.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Good day, Hummel."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Good day, Wenzel. Any success to-day?" asked Mr. Hummel.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Pretty fair, only it took a long time," said Mr. Wenzel, "but I must +not stop. I only wanted to ask you how things are going with him over +the way?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Why that?" asked Hummel, annoyed.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do you not know that his book-keeper has disappeared?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"What!" exclaimed Mr. Hummel.</p> + +<p class="normal">"They say he has speculated on the stock exchange, and escaped to +America. But I must be off; good day."</p> + +<p class="normal">Mr. Wenzel hastily departed.</p> + +<p class="normal">Mr. Hummel remained in a state of great astonishment. He heard the +voice of the city-councillor calling out:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Good day, Mr. Hummel--a warm day--90 degrees in the shade. Have you +heard?" he said, pointing with his stick to the neighboring house.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Nothing," cried Hummel; "one lives in this place like in a prison. +Whether it is fire, pestilence, or the arrival of high personages, it +is only by pure accident one hears of it. What is all this about the +absconding book-keeper?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"It appears that your neighbor placed too much confidence in the man, +and he has secretly used the name of his employer in some mad +speculations, and fled last night. They say it is to the amount of +forty thousand."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then Hahn is ruined," said Hummel, "irredeemably. I am not surprised +at it; the fellow has always been impractical."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Perhaps things are not so bad," said the councillor, as he left him.</p> + +<p class="normal">Mr. Hummel remained alone with his thoughts. "Naturally." He said to +himself, "It was inevitable. In everything, high-flown--houses, +windows, and garden fancies--never any rest; the man is gone out like a +candle."</p> + +<p class="normal">He forgot the passers-by, and moved backwards and forwards on his main +walk, looking sometimes with curiosity at the hostile house. "Out like +a candle," he repeated, with the satisfaction of a tragic actor who +endeavors to give the most terrific expression to the telling words of +his <i>rôle</i>. He had vexed himself half a century about that man; before +his disposition to corpulency had begun, he had despised this man's +ways and business. This feeling had been his daily entertainment; it +was one of his daily necessities, like his boot-jack and his green +boat. Now the hour was come when fate paid off the man over the way for +having injured Mr. Hummel by his presence in life. Hummel looked at the +house and shrugged his shoulders; the man who had placed that deformed +structure before his eyes was now in danger of being driven out of it. +He looked at the temple and the muse; this toy of the poor devil would +soon be torn down by some stranger. Hummel went to the sitting-room; +there also he walked up and down, and told his wife of Mr. Hahn's +misfortune in short sentences. He observed, out of the corners of his +eyes, that Mrs. Philippine hastened, nervously, to the sofa, and +frequently clasped her hands; and that Laura rushed into the next room, +and could not refrain from bursting into tears; and he repeated, with +dreadful satisfaction, the terrible words: "He has gone out like a +candle."</p> + +<p class="normal">He behaved in the same way at the factory; he paced slowly up and down +the warehouse, looked majestically on a heap of hareskins, took one of +the finest hats out of a bandbox, held it towards the window, gave it a +stroke with the brush, and muttered again: "It's all up with him." +To-day his book-keeper, for the first time in his life, was late at his +desk: he had heard of the misfortune on his way; he related it in an +excited manner to his principal, and finally maliciously repeated the +unfortunate words: "It's all up with him." Hummel gave him a piercing +look, and snorted so that the timid heart of the clerk sank within him.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do you wish also to become manager of my business like that runaway? I +thank you for this proof of your confidence. I have no use for such +bandit-like proceedings; I am my own manager, sir, and I object to +every kind of secret dealing behind my back."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But, Mr. Hummel, I have carried on no secret dealings."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The devil thank you for that," roared out Hummel, in his fiercest +bass. "There is no more confidence on earth: nothing is firm; the +holiest relations are unscrupulously violated; one can no longer trust +one's friends; now even one's enemies make off. At night you lie down +to sleep quietly as a German, and in the morning you wake up as a +Frenchman; and if you sigh for your German coffee, your hostess brings +a dish of Parisian spinach to your bed. I should be glad to learn of +you on what spot of this earth we are now settled."</p> + +<p class="normal">"In Valley Row, Mr. Hummel."</p> + +<p class="normal">"There the last remains of our good genius spoke out. Look through the +window. What stands there?" pointing to the neighboring house.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Park Street, Mr. Hummel."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Indeed?" asked Hummel, ironically. "Since primeval times, since your +ancestors sat on the trees here nibbling beechmast, this place has been +called Valley Row. In this valley I laid the foundations of my house, +and enclosed in the wall an inscription for later excavators: 'Henry +Hummel, No. 1.' Now the machinations of yonder extinguished straw-man +have upset this truth. In spite of my protest in court, we have become +transformed into park denizens by a police ordinance. Scarcely has this +happened, when that man's book-keeper transforms himself into an +American. Do you believe that Knips, junior, this salamander, would +have ventured on this misdeed if his own principal had not set him the +example? There you have the consequences of everlasting changes and +improvements. For twenty years we have gone on together, but I believe +now you are capable of throwing up your place and entering into another +business. Bah, sir! you ought to be ashamed of your century."</p> + +<p class="normal">It was a sorrowful day for the Hahn family. The master of the house had +gone to his office in the city at the usual hour in the morning, and +had awaited his book-keeper in vain. When at last he sent to the young +man's dwelling, the porter brought back word that the former had +departed, and left a letter on his table for Mr. Hahn. Hahn read the +letter, and sank down upon his desk with sudden terror. He had always +carried on his business like an honest tradesman. He had begun with +small means, and had become a well to do man by his own energy; but he +had confided his money matters more to his clever clerk than was +prudent. The young man had grown up under his eyes, and had gradually, +by his pliant, zealous service, won full confidence, and had shortly +before been granted the right of signing the name of the firm to +financial obligations. The new manager had succumbed to the temptations +of these turbulent times and had, unknown to his principal, ventured on +rash speculations. In the letter he made open confession. He had stolen +a small sum for his flight: but Mr. Hahn would on the following day +have to meet his losses to the amount of about twenty thousand thalers. +The thunder-bolt fell from a clear heaven into the peaceful life of +the merchant. Mr. Hahn sent for his son. The doctor hastened to the +police-office, to his solicitor, and to his business friends, and +returned again to the office to comfort his father, who sat as if +paralyzed before his desk, hopelessly looking into the future.</p> + +<p class="normal">Dinner-time came, when Mr. Hahn must impart his misfortune to his wife, +and there was lamentation within the house. Mrs. Hahn went distractedly +through the rooms, and Dorothy wrung her hands and cried. In the +afternoon the Doctor again hastened to his acquaintances and to +money-lenders; but during this week there was a panic, every one +mistrusted the other. Money was scarce, and the Doctor found nothing +but sympathy, and complaints of the fearful times. The flight of the +book-keeper made even confidential friends suspicious as to the extent +of the obligations of the firm. Even by a mortgage on the house, with +the greatest sacrifice, no sufficient sum could be obtained. The danger +was more threatening every hour, the anguish greater. Towards evening +the Doctor returned home to his parents after his last fruitless +expedition. To his father he had shown a cheerful countenance, and +comforted him bravely; but the thought was incessantly present to his +mind, that this misfortune would divide him utterly from his loved one. +Now he sat weary and alone in the dark sitting-room, and looked towards +the lighted windows of the neighboring houses.</p> + +<p class="normal">He well knew that one friend would not fail his father in distress. But +the Professor was at a distance, and any help he could give would be +insufficient; at the best it would come too late. There were only a few +hours before the decisive moment. The intervening time, one of rest for +all others, was one of endless torture to his father, in which he +contemplated, with staring eyes and feverish pulse, a hundred-fold the +bitterness of the ensuing day, and the son was terrified at the effect +which the dreadful strain would have on the sensitive nature of his +father.</p> + +<p class="normal">There was a slight rustle in the dark room--a light figure stood beside +the Doctor. Laura seized his hand and held it fast within hers. She +bent down to him, and looked in his sorrowful countenance. "I have felt +the anxiety of these hours. I can no longer bear solitude," she said, +gently. "Is there, no help?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I fear, none."</p> + +<p class="normal">She stroked his curly hair with her hand.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You have chosen it as your lot to despise what others so anxiously +desire. The light of the sun, which illumines your brow, should never +be darkened by earthly cares. Be proud, Fritz; you have never had cause +to be more so than at this hour, for such a misfortune cannot rob you +of anything that is worth a pang."</p> + +<p class="normal">"My poor father!" cried Fritz.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yet your father is happy," continued Laura, "for he has brought up a +son to whom it is scarcely a sacrifice to be deprived of what appears +to other men the highest happiness. For whom had your dear parents +amassed money but for you? Now you may show them how free and great you +rise above these anxieties for perishable metal."</p> + +<p class="normal">"If I feel the misfortune of this day to my own life," said the Doctor, +"it is only for the sake of another."</p> + +<p class="normal">"If it could comfort you, my friend," exclaimed Laura, with an outburst +of feeling, "I will tell you today that I hold true to you, whatever +may happen."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Dear Laura!" cried the Doctor.</p> + +<p class="normal">Her voice sang softly in his ear like a bird:</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am glad, Fritz, that you care for me."</p> + +<p class="normal">Fritz laid his cheek tenderly on her hand.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I will endeavor not to be unworthy of you," continued Laura. "I have +long tried in secret all that I, a poor maiden, can do, to free myself +from the trivial follies that trouble our life. I have considered fully +how one can keep house with very little, and I no longer spend money on +useless dress and such rubbish. I am anxious also to earn something. I +give lessons, Fritz, and people are satisfied with me. One requires +little to live upon, I have found that out. I have no greater pleasure +in my room than the thought of making myself independent. That is what +I have wished to express briefly to you to-day. One thing more, Fritz; +if I do not see you, I always think of and care about you."</p> + +<p class="normal">Fritz stretched out his arms towards her, but she withdrew herself from +him, nodded to him once more at the door, then flew swiftly across the +street back to her attic room.</p> + +<p class="normal">There she stood in the dark with beating heart; a pale ray of light +gleamed through the window and lighted up the shepherd pair on the +inkstand, so that they seemed to hover illuminated in the air. This day +Laura did not think of her secret diary, she looked towards the window +where her loved one sat, and again tears gushed from her eyes; but she +composed herself with quick decision, fetched a light and a jug of +water from the kitchen, collected her lace collars and cuffs and soaked +them in a basin--she could do all this herself too. It was another +little saving, it might sometime be of use to Fritz.</p> + +<p class="normal">Mr. Hummel closed his office and continued to rove about. The door of +Laura's room opened, the daughter shrank within herself when she saw +her father cross the threshold solemnly, like a messenger of Fate. +Hummel moved towards his daughter and looked sharply at her weeping +eyes.</p> + +<p class="normal">"On account of him over the way, I suppose." Laura hid her face in her +hands, again her sorrow overpowered her.</p> + +<p class="normal">"There you have your little bells," he grumbled in a low tone. "There +you have your pocket-handkerchiefs and your Indians. It is all over +with the people there." He slapped her on the shoulder with his +large hand. "Be quiet. We are not responsible for his ruin; your +pocket-handkerchiefs prove nothing."</p> + +<p class="normal">It became dark; Hummel walked up and down the street between the two +houses, looking at the hostile dwelling from the park side, where it +was less accessible to him, and his broad face assumed a triumphant +smile. At last he discovered an acquaintance who was hastening out of +it, and followed him.</p> + +<p class="normal">"What is the state of the case?" he asked, seizing the arm of the +other. "Can he save himself?"</p> + +<p class="normal">His business friend shrugged his shoulders.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It cannot remain a secret," he said, and explained the situation and +danger of the adversary.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Will he be able to procure money to meet it?"</p> + +<p class="normal">The other again shrugged his shoulders.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Hardly to-morrow. Money is not to be had at any price. The man is of +course worth more; the business is good, and the house unencumbered."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The house is not worth twenty thousand," interposed Hummel.</p> + +<p class="normal">"No matter; in a sound state of the money market he would bear the blow +without danger, now I fear the worst."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have said it, he has gone out like a candle," muttered Hummel, and +abruptly turned his steps towards his house.</p> + +<p class="normal">In the Doctor's room father and son were sitting over letters and +accounts, the light of the lamp shone on the gilded titles of the books +against the wall, and the portfolios containing the treasures +industriously collected by the Doctor from all corners of the world, +and bound up and placed here in grand array--now they were again to be +dispersed. The son was endeavoring to inspire his despairing father +with courage.</p> + +<p class="normal">"If the misfortune cannot be prevented which has come upon us like a +hurricane, we must bear it like men: you can save your honor. The +greatest sorrow that I feel is that I can now be of so little use to +you, and that the advice of every man of business is of more value than +the help of your own son."</p> + +<p class="normal">The father laid his head on the table, powerless and stupefied.</p> + +<p class="normal">The door opened, and from the dark hall a strange form entered the room +with heavy steps. The Doctor sprang up and stared at the hard features +of a well-known face. Mr. Hahn uttered a shriek and rose hastily from +the sofa to leave the room.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Mr. Hummel!" exclaimed the Doctor, alarmed.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Of course," replied Hummel; "it is I, who else should it be?" He laid +a packet on the table. "Here are twenty thousand thalers in certified +City Bonds, and here is a receipt for you both to sign. To-morrow you +shall give a mortgage for it upon your house: the papers must be repaid +in kind, for I do not mean to lose by it, exchange is too bad now. The +mortgage shall run for ten years, in order that you may not think I +wish to take your house; you can pay me back when you please, the whole +at once, or by degrees. I know your business, no money can now be +obtained upon your straw; but in ten years the loss may be recovered. I +make only one condition, that no human being shall know of this loan, +least of all your wife, and my wife and daughter. For this I have good +reasons. Do not look at me as the cat looks at the king," he continued, +turning to the Doctor. "Set to work, count the bonds and note their +numbers. Make no speeches, I am not a man of sentiment, and figures of +rhetoric are no use to me. I think of my security also. The house is +scarcely worth twenty thousand thalers, but it satisfies me. If you +should wish to carry it off I should see it. You have taken care that +it should be near enough to my eyes. Now count, please, and sign the +receipt, Doctor," he said, authoritatively, pushing him down on his +chair.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Mr. Hummel," began Hahn, somewhat indistinctly, for it was difficult +for him to speak in his emotion, "I shall never forget this hour to the +end of my life." He wished to go up to him and give him his hand, but +the tears streamed from his eyes and he was obliged to cover his face +with his pocket-handkerchief.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Be seated," said Hummel, pushing him down on the sofa; "steadiness and +stoicism are always the main thing; they are better than Chinese toys. +I shall say nothing further to-day, and you must say nothing to me of +this occurrence. To-morrow everything will be made smooth before the +notary and the registrar, and interest must be punctually paid, +quarterly; for the rest, our relation to each other remains the same. +For, you see, we are not merely men, we are also business people. As a +man, I well know what are your good points, even when you complain of +me. But our houses and our business do not agree. We have been +opponents twenty years, felt against straw, with our hobbies and our +trellis-work fences. That may remain so; what is not harmonious need +not harmonise. When you call me bristles and felt, I will be coarse to +you, and I will consider you as a straw blockhead as often as I am +angry with you. But with all that, we may have, as now, private +business together; and if ever, which I hope will never happen, robbers +should plunder me, you will do for me as much as you can. This I know +and have always known, and therefore I am come to you to-day."</p> + +<p class="normal">Hahn gave him a look of warm gratitude, and again raised his +pocket-handkerchief.</p> + +<p class="normal">Hummel laid his hand heavily upon his head, as with a little child and +said, gently, "You are a visionary, Hahn. The doctor is ready now; +sign, and do not either of you take this misfortune too much to +heart. There," he continued, strewing sand over the paper carefully, +"to-morrow, about nine o'clock, I will send my solicitor to your +office. Stay where you are; the staircase is badly lighted, but I shall +find my way. Good night."</p> + +<p class="normal">He entered the street, and looked contemptuously at the hostile walls. +"No mortgage?" he muttered. "H. Hummel, first and last, twenty +thousand;" At home he vouchsafed some comforting words to his ladies. +"I have heard that the people there will be able to pull through, so I +forbid further lamenting. If ever, in conformity with miserable +fashion, you should need a straw hat, you may take your money rather to +the Hahns than to others; I give my permission."</p> + +<p class="normal">Some days after Fritz Hahn entered the small office of Mr. Hummel. The +latter motioned to his bookkeeper to withdraw, and began, coolly, from +his arm chair, "What do you bring me, Doctor?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"My father feels it a duty to meet the great confidence that you have +shown him, by giving you an insight into the state of his business, and +begs you to assist him in his arrangements. He is of opinion, that +until this disastrous affair has passed over, he should do nothing +important without your assent."</p> + +<p class="normal">Hummel laughed. "What! I am to give advice, and that too, in the +management of your business? You would put me in a position that is +preposterous, and one against which I protest."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor silently placed before him a statement of assets and +liabilities.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You are a sharp customer," cried Hummel, "but for an old fox this trap +is not cunningly enough laid." With that he looked at the credit and +debit, and took a pencil in his hand. "Here I find among the assets +five hundred thalers for books that are to be sold. I did not know that +your father had this hobby also."</p> + +<p class="normal">"They are my books, Mr. Hummel. I have of late years spent more money +upon these than was absolutely necessary for my work. I am determined +to sell what I can do without; a book-dealer has already offered to pay +this sum in two instalments."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The sheriff is never allowed to levy on instruments of trade," said +Hummel, making a stroke through that entry in the ledger. "I believe, +indeed, that they are unreadable stuff, but the world has many dark +corners; and as you have a fancy to be an anomalous dick among your +fellows, you shall remain in your hole." He regarded the Doctor with an +ironical twinkle in his eye. "Have you nothing further to say? I do not +mean with reference to your father's business, I have nothing further +to do with that, but upon another subject, which you yourself seem to +carry on; from your movements of late you evidently wish to associate +yourself with my daughter Laura?"</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor colored. "I should have chosen another day for the +declaration which you now demand of me. But it is my anxious wish to +come to an understanding with you concerning it. I have long +entertained a secret hope that time would lessen your aversion to me."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Time?" interrupted Hummel; "that's absurd."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Now by the noble assistance which you have extended to my father, I am +placed in a position towards you which is so painful to me that I must +beg of you not to refuse me your sympathy. With strenuous exertion and +fortunate circumstances it would now be years before I could acquire a +position to maintain a wife."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Starving trade," interposed Mr. Hummel, in a grumbling tone.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I love your daughter and I cannot sacrifice this feeling. But I have +lost the prospect of offering her a future which could in some measure +answer to what she is entitled to expect; and the helping hand which +you have extended to my father makes me so dependent on you that I must +avoid what would excite your displeasure. Therefore I see a desolate +future before me."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Exactly as I prophesied," replied Mr. Hummel, "wretched and weak."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor drew back, but at the same time he laid his hand on his +neighbor's arm. "This manner of language will serve you no longer, Mr. +Hummel," said he smiling.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Noble, but abject," repeated Hummel with satisfaction. "You should be +ashamed, sir; do you pretend to be a lover? You wish to know how to +please my daughter Laura, such an evasive, forlorn specimen as you? +Will you regulate your feelings according to my mortgage? If you are in +love, I expect that you should conduct yourself like a rampant lion, +jealous and fierce. Bah, sir! you are a beautiful Adonis to me, or +whatever else that fellow Nicodemus was called."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Mr. Hummel, I ask for your daughter's hand," cried the Doctor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I refuse it you," cried Hummel. "You mistake my words. I do not think +of throwing my daughter into this bargain also. But you must not +misunderstand my refusal to give you my daughter; your duty is to +pursue her more fiercely than ever. You must attack me, and force +yourself into my house; in return for which I reserve to myself the +right to show you the way out. But I have always said it, you are +wanting in courage."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Mr. Hummel," replied the Doctor, with dignity, "allow me to remark +that you should no longer be on the offensive with me."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Why not?" asked Hummel.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor pointed to the papers.</p> + +<p class="normal">"What has happened in this matter makes it difficult for me to use +strong language to you. It can be no pleasure to you to attack one who +cannot defend himself."</p> + +<p class="normal">"These pretentions are really ridiculous," replied Hummel. "Because I +have given you my money must I cease to treat you as you deserve? +Because you, perhaps, are not disinclined to marry my daughter, am I to +stroke you with a velvet brush? Did one ever hear such nonsense?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"You mistake," continued the Doctor, civilly, "if you think that I am +not in a position to answer what you say. I therefore do myself the +honor of remarking to you that your mockery is so wounding that even +the kindness you have shown loses its value."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Have done with your kindness--it was only kindness from revenge."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then I will as honestly tell you," continued the Doctor, "that it was +a very bitter hour to me when you entered our house. I knew how +oppressive the obligation which you then conferred upon us would be for +the rest of my life. But I looked at my poor father, and the thought of +his misery closed my mouth. For my own part, I would rather have begged +my bread than taken your money."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Go on," cried Hummel.</p> + +<p class="normal">"What you have done for my father does not give you a right to +ill-treat me. This conversation strengthens me in the conviction that I +have had from the outset, that we must exert ourselves to the utmost to +repay you the money we have received, as soon as possible. You have +crossed out the item in which I credited my books, but I shall sell +them."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Nonsense!" exclaimed Hummel.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I shall do it, however insignificant the sum may be in comparison with +our debt, because the tyranny which you wish to exercise over me +threatens to become insupportable. I at least will not be indebted to +you in this way."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yet you wish it in another way that suits you better."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes," replied the Doctor. "As you have so contemptuously rejected the +greatest sacrifice I could make, I shall continue to woo your daughter, +even against your will. I shall endeavor to speak to her whenever I +can, and to make myself as acceptable to her as is possible in my +position. You yourself have shown me this way. You will therefore be +satisfied if I enter upon it, and if you are not, I shall pay no regard +to your displeasure."</p> + +<p class="normal">"At last," cried Hummel, "it all comes to light I see now that you have +some fire in you; therefore we will talk quietly over this business. +You are not the husband whom I could have wished for my daughter. I +have kept you away from my house, but it has been of no use, for a +cursed sentiment has arisen between you; I therefore intend now to +carry on the affair differently. I shall not object to you coming to my +house sometimes. I depend upon your doing it with discretion. I will +ignore your presence, and my daughter shall have an opportunity of +seeing how you compare with the four walls. We will both await the +result."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I do not agree to this proposal," replied the Doctor. "I do not expect +that you should give me your daughter's hand now, and I only accept the +entrance into your family on condition that you yourself will treat me +as becomes a guest in your house, and that you will perform the duties +of a friendly host. I cannot suffer that you should speak to me in the +way you have done in our conversation to-day. Any insult, either by +words or by neglect, I will not bear from you. I am not only desirous +to please your daughter, but also to be agreeable to yourself. For that +I demand opportunity. If you do not agree to this condition, I prefer +not to come at all."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Humboldt, do not undertake too much at once," replied Mr. Hummel, +shaking his head, "for you see I esteem you, but I really do not like +you. Therefore I will consider how far I can make myself pleasant to +you; I assure you it will be hard work. Meanwhile, take these papers +with you. Your father has bought the lesson, that he should himself +look after his own money affairs. For the rest, matters are not in a +bad state, and he will be able to help himself out of it; you do not +need either me or another. Good morning, Doctor."</p> + +<p class="normal">The doctor took the papers under his arm.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I beg you to shake hands, Mr. Hummel."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Not so hastily," replied Hummel.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am sorry for it," said the Doctor, smiling, "but I cannot be denied +to-day."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Only from innate politeness," rejoined Hummel, "not from good will."</p> + +<p class="normal">He held out his large hand to him.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Keep your books," he cried out, to the departing visitor. "I can see +through that scheme, you will buy them again, and then I shall have to +pay for them anyhow."</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>CHAPTER XXXII</i>.</h2> + +<h3>A CHAPTER FROM TACITUS.</h3> + +<p class="normal">Tobias Bachhuber! when your sponsors concluded that you should be +called Tobias they did bad service to you and your descendants. For he +who bears that name is by fate subjected to experiences that do not +fall to the lot of more favorably named men. Who ever passed so +miserable a honey-moon as Tobias the younger, the poor son of the blind +man? For was he not obliged to fast, and to struggle with a murderous +spirit just at a time when a spiritual struggle would be highly +disagreeable to any mortal? Even you, blessed Bachhuber, have bitterly +experienced the misfortune of your name. Whether the fatal war with +Sweden may have arisen because the Swedes hankered after your +manuscript, will not be discussed here; it is to be hoped that new +historical investigations may yet bring this secret motive of action to +light. But it cannot be denied that you yourself suffered lamentably in +the war, and the curse of your name still clings to the treasure which +you concealed. All who have anything to do with it have their eyes +blinded, and an evil spirit destroys their hopes.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor also was tormented with this blindness, and troubled by +the demon. He had found nothing. Many would have been weary and given +it up, but his eagerness only increased, for he did not, by any means, +search heedlessly; he knew very well that the discovery depended on a +long chain of accidents which were beyond all calculation. But he +wished to do all in his power; his task was to give assurance to the +learned of the world that the archives, collections, and inventories of +the Sovereign had been thoroughly examined. This certainty at least he +could obtain better than any one else, and he would thus do his duty +both to the Sovereign and to Learning. But his impatience became more +eager, and the cheerful excitement he felt at first increased to +uncomfortable agitation; constant disappointment disturbed his daily +frame of mind. He often sat lost in thought, nay, he was always +speaking of the treasure, and Ilse could not please him; her objections +and even her consolation wounded him, for he was very much vexed that +she did not partake of his zeal. He knew accurately what would be the +appearance of the manuscript--a large, thick quarto, very old +characters, perhaps of the sixth century, much faded, and many leaves +half destroyed, for he could not conceal from himself that the +mischievous spirit of the times, water and the rats, might have made +havoc with it.</p> + +<p class="normal">One day the Professor entered the Princess's study with heightened +color.</p> + +<p class="normal">"At last I can bring you a good report. In a small bundle of deeds in +the Marshal's office, which had hitherto unaccountably escaped me, I +have found a lost entry on a single sheet. The chests which the +official at Bielstein sent in the beginning of the last century to the +vanished castle are briefly designated as numbers one and two, with a +remark that they contained besides old cross-bows, arrows, &c., +manuscripts of the monastery of Rossau. Thus, there were two chests +with manuscripts of the monastery in them."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Princess looked with curiosity at the sheet which he laid before +her.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It was high time that this account should come to light," continued +the Professor, gaily; "for I confess to your Highness that the phantom +pursued me day and night. This is a valuable confirmation that I am on +the right path."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes," cried the Princess, "I am convinced we shall find the treasure. +If I could but help you a little. If it could be obtained by magic, I +would gladly put on my magic girdle and call upon Lady Hecate. +Unfortunately this mode of calling spirits to one's aid is out of date, +and it is difficult to learn the secret art by which learned gentlemen +unearth their treasures."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I also am now little better than a wretched exorcist," answered the +Professor. "It would be a bad recommendation for me if your Highness +were to judge of my work by what I have achieved here in stirring up +the old dust. One is delighted and disappointed, like a child. It is +fortunate that fate does not often tease us book-writers with such +tricks; what we do for the benefit of others does not depend upon +accidental discoveries."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I can form an idea of the seriousness of the work which I do not see," +exclaimed the Princess. "Your kindness has opened at least an aperture +through which I can look into the workshop of creative minds. I can +understand that the labor of learned men must have an irresistible +attraction for those who belong to that silent community. I envy the +women whose happiness it is to live their whole lives within the sphere +of such occupations."</p> + +<p class="normal">"We are bold conquerors at the writing-table," answered the Professor; +"but the incongruity between our inward freedom and outward +helplessness is often felt by the conqueror and those about him. They +who really pass their lives with us may easily fathom us, and can with +difficulty bear our one-sidedness. For, your Highness, learned men +themselves are like the books they write. In general we are badly +prepared for the whirl of business, and sometimes helpless in the +manifold activity of our time. We are true friends to men in those +hours in which they seek new strength for the struggle of life, but in +the struggle itself we are generally unskilful assistants."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Are you thinking of yourself in speaking thus?" asked the Princess, +quickly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I had in my mind a picture of the combined traits of many of my +fellow-workers, but if your Highness inquires, about myself, I also am +in this respect a regular man of learning. For I have often had +opportunity of remarking how imperfect is my judgment on all questions +in which my learning or my moral feeling do not give me assurance."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I do not like that, Mr. Werner," cried the Princess, leaning gravely +back in her arm-chair. "My fancy took its highest flight; I sat as +sovereign of the world, prepared to make my people happy, and I made +you my minister of state."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Your confidence gives me pleasure," replied the Professor; "but if +your Highness should ever be in the position to seek for an assistant +in government, I could not accept this dignity with a good conscience +unless your Highness's subjects had all been passed through the +bookbinder's press, and wore little coats of pasteboard, and had on +their backs labels that told the contents of each."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Princess laughed, but her eyes rested with deep feeling on the +honest countenance of the man. She rose and approached him.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You are always true, open, and high-minded."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Thanks for your judgment," replied the Professor, much pleased. "Even +your Highness treats me like a spirit that dwells in a book; you praise +me as openly as if I did not understand the words that you speak. I beg +permission to convey to your Highness my feelings also in a review."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What I am like, I do not wish to hear from you," exclaimed the +Princess; "for you would, in spite of the harmlessness which you boast +of, end by reading me as plainly as if I had a morocco-covered back and +gilt edges. But I am serious when I praise you. Yes, Mr. Werner, since +you have been with us I have attained to a better understanding of the +value of life. You do not know what an advantage it is for me to have +intercourse with a mind which, undisturbed by the little trifles around +it, only serves its high goddess of Truth. The turmoil of daily life +bears hard upon us, and perplexes us; those by whom I am surrounded, +even the best of them, all think and care about themselves, and make +convenient compacts between their feeling of duty and their egotism. +But in you I perceive unselfishness and the incessant devotion of +yourself to the highest labor of man. There is something great and +lofty in this that overpowers me with admiration. I feel the worth of +such an existence, like a new light that penetrates my soul. Never have +I known any one about me so inspired with heaven in his breast. That is +my review of you, Professor Werner; it is, perhaps, not well written, +but it comes from my heart."</p> + +<p class="normal">The eyes of the learned man shone as he looked at the enthusiastic +countenance of the princely child, but he was silent. There was a long +pause. The Princess turned away, and bent over her books. At last she +began, with gentle voice:</p> + +<p class="normal">"You are going to your daily work, I will do so also. Before you leave +me, I beg of you to be my instructor: I have marked a place in the work +no art that you had the kindness to bring from the library, which I +could not quite understand."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor took the open book from her hand, and laughed.</p> + +<p class="normal">"This is the theory of quite a different art; it is not the right +book."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Princess read, "How to make blanc-mange." She opened the title +page: "Common-sense cook-book of an old Nuremberg cook." She turned the +book round with astonishment; it was the same simple binding.</p> + +<p class="normal">"How does this come here?" she exclaimed, with vexation, and rang for +her maid.</p> + +<p class="normal">"No one has been here," said the latter, "except the Princes, a short +time ago."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Ah!" exclaimed the Princess, depressed. "Then there is no hope. We are +now under the dominion of a mischievous spirit, and must wait till our +book returns. Farewell, Mr. Werner; if the mischievous spirit restores +me the book I shall call you back."</p> + +<p class="normal">When the Professor had taken leave, the maid came back alarmed and +brought the lost Archæology in a sad condition. The book was in the +cage of the monkey. Giocco had studied it industriously, and was +furious when the volume was taken away from him.</p> + +<p class="normal">At the same hour the Chamberlain was standing before the Sovereign.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Your friends from the University have domesticated themselves with us; +I take for granted that you have done your best to make our city +agreeable to them."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Professor Werner appears well contented," replied the Chamberlain, +with reserve.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Has your sister Malwine made the acquaintance of the Professor's +wife?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Unfortunately my sister has been obliged to nurse a sick aunt in the +country."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is a pity," replied the Sovereign; "she may have reason to regret +this accident. Some time ago you expressed your opinion that some +practical occupation would be beneficial to the Hereditary Prince; I +have considered the matter. It will be necessary to find the means of a +temporary residence in the district of Rossau. The old forester's lodge +will not be ill adapted to it. I have determined by additional building +to change the house into a habitable residence. The Hereditary Prince +must be on the spot to plan the building according to his wishes, and +you will accompany him. The architect has orders to draw the plans +according to the Prince's directions. I only wish to speak to him about +the proposed estimate. Meanwhile the Hereditary Prince will occupy the +rooms that are reserved for me in the forester's lodge. But as the +building will not take up his whole time, he may employ his leisure in +obtaining an insight into our agricultural methods, at the farm +of the adjoining proprietor. He should learn about field-work and +book-keeping. The year is already far advanced, which makes a speedy +departure advisable. I hope this arrangement will meet a wish that you +have long entertained. The beautiful country and the quiet wood will be +a refreshment to you after your winterwork."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Chamberlain bowed dismayed before his master, who so graciously +pronounced his banishment from Court. He hastened to the Hereditary +Prince and related the bad tidings.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is exile!" he exclaimed, beside himself.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Make your preparations speedily," replied the Hereditary Prince +quietly. "I am prepared to go at once."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Hereditary Prince went to his father.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I will do what you command, and make every effort to please you. If +you, as a father, consider this residence in a distant place useful, I +feel that you understand better than I what will be beneficial for my +future. But," he continued, with hesitation, "I cannot go from here +without making a request which I have much at heart."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Speak, Benno," said the Sovereign, graciously.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I beg of you to permit the Professor and his wife to depart as quickly +as possible from the neighborhood of the Court."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Why so?" asked the Sovereign sharply.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Their residence here is hurtful to Mrs. Werner. Her reputation is +endangered by the unusual position in which she is placed. I owe him +and her great gratitude; their happiness is a matter of concern to me, +and I am tormented by the thought that their stay in our parts +threatens to disturb the peace of their life."</p> + +<p class="normal">"And why does your gratitude fear a disturbance of the happiness that +is so dear to you?" asked the Sovereign.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is said that the Pavillion is a fateful residence for an honorable +woman," replied the Hereditary Prince, decidedly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"If what you call honor is endangered by her dwelling there, then that +virtue is easily lost," said the Sovereign, bitterly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is not the dwelling alone," continued the Hereditary Prince; "the +ladies of the Court have been quite reserved in their conduct toward +her; she is ill spoken of: gossip and calumny are busy in fabricating a +false representation of her innocent life."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I hear with astonishment," said the Sovereign, "the lively interest +you take in the stranger; yet, if I am rightly informed, you yourself +during this time have shown her little chivalrous attention."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have not done so," exclaimed the Hereditary Prince, "because I have +felt myself bound to avoid, at least so far as I was concerned, any +conduct that might injure her. I saw the jeering looks of our gentlemen +when she arrived; I heard their derogatory words about the new beauty +who was shut up in that house, and my heart beat with shame and anger. +Therefore I have painfully controlled myself; I have feigned +indifference before those about me, and I have been cold in my demeanor +towards her; but, my father, it has been a hard task to me, and I have +felt deep and bitter anxiety in the past few weeks; for the happiest +hours of my life at college were passed in her society."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign had turned away; he now showed his son a smiling +countenance.</p> + +<p class="normal">"So that was the reason of your reserve. I had forgotten that you had +reached the age of tender susceptibility and were inclined to expend +more emotion and sentiment on your relations to women than is good for +you. Yet I could envy you this. Unfortunately, life does not long +retain its sensitive feelings." He approached the Prince, and +continued, good-humoredly: "I do not deny, Benno, that in your interest +I regarded the arrival of our visitors differently. For a prince of +your nature there is perhaps nothing so fraught with culture as the +tender feeling for a woman who makes no demands on the external life of +her friend, and yet gives him all the charm of an intimate union of +soul. Love affairs with ladies of the Court or with assuming intrigants +would be dangerous for you; you must be on your guard that the woman to +whom you devote yourself will not trifle with you and selfishly make +use of you for her own ends. From all that I knew, your connection with +the lady in the Pavilion was just what would be advantageous for your +future life. From reasons of which I have full appreciation, you have +avoided accepting this idyllic relation. You yourself have not chosen +what I, with the best intentions, prepared for you; it seems to me, +therefore, that you have lost the right in this affair to express any +wishes whatever."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Father," exclaimed the Hereditary Prince, horrified, and wringing his +hands, "your saying this to me is indeed unkind. I had a dark +foreboding that the invitation to them had some secret object in view. +I have struggled with this suspicion, and blamed myself for it; now I +am dismayed with the thought that I myself am the innocent cause of +this misfortune to these good people. Your words give me the right to +repeat my request: let them go as soon as possible, or you will make +your son miserable."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I perceive an entirely new phase of your character," replied the +Sovereign; "and I am thankful to you for the insight that you have at +last accorded me into your silent nature. You are either a fantastical +dreamer, or you have a talent for diplomacy that I have never +attributed to you."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have never been other than candid to you," exclaimed the Hereditary +Prince.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Shall the lady return to her home at Bielstein to be saved?" asked the +Sovereign mockingly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"No," replied the Hereditary Prince, in a low tone.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Your demand scarcely deserves an answer," continued the father. "The +strangers have been called here for a certain time. The husband is not +in my service. I am neither in a position to send them away, as they +have given me no reason for dissatisfaction, nor to keep them here +against their will."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Forgive me, my father," exclaimed the Hereditary Prince. "You have +yourself, by the gracious attention which you daily show to the wife, +by your civil gifts and frequent visits, occasioned the Court to think +that you take a special personal interest in her."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Is the Court so busy in reporting to you what I, through the +unbecoming conduct of others, have thought fit to do?" asked the +Sovereign.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Little is reported to me of what those about us say, and be assured +that I do not lend a ready ear to their conjectures; but it is +inevitable that I sometimes must hear what occupies them all and makes +them all indignant. They venture to maintain even, that every one who +does not show her attention is in disgrace with you; and they think +that they show special firmness of character and respectability in +refusing to be civil to her. You, as well as she, are threatened with +calumny. Forgive me, my father, for being thus frank. You yourself have +by your favor brought the lady into this dangerous position, and +therefore it lies with you to deliver her from it."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The Court always becomes virtuous when its master selects for +distinction a lady who does not belong to their circle; and you will +soon learn the value of such strict morals," replied the Sovereign. "It +must be a strong sentiment, Benno, which drives your timid nature to +the utmost limits of the freedom of speech that is allowable from a son +to a father."</p> + +<p class="normal">The pale face of the Hereditary Prince colored.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, my father," he cried, "hear what to every other ear will remain a +secret; I love that lady with fervent and devoted heart. I would with +pleasure make the greatest sacrifice in my power for her. I have felt +the power that the beauty and innocence of a woman can exercise on a +man. More than once have I strengthened myself by contact with her pure +spirit. I was happy when near her, and unhappy when I could not look +into her eyes. For a whole year I have thought in secret of her, and in +this sorrowful feeling I have grown to be a man. That I have now +courage to speak thus to you, I owe to the influence which she has +exercised upon me. I know, my father, how unhappy such a passion makes +one; I know the misery of being for ever deprived of the woman one +loves. The thought of the peace of her pure soul alone has sustained me +in hours of bitterness. Now you know all. I have confided my secret to +you and I beg of you, my Sovereign and father, to receive this +confidence with indulgence. If you have hitherto cared for my welfare, +now is the time when you can show me the highest proof of our +sincerity. Honor the woman who is loved by your unhappy son."</p> + +<p class="normal">The countenance of the Sovereign had changed while his son was +speaking, and the latter was terrified at its menacing expression.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Seek, for your tale, the ear of some knight-errant who eagerly drinks +the water into which a tear of his lady-love has dropped."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, I seek your knightly help, my liege and Sovereign," cried the +Hereditary Prince, beside himself. "I conjure you, do not let me +implore you in vain. I call upon you, as the head of our illustrious +house, and as a member of the order whose device we both wear, to do a +service to me and for her. Do not refuse her your support in her +danger."</p> + +<p class="normal">"We are not attending a mediæval ceremony," replied the Sovereign, +coldly, "and your speech does not accord with the tone of practical +life. I have not desired your confidence--you have thrust it upon me in +too bold a manner. Do not wonder that your father is angry with your +presumptuous speech, and that your Sovereign dismisses you with +displeasure."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Hereditary Prince turned pale and stepped back.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The anger of my father and the displeasure of my Sovereign are +misfortunes which I feel deeply; but still more fearful to me is the +thought, that here at Court an injury is done to an innocent person--an +injury in which I must have a share. However heavily your anger may +fall upon me, yet I must tell you that you have exposed the lady to +misrepresentation, and as long as I stand before you I will repeat it, +and not desist from my request to remove her from here, for the sake of +her honor and ours."</p> + +<p class="normal">"As your words flutter ceaselessly about the same empty phantom," +replied the Sovereign, "it is time to put an end to this conversation. +You will depart at once, and leave it to time to enable me to forget, +if I ever can do so, what I have heard from you to-day. Till then you +may reflect in solitude on your folly, in wishing to play the part of +guardian to strangers who are quite in a position to take care of +themselves."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Hereditary Prince bowed.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Has my most Sovereign liege any commands for me?" he asked, with +trembling lips.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign replied sullenly:</p> + +<p class="normal">"It only remains to you how to excite the ill-will of the strangers +against your father."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Your Highness knows that such conduct would not become me."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign waved his hand, and his son departed with a silent bow.</p> + +<p class="normal">Immediately upon quitting the apartment of the father, the Prince +ordered his carriage, and then hastened to his sister. The Princess +looked anxiously into his disturbed countenance.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You are going away?" she exclaimed.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Farewell!" he said, holding out his hand to her. "I am going into the +country to build a new castle for us in case we should wish to change +the scene of action."</p> + +<p class="normal">"When do you return, Benno?"</p> + +<p class="normal">The Hereditary Prince shrugged his shoulders.</p> + +<p class="normal">"When the Sovereign commands. My task is now to become something of an +architect and farmer; this is a useful occupation. Farewell, Sidonie. +If chance should bring you together with Mrs. Werner, I would be +greatly indebted to you if you would not attend to the gossip of the +Court, but remember that she is a worthy lady, and that I owe her a +great debt of gratitude."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Are you dissatisfied with me, my brother?" asked the Princess, +anxiously.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Make reparation for it, Siddy, as best you can. Farewell!"</p> + +<p class="normal">Prince Victor accompanied him to the carriage. The Hereditary Prince +clasped his hand, and looked significantly towards the Pavilion. Victor +nodded. "That's my opinion too," he said. "Before I go back to my +garrison I will visit you in the land of cat-tails. I expect to find +you as a brother hermit, with a long beard and a cap made of tree-bark. +Farewell, Knight Toggenburg, and learn there that the best philosophy +on earth is to consider every day as lost on which one cannot do some +foolish trick. If one does not do this business one's self, others will +take the trouble off one's hands. It is always more pleasant to be the +hammer than the anvil."</p> + +<hr class="W10"> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign was gloomy and silent at dinner; only short remarks fell +from his lips, and sometimes a bitter jest, from which one remarked +that he was striving for composure; the Court understood that this +unpleasant mood was connected with the departure of the Hereditary +Prince, and every one took care not to irritate him. The Professor +alone was able to draw a smile from him, when he good-humoredly told +about the enchanted castle, Solitude. After dinner the Sovereign +conversed with one of his aides-de-camp as well as the Professor. The +latter turned to the High Steward; and although he usually avoided the +reserved politeness of the man, he on this occasion asked him some +indifferent questions. The High Steward answered civilly that the +Marshal, who was close by, could give him the best information, and he +changed his place. Immediately afterwards the Sovereign walked straight +through the company to the High Steward, and drew him into the recess +of the window, and began:</p> + +<p class="normal">"You accompanied me on my first journey to Italy, and, if I am not +mistaken, partook a little of my fondness for antiquities. Our +collection is being newly arranged and a catalogue fully prepared."</p> + +<p class="normal">The High Steward expressed his acknowledgment of this princely +liberality.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Professor Werner is very active," continued the Sovereign; "it is +delightful to see how well he understands to arrange the specimens."</p> + +<p class="normal">The High Steward remained silent.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Your Excellency will remember how when in Italy we were much amused at +the enthusiasm of collectors who, luring strangers into their cabinets, +wildly gesticulated and rhapsodized over some illegible inscription. +Like most other men, our guest is also afflicted with a hobby. He +suspected that an old manuscript lay concealed in a house in our +principality; therefore he married the daughter of the proprietor; and +as, in spite of that, he did not find the treasure, he is now secretly +seeking this phantasm in the old garrets of the palace. Has he never +spoken to you of it?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have as yet had no occasion to seek his confidence," replied the +High Steward.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then you have missed something," continued the Sovereign; "in his way +he speaks well and readily about it; it will amuse you to examine more +closely this species of folly. Come presently with him into my study."</p> + +<p class="normal">The High Steward bowed; and on the breaking up of the party, informed +the Professor that the Sovereign wished to speak to him.</p> + +<p class="normal">The gentlemen entered the Sovereign's apartment, in order to afford him +an hour of entertainment.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have told his Excellency," the Sovereign began, "that you have a +special object of interest which you pursue like a sportsman. How about +the manuscript?"</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor related his new discovery of the two chests.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The next hunting-ground which I hope to try will be the garrets and +rooms in the summer castle of the Princess; if these yield me no booty, +I would hardly know of any place that has not been searched."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I shall be delighted if you soon attain your object," said the +Sovereign, looking at the High Steward. "I assume that the discovery of +this manuscript will be of great importance for your own professional +career. Of course you will consent to publish the same."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It would be the noblest task that could fall to my lot," replied the +Professor, "always supposing that your Highness would graciously +entrust the work to me."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You shall undertake the work, and no other," replied the Sovereign, +laughing, "so far as I have the right to decide it. So the invisible +book will be really of great importance to learning?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"The greatest importance. The contents of it will be of the highest +value to every scholar. I think it would also interest your Highness," +said the Professor, innocently, "for the Roman Tacitus is in a certain +sense a Court historian; the main point of his narrative is the +characters of the Emperors who, in the first century of our era, +decided the fate of the old world. It is indeed, on the whole, a +sorrowful picture."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Did he belong to the hostile party?" inquired the Sovereign.</p> + +<p class="normal">"He is the great narrator of the peculiar deformity of character found +in the sovereigns of the ancient world; we have to thank him for a +series of psychological studies of a malady that then developed itself +on the throne."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is new to me," replied the Sovereign, fidgeting on his chair.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Your Highness will, I am convinced, view the various forms of this +mental malady with the greatest sympathy, and will find in other +periods of the past--nay, even in the earlier civilization of our own +people--many remarkable parallel cases."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do you speak of a special malady that only befalls rulers?" asked the +Sovereign; "physicians will be grateful to you for this discovery."</p> + +<p class="normal">"In fact," answered the Professor, eagerly, "the fearful importance of +this phenomenon is far too little estimated; no other has exercised +such an immeasurable influence on the fate of nations. The destruction +by pestilence and war is small in comparison with the fatal devastation +of nations which has been occasioned by this special misfortune of the +rulers. For this malady, which raged long after Tacitus among the Roman +emperors, is not an ailing that is confined to ancient Rome--it is +undoubtedly as old as the despotisms of the human race; even later it +has been the lot of numerous rulers in Christian states; it has +produced deformed and grotesque characters in every period; it has been +for thousands of years the worm enclosed in the brain, consuming the +marrow of the head, destroying the judgment and corroding the moral +feelings, until at last nothing remained but the hollow glitter of +life. Sometimes it became madness which could be proved by medical men, +but in numerous other cases the capacity for practical life did not +cease and the secret mischief was carefully concealed. There were +periods when only occasional firmly-established minds preserved their +full healthy vigor; and again other centuries when the heads that wore +a diadem inhaled a fresh atmosphere from the people. I am convinced +that he whose vocation it is to investigate accurately the conditions +of later times will, in the course of his studies, discover the same +malady under a milder form. My life lies far from these observations, +but the Roman state undoubtedly shows the strangest forms of the +malady; for there were the widest relations, and such a powerful +development of human nature both in virtue and vice as has seldom since +been found in history."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It seems to be a particular pleasure to the learned gentlemen to bring +to light these sufferings of former rulers," said the Sovereign.</p> + +<p class="normal">"They are certainly instructive for all times," continued the +Professor, confidently, "for by fearful example they impress upon one +the truth that the higher a man's position is, the greater is the +necessity of barriers to restrain the arbitrariness of his nature. Your +Highness's independent judgment and rich experience will enable you to +discern, more distinctly than any one in my sphere of life, that the +phenomena of this malady always show themselves where the ruling powers +have less to fear and to honor than other mortals. What preserves a man +in ordinary situations is that he feels himself at every moment of his +life under strict and incessant control; his friends, the law, and the +interest of others surround him on all sides, they demand imperiously +that he should conform his thoughts and will by rules which secure the +welfare of others. At all times the power of these fetters is less +effective on the ruler; he can easily cast off what confines him, an +ungracious movement of the hand frightens the monitor forever from his +side. From morning to evening he is surrounded by persons who +accommodate themselves to him; no friend reminds him of his duty, no +law punishes him. Hundreds of examples teach us that former rulers, +even amidst great outward success, suffered from inward ravages, where +they were not guarded by a strong public opinion, or incessantly +constrained by the powerful participation of the people in the state. +We cannot but think of the gigantic power of a general and conqueror +whose successes and victories brought devastation and excessive sin +into his own life; he became a fearful sham, a liar to himself and a +liar to the world before he was overthrown, and long before he died. To +investigate similar cases is, as I said, not my vocation."</p> + +<p class="normal">"No," said the Sovereign, in a faint voice.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The distant time," began the High Steward, "of which you speak, was a +sad epoch for the people as well as the rulers. If I am not mistaken a +feeling of decay was general, and the admired writers were of little +value; at least it appears to me that Apuleius and Lucan were frivolous +and deplorably vulgar men."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor looked surprised at the courtier.</p> + +<p class="normal">"In my youth such authors were much read," he continued. "I do not +blame the better ones of that period, when they turned away with +disgust at such doings, and withdrew into the most retired private +life, or into the Theban wilderness. Therefore when you speak of a +malady of the Roman emperors, I might retort that it was only the +result of the monstrous malady of the people; although I see quite well +that during this corruption individuals accomplished a great advance in +the human race, the freeing the people from the exclusiveness of +nationality to the unity of culture, and the new ideal which was +brought upon earth by Christianity."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Undoubtedly the form of the state, and the style of culture which each +individual emperor found, were decisive for his life. Every one is, in +this sense, the child of his own time, and when it is a question of +judging the measure of his guilt, it is fitting to weigh cautiously +such considerations. But what I had the honor of pointing out to his +Highness as the special merit of Tacitus, is only the masterly way with +which he describes the peculiar symptoms and course of the Cæsarean +insanity."</p> + +<p class="normal">"They were all mad," interrupted the Sovereign, with a hoarse voice.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Pardon, gracious Sir," rejoined the Professor, innocently. "Augustus +became a better man on the throne, and almost a century after the time +of Tacitus there were good and moderate rulers. But something of the +curse which unlimited power exercises on the soul may be discovered in +most of the Roman emperors. In the better ones it was like a malady +which seldom showed itself, but was restrained by good sense or a good +disposition. Many of them indeed were utterly corrupted, and in them +the malady developed in definite gradation, the law of which one can +easily understand."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then you also know how these people were at heart!" said the +Sovereign, looking shyly at the Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">The High Steward retreated towards a window.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is not difficult in general to follow the course of the malady," +replied the Professor, engrossed with his subject. "The first accession +to power has an elevating tendency. The highest earthly vocation raises +even narrow-minded men like Claudius; depraved villians like Caligula, +Nero, and Domitian, showed a certain nobleness at first. There is an +eager desire to please, and strenuous exertion to establish themselves +by graciousness; a fear of influential persons or of the opposition of +the masses compels a certain moderation. But arbitrary power has made +men slaves, and the slavish feeling shows itself in an abject +veneration which puts the emperor on a pinnacle above other men; he is +treated as if specially favored by the gods, nay, as if his soul was an +emanation of godly power. Amid this adoration by all, and the security +of power, egotism soon increases. The accidental demands of an +unrestrained will become reckless, the soul gradually loses the power +of distinguishing between good and evil; his personal wishes appear to +the ruler henceforth as the necessity of the state, and every whim of +the moment must be satisfied. Distrust of all who are independent leads +to senseless suspicion; he who will not be pliant is set aside as an +enemy, and he who adapts himself with suppleness is sure to exercise a +mastery over his master. Family bonds are severed, the nearest +relations are watched as secret enemies, the deceptive show of hearty +confidence is maintained, but suddenly some evil deed breaks through +the veil that hypocrisy has drawn over a hollow existence."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign slowly drew back his chair from the fire into the dark.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The idea of the Roman state at last entirely vanishes from the soul, +only personal dependence is required; true devotion to the state +becomes a crime. This helplessness, and the cessation of the power of +judging of the worth--nay, even of the attachment of men--betoken an +advance of the malady by which all sense of accountability is impaired. +Now the elements of which the character is formed become more +contracted and onesided, the will more frivolous and paltry. A childish +weakness becomes perceptible; pleasure in miserable trifles and empty +jokes, together with knavish tricks which destroy without aim; it +becomes enjoyment not only to torment and see the torments of others, +but also an irresistible pleasure to drag all that is venerated down to +a common level. It is very remarkable how, in consequence of this decay +of thought, an unquiet and destructive sensuality takes the place of +all. Its dark power becomes overmastering, and instead of the honorable +old age which gives dignity even to the weak, we are disgusted by the +repugnant picture of decrepit debauchees, like Tiberius and Claudius. +The last powers of life are destroyed by shameless and refined +profligacy."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is very remarkable," repeated the Sovereign, mechanically.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor concluded: "Thus are accomplished the four gradations of +ruin; first, gigantic egotism; then suspicion and hypocrisy; then +childish senselessness; and, lastly, repugnant excesses."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign rose slowly from his chair; he tottered, and the High +Steward drew near to him terrified, but he supported himself with his +hand on the arm of the chair, and, turning languidly to the Professor +without looking at him, said, slowly:</p> + +<p class="normal">"I thank the gentleman for a pleasant hour."</p> + +<p class="normal">One could perceive the effort which it cost him to bring out the words.</p> + +<p class="normal">In going out the Professor asked in a low tone of the High Steward:</p> + +<p class="normal">"I fear I have wearied the Sovereign by this long discussion?"</p> + +<p class="normal">The High Steward looked with astonishment at the frank countenance of +the scholar:</p> + +<p class="normal">"I do not doubt that the Sovereign will very soon show you that he has +listened with attention."</p> + +<p class="normal">When they were on the stairs they heard a hoarse, discordant sound in +the distance; the old gentleman shuddered, and leaned against the wall.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor listened; all was still.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It was like the cry of a wild beast."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The sound came from the street," replied the High Steward.</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>CHAPTER XXXIII</i>.</h2> + +<h3>CÆSAREAN INSANITY IN THE HUMMEL FAMILY.</h3> + +<p class="normal">Mr. Hahn was walking by the side of his garden fence, his soul filled +with gratitude; but as this was prevented from escaping through the +usual outlet of friendly speech, it compelled him to take refuge in +those chambers of his mind in which he kept the plans for the +beautifying of his garden. His noble-hearted opponent was about to +celebrate his birthday; this Mr. Hahn discovered in a roundabout way. +On this day he might perhaps be able to show him some secret token of +esteem. The greatest treasures in Mr. Hahn's garden were his standards +and bush roses of every size and color,--splendid flowers which bloomed +almost the whole year, and were much admired by the passers-by. They +were all in pots, his delight was to move them about in the garden +himself, and arrange them ornamentally in different groups. These roses +he determined to dedicate as a quiet mark of homage to Mr. Hummel. He +had long lamented a desolate space in the middle of his enemy's garden; +it had lain bare the whole summer as a place of repose for the brindle +dog or a roving cat. When Mr. Hummel should enter his garden on his +birthday he should find the round bed changed into a blooming circle of +roses.</p> + +<p class="normal">This thought occasioned Mr. Hahn happy hours, and raised him a little +from the depth of his sorrows. He carried the roses into a concealed +corner, arranged them in rank and file according to their size and +color, and wrote their numbers with chalk on the pots. The park-keeper, +whose house stood at the extreme limit of the city by the river, had a +little boat; this Mr. Hahn borrowed secretly for a few hours in the +night. Before the early dawn of morning, on the birthday of his enemy, +he slipped out of the house, rowed the pots in the boat to the small +steps which led from the water-side into the garden of Mr. Hummel; he +glided with his loved roses to the circular bed, arranged them +noiselessly according to their numbers, planted each separately, and +changed the desert spot into a blooming parterre of roses. When the +sparrows in the gutters twittered out their first querulous abuse, he +had smoothed down the earth in the bed with a small rake. He cast a +look of pleasure on his work, and another on the still dusky outline of +the house, within which Mr. Hummel still slept, unprepared for the +surprise of the morning, and then glided with his spade and empty pots +into his boat, rowed himself up to the house of the park-keeper, and +concealed himself and his garden utensils on his own ground before the +first rays of the rising sun painted his chimney with roseate colors.</p> + +<p class="normal">Mr. Hummel entered his sitting-room at the usual hour, received with +good-humor the congratulations of his ladies, looked graciously at the +birthday cake which wife Philippine had placed with his coffee, and at +the travelling-bag which Laura had embroidered for him, took his +newspaper in his hand, and prepared himself by participation in the +political concerns of men in general, for the business of his own life. +All this passed off well; in his factory and in his office he received +congratulations like a lamb; he stroked the snarling dog, and wrote +business letters full of respect to his customers. When towards the +middle of the day he returned to his ladies, and the Doctor entered his +room to offer his congratulations, a dark cloud gathered on the sunny +countenance of the master of the house, and lightning flashed from +under his ambrosial eyebrows.</p> + +<p class="normal">"What, Saul among the prophets! Are you come to fetch a lost ass back +to your father's house? We cannot accommodate you. Or are you going to +deliver a lecture upon the language of the orang-outang in the land of +the cocoas?</p> + +<p class="normal">"My lectures have not caused you any trouble so far," replied the +Doctor. "I have not come in order that your hospitable politeness +should take the trouble to entertain those present by the outpouring of +your good humor. I have already expressed to you my wish never to be +the object of it."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then defend yourself if you can," cried Hummel.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am only prevented," replied the Doctor, "by consideration for those +present from giving you in your own house the answer which you seem to +wish."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I should be sorry if you were placed at any disadvantage in my house," +replied Hummel. "I propose to you, therefore, to put yourself on an +equal footing with me, by remaining in your own house and putting your +head out of the window. I will do the same; we can then sing out to one +another across the street, like two canary birds."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But as I am here now," said the Doctor, with a bow, "I claim to be +allowed to eat this piece of birthday cake in peace among friendly +faces."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then I beg of you to resign the sight of my face without overpowering +sorrow," replied Hummel.</p> + +<p class="normal">He opened the door into the garden, and went down the steps +discontentedly. While still at a distance he saw the young group of +roses smiling innocently in the light of the sun. He walked round the +spot, shook his head, and invited his ladies into the garden.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Which of you got this idea?" he asked.</p> + +<p class="normal">The ladies showed such lively surprise that he was convinced of their +innocence. He called to the old storekeeper and the book-keeper. All +showed entire ignorance. The countenance of Mr. Hummel became gloomy.</p> + +<p class="normal">"What does this mean? Some one has slipped in here while we were +asleep. Night garden-work is not to my taste. Who has ventured to enter +my property without permission? Who has brought in these products of +nature?"</p> + +<p class="normal">He went restlessly along the side of the water: behind him followed +Spitehahn. The dog crept down the steps to the water, smelt at a bit of +brown wood which lay on the last step, came up again, turned towards +the house of Mr. Hahn, and set up his back like a cat, mockingly, and +made a snarling noise. It meant as clearly as if he had spoken the +friendly words, "I wish you a pleasant meal."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Right," cried Hummel; "the intruder has left the handle of the rudder +behind. The brown handle belongs to the boat of the park-keeper. Take +it over to him, Klaus. I demand an answer; who has ventured to bring +his boat alongside here?"</p> + +<p class="normal">The storekeeper hastened away with the piece of wood, and brought back +the answer with an embarrassed air:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Mr. Hahn had borrowed the boat in the night."</p> + +<p class="normal">"If there are forebodings," cried Hummel, angrily, "this was one. This +nocturnal prowling of your father I forbid under all circumstances," he +continued, to the Doctor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I know nothing of it," rejoined the Doctor. "If my father has done +this, I beg of you, even if you do not value the roses, to be pleased +with the good intention."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I protest against every rose that may be strewed on my path," cried +Hummel. "First we had poisoned dumplings, with evil intentions; and now +rose leaves, with good ones. Your father should think of something else +than such jokes. The ground and soil are mine, and I intend to prevent +roosters from scratching here."</p> + +<p class="normal">He charged wildly into the roses, seized hold of stems and branches, +tore them out of the ground, and threw them into a confused heap.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor turned gloomily away, but Laura hastened to her father and +looked angrily into his hard face.</p> + +<p class="normal">"What you have rooted up," she exclaimed, "I will replace with my own +hands."</p> + +<p class="normal">She ran to a corner of the garden, brought some pots, knelt down on the +ground, and pressed the stems with the little balls of earth into them +as eagerly as her father had rooted them up.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I will take care of them," she called out, to the Doctor; "tell your +dear father that not all in our house undervalue his friendship."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do what you cannot help," replied Mr. Hummel, more quietly. "Klaus, +why do you stand there on your hind legs staring like a tortoise? Why +do you not help Miss Hummel in her garden-work. Then carry the whole +birthday-present back again to the youthful flower-grower. My +compliments, and he must in the darkness have mistaken the gardens."</p> + +<p class="normal">He turned his back upon the company, and went with heavy steps to his +office. Laura knelt on the ground and worked at the ill-used roses with +heightened color and gloomy determination. The Doctor helped silently. +He had seen his father behind the hedge, and knew how deeply the poor +man would feel this latest outburst on the part of his adversary. Laura +did not desist till she had put all the flowers as well as possible +into the pots; then she plunged her hands into the stream, and her +tears mixed with the water. She led the Doctor back to the room; there +she wrung her hands, quite beside herself.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Life is horrible; our happiness is destroyed in this miserable +quarrel. Only one thing can save you and me. You are a man, and must +find out what can deliver us from this misery."</p> + +<p class="normal">She rushed out of the room; the mother beckoned eagerly to the Doctor +to remain behind, when he was on the point of following.</p> + +<p class="normal">"She is beside herself," cried Fritz. "What do her words mean? What +does she desire of me?"</p> + +<p class="normal">The mother seated herself on the sofa, embarrassed and full of anxiety, +cleared her throat, and twisted at her sleeves.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I must confide something to you, Doctor," she began, hesitatingly, +"which will be very painful to us both; but I know not what to do, and +all the representations that I make to my unhappy child are in vain. +Not to conceal anything from you,--it is a strange freak,--and I should +have thought such a thing impossible."</p> + +<p class="normal">She stopped and concealed her face in her pocket-handkerchief. Fritz +looked anxiously at the disturbed face of Mrs. Hummel. A secret of +Laura's that he had for weeks foreboded was now to fall destructively +on his hopes.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I will confess all to you, dear Doctor," continued the mother, with +many sighs. "Laura esteems you beyond measure, and the thought of +becoming your wife--I must say it in confidence--is not strange or +disagreeable to her. But she has a fearful idea in her head, and I am +ashamed to express it."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Speak out," said the Doctor, in despair.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Laura wishes you to elope with her."</p> + +<p class="normal">Fritz was dazed.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is scarcely for a mother to express this wish to you, but I do not +know how to do otherwise."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But where to?" cried the Doctor, quite aghast.</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is the most painful part of all, as you yourself must +acknowledge. What put the idea into her head, whether poetry, or +reading about the great world in the newspapers, I know not. But to her +frame of mind, which is always excited and tragic, I can oppose no +resistance. I am afraid to impart it to my husband. I conjure you to do +what you can to calm my child. Her feelings are wounded, and I can no +longer resist the inward struggle for this young heart."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I beg permission," replied the Doctor, "to speak immediately with +Laura on the subject."</p> + +<p class="normal">Without waiting for the mother's answer, he hastened up the stairs to +Laura's room. He knocked, but receiving no answer, opened the door. +Laura was sitting by her writing-table, sobbing violently.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Dear, sweet Laura," exclaimed the Doctor, "I have been speaking with +your mother; let me know all."</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura started.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Every warm feeling is rejected with scorn, every hour that I see you +is embittered by the hostility of my father. The heart of the poorest +maiden palpitates when she hears the voice of the man she loves: but I +must ask, is that the happiness of love? When I do not see you I am in +anxiety about you, and when you come to us I feel tormented, and listen +with terror to every word of my father. I see you joyless and cast +down. Fritz, your love for me, makes you unhappy."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Patience, Laura," said the Doctor; "let us persevere. My confidence in +your father's heart is greater than yours. He will gradually reconcile +himself to me."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, after he has broken both our hearts; even great love is crushed +by constant opposition. I cannot, amidst the wrangling of our hostile +families, become your wife; the narrow street and the old hatred are +destructive to me. I have often sat here lamenting that I was not a man +who could boldly battle for his own happiness. Listen to a secret, +Fritz," she said, approaching him, again wringing her hands; "here I am +becoming haughty, malicious, and wicked."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have observed nothing of that kind," replied Fritz, astonished.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I conceal it from you," exclaimed Laura; "but I struggle daily with +bad thoughts, and I am indifferent to the love of my parents. When my +father pats my head, the devil cries within me he had better let it +alone. When my mother admonishes me to have patience, her talk secretly +irritates me, because she uses finer words than are necessary. I hate +the dog, so that I often beat him without cause. The conversation at +the Sunday dinner, the stories of the old actor, and the eternal little +tittle-tattle of the street appear insupportable to me. I feel that I +am an odious creature, and I have frequently in this place wept over +and hated myself. These bad fits are ever recurring and become more +overpowering. I shall never be better here: where we live under a +curse, like two spoiled children. We sink, Fritz, in these +surroundings! Even the loving care of parents ceases to make one +happy--the anxiety that one should not wet one's feet, that one should +wear woolen stockings, and have cakes and sugar plums on a Sunday--is +one to go through all this every year of one's life?"</p> + +<p class="normal">She hastily opened her journal, and held out to him a bundle of poems +and letters.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Here are your letters; through these I have learnt to love you, for +here is what I revere in you. Thus would I always have you be. When, +therefore, I think of what you have to go through between our houses +and to bear from my father, and when I observe that you wear a double +shawl under every rough blast, I become anxious and worried about you; +and I see you before me as a pampered book-worm, and myself as a little +stout woman with a large cap and an insignificant face, sitting before +the coffee cups, talking over the daily passers by, and this thought +oppresses my heart."</p> + +<p class="normal">Fritz recognized his letters. He had long felt certain that Laura was +his secret confidant, but when he now looked at the loved one who held +up to him the secret correspondence, he no longer thought of the +caprice which had occasioned him so much grief; he thought only of the +true-heartedness and of the poetry of this tender connexion.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Dear, dear Laura," he exclaimed, embracing her; "it seems as if two +souls with which my heart had intercourse had become one, but you now +divide me and yourself into human beings of daily life, and into higher +natures. What has destroyed your cheerful confidence?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Our difficulties, Fritz, and the sorrow of seeing you without +pleasure, and hearing your voice without being elevated by it; you are +with me, and yet further off from me than in those days when I did not +see you at all, or only in the society of friends."</p> + +<p class="normal">She released herself from his embrace.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do you love me? and are you the man who has written these? If so, +venture to withdraw me from this captivity. Begin a new life with me. I +will work with you and be self-denying; you shall see of what I am +capable; I will think day and night of how I can earn our maintenance, +that you may be undisturbed by petty cares in your learned work. Be +brisk and bold, cast off your eternal caution, venture for once to do +what others may look at askance."</p> + +<p class="normal">"If I were to do it," answered Fritz, seriously, "the risk would be +small for me. For you the consequences may be such as you do not think +of. How can you imagine that a rash determination can be good for you +if it throws fresh discord into your soul, and burdens your whole life +with a feeling of guilt towards others?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"If I take upon myself to do what is wrong," exclaimed Laura, gloomily, +"I do it not for myself alone. I feel but too well that it is wrong, +but I venture it for our love. Never will my father voluntarily lay my +hand in yours. He knows that I am devoted to you, and is not so hard as +to wish my unhappiness, but he cannot overcome his disinclination. One +day he is compelled to acknowledge that you are the man to whom I ought +to belong, the next the bitter feeling of how hateful it is to him +again returns. If you venture to defy him you will do what is really +agreeable to him; show a strong will, and, though he may be angry, he +will easily be appeased by your courage. He loves me," she said in a +low tone, "but he is fearfully hard to others."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Is he always so?" asked the Doctor. "It is clear the daughter does not +know the full worth of her father. I should at this moment be doing +both him and you an injustice if I were to conceal from you what he +wishes to keep secret. Listen, then: when my poor father was sitting by +me in despair, your father entered our house and gave us in the most +magnanimous way the means of averting the threatened blow. Do you not +know that his sulkiness and quarrelsomeness are frequently only the +expression of a rough humor?"</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura watched his mouth as if she wished to devour every word that fell +from his lips.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Did my father do this?" she exclaimed, startled to the utmost, +raising her arms towards heaven, and throwing herself down upon her +writing-table.</p> + +<p class="normal">Fritz wished to raise her.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Leave me," she entreated, passionately, "it will pass off. I am happy. +Leave me alone now, beloved one."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor closed the door gently, and went down to the mother, who +still sat on the sofa overwhelmed with anxiety, revolving in her mind, +with motherly alarm, all the exciting scenes of an elopement.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I beg of you," he said, "not to worry Laura now by remonstrances. She +will regain her calmness. Trust to her noble heart."</p> + +<p class="normal">With these wise words the Doctor endeavored to comfort himself. +Meanwhile Laura lay supported against the chair, and thought over her +injustice to her father. For years she had borne the sorrow which is +bitterest to the heart of a child, and now the pressure was taken from +her soul. At last she arose, drew out her diary, tore out one page +after another, crumpled up the leaves and threw them into the fire--a +small sacrifice. She watched it till the last sparks flickered in the +dark ashes, then she closed the stove and hastened out of the room.</p> + +<p class="normal">Mr. Hummel was sitting in his warehouse before a battalion of new hats +with broad brims and round crowns, which were placed for review before +his field-marshal's eye, and he spoke reprovingly to his bookkeeper:</p> + +<p class="normal">"They are like mere barbers' basins; man is losing his dignity. At all +events, we shall make profit by these coverings: no one notices the +cats'-hairs of which they are made; but they rob the head of the German +citizen of the last breath of fresh air that he has hitherto secretly +carried about with him in his high hat. In my youth one recognized a +citizen by three points: on his body he wore a coat of blue cloth, on +his head a black hat, and in his pocket a great house-key, with the +ring of which, in case of assault by night, he could twist the noses of +assassins. Now he goes off in a gray jacket to drink his beer, opens +the door of the house with a small corkscrew, and the last high hat +will probably be bought up as a rarity for art collections. You may +immediately put aside part of our manufacture for antiquarians."</p> + +<p class="normal">This pleasant grumbling was interrupted by Laura, who entered eagerly, +seized her father's hand with an imploring look, and drew him from his +warehouse into his small office. Mr. Hummel submitted to be thus led, +as patiently as Lot when the angel led him from the burning cities of +the valley. When she was alone with her father she threw her arms about +his neck, kissed and stroked his cheek, and for a long time could bring +out nothing but "My good, noble father." Mr. Hummel was well pleased +with this stormy fashion of endearment for a time.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Now I have had enough of this caressing. What do you want? This +introduction is too grand for a new parasol or a concert ticket."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Father," cried Laura, "I know all that you have done for our neighbor. +I beg your forgiveness; I, unfortunate one, have misunderstood your +heart, and have many times inwardly resented your harshness."</p> + +<p class="normal">She kissed his hands, tears falling from her eyes.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Has that dough-face over the way been blabbing?" asked Mr. Hummel.</p> + +<p class="normal">"He was obliged to tell me, and it was a happy moment for me. Now I +will acknowledge all to you with shame and repentance. Forgive me."</p> + +<p class="normal">She sank down before him.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Father, I have long been sick at heart. I have thought you pitiless. +Your eternal grumbling and enmity to our neighbor have made me very +unhappy, and my life here has often been miserable."</p> + +<p class="normal">Mr. Hummel sat erect and serious, but a little dismayed at the +confession of his child, and he had an indistinct impression that he +had carried his rough opposition too far.</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is enough," he said; "this is all excitement and imagination. If +I have been vexed through all these years, it has not done me any harm, +nor the people over the way either. It is an unreasonable sorrow that +now excites your lamentations."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Have consideration for me," entreated Laura. "An irresistible longing +to go forth from this narrow street, has entered my soul. Father, I +would like to take a leap into the world."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Indeed!" said Mr. Hummel. "I also should like to take a leap into it, +if I only knew where this jolly world could be found."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Father, you have often told me how light was your heart when you +wandered forth as a boy from your native town, and that from these +wanderings you became a man."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is true," replied Hummel. "It was a fine morning, and I had eight +pence in my pocket. I was as lively as a dog with wings."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Father, I also should like to rove about."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You?" asked Hummel. "I have laid aside my knapsack; there are only a +few hairs remaining on it, but you may tie your boots over it; then one +cannot see it."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Good father, I also want to go out and seek my way among strangers, +and look out for what will please me. I will try my powers, and fight +my may with my own hands."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You must put on breeches," said Hummel; "you cannot otherwise go alone +in your wanderings.'</p> + +<p class="normal">"I will take some one with me," answered Laura, softly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Our maid Susan? She can carry a lantern for you. The paths in this +world are sometimes muddy."</p> + +<p class="normal">"No, father; I mean the Doctor."</p> + +<p class="normal">She whispered to him:</p> + +<p class="normal">"I want the Doctor to elope with me."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Ah, you little spider!" cried Hummel, amazed. "The Doctor elope with +you! If you were to elope with him, there would be more sense in it."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That's just what I want to do," replied Laura.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Mutually, then!" said Hummel. "Listen: the matter becomes serious. +Leave off embracing me, keep your hands away, and make a face beseeming +a citizen's daughter and not an actress."</p> + +<p class="normal">He pushed her down on the window-seat.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Now speak to the point. So you intend to carry off the Doctor? I ask +you, with what means? For your pocket-money will not reach far, and he +over the way has not much to spare for such Sunday pleasures? I ask +you, will you first marry him? If so, the elopement would be very +suspicious, for I have never yet heard of a woman carrying off her +husband by force. If you do not marry him, there is something which you +must learn from your mother, and which is called modesty. Out with it!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I wish to have him for a husband," said Laura, softly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Ah, that is it, is it? and was your Doctor ready to take charge of you +before marriage, and to run away with you?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"No; he spoke as you do, and reminded me that I ought not to give you +pain."</p> + +<p class="normal">"He is occasionally humane," replied Hummel; "I am indeed indebted to +him for his good intentions. Finally, I ask you, where will you carry +him off to?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"To Bielstein, father. There is the church in which Ilse was married."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I understand," said Hummel, "ours are too large; and what afterwards? +Do you mean to work as a day-laborer on the estate?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Father, if we could but travel," said Laura, imploringly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Why not," replied Mr. Hummel, ironically; "to America, perhaps, as +colleagues of Knips junior? You are as mad as a March hare. The +legitimate and only daughter of Mr. Hummel will run away from her +father and mother, from a comfortable house and flourishing business, +with her neighbor's only son, who is in his way also legitimate, to a +fools' paradise. I never could have thought that this hour would +arrive."</p> + +<p class="normal">He paced up and down.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Now hear your father. If you had been a boy I would have had you well +thrashed; but you are a girl, and your mother has formed you according +to her principles. Now I perceive with regret that we have allowed you +to have your own way too much, and that you may be unhappy for your +whole life. You have got the Doctor into your head, and you might as +well have fixed upon a tragic hero or a prince, and it shocks me to +think of it."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But I have not thought of such," replied Laura, dejectedly; "for I am +my father's daughter."</p> + +<p class="normal">Hummel laid hold of the plaits of her hair and examined them +critically:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Obstinacy; but the mixture is not throughout the same; there is +something of higher womanliness with it; fancifulness, and whimsical +ideas. That is the misfortune; here a powerful stroke of the brush is +necessary."</p> + +<p class="normal">These words he repeated several times, and sat down thoughtfully on his +chair.</p> + +<p class="normal">"So you wish for my consent to this little elopement. I give it you +upon one condition. The affair shall remain between us two; you shall +do nothing without my consent, and even your mother must not know that +you have spoken to me of it. You shall take a drive into the world, but +in my way. For the rest, I thank you for this present that you have +made me on my birthday. You are a pretty violet for me to have brought +up! Has one ever heard of such a plant taking itself by the head and +tearing itself out of the ground?"</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura embraced him again, and wept.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do not set your pump again in motion," cried Mr. Hummel, untouched, +"that cannot help either of us. A happy journey, Miss Hummel."</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura, however, did not go, but remained clinging to his neck. The +father kissed her on the forehead.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Away with you; I must consider with what brush I shall stroke you +smooth."</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura left the room. Mr. Hummel sat alone for a long time by his desk, +holding his head with both hands. At last he began to whistle in a low +tone the old Dessauer--a sign to the book-keeper, who was entering, +that soft feelings had the upper hand with him.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Go across to the Doctor, and beg him to take the trouble of coming +over to me immediately."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor entered the office. Mr. Hummel rummaged in his desk and +brought out a little paper.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Here, I return you the present that you once made me."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor opened it, and two little gloves lay within.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You may give these gloves to my daughter on the day on which you are +married to her, and you can tell her they come from her father, from +whom she has run away."</p> + +<p class="normal">He turned away, approached the window, and thrummed on the pane.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have already told you before, Mr. Hummel, that I will not take back +these gloves. Least of all will I do it for this purpose. If the happy +day is ever to come to me when I can take Laura to my home, it will +only be when you put your daughter's hand in mine. I beg you, dear Mr. +Hummel, to keep these gloves until that day."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Much obliged," replied Hummel; "you are a miserable Don Juan. I am in +duty bound," he continued, in his usual tone, "to communicate to you +what is of fitting importance to you. My daughter Laura wishes to elope +with you."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What now disturbs Laura," answered the Doctor, "and has given her +these wild thoughts, is no secret to you. She feels herself oppressed +by the unpleasant relations which subsist between us. I hope this +excitement will pass away."</p> + +<p class="normal">"May I be allowed to ask the modest question, whether it is your +intention to agree to her plan?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I will not do it," rejoined the Doctor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Why not?" asked Hummel, coldly. "I for my part, have no objection to +it."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is one reason the more for me not to act inconsiderately by you, +nor to be treated in a like manner."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I can bequeath my money to the hospital."</p> + +<p class="normal">"To this remark I have only one answer," replied the Doctor. "You +yourself do not believe that this consideration influences my actions."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Unfortunately not," replied Hummel; "you are both unpractical people. +So you hope that I will at last give you my blessing without an +elopement?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, I do hope it," exclaimed the Doctor. "However you may wish to +appear to me, I trust that the goodness of your heart will be greater +than your aversion."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do not count upon my indulgence. Doctor. I do not believe that I shall +ever prepare a marriage-feast for you. My child gives herself with +confidence into your hands; take her."</p> + +<p class="normal">"No, Mr. Hummel," replied the Doctor, "I shall not do it."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Has my daughter sunk so much in value because she is ready to become +your wife?" asked Mr. Hummel, bitterly, and with a rough voice. "The +poor girl has acquired some notions among her learned acquaintances, +which do not suit the simple life of her father."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is unjust towards us all, and also towards our absent friends," +said the Doctor, indignantly. "What now distracts Laura is only a petty +enthusiasm; there is still in her some of the childish poetry of her +early girlhood. He who loves her may have perfect confidence in her +pure soul. Only in one respect must he maintain a firm judgment in +dealing with her; he must here and there exercise a mild criticism. But +I should be unworthy of the love of her pure heart if I should agree to +a hasty proceeding, which would at a later period occasion her pain. +Laura shall not do what is unbecoming to her."</p> + +<p class="normal">"So that is Hindoo," replied Mr. Hummel; "there is a spark of sound +common sense in your Botocudens and Brahmins. Do your learned books +also find an excuse for a daughter not feeling happy in the house of +her parents?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is your fault alone, Mr. Hummel," replied the Doctor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Oho!" said Mr. Hummel; "so that's it."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Forgive me my plain speaking," continued the Doctor. "It is the +fashion of Laura's father to play the tyrant a little in his family, in +spite of all his love for them. Laura has from her childhood been +accustomed to view your strange nature with fear; therefore she does +not form the impartial conception of your character, nor feel the +pleasure in your mischievous humors that those not so intimately +acquainted enjoy. If you had seen Laura's transport when I made known +to her what you had done for my father, you would never doubt her +heart. Now she is overcome with anguish about our future. But you may +be assured, if Laura were to give in to her fancy and separate herself +from her parents' house, she would soon feel gnawing repentance and +longing for her parents. Therefore, the man for whom she would now make +this sacrifice acts not only honorably, but also prudently, in +resisting it."</p> + +<p class="normal">Mr. Hummel looked fiercely at the Doctor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"There is the old bear tied to a stake, the young puppies pull at his +fur, and the cocks crow over his head. Take warning by my fate; under +all circumstances avoid having female offspring." He put his hand upon +the gloves, packed them up again, smoothed the paper, and shut them in +his writing-desk. "Thus shall I lock up again my unnatural child; for +the rest I remain your devoted servant. So your old Hindoos tell you +that I am a droll screech-owl, and a jolly <i>bonvivant</i> to strangers. Is +that your opinion of my natural propensities?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"You are not quite so innocent," replied the Doctor, with a bow. "To me +you have been always particularly rude."</p> + +<p class="normal">"There is no one I would rather wrangle with than with you," +acknowledged Mr. Hummel.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor bowed, and said:</p> + +<p class="normal">"When you play with other men as with cats, they only bear such +treatment because they perceive good intentions under your +cross-grained exterior. I can say this to you, because I am one of the +few men to whom you have shown real dislike; and, as you are also +obstinate, I know very well that I shall still have to have many a tilt +with you, and I am not at all sure how it will end between us. That, +however, does not prevent my acknowledging the bitter amiability of +your nature."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I object to any further enlightenment as to my real character," +exclaimed Mr. Hummel. "You have a disagreeable way of viewing your +fellow-men microscopically. I protest against your painting me like a +flea in the shadow on the wall. As concerns your proceedings as my +daughter's lover, I am content with them. You do not choose to take my +child in the way in which she is to be had; I thank you for your +scruples. In this matter we are entirely of the same opinion, and you +therefore shall not have her at all."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor wished to interrupt him, but Hummel waved his hand.</p> + +<p class="normal">"All further talk is useless; you renounce my daughter, but you +preserve the esteem of her father, and you have moreover the feeling of +acting for the best for Laura. As you feel such great uprightness, you +may console yourself with it. You will devote yourself to celibacy, and +I should envy you, if it were not for the consideration of Madame +Hummel."</p> + +<p class="normal">"This will not avail, Mr. Hummel," replied the Doctor; "I have not the +least intention of renouncing Laura's hand."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I understand," replied Mr. Hummel; "you wish to besiege my daughter +still, from across the street. This quiet pleasure I can, unfortunately +no longer allow, for I am certainly of opinion that Laura must at some +time leave my house; and as you have chosen the good opinion of the +father rather than the daughter, we will confer on this point in mutual +understanding. You are mistaken if you think that my daughter Laura +will give up her fancies upon wise admonition. Have you not sometimes +appealed to my conscience? It was all that could be expected, +considering your age; but it has been of no avail with me. It will be +the same with this obstinate child. Therefore I am, as a father, of +opinion that we must give in to a certain degree to the folly of my +child. Consider how far you can go to please us. She wishes to join the +Professor's wife. She shall not go to this capital where my lodger has +no home, but she has frequently been invited to Bielstein."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor answered:</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have urgent reasons for going to my friend during the next few +days. I will gladly make a detour by Bielstein, if you will allow +me to accompany Laura on this journey, I shall make no secret of its +purpose,--and least of all to my parents."</p> + +<p class="normal">"This elopement is so shabby that, were I a girl, I should be ashamed +of taking part in it. But one must not expect too much of you. I will +not be at home when this departure takes place: you see, that is +natural. I have already made my plans concerning my child's future. I +give her over to you for the journey with confidence."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Mr. Hummel," exclaimed the Doctor, disquieted, "I ask for still +greater confidence. How have you decided concerning Laura's future?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"As you have determined to show me such respect, I beg you will be +content with the confidential intimation, that I have no intention of +making you any such communication. You preserve my esteem, and I my +daughter. My compact is concluded."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But the compact is not quite satisfactory to me, Mr. Hummel," answered +the Doctor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Hold your tongue. If in consequence of this agreement you resume your +theatrical career, I should advise you never to act the <i>rôle</i> of +lover. The audiences will run out of all the doors. Do I treat people +like cats?--So I treated your father and his flowers this morning. You +can give him an intimation of that. My wife has plucked to-day a few +roosters for my birthday; if roasting these namesakes of yours does not +excite painful feelings in you, it will give me pleasure to see you at +dinner. You will not be under the embarrassment of having to talk only +to my daughter, for the family clown is invited: he will keep up the +conversation--you may be silent. Good morning, Doctor."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor again stretched out his hand to him. Mr. Hummel shook it, +grumbling all the while. When he was again alone in his office the +melody of the old Dessauer again sounded in the narrow room, now brisk +and hearty. Then, soon after, Mr. Hummel broke forth with the second of +the two airs--"the Dear Violet"--to which he had recourse when in an +unconstrained humor. At last he mixed up the drumming of the Dessauer +with "the Dear Violet" in an artistic medley. The book-keeper, who knew +that this <i>pot pourri</i> betokened a state of the highest spring warmth, +popped his face, smiling respectfully, into the office.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You may come to dinner to-day," said Mr. Hummel, graciously.</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>CHAPTER XXXIV</i>.</h2> + +<h3>OLD ACQUAINTANCES.</h3> + +<p class="normal">Since the conversation upon the Roman emperors, the Sovereign had +withdrawn for a few days from his Court. He was ill. His nervous +prostration, as the physicians declared, was the usual consequence of a +cold. Only a few privileged persons--among them Master Knips--had +access to him during this time, and they had no cause to rejoice in +their confidential position, for it was difficult to deal with the +princely invalid.</p> + +<p class="normal">To-day the Sovereign was sitting in his study; before him stood an old +official, with a weazen face, reporting the daily occurrences of the +capital, opinions which were expressed in public places concerning the +Sovereign and his illustrious house, small scandalous family anecdotes, +also observations that had been made in the palace to which the +Princess had gone within the last few days, and the persons she had +seen there. Prince Victor paid daily visits to the Baroness Hallstein, +and passed the evening with the officers of his former regiment; he had +returned unexpectedly that morning.</p> + +<p class="normal">"How do things go on in the Pavilion?" asked the Sovereign.</p> + +<p class="normal">"According to the account of the lackey, there have been no visitors +from the city, nor any letters; everything as usual in the afternoon. +When the strangers were sitting in front of the door, the lady had +spoken of a journey to Switzerland, but her husband replied that there +could be no thought of it until he had finished his business. Then +there had been an uncomfortable silence. In the evening both attended +the theatre."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign nodded, and dismissed the official. As he sat alone, he +pushed his chair against the wall, and listened to the sound of a small +bell which, from the further end of the room, was scarcely audible; he +hastily opened the door of a niche in the wall, and took out the +letters which a confidential secretary had sent up through a tube from +the lower story. There were various handwritings: he passed quickly +through the contents. At last he held a bundle of children's letters in +his hand. Again he laughed. "So the great ball has burst already." His +countenance became serious. "A genuine peasant, he has no sense for the +honor of having the top-boots of a prince among his fields." He took +another letter. "The Hereditary Prince to his sister. It is the first +letter of the pious John Patmos, saying nothing, as if it had been +written for me. That may possibly be so. The contents are scanty and +cold. He expresses the wish that his sister also may pass a pleasant +time in the country. We wish the same," he continued, with good humor; +"she may pluck flowers and talk with scholars about the virtues of +Roman ladies. This wish shall be fulfilled by all parties." He laid the +letters back in the niche, and pressed a spring in the floor with his +foot; there was a slight rustling in the wall, and the packet glided +down.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign raised himself from his chair and walked about the room.</p> + +<p class="normal">"My thoughts hover restlessly about this man. I have received him with +complaisance; I have even treated his insane hopes with the greatest +consideration, and yet this unpractical dreamer mocks at me. Why did he +make this insidious attack on me? He did it with the malicious +penetration of a diseased person, who knows better than a sound one +what is deficient in another. His prating was half vague reflection and +half the silly cunning of a fool who also carries about him a worm in +his brain. It does not matter: we know one another, as the Augur knew +his colleagues. Between us a family hatred burns, such as can only +exist between relations--an enduring, thorough hatred, which conceals +itself beneath smiles and polite bows. Trick for trick, my Roman +cousin. You seek a manuscript which lies concealed with me, but I +something else, which you would withhold from me."</p> + +<p class="normal">He sank back in his chair, and looked timidly towards the door; then +put his hand into a pile of books, and drew out a translation of +Tacitus. He tapped the book with his finger.</p> + +<p class="normal">"He who wrote this was also diseased. He spied incessantly into the +souls of his masters; their pictures so filled his fancy, that the +Roman people and the millions of other men appeared unimportant to him: +he suspected every step of his rulers, yet neither he nor his +generation could do without them. He gazed at them as on suns, the +eclipse of which he investigated, and which reflected their light on +him, the little planet. He began to doubt the wisdom of the order of +things; and that to every human mind is the beginning of the end. But +he had wit enough to see that his masters became diseased through the +miserable meanness of those like himself, and his best policy was that +of the old High Steward, to bear all with a silent obeisance."</p> + +<p class="normal">He opened the leaves.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Only one, whom he has included in his book," he began again, "was a +man, whom it moves one to read about. This was the gloomy majesty of +Tiberius: he knew the rabble, and despised them, till the miserable +slaves at last placed him among the madmen. Do you know, Professor +Tacitus, why the great Emperor became a weak fool? No one knows it--no +one on earth but me, and those like me. He went mad because he could +not cease to be a man of feeling. He despised many and hated many, and +yet he could not do without the childish feeling of loving and +trusting. A common youth, who had once shown him personal devotion, +caught hold of this fancy of his earthly life, and dragged the +powerful mind down with him into the dirt. A miserable weakness of +heart converted the stern politician of Imperial Rome into a fool. +The weak feelings that rise up in lonely hours are the undoing of +us all; indestructible is this longing for a pure heart and a true +spirit--undying the seeking after the ideal condition of man, which is +described by the poet and believed in by the pedant." He sighed deeply; +his head sank on the table between his hands.</p> + +<p class="normal">There was a slight sound at the door. The Sovereign started. The +servant announced--"The Grand Marshal von Bergau." The Grand Marshal +entered.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The Princess inquired at what hour your Highness will take leave of +her."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Take leave?" asked the Sovereign, reflecting. "Why?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Your Highness has been pleased to order that the Princess shall this +morning go to her summer castle for a few days."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is true," replied the Sovereign. "I am well today, dear Bergau, and +will breakfast with the Princess. Will it be agreeable to you to +accompany her?" he asked, kindly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am very grateful to my gracious master for this favor," replied the +Grand Marshal, honestly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"What lady has the Princess chosen as her attendant?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"As your Highness has given her the choice, she has decided upon Lady +Gottlinde."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I agree to that," said the Sovereign graciously. "The good Lady +Gottlinde may be invited to breakfast, and you yourself may come also, +that I may see you all once more about me before the journey. I have +one more thing to say. Mr. Werner will follow you; he wishes to examine +the rooms and chests of the castle for his scientific purposes. Render +him assistance in every way, and show him the greatest attention. I +have also a confidential commission for you."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Grand Marshal made a piteous face, which plainly indicated a +protest.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I wish to win for us this distinguished man," continued the Sovereign. +"Sound him as to what place or distinction would be acceptable to him. +I wish you to observe that I am most anxious to keep him."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Grand Marshal, much discomposed, answered:</p> + +<p class="normal">"I assure your Highness, with the greatest respect, that I know how to +value your confidence, yet this commission fills me with consternation; +for it exposes me to the danger of exciting the displeasure of my +gracious master. I have had opportunities of remarking that one cannot +count upon gratitude from these people."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You must not offer him anything; only endeavor to make him express +some wish," replied the Sovereign dryly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"But if this wish should exceed the bounds of moderation?" asked the +Marshal hesitatingly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Take care not to object to it; leave it to me to decide whether I +consider it immoderate. Send me a report immediately."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign gave the signal of dismissal; watched sharply his bow and +departure, and looked after the departing gentleman and gravely shook +his head.</p> + +<p class="normal">"He is not old, and yet the curse has overtaken him; he becomes +grotesque. Here is another riddle of human nature for you learned +gentlemen: the person who has every hour to control his countenance and +manner, to whom the most rigid tact and correct forms are necessary in +his daily intercourse, should, just when he becomes older, lose this +best acquisition of his life, and become troublesome by his weak +chattering and unrestrained egotism. You know how to answer. Emperor +Tiberius, why your service, clever man, gradually made your servants +caricatures of your own character? Now they have revenged themselves on +you; it is all right. There is a desperate rationality in the links of +the world. O misery, misery, that we should both have so little cause +to rejoice at it!"</p> + +<p class="normal">He groaned, and again buried his head in his hands.</p> + +<hr class="W10"> + +<p class="normal">Shortly after Ilse received the latest letters from home.</p> + +<p class="normal">"How can the four-leaved clover be lost out of a well closed letter?" +she asked her husband. "Luise, on her birthday, found some clover +leaves and sent them in her former letter, to bring you good luck. The +child is just at the age in which such nonsense gives pleasure. The +dried clover was not in her letter, and as she is careless, I scolded +her for it in my answer. To-day she assures me that she put them into +the envelope the last thing."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It may have fallen out when you opened the letter," said the Professor +consolingly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"My father is not contented with us," continued Ilse, discomposed; "he +does not like it that the Prince has come into the vicinity; he fears +distraction in the farm and gossip. Yet why should people gossip? Clara +is still half a child, and the prince does not live upon our estate. +There is a dark cloud over everything," she said; "the light of the +dear sun has ceased to shine. Nothing but disturbances, the Sovereign +ill, and our Hereditary Prince vanishes as if swept away by a storm. +How could he go away without bidding us good-bye? I cannot set my mind +to rest as to that; for we have not deserved it of him, nor of his +courtly Chamberlain. I fear he does not go into the country willingly; +and he is angry with me, Felix, because I said something about it. No +good will come of it, and it makes me heavy at heart."</p> + +<p class="normal">"If this trouble leaves you any thought for the affairs of other +people," began the Professor, gaily, "you must allow me a small share. +I think I have found the hidden castle which I have so long sought. I +see from this chronicle that in the last century the country seat to +which the Princess is going was surrounded by a forest. I hear that in +this remote place much old household rubbish is preserved. I feel like +a child on the eve of its birthday. I have made known my wishes to +fate, and when I think of the hour when the present shall come to me, I +feel the same heart-beating expectation which scares away sleep from +the boy. It is childish, Ilse," he continued, holding out his hand to +his wife, "I know it is; but have patience with me; I have long wearied +you with my dreams, but now it will come to an end. The hope indeed +will not come to an end, but this is the last place I have any reason +to search for it."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But if it should again happen that you do not find the book?" asked +Ilse, sorrowfully, holding his hand.</p> + +<p class="normal">A gloomy expression came over the Professor's face; he turned around +abruptly, and said, harshly:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then I shall seek further. If Fritz had but come!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Was he to come?" asked Ilse, with surprise.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have requested him to do so," replied her husband. "He answered that +his father's business and his relations with Laura prevented him. To +him also it appears that a crisis is impending; he has suspicions with +respect to the specification that I found here, which I consider +unfounded."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Oh, that he were with us!" said Ilse; "I long for a friendly face, +like one who has for many days been traveling through a desert +wilderness."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor pointed towards the window.</p> + +<p class="normal">"This wilderness looks tolerably humanized, and a visitor, such as you +desire, seems already coming up to the house."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse heard the rumble of wheels coming along the gravel of the castle +road. A carriage stopped before the Pavilion, and the country coachman +cracked his whip. The servants hastened to the door; Gabriel opened the +carriage door; a little lady descended, gave a parcel to the lackey and +a bandbox to Gabriel, and called out to the coachman to inquire about +putting up the horses. She hastily ascended the steps, and, as she did +so, gazed on the paintings and carved scrolls.</p> + +<p class="normal">"This is a great pleasure, Mrs. Rollmaus," exclaimed Ilse, delighted, +meeting her at the door.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor hastened to the stranger and offered her his arm.</p> + +<p class="normal">"My dear Ilse," cried the little lady; "revered and highly honored +Professor, here I am. As Rollmaus has been charged with the +superintendence of an estate in the neighborhood, in trust for a +nephew, and as he has had to travel into this country to put things in +order, and will stop only a short time, I thought I would take the +pleasure of paying you a visit. Your father, brothers, and sisters wish +to be remembered to you. Clara is growing up the very image of you."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Come in, come in," said Ilse; "you yourself are the best greeting from +home."</p> + +<p class="normal">Mrs. Rollmaus stopped at the door.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Only a moment," she said, pointing to the bandbox.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You come to old friends."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You must allow me however, that I may not disgrace this princely +house."</p> + +<p class="normal">Mrs. Rollmaus was taken into an adjoining room, the bandbox opened, +and, after the best cap was put on, as well as white collar and cuffs, +the learned lady floated into the sitting-room with Ilse.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Magnificent," she exclaimed, looking with admiration at the ceiling, +where the god of love held out to her his bunches of poppies. "One can +see at once by the cross-bow that it is a Cupid; one frequently sees +them on gingerbread figures, where they stand between two burning +hearts. Dear Professor, the pleasure of meeting again, and in such +surroundings, is truly very great. I have long looked forward with +pleasure to this hour, when I could express to you my thanks for the +last book you sent me, in which I have gotten as far as the +Reformation. Rollmaus would gladly have come with me, but he has +business to attend to in the distillery on account of the old boiler, +which must be removed."</p> + +<p class="normal">During this speech the eye of Mrs. Rollmaus wandered inquisitively into +every corner of the room.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Who would have thought, dear Ilse, that you and the Professor would +have come into friendly relations with our princely personages? I must +confess to you that I have already looked about me in driving here for +the princely court-yard, which, however, probably lies on the other +side, as I see only gardens here."</p> + +<p class="normal">"There are no offices at the castle," explained Ilse, "only the stable +and the large kitchen have remained."</p> + +<p class="normal">"They say there are six cooks," rejoined Mrs. Rollmaus, "who are all +great head-cooks; although I do not know for what other part of the +human body they could be cooking. But the originalities of a Court are +very great,--amongst which are the silver-cleaners, who, I verily +believe, do not do their duty; at least, the small coin in our country +is very dirty, and a great scouring day would be necessary for them. +They say that the young Prince has now gone to the Chief Forester's +lodge. Our Chief Forester is fully occupied; he grumbles over this royal +quartering, and has ordered himself a new uniform."</p> + +<p class="normal">She became serious and thoughtful, and there ensued an awkward pause, +during which she rubbed her nose, looked at Ilse good-humoredly, and +pressed her hand.</p> + +<p class="normal">"There appears to be a storm coming," she continued, in a low tone, +"and the country gentlemen complain that the spring grub has eaten the +rapeseed. Here, indeed, it seems like a paradise, although I hope that +no wild beasts rove about here, and it is not the season to pluck the +apples from the trees with pleasure. Something seems to have turned up +in the capital which is very remarkable; for as I came to the estate +with Rollmaus, the Inspector told me of a fortune-teller who prophesied +wonderful things of the people of this city. Do you know anything +certain about her?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"We have few acquaintances," answered Ilse; "we only get news from the +papers."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I should be glad to hear something about that person, for I have +latterly begun the study of phrenology; and I hear, dear Professor, +that these investigations are much combated. I do not myself feel sure +about them. I have examined the head of Rollmaus, and am surprised to +see how much the bump of destruction is developed behind his ear, +though he is annoyed at every cup-handle the maid servants break. +Nevertheless, dear Professor, I find the powers of thought shown upon +your brow. The bumps are very large, by which I do not mean to say that +they are unbecoming to you. But to return to the fortune-teller. She +told the Inspector that he was married, and had two children, and that +his wife was dead, and that he wished to take another, who would add +two more. This is all correct, for he is again courting. Now, I ask +you, how could this person know it?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Perhaps she knows the Inspector?" replied the Professor, rummaging +among his papers. "I advise you not to confide in her art, and I do not +recommend to you the study of phrenology. But now let us know how long +you can remain with us. I am obliged to go to the Museum, and hope to +find you on my return."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I can remain a few hours," said Mrs. Rollmaus. "I have three miles to +go, but the roads here are better than with us. Although now our +highway is being built, and the road commissioners already go along it +to the town of Rossau. Only think, dear Ilse, the stone bridge between +your estate and the town is already pulled down, but they have put up a +temporary one in its stead. For a few hours, then, I beg of you to be +satisfied with my company."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor went away; the ladies talked confidentially over the +family at home, during which Mrs. Rollmaus could not entirely give up +her scientific investigations; for, in the middle of the conversation, +she put her fingers on Ilse's temples, and begged permission to feel +the crown of her head; whereupon she said, with much delight, "There is +much sincerity there, as I should have supposed." She then looked +significantly at Ilse. She was loquacious and flippant, but she showed +a degree of restraint which Ilse attributed to the strangeness of the +place.</p> + +<p class="normal">After Mrs. Rollmaus had admired the dwelling, criticized the pictures, +and felt the texture of the furniture coverings, Ilse pointed to the +sun, which was breaking through the clouds, and proposed that they +should walk out into the park. Mrs. Rollmaus assented with pleasure, +and Ilse had much to do to answer the questions of the excitable lady. +Then they came to a part of the grounds which served as a promenade at +this hour for the ladies and people of the city. "What a surprise," +exclaimed Mrs. Rollmaus, suddenly seizing Ilse's arm, "the princely +livery." At a turn in the path, the hat of a lackey became visible; the +Princess, accompanied by Lady Gottlinde and Prince Victor, came +directly towards them. Amidst the respectful greetings of the +promenaders, the princely party approached. Ilse stepped aside, and +curtsied. The Princess stopped. "We were on the point of calling on +you," she began, kindly; "my brother was obliged to leave suddenly; he +will have told your father how sorry he was that he could not take any +messages from you to your family." She gave a passing look at Mrs. +Rollmaus, who was supporting herself with both her hands on her +umbrella, bending her head forward, not to lose a syllable that fell +from the lips of the princely lady. Ilse mentioned her name.</p> + +<p class="normal">"A kind friend from the neighborhood of Rossau, who is spending a few +days near here."</p> + +<p class="normal">Mrs. Rollmaus ducked down very low, and, almost unconscious from +terror, said: "It is only three miles from here, in Toadville; +although, if I may, by your Highness's permission, be graciously +allowed to say so, there are no more toads there than in any other +respectable place."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You are taking a walk," said the Princess, to Ilse, "will you +accompany me a little way?" She beckoned Ilse to her side, placing +herself between her and the lady in waiting. Prince Victor remained +behind with Mrs. Rollmaus.</p> + +<p class="normal">"So toads are not pastured on your estate?" began the Prince.</p> + +<p class="normal">"No, my gracious ----," replied Mrs. Rollmaus, embarrassed, supporting +herself on her umbrella. "I do not really know what is the right title +to address you with."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Prince Victor," replied the young gentleman, carelessly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I beg your pardon; but this honorable name does not satisfy me. May I +beg to know the other title, similar to what, in the case of pastors, +would be expressed by Very Reverend? For to offend princely persons +would not be pleasant, and I am not conversant with these forms of +address."</p> + +<p class="normal">"High and honorable lady, you may call me Highness; thus we shall both +have our rights."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It shall be as you command," exclaimed Mrs. Rollmaus, delighted.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You have long known the Professor's wife?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"From her childhood," explained Mrs. Rollmaus; "I was a friend of her +deceased mother, and I can truly say that I have shared both happiness +and sorrow with our dear Ilse. Prince Victor, it is impossible for your +Highness to know her true heart as well as we do. Latterly, through her +learned acquaintances, she has come into another atmosphere; but long +before her betrothal it was clear to me that it would be a match."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Good," said the Prince. "How long do you remain in the neighborhood?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Only until the end of the week; for Rollmaus prefers the country to +the city, which is not to be wondered at; he has not the inclination +for intellectual pursuits by which I am inspired. For this there is +more opportunity in the city, although one, even in the country, can +make one's observations on heads and other natural objects."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The weather is changeable; is your carriage closed?" interrupted the +Prince.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is a britscka, with a leather top to it," replied Mrs. Rollmaus. "I +must honestly avow to you that it has been quite an unexpected pleasure +to me that this visit has afforded the opportunity of seeing your +Highness, for I have heard very much of you."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I should be very grateful to you," replied the Prince, "if you would +kindly tell me what you have heard. I have hitherto believed that my +reputation was not by any means so bad as it might be."</p> + +<p class="normal">"No one, however noble he may be, can escape calumny," exclaimed Mrs. +Rollmaus, eagerly; "they talk of tricks. I fear your Highness will take +it amiss if I mention this gossip."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Tell me something of it," replied the Prince, "whatever it may be."</p> + +<p class="normal">"They maintain that your Highness is convivial and lives quite +boisterously, and other things which it would be unpleasant for me to +repeat."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Go on," said the Prince, cheerfully.</p> + +<p class="normal">"That your Highness makes fools of other people."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is grievous," replied the Prince. "Is your coachman a courageous +man?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"He is somewhat surly even with Rollmaus, who indulges him much."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Believe me Mrs. Rollmaus," continued the Prince, "it is a sorrowful +business to be a prince. Disquiet from morning to evening. Every one +will have something, and no one brings anything except bills. Thus all +gaiety is sacrificed, one becomes sad, and slinks about through the +bushes. My favorite recreation is a little quiet conversation in the +evening with my old nurse and instructress, the widowed Cliquot, and to +play a little 'patience.' Then one counts the good works that one has +done during the day, sighs that they are so few, and looks for one's +boot-jack. We are the victims of our position. If there is anything I +envy the Professor's wife, it is her servant Gabriel, a trustworthy +man, whom I recommend to your favorable attention."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I know him," replied Mrs. Rollmaus; "I must acknowledge that the +autobiography which you have given me agrees with all that I have +discovered from the structure of your Highness's head, so far as your +hat does not deprive one of the sight of it, which indeed is very much +the case."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I would be thankful to my cranium," muttered the Prince, "if it would +lead everyone to believe my words as easily as you do."</p> + +<p class="normal">"As long as I live, it will be a pleasure as well as a souvenir to me," +continued. Mrs. Rollmaus, with an ambulatory curtsy, "to have been +brought by accident to this intimate intercourse with your Highness, +the remembrance of which I will, if I may be allowed to say so, recall +to myself by your Highness's picture, which I hope may be had in the +shops. I shall place myself before it when I am in the singular number, +as now my son Karl does with his grammar, and think of past hours."</p> + +<p class="normal">Prince Victor gave Mrs. Rollmaus a look of friendly benevolence.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I will never allow you to buy my portrait. I beg permission to send +you a copy as a remembrance. It is, unfortunately, not so true as I +could wish. The painter has made me too large, and I am not quite +content with the costume: it looks like a clergyman's gown. Meanwhile I +beg you kindly to imagine it without this superfluity. Has the Chief +Inspector Rollmaus good horses? Does he raise them himself?</p> + +<p class="normal">"Always, your Highness, he is famed for it among the neighbors."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Prince turned with fresh interest towards the little lady.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Perhaps one could transact some business with him. I am looking out +for some strong saddle-horses. What kind of a man is he to deal with?" +he asked, frankly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"He is a very sharp tradesman," replied Mrs. Rollmaus, hesitatingly, +and looking at the Prince with secret pity. "He is considered by his +acquaintances as an expert in horses, and--and, if I may say so--is +rather knowing."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Prince pursed up his lips, bringing out a sound almost like a +suppressed whistle.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then he is very unlike the highly honored lady, and I shall hardly be +able to do business with him. Would it not give the Professor's wife +pleasure to visit you for a few days in the village of toads?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"It would be the greatest pleasure to us," exclaimed Mrs. Rollmaus, +"but the house is empty, and is not furnished, and we must manage as +best we can, and the victuals, too, as a rule, are cold."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Only in case of extreme necessity, I mean."</p> + +<p class="normal">Meanwhile Ilse was walking by the side of the Princess through the +groups of citizens making their obeisances, but her heart was not so +light as that of Mrs. Rollmaus. The Princess spoke kindly to her, but +upon indifferent subjects, and she turned frequently to the other side +to her lady. It was clearly not her wish to enter into more +conversation with Ilse than was absolutely necessary. Ilse saw clearly +that it was a show of favor before the world; she felt the intention of +it, and asked herself secretly why it was necessary, and her pride +revolted at this graciousness, which did not come from the heart. The +Princess kept Ilse for some time in the most crowded part of the +promenade.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I leave the palace to-day," said the Princess, "and go for a few days +or weeks into the country. Perhaps I shall have the pleasure of seeing +you there."</p> + +<p class="normal">At parting Prince Victor took off his hat politely, but only said: "The +air is becoming sultry."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse brooded over this little incident as she returned with her +companion to the Pavilion. She answered the animated questions of Mrs. +Rollmaus absent-mindedly, and only gave a half-look at the promenaders, +many of whom now took off their hats to her.</p> + +<p class="normal">Gabriel had prepared some coffee in honor of Mrs. Rollmaus, and had set +the table in front of the door. There the ladies sat down. Mrs. +Rollmaus looked enchanted at the blooming azaleas, praised the cake of +the palace, and still more the princely personages, and chatted away in +her best humor, whilst Ilse looked seriously down.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have seen some of the princely personages, and I should now like to +see the fortune-teller. It is remarkable, dear Ilse, that my valuable +connection with the Professor always brings in question the power of +soothsaying. It is really not from inconsiderate curiosity that I wish +to question this person. It is no object to me to learn about my +future. I know sufficiently how this will all be. For to a certain +extent we live under natural conditions; first the children come, then +they grow up, one becomes older, and if one does not die too young, one +lives a little longer. That has never been inscrutable to me, and I do +not know what a person could now discover for me. It would, therefore, +be some misfortune that would come to pass, and I do not wish to have +that prophesied. I wish it only for the sake of instruction, to find +out whether such a person knows more than we others. For in our days +there are doubts about the powers of soothsaying, and I myself have +never had a presentiment, except once, when I had the toothache, and +dreamt that I smoked a pipe, which took place and had a nauseous +effect; but this cannot be called wonderful."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Perhaps the fortune-teller knows more than others," replied Ilse, +absently, "because she has somehow made herself acquainted with their +history."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have thought of something," cried Mrs. Rollmaus; "I would ask her +about the silver soup-ladle, which, in an inexplicable way, disappeared +from our kitchen."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What will the lady give me if I tell her?" asked a hollow voice.</p> + +<p class="normal">Mrs. Rollmaus started. At the corner of the house stood a large woman +behind the flower-pots; from her shoulders hung a ragged cloak, her +head was covered with a dark handkerchief, from under which two +flashing eyes were fixed upon the ladies. Mrs. Rollmaus seized Ilse's +arm, and cried out, terrified: "There is the fortune-teller herself, +dear Ilse. I beg your advice; shall I ask her?"</p> + +<p class="normal">The woman stepped cautiously from behind the plants, placed herself in +front of Ilse, and raised her handkerchief. Ilse rose and looked +annoyed on the sharp features of the withered face.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The gipsy!" she exclaimed, stepping back.</p> + +<p class="normal">"A tinkering woman!" exclaimed Mrs. Rollmaus, displeased; "the secret +knowledge of such as she is, is connected with poultry-stealing, and +worse things. First they steal and conceal, and then tell where the +stolen property is."</p> + +<p class="normal">The stranger paid no attention to the attack of Mrs. Rollmaus.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You have hunted my people like the foxes in the wood; the frost has +killed them; your watchmen have imprisoned them, and those that still +live lie within walls, clinking their chains; I rove alone through the +country. Do not think of what was done by the men that night, think +only of what I predicted. Has it not come to pass? You look on the +stone house opposite, and you see how slowly he comes along the +gravel-path, to the room in which the naked boy hangs on the ceiling."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse's countenance changed.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I do not understand what you mean. Only one thing I see, that you are +no stranger here."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Many years have my feet glided through the snow," continued the gipsy, +"since I passed through the doors of these black creatures."</p> + +<p class="normal">She pointed to the angels holding tulip wreaths.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Now disease has come upon me."</p> + +<p class="normal">She stretched out her hand:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Give to the sick woman of the high road, who once went on the same +path that you are now treading."</p> + +<p class="normal">The color rose in Ilse's cheeks, she gazed fixedly on the beggar woman, +and shook her head.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is not money that I want from you," continued the gipsy. "Entreat +the spirit of this house for me, if he should appear to you. I am +weary, and seek rest for my head. Tell him that the strange woman on +whom he hung this token," she pointed to her neck, "begs for his help."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse stood motionless; her cheeks glowed and her eyes flashed angrily +on the woman.</p> + +<p class="normal">"What will you give to find your silver again?" asked the beggar, in an +altered tone, turning to Mrs. Rollmaus.</p> + +<p class="normal">"So you are the fortune-teller?" said Mrs. Rollmaus, angrily, "and not +a penny will I give you. Any one who examined your head would find a +fine organism there. I have often heard such gibberish. Away with you +before the police come. One of your people prophesied to my head-maid +that she would marry a landed proprietor, and I was obliged to dismiss +her, though she had been very useful. She began to attack even Rollmaus +himself, although he only laughed at her. Go, we will have nothing to +do with you."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Think of my request," cried the stranger to Ilse. "I shall return."</p> + +<p class="normal">The gipsy turned away and disappeared behind the house.</p> + +<p class="normal">"They are scamps," said Mrs. Rollmaus, deeply irritated. "Believe +nothing of what they say to you. This one talks worse nonsense than the +others. I really believe, dear Ilse, you take to heart what this beggar +woman has said."</p> + +<p class="normal">"She knows this house, she knew well what she says," said Ilse, +faintly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Naturally," exclaimed Mrs. Rollmaus; "they rove about and peep through +all the crevices, they have a good memory for other people's business, +but do not remember their own thievish tricks. I have a great suspicion +of her as regards my soup-ladle. If this is the famous fortune-teller I +am so disgusted as not to care to make any further inquiries. Ah! and +you also, I see."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I know the woman," replied Ilse; "she belongs to the band who stole +our children, and wounded the arm of my Felix. Now her uncanny figure +comes before me like a spirit, and her dark words excite horror in me. +She threatens to return, and terror seizes me lest this woman should +once more come upon me unawares. I must away from here."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse hastened into the house, Mrs. Rollmaus followed her, and said, +kindly:</p> + +<p class="normal">"If she comes again, she shall be sent away. The best way of dealing +with these prognosticators is to imprison them with bread and water."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse stood in the sitting-room looking timidly about her.</p> + +<p class="normal">"He who hung the cross upon her was the master of this castle; and when +she spoke those wild words to me at the gate of the farm yard, she did +not mean my Felix."</p> + +<p class="normal">"She meant eight shillings, and nothing more," said Mrs. Rollmaus, +consolingly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"How dare she compare my life with hers? How does she know whether the +lord of this house attends to my words?"</p> + +<p class="normal">Mrs. Rollmaus endeavored in vain to tranquilize her, by sensible +observations upon the worthlessness of these female vagabonds. Ilse +looked down, with her hands folded, and the consolatory speeches of her +worthy friend were spoken in vain.</p> + +<p class="normal">Strange voices were heard in the house; Gabriel opened the door, and +announced the Intendant. The old man entered the room officiously and +begged to be excused for the interruption.</p> + +<p class="normal">"My most gracious master has commanded me to inquire whether a +strolling woman has been begging here. She has slipped into the castle, +obtained access to the Princess, and frightened her, just when her +Highness was departing for the country. His Highness wishes to warn you +against the stranger--she is a dangerous person."</p> + +<p class="normal">"She was here," replied Ilse, "and talked wildly; she showed that she +knew the house."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Intendant looked disturbed, as he continued:</p> + +<p class="normal">"A long time ago, her Highness, the deceased Princess, took compassion +on a gipsy girl whose mother had died on the high road. She had the +creature instructed, and, as she was amusing, and seemed to promise +well, she was at last taken into the castle and employed in small +services; but she has badly repaid this generous treatment. At a time +of heavy affliction in the castle, this person fell back into the +habits of her childhood; she took to stealing, and disappeared. To-day, +one of the servants recognized the maiden in this strange woman. His +Highness, the gracious Prince, who is ailing, was informed of this by +his valet and was much excited by it. Search is being made through all +the streets and roads for the stranger."</p> + +<p class="normal">The old man took leave. Ilse looked gloomily after him; but she said +with more composure to Mrs. Rollmaus:</p> + +<p class="normal">"This accounts for the language of the stroller, which sounded +different to that of begging people in general, and it accounts for her +wish to receive the pardon of the Prince."</p> + +<p class="normal">But now Mrs. Rollmaus in her turn became depressed and sad.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Ah, dear Ilse! if the witch has really lived here among these +distinguished people, she may know many things that have happened in +this house; for people do not speak well of it, and they say that in +former times princely mistresses lived here. The house is not to blame, +nor are we; it is only because the Hereditary Prince has gone to your +father, and you knew him at the University, that people shake their +heads at it; it is idle gossip."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What gossip?" exclaimed Ilse, in a hoarse voice, seizing the hand of +Mrs. Rollmaus.</p> + +<p class="normal">"They say that you are the cause of the Hereditary Prince coming into +our country. We should all rejoice if you were to visit your father +before you journey, as was intended; but I really believe, as long as +the Prince is there, it would be better for you to remain here, or +anywhere else. It is only for the sake of prudence," she continued, +soothingly, "and you must not take it to heart."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse stood silent and motionless; Mrs. Rollmaus continuing her +comforting words, but Ilse scarcely seemed conscious of them.</p> + +<p class="normal">It is not safe, Ilse, to teach young princes to use agricultural +machines, and to fight duels; the tuition fee will be paid you doubly, +and in new coin, as is the custom of the courts.</p> + +<p class="normal">There was a long and uneasy silence in the room. Ilse looked wildly +about; then she took a cane chair, and placed herself opposite to Mrs. +Rollmaus, and her fingers flew over her work. "Do not let us talk any +more of such calumnies," she said. "What is your son Karl doing? are +you satisfied with his progress? and how does he get on with the +pianoforte? It would be a good thing for him to understand something +about music."</p> + +<p class="normal">Mrs. Rollmaus recovered her spirits talking over the dances that her +son Karl played; she chattered on, and Ilse listened silently, counting +over the stitches in her colored wool-work.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor returned, and shortly after the carriage drove up. Mrs. +Rollmaus disappeared into the next room to pack up her cap in the +band-box, and then took an eloquent leave of her dear friend, the +Professor. Her last words to Ilse were:</p> + +<p class="normal">"It may be long before we meet again; preserve your friendship for me +even though I am far from you."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What is the meaning of these solemn words of parting our neighbor has +spoken?" asked the Professor, astonished.</p> + +<p class="normal">"They mean that we are in a house, to be within the walls of which +fills an honest woman with horror and dread," answered Ilse, with +flashing eyes; "and they mean that I wish to go away from here, and +that it is time for you to take away your wife from unwholesome +surroundings."</p> + +<p class="normal">She told him breathlessly what Mrs. Rollmaus had related, and what the +beggar-woman had suggested.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am ensnared, Felix," she exclaimed, "by my own fault, I am sorry to +say. God knows that in my conduct towards the young Prince I had no +thought of bringing your wife into disrepute, but I have been +imprudent, and I am suffering for it horribly, horribly! Now I +understand the forebodings which have tormented me for weeks past. If +you love me take me away quickly from here, the ground burns beneath my +feet."</p> + +<p class="normal">A sharp pang seized the Professor as he saw his wife struggling with +agony, bitter enough to stun the strongest soul of woman, and to crush +the noblest powers for years.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is as repugnant and humiliating to me as to you to look openly upon +wickedness. I am ready to do all that I can to deliver you from this +trouble. Let us calmly consider how this can be done. You cannot, in +such a state of passionate feeling, decide what would be good for you, +for your judgment is not unbiased enough to choose your own course. To +what old house that a tenant rents or a landlord opens, do not painful +recollections attach? Even he who lives a simple life in a strange +neighborhood, cannot escape the attacks of idle gossip. Turn away your +thoughts from that common woman. It would not become either you or me +to depart like fugitives on her account. What have we done, Ilse, to +lose our self-respect? There is only one wise method of dealing with +the evil work of foolish and perverse accidents, to go forward firmly +and to care little for it. Then the dissonance will pass away and +perish of itself in the noise of daily life. Those who allow themselves +to be disturbed by it, increase it by their own sorrow. Suppose that we +were suddenly to leave this house, you would carry away with you the +feeling of having left like one who had been conquered, and you would +be incessantly pursued by the consciousness of a discordant murmur +behind us which would not be silenced."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You speak coldly and wisely," exclaimed Ilse, deeply incensed; "in +spite of what you say, though, you little feel the injury your wife +suffers."</p> + +<p class="normal">"If you now had the self-possession for which I always admired you, you +would not allow such unjust complaints to pass your lips," replied her +husband, gloomily. "You must know that if I saw you in danger, I would +this very hour take you away. Must I now waste words with you to tell +you that. But even against the gossip of the weak, this residence is +the best defense, for the Prince is away and you remain behind with +your husband."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I know the cause of this indifference," murmured Ilse.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You know what binds me here," exclaimed the Professor, "and if you +were to me what you ought to be, the sharer of my hopes, and if you had +the same feeling for the value of the treasure which I seek, you would, +like me, feel that I should not needlessly turn away. Bear with this +residence, dear Ilse, however irksome it may appear to you," he +continued encouragingly, "the longest period is past. I am invited to +pursue my quest in the country-chateau of the Princess; there I +anticipate that I shall find what will set us free."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do not go," exclaimed Ilse, approaching him; "do not leave me in this +dreadful insecurity, in a terror that makes me shudder at myself and +every strange sound that I hear in these rooms."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Terror," exclaimed the Professor, displeased, "terror of spirits. +Rarely is life among strangers so easy and comfortable as this +residence is to us; there may be discord everywhere, and it is our own +fault if we allow it to master us."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do not go," cried Ilse again. "Yes, there are spirits that pursue me, +they hang day and night above my head. Do not go, Felix," she +exclaimed, raising her hand; "it is not the manuscript alone that +allures you, but the woman who awaits you there. This I have known ever +since the first day we came to this town. I see how the magic of her +superficial soul ensnares you. I have until to-day struggled against +this fear, from the confidence I had in my loved husband. If you go +now, Felix, when I would like to cling to you, when I seek every moment +for comfort from your voice, I shall begin to doubt you and to have the +fearful thought that my trouble is indifferent to you, because you have +become cold to me."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What are you thinking of, Ilse?" cried the scholar, horrified; "is it +my wife that speaks thus? when have I ever concealed my feelings from +you? and can you not read in my soul as in an open book? Then, was it +this that lay so heavy on your mind? Just what I should not have +considered possible," he said, frankly and sorrowfully.</p> + +<p class="normal">"No, no," cried Ilse, beside herself; "I am unjust, I know it; do not +attend to my words. I trust you; I cling to you. Oh! Felix, I should be +driven to despair if this support breaks under me."</p> + +<p class="normal">She threw her arms around his neck, and sobbed. Her husband embraced +her, and tears came into his eyes at the grief of his wife.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Remain with me, my Felix," continued Ilse, weeping. "Do not leave me +alone just now. I have still a childish, simple heart. Have patience +with me. I have been ill at ease here; I do not know why. I cling to +you, and I tremble lest you should be alienated from me. I know that +you are mine, and I struggle with the fearful foreboding that I shall +lose you here. When you go out of the house, it seems to me as if I +must take an eternal farewell, and when you return, I look doubtfully +at you, as if you had changed towards me in a few hours. I am unhappy, +Felix, and unhappiness makes one distrustful. I have become weak and +faint-hearted, and I am afraid of telling you, because I fear that you +will on that account have less respect for me. Remain here, my beloved; +do not go to the Princess--at least, not to-morrow."</p> + +<p class="normal">"If not to-morrow," he said, cheerfully, "then the next day, or some +other day. I cannot forego this short journey. To give it up would be a +wrong that we must not take upon ourselves. The longer I delay. Ilse, +the longer you will be kept within these walls. Even from your point of +view, is it not prudent to do quickly what would make us free?"</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse released herself from his embrace.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You speak sensibly at a moment when I had hoped for a far different +tone from your heart," she said quietly. "I know, Felix, that you do +not wish to give me pain, and I hope that you are true in what you now +say, and conceal nothing from me. But I feel in the depths of my heart +a long-accustomed pang that has often come over me in sorrowful days +since I have known you. You think differently from what I do, and you +feel differently in many things. The individual and his sufferings +signify little to you in comparison to the great thoughts that you +carry about with you. You stand on a height, in a clear atmosphere, and +have no sympathy with the anguish and trouble in the valley at your +feet. Clear is the air, but cold, and a chill seizes me, when I see +it."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is the nature of a man," said the Professor, more deeply moved by +the restrained grief of his wife than by her loud complaints.</p> + +<p class="normal">"No," answered Ilse, gazing fixedly before her, "it is only the nature +of a scholar."</p> + +<p class="normal">In the night, when the scholar had been long sleeping, his wife rose by +his side and gazed, in the subdued light, on the countenance of her +loved husband. She got up, and held the night-lamp so that the yellow +light fell on his peaceful countenance, and large tears dropped from +her eyes on his head. Then she placed herself before him, wringing her +hands, and striving to restrain the weeping and convulsions which shook +her body.</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>CHAPTER XXXV</i>.</h2> + +<h3>IN THE PRINCESS'S TOWER.</h3> + +<p class="normal">When the Princess, at the urgent desire of her father, had returned to +her home, the illustrious family whose name she now bore made it a +condition, not only that she should pass some months of the year at the +residence of her deceased husband, but that she should have a special +establishment arranged for her in her father's capital. A compact to +this effect was concluded, the object of which was undoubtedly to +secure to the young Princess a certain degree of independence. In order +to fulfil the agreement in appearance, a princely castle in the country +was assigned to the Princess for a dwelling, as there was no suitable +building in the capital. The castle was half a day's journey from the +city, at the foot of a woody hill, surrounded by fields and villages--a +pleasant summer residence. The Princess had already spent some of the +months of her mourning there.</p> + +<p class="normal">It was a warm day on which the Professor set off to go to the castle. +The air had not yet become cool after the storm of the night. There +were fleeting shadows and bright sunshine on the sky and earth; the +thick clouds sometimes cast a grey covering over the straight road +along which the learned man passed; but then again it lay before him +like a golden path, leading to the longed-for goal.</p> + +<p class="normal">Thus did dazzling light and dark shadows flit through the soul of our +scholar. "The manuscript will be found; it is concealed from us," he +said to himself, and his brow became clouded. "If it should not be +found, many will read with astonishment how deceptive appearances were, +how near the possibility. Many will with regret resign the hope which +the words of the monk had inspired, yet none will feel this regret so +much as I shall. A thought which has for years occupied my fancy, and +directed my eyes to one object, has gained the mastery over me. The +free mind of man plays with the thousand impressions of ancient and +modern times: he restrains their power by the balance of his reason and +strength of his will. But with me a small image of the faded characters +of an old book has penetrated so deeply into my soul that the hope of +obtaining it makes the blood course through my veins, and the fear of +losing it paralyzes my energies. I know that my eagerness is too great; +it has hardened me against the childish anguish of my wife, and I +myself have not become stronger since I have trodden the uncertain path +of the poacher. Every one should be on his guard lest his dreams should +diminish the sovereignty of his mind. Even the dreams of the best +hours, when a soul innocently devotes itself to a great feeling, may +turn a man away from the straight path of duty, that lies nearest to +him."</p> + +<p class="normal">A golden light broke over his countenance. "But if it is found! It is +only a small portion of our knowledge of ancient times that lies +concealed in it. And yet it is just this discovery that would pour a +flood of light upon a landscape hovering in twilight, and several +decades of ancient life would become visible to our eyes with as +distinct an outline as if they lay in a nearer past. The discovery +would solve a hundred doubts, and excite a thousand new ones. Every +later generation would rejoice in the great gain, and would seek, with +revived energy, for new disclosures. Even for her, who at the castle +shares so warm-heartedly in my anxieties, I wish the pleasure of this +discovery. To her also it would be forever a great remembrance, that +she had taken a kindly interest in the first labors of the searcher."</p> + +<p class="normal">Higher rose the mountains and more brilliant became the coloring of +their masses. The line of hills in the foreground stood forth from the +misty distance; blue glimpses of the valley were visible through the +openings of the dark wood. The carriage rolled through a well-preserved +forest; a thick growth of firs and pines shut out the prospect for a +time; when the road led again into the open country, through grassy +meadows and groups of trees, the castle lay straight before the eyes of +the scholar. A massive, old-fashioned tower crowned with pinnacles rose +out of a low wood; the afternoon sun shone above, its rays forming long +streaks in the vaporous atmosphere. The brown walls stood out in the +lonely landscape, like the last pillar of a gigantic ruined castle; +only by the fresh-looking stone mullions of the well-fitted windows did +one perceive that it was a habitable abode. Adjoining the tower rose +the small chateau, with steeply-sloped roof and pointed windows; in its +moderate dimensions it formed a strange contrast to its massive +companion; but in spite of the disproportion of the parts the whole +formed a stately relic of the middle ages. One could well see that its +walls had afforded shelter and defense to many generations.</p> + +<p class="normal">The tendrils of the wild vine twined up to the roof of the house and +round the windows of the tower, which rose in seven stories, supported +by strong buttresses. Thyme and grass grew above in the crevices of the +crumbling stone, but the grass which a few days ago had covered the +ground had been pulled up and the court and doors festively adorned for +the new occupants. Banks of flowers and plants in pots were placed +around in profusion. There was only one corner in which the hasty work +had not been finished, and the remains of mossy green on the ground, +and a swarm of blackbirds that fluttered round the tower, showed that +the building had stood uninhabited in a lonely country.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor sprang from the carriage, the Marshal greeted him from +the balustrade, and led him into the unpretentious guest-chamber. +Shortly after he conducted him through a vaulted passage of the castle +to the tower. The Princess, who had just returned from a walk, was +standing, with her summer hat in her hand, at the entrance of the +tower.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Welcome to my Solitude," she said; "happy be the hour in which this +old mansion opens its doors to you. Here you stand at the entrance of +my realm. I have made myself at home in almost every part of the tower; +it is our female fortress. When these solid oak doors are closed we +ladies can found an Amazonian kingdom, and without danger fire +fir-cones upon the whole male world, for this is the fruit that +flourishes best here. Come, Mr. Werner, I will take you to the place +where your thoughts linger more willingly than with children of the +present."</p> + +<p class="normal">A winding stone staircase connected the stories of the tower, each of +which contained rooms and closets; the highest was a loft. The Princess +pointed mysteriously to the staircase.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yonder at the top, below the rafters," said the Princess to the +Professor, "the whole space is crammed with old household furniture. I +could not restrain my curiosity, so yesterday I just peeped into the +room; the things lie heaped up in wild confusion; we shall have much +work."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor examined with pleasure the well-preserved stone-work of +the arched doors and the artistic work of the old-time lock-smith. +Little had been done in modern times to make the walls look respectable +or to repair damage; but any one who took interest in the chisel and +carving tools of the old builders, might perceive everywhere with +pleasure that the tower could easily be changed into a masterpiece of +ancient style.</p> + +<p class="normal">The servant opened the door into the Princess's rooms. These also were +simply arranged. The broken painted glass of the small window had been +repaired with panes coarsely painted; only fragments of the old +pictures still adhered to the lead.</p> + +<p class="normal">"There is still much to be done here," explained the Princess; "and we +shall gradually have everything arranged within the next few years."</p> + +<p class="normal">The clatter of the Castellan's keys were heard in the anteroom, and the +Professor turned towards the door.</p> + +<p class="normal">"One moment's patience," cried the Princess, and she flew into an +adjoining room. She returned in a grey cloak with a hood, which +enveloped her in its folds, only the delicate face, the large beaming +eyes, and smiling mouth being visible.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is only in this gnome costume that I venture to approach the dusty +spirits of the lumber-room."</p> + +<p class="normal">They ascended to the highest story. While the Castellan was picking out +the key from the bunch, the Professor eagerly examined the door, and +remarked, "More beautiful mouldings by your old lock-smith."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have hopes," said the Princess.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Everything looks that way," replied the learned man.</p> + +<p class="normal">The heavy door creaked on its hinges, and a large room presented itself +to the eyes of the searchers. A bright light shone through the narrow +openings in the wall upon the mysterious apartment; atoms of dust were +seen whirling about in the straight, shafts of air, while before and +beyond all was confusion wrapt in semidarkness. Old furniture was piled +up in hopeless confusion; gigantic wardrobes with broken doors, heavy +tables with balls for feet, chairs with straight backs and leather +cushions, from which the horsehair bristled out; together with +fragments of old weapons, halberds, corroded greaves, and rusty +helmets. Indistinct and vague, the forms appeared among each other: +legs of chairs, flat pieces of wood with inlaid work, and heaps of old +iron lying all around. It was a chaos of frippery, the artistic +products of many centuries. Their hand touched the table at which a +contemporary of Luther had sat; their foot pushed against a chest which +had been broken open by Croats and Swede; or against the white +lacquered chair, with moth-eaten velvet cushions, on which a court lady +had once sat, in a hoop dress, with powdered hair. Now all lay together +in desolate heaps, the cast-off husks of former generations, half +destroyed and quite forgotten; empty chrysales, from which the +butterflies had flown. All were covered with a grey shroud of dust--the +last ashes of vanished life. What once had form and body, now, crushed +into powder, whirled about in the air; clouds of dust opposed the +entrance of those who came to disturb its possession; it hung to the +hair and clothes of the living intruders, and glided slowly through the +open door to the rooms, where varied colors and brilliant ornament +surrounded the inmates, in order there to carry on the endless struggle +of the past with the present--the quiet struggle that is daily renewed +in great and small things which makes new things old, and finally +dissolves the old in order that it may help to nourish the germ of +youthful life.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor glanced like a hawk amidst the legs of tables and chairs +in the dusky background.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Some things have lately been removed from here," he said; "there has +been some sweeping among the furniture in the front."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I yesterday endeavored to clean a little," said the Castellan, +"because your Highness expressed a wish to enter here; but we have not +gone far."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Have you ever formerly examined the furniture in this room?" asked the +Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"No," replied the man. "I was only placed here last year by his +Highness the Sovereign."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Is there any catalogue of the things?" said the Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">The man said there was not.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do you know if there are chests or trunks here?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I think I have observed something of the kind," replied the Castellan.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Fetch the workmen to move the things," ordered the Princess. "To-day +every part of this attic shall be examined."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Castellan hastened down. The Professor endeavored again to peep +among the piled-up masses, but the glaring light from above dazzled his +eyes. He looked at the princely child; she was standing in a costume of +bright color at the door, like the fairy of the castle, who has +ascended into the dwelling of the grey-bearded spirits of the house in +order to accept their homage.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It will be a long work, and your Highness will not like the dragging +about of the dusty furniture."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I will remain with you," exclaimed the Princess; "however contemptibly +small may be my share in the discovery, I will not give it up."</p> + +<p class="normal">Both were silent. The scholar moved about impatiently among the chairs. +Moths fluttered in the clouds of dusty and a brown martin flew out from +the nest which it had built in a corner of the window. All was still; +there was no sound but a slight regular tapping, like a pendulum +striking the hour, in the desolate room.</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is the death-watch," whispered the Princess.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The wood-worm is doing its work in the service of nature, it dissolves +what is decayed, into its elements."</p> + +<p class="normal">The sound ceased, but after a time began to tick again, then a second; +they tapped and gnawed incessantly, down, down, and further down! Over +the heads of the searchers the jackdaws were croaking, and further off +the song of the nightingale sounded softly upon the labor of those who +were unearthing the past.</p> + +<p class="normal">The workmen came; they brought one article after another to the front +of the room. Thicker rose the discoloring dust; the Princess took +refuge in the anteroom, but the Professor did not leave his post. He +worked hard himself, raising and arranging things in the front row. He +went back for a moment to the door to take breath, the Princess +received him laughing.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You have undergone a complete transformation. You look as if you had +been awaiting resurrection in this room, and I do not think I look much +better."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I see a chest," said the Professor, and hastened back. Another +confused medley of chairs' legs and backs were lifted away, and the +workmen laid hold of a little chest which stood in the dark. "Set it +down," ordered the Castellan, who quickly passed a large brush over it. +It was carried to the light and appeared to be a trunk of pine wood +with an arched top; the oil color of the paint had disappeared in many +places. There were iron clamps at the corners, and a rusty key that +held fast the staple of the lock, but hung loosely in the wood. On the +cover of the chest, which was dusty and worn, a black '2' was visible. +The Professor had the chest put at the feet of the Princess. He pointed +to the cipher.</p> + +<p class="normal">"This is probably one of the chests that the official of Rossau sent to +the castle Solitude," he said, with assumed composure, but his voice +trembled.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Princess knelt down and endeavored to raise the cover, the lock +broke away from the wood, and the chest opened.</p> + +<p class="normal">Above lay a thick book, bound in parchment. Quickly the Professor +pounced upon it, like a lion on his prey, but he laid it down again +immediately. It was an old missal, written on parchment, the cover +damaged and torn, the layers of parchment hung loosely in the book. He +put his hand again in the chest, a torn hunting net filled the +remaining space; beside that some damaged cross-bows, a bundle of +arrows, and small iron-work. He raised himself, his cheeks were pale, +his eyes glowed.</p> + +<p class="normal">"This is No. 2, where is No. 1," he exclaimed. He hurried back into the +room, the Princess followed. "Forward, men," he cried out, "fetch the +other trunk."</p> + +<p class="normal">The men continued their work.</p> + +<p class="normal">"There is something here," said one of the workmen; the Professor +hastened to the spot, raised and drew it out, it was only an empty +chest.</p> + +<p class="normal">The work went on. The Marshal also had been brought here by curiosity; +he eagerly viewed the old furniture, and caused those pieces to be +placed together, which, according to his idea, might be mended and used +in the castle. The staircase was filled with household goods, and one +of the servants' rooms was opened that the old things might be +deposited in it. An hour had passed, the room became more empty, the +sun was sinking, its rays reflected the image of the opening in the +wall on the opposite side; the other chest was not to be found.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Remove everything," said the Professor, "even to the last piece of +wood."</p> + +<p class="normal">A heap of old lances, broken glasses and pottery were fetched out of +the corner, also broken legs of tables, split pieces of veneered wood, +and in the corner a great pewter tankard:--the space was clear. On the +floor lay gnawed pieces on which the death-watch had already done its +work.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor entered the door again.</p> + +<p class="normal">"This room is cleared," he said, with forced composure, to the +Castellan. "Open the next room."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I do not believe that you will find anything in it," replied the weary +man. "You will only find old shelves and stoves there that formerly +stood in the castle."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Let us go in," said the Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Castellan opened the door hesitatingly; a second room, still larger +and less inviting, came to view; sooty earthen pans, bricks, and slabs +of slate, lay mountain-high at the entrance, and over these were wooden +tools that probably had been used in the last repairs of the castle.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am glad to see this," said the Marshal; "such a load on the upper +story is wrong. This lumber must be taken out of the tower."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor had ascended a hill of slate slabs, and was seeking in +the darkness for another trunk, but the chaos was too great.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I will have it cleared out immediately," said the Marshal, +consolingly, "but it may take a long time; we shall hardly get through +to-day."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor looked imploringly at the Princess.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Get more people," she commanded.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Even with that it will soon be dark," replied the Marshal, prudently. +"We shall see how far we can get. At all events the Professor may +betimes to-morrow find the entrance prepared."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Meanwhile let us shake the dust from our clothes," said the Princess, +"and come into my library; it lies just under us, you can there +overlook the work of the people who are clearing away. The chest shall +be conveyed into my library. I will take it with me, and shall expect +you."</p> + +<p class="normal">Two men carried No. 2 into the library, and the Professor went +unwilling to his room to dress.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Princess walked about the room where the old chest had been placed, +awaiting the return of the scholar. With a heavy heart she looked +forward to meeting him; she concealed in her soul a wish and a +commission. The Sovereign had taken leave of her this time with more +kindness than he had done for years; before her departure, he had led +her into a side room and spoken to her about Werner.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You know that one cannot leave too much to honest Bergau; I should be +glad if you will also do your best to keep the learned man with us. I +have got accustomed to him in this short time and would unwillingly +miss his enlivening society. But I do not think of myself alone. I am +becoming old, and such a man would be of the greatest value to your +brother for his whole life--a man in full vigor, who is always +collected and calm in the midst of our distracting doings: I therefore +wish this intimacy to be preserved and increased for you both: for you +also, Sidonie. I have seen with especial satisfaction how +enthusiastically you enter into the studies of our learned men. Your +mind will not be sufficiently interested with the twittering of the +well-mannered birds who surround us; some assistance from a talented +person will open to you a nobler conception of the world. Endeavor to +gain this man: every kind of burdensome duty shall be spared to him; +what now makes his position uncertain shall be removed as soon as he is +installed with us. I do not insist upon your speaking to him, I only +wish it; and I wish you to believe that in this also I am thinking of +your future."</p> + +<p class="normal">Without doubt this was the case.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Princess had listened to the words of her father with the quiet +criticism that was customary between such near relations. But the words +of the Sovereign on this occasion met with such an echo in her soul, +that she expressed her willingness to speak to Mr. Werner.</p> + +<p class="normal">"If you undertake this," the Sovereign said, in conclusion, "you must +not do it by halves. Employ all the mild influence that you can +exercise over him, obtain his square word and promise for whatever he +is inclined to accede to."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Princess now thought over these words with disquietude. Ah! she +would gladly have conveyed to the heart of this much valued man the +wishes of her own, but she felt annoyed and perplexed that her secret +feelings should be made subservient to the will of another.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor entered the library of the Princess; he gave a glance at +the casts and books which were lying about, just unpacked and +unarranged, and began:</p> + +<p class="normal">"When one's hopes have been so much raised, it is difficult to bear +suspense. One cannot help laughing over the mocking accident which +brings us in contact with a monk whose work is of no value, and +withholds from us that of the other which is of immeasurable +importance."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Princess pointed with her hand to the door: outside were heard the +steps of people carrying something.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Only have a little patience; if there is nothing more to-day there may +be to-morrow."</p> + +<p class="normal">"To-morrow!" exclaimed the Professor; "a whole night lies between. +Meanwhile the worm gnaws incessantly, and all the powers of destruction +are at work. Numberless are the possibilities that separate us from our +hope: that acquisition alone is certain which we have in our hands."</p> + +<p class="normal">He examined the chest.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is much smaller than I imagined. By what accident did the missal +lie in it? It is not even certain whence it came, and it is still very +doubtful what may lie concealed in the other chest."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Princess raised the top.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Let us meanwhile pay attention to the little we have found."</p> + +<p class="normal">She took up the parchment volume, and put it in the hands of the +learned man. Some leaves slipped out; the Professor caught hold of +them; his eyes contracted, he jumped up and hastened to the window.</p> + +<p class="normal">"These leaves do not belong to it," he said, reading them. At last he +exclaimed: "A piece of the manuscript is found."</p> + +<p class="normal">He held out the leaves to the Princess; his hand trembled, and the +agitation of his countenance was such that he was obliged to turn away. +He hastened to the table and searched the missal, opening it leaf by +leaf, from beginning to end. The Princess held the leaves in her hand +in eager expectation, and approached him. As he looked up he saw two +large eyes fixed on him with tender sympathy. Again he seized the two +leaves, "What I have here, he cried, is both valuable and discouraging; +one could almost weep that it is not more; it is a fragment out of the +sixth book of the annals of Tacitus, that we already possess in another +manuscript. These are two leaves of a parchment volume, but between +them many are lost. The writing is well preserved--better than I should +have expected. It is written by a German, in the characters of the +twelfth century."</p> + +<p class="normal">"He looked quickly over the contents in the light of the setting sun. +The Princess glanced over his shoulder curiously at the thick letters +of the monk's hand.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is correct," he proceeded, more calmly, "the discovery is of the +greatest interest. It will be instructive to compare this manuscript +with the only one extant." He looked at it again. "If it is a copy," he +murmured, "perhaps both indicate a common source. Thus the manuscript +that we are seeking must be torn; these leaves have fallen out, and +perhaps during the packing up have been shoved into a wrong book. There +is much still that is mysterious; but the main fact appears to me +certain, that we have here a remnant of the manuscript of Rossau, and +this discovery ought to be a guarantee that the remainder is at hand. +But how much of it?" he continued, gloomily, "and in what condition +will it be?"</p> + +<p class="normal">He again listened anxiously to the steps of the men who were clearing +away in the loft. He rushed out of the room up the stairs, but returned +in a few minutes.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The work goes on slowly," he said; "as yet there is nothing to be +seen."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I do not know whether to wish that it should go on quickly," exclaimed +the Princess, cheerfully; but her eyes gave the lie to her smiling +mouth. "You must know that I am very selfish in helping you to find the +manuscript. As long as you are searching you belong to us. When you +have obtained the treasure, you will withdraw yourself into your +invisible world, and the retrospect alone will remain to us. I have a +mind to close the remaining rooms of the house, and only to open one to +you each year, until you have become quite at home with us."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That would be cruel not to me alone," replied the Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Princess stepped up to him. "I do not speak mere empty words," she +said, in a changed tone. "My father wishes you to make your home with +us. Bergau is commissioned to enter into business arrangements, but +they are not of the nature to determine your decision. Yet when I +express the same wish, that you should remain with us, I do it from my +own heart."</p> + +<p class="normal">"This demand upon me is very unexpected," answered the learned man, +with astonishment. "My custom is to weigh such proposals calmly, and +from different points of view. I therefore beg your Highness not to +require an answer."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I cannot let you off," exclaimed the Princess. "I should like to gain +you in my own way. You shall choose your office and occupation here as +freely as is compatible with our different relations: you shall have +every kind of distinction, and every wish that it is in the power of +the Sovereign to satisfy shall be fulfilled."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am a teacher in the University," replied the Professor. "I teach +with pleasure, and not without success. My whole nature and the course +of my education fit me for this vocation. The rights and duties which +enclose my life have a firm hold on me. I have pupils, and I am +engrossed with the work in which I wish them to partake."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You will never find pupils that will be more truly devoted, or cling +more warmly to you, than my brother and myself."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am not a tutor who can for any length of time oversee the duties of +a prince; I am accustomed to the rigid method of the professor, and to +quiet labor among my books."</p> + +<p class="normal">"This last part of your occupation, at least, will not be lost to the +world by your remaining here. This is just the place where you would +find leisure, perhaps more than among your students."</p> + +<p class="normal">"This new life would bring me new duties," replied the Professor, +"which I should feel called upon to fulfill. It would occasion me also +distractions to which I am not accustomed. You invite a man whom you +regard as firm. True, in his own circle of life, that character he +possesses; but you have no surety that in another sphere of life he +will continue to be so. Do not believe that under changed circumstances +I shall retain the repose and calmness of effort that the mind of a +worker needs; and my dissatisfaction at inner disturbances would +certainly make itself felt upon those about me. But even if I could +hope for all regarding my home and my private relations that would make +life satisfactory to me, I must still take into consideration where I +can personally be most useful; and I am not at present convinced that +this would be the case here."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Princess looked down sadly. The steps of the men who were to free +the manuscript from the piles of rubbish still continued to sound +above.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yet," continued the Professor, "if we were to be fortunate enough to +find the manuscript, many days, perhaps many years of my life would be +taken up by a new task, which would be so great that I might find my +University occupations a burden. Then I should have a right to ask +myself, in what surroundings I should best be able to advance this +work. In this case, I should also have a right to leave the University +for a long time. But if I do not find it, it will be painful to me to +part from here, for my soul will long hover restlessly about this +place."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I will not let you off so easily," cried the Princess. "I hear only +the words, duty and manuscript. Is the liking that we show to you, +then, of no value to you? Forget, now, that I am a woman, and consider +me as a warm-hearted boy, who looks up to you devotedly, and is not +quite unworthy of your interest."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor looked at the student who stood before him and did not +wish to be considered a woman. The Princess had never looked so +attractive. He gazed on the blushing cheeks, on the eyes which were +fastened so expressively on his countenance, and on the rosy lips which +trembled with inward emotion. "My pupils generally look different from +that," he said, softly, "and they are accustomed to criticize their +teacher more stringently."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Be content for once," said the Princess, "with finding pure admiration +in a susceptible soul. I have before said how much I value your +acquaintance. I am no empress who governs a kingdom, and do not wish to +employ your powers in my interest. But I should consider it the highest +happiness to be in intimate relations with your mind, to listen to the +noble words you utter. I feel a longing to look upon life with the +clear eyes of a man. You have easily, as if in play, solved riddles +that have tormented me, and answered questions with which I have +struggled for years. Mr. Werner, you have taken a kind interest in me; +if you go from here, I shall find myself alone in those pursuits with +which I should most prefer being occupied. If I were a man I should +seek you as my teacher; but I am fettered here, and, I beckon you to +me."</p> + +<p class="normal">The learned man listened, entranced, to the soft voice that spoke so +persuasively.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I do not beg for myself alone," continued the Princess, "my brother +also needs a friend. It will be his task to take charge of the welfare +of many. What you could do for his mind would be for the benefit of +others. When I look away from the present, and dream of the future of +our princely house and of this country, I feel proud that we, brother +and sister, have a presage of what will be demanded in our time from +princes, and I feel an ambition that we should both, before all others, +show ourselves worthy of this high calling. I hope to see a new life +developed in my home, and my brother and myself surrounded by the best +minds of our nation. Thus we should live sensibly and earnestly +together, as our times require; it should be no pleasure-loving Court +after the old style, but a hearty intercourse between the Sovereign and +the mind of the nation. That will make us freer and better in +ourselves, and will be an advantage to the whole people; it will also +be a bright remembrance for future times. When I think of such a +future, then, Mr. Werner, I see you as the dear companion of our life, +and the thought makes me proud and happy."</p> + +<p class="normal">The sun was setting, and its last rays fell glowing upon the Princess +and the head of the scholar. Sweetly sounded the song of the +nightingale among the elder-bushes; the Professor stood silent opposite +the beautiful woman who painted life to him in such rosy colors; his +heart beat and his strength failed him. He saw before him two eloquent +eyes, and the sound of the entreating words, "Remain with us," rang +with entrancing magic once more in his ear.</p> + +<p class="normal">Something rustled near the Princess; the leaves of the manuscript which +she had taken fell to the ground. The Professor bent down to pick them +up, and as he raised himself again began, in a feeble tone:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Your Highness takes a bright look into the future; my eye is +accustomed only to read single lines in the history of past ages. Here +lies my first task; my dreams hover about these leaves. I am only a man +of the study, and I should become less were I to endeavor to become +more. I know that I deprive myself of much, and in this hour, when a +vision of a brilliant life shines before me so invitingly, I feel this +more deeply than ever. But my greatest happiness must be, from within +quiet walls, to impress upon the souls of others what will there +blossom and bear fruit. My greatest reward must also be that in hours +of triumph, when filled with the consciousness of power, some pupil of +mine will give a fleeting thought to the far-distant teacher, who has +been but one among the thousands that have formed him, but one among +the many sowers in the limitless fields of science."</p> + +<p class="normal">Thus spoke the scholar. But while speaking, with a severe struggle for +composure, what was true and honorable, he did not think only of the +truth, nor only of the treasure which he was seeking, but of the +greater one which he had left in order to pursue his quest with the +beautiful fairy of the tower. He heard the beseeching words, "Do not +go, Felix," and they were a timely warning. "When I return to her, will +she be contented with me?" thought the innocent man. He was spared the +necessity of asking the question.</p> + +<p class="normal">The rolling of a carriage was heard below, and the steps of the servant +who was coming to announce an arrival.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Is your will so inflexible, your intention so firm!" exclaimed the +Princess, passionately. "But I am also obstinate; I shall continue my +entreaties. War between us two, Mr. Werner! Farewell, till evening."</p> + +<p class="normal">She hastened down the steps. The evening light disappeared behind dark +clouds; the mist hovered over the meadows and hung on the tops of the +trees; and the daws flew croaking round the walls of the tower. The +door of the room above creaked on its hinges, and the Castellan rattled +his keys, while the scholar looked lovingly at the leaves which he held +in his hand.</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>CHAPTER XXXVI</i>.</h2> + +<h3>ILSE'S FLIGHT.</h3> + +<p class="normal">Ilse was awakened by her husband's parting kiss; she sat at her +bed-side and listened to the sound of the rolling wheels.</p> + +<p class="normal">"This has been a fearful night," she said; "after tears and anguish +there came bad dreams. I was hanging over a precipice; from the depth +below, concealed by fogy arose the noise of a waterfall. Felix standing +above, held me by a handkerchief; his strength was giving way; I felt +that, but I had no anxiety about it in my dream. I wished that Felix +would let me go, and not sink with me. Pass away in peace, my dream, to +thy portals of ivory; thou wast a good dream, and I have no cause to be +ashamed of thee.</p> + +<p class="normal">"He is on his journey, and I am alone. No, my Felix, you are with me, +even when I do not hear your voice. Yesterday I was angry with you; I +am sorry for it. I bear you within me, just as you have taught me, that +the soul of man passes into and rests in others. That part of Felix +which I preserve within me I will keep honorably, and quietly cherish +in this hateful house."</p> + +<p class="normal">She opened the curtains.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It will be a gloomy day again; the finches are already sitting at the +window, crying for the dilatory woman who has slept beyond the +breakfast hour of her little ones. Outside all is in bloom, and the +large leaves of the Schubart-plant blow about joyously in the moist +air. But this rain will be more than my father likes; the seed will +suffer. The good God cannot please us all at the same time; we are +indeed covetous.</p> + +<p class="normal">"At home they gossip about me; my neighbor did not say the worst that +she knew. I have not been used to this. When I became the wife of my +Felix I thought myself raised above all the meanness of the world, but +I now feel its sting in my soul."</p> + +<p class="normal">She passed her hand over her eyes.</p> + +<p class="normal">"No tears to-day?" she cried springing up. "When my thoughts course +wildly through my brain I will prove to myself that I have something of +the scholar's character in me, and will calmly look into my own heart +and quiet its beatings by prudent reflection. When he first came to our +house, and the noble spirit of his conversation aroused me, his image +pursued me into my room. I took a book, but I did not know what I read; +I took up my accounts, but I could not put two and two together; I +observed that all was confusion within me. Yet it was wrong to think +thus about a man who was still a stranger to me. Then in my anguish I +went into the nursery, tidied all my brother's and sister's things, and +saw whether the boy's clothes needed mending. I was then a regular home +body. Ah, I am so still; I hope it will help me now. I will put all my +things together for I feel as if I should take a journey to-day, and +that it will be well to have all prepared."</p> + +<p class="normal">She opened the closet, drew out her trunk, and packed it.</p> + +<p class="normal">"But where to?" she asked herself. "Far away? How long it is since I +had wings like a swallow, and could gaily fly with my thoughts into +foreign parts! And now the wings of the poor little swallow are broken. +I sit alone on my branch; I would gladly conceal myself in the leaves, +and I dread the fluttering and the chattering of my neighbors."</p> + +<p class="normal">She supported her weary head with her hands.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Where should I go to?" she sighed; "not to my father; nor could I now +look with pleasure on mountains and old monuments. How can one have a +heart for the forms of nature and the achievements of past nations when +one's own life is racked and disturbed?</p> + +<p class="normal">"My Felix said that one should always consider oneself the child of the +whole human race, and be elevated by the high thought that millions of +the dead and living are united to us in an indissoluble unity. But who +of those who were and are about me will relieve my tormented soul of +the pangs that constantly trouble me? Who will deliver me from +dissatisfaction with myself and from fear about the future? Ah me! It +may be a teaching to inspire man in hours of exaltation, when calmly +contemplating all about him, but for him who is writhing in torment and +affliction, the teaching is too high, too high!"</p> + +<p class="normal">She took from the shelf her little Bible, which had been given her by +the good Pastor on her departure from her father's house, and drew it +out of its cover. "I have long neglected to read you, dear book, for +when I open your pages I feel as if I had two lives; the old Ilse +revives who once trusted in your words; and then again I see myself, +like my husband, criticizing many passages, and asking myself whether +what I find in you is according to my reason. I have lost my childish +faith, and what I have gained instead gives me no certainty. When I +fold my hands in prayer, as I did when I was a child, I know that I +dare pray for nothing but strength to overcome, by my own exertion, +what now casts down my spirit."</p> + +<p class="normal">The gardener entered the room, as he did every morning, with a basket +of flowers which the lord of the castle sent her. Ilse rose and pointed +to the table.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Set it down," she said, coldly, without touching the basket.</p> + +<p class="normal">She had, at other times, frequently expressed to the man her pleasure +in the beautiful flowers he had cultivated. It had always given him +pain that the illustrious personages of the castle never noticed his +rare plants, and he had been so pleased with the warm interest taken by +the strange lady that he brought the flowers every morning himself, and +pointed out to her the new favorites of the conservatory; he had cut +for her the best he had.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The others do not notice them," he would say; "and she remembers the +Latin names too."</p> + +<p class="normal">He now placed the basket of flowers down with a feeling of +mortification.</p> + +<p class="normal">"There are some new specimens of the calceolaria," he began, +reproachfully; "they are of my own raising: you will not see others of +this kind."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse felt the disappointment of the gardener. She approached the table, +and said:</p> + +<p class="normal">"They are indeed very beautiful; but flowers, dear sir, require a light +heart, and that I have not now. I have ill repaid your kindness to-day; +but you must not be angry with me."</p> + +<p class="normal">"If you would only look at the grey-spotted ones," exclaimed the +gardener, with the enthusiasm of an artist; "these are my pride, and +are not to be had anywhere else in the world."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse admired them.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I had taken great pains for many years," continued the gardener. "I +had done all I could to obtain good seed, but only common ones came; +after I had almost lost courage, the new kinds blossomed all in one +year. It was not my art," he added, honestly: "it is a secret of +nature; she has given me good fortune, and relieved me from my cares +all at once."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But you took pains and did your best," answered Ilse; "when one does +thus, one may trust to the good spirit of life."</p> + +<p class="normal">The gardener went away appeased; Ilse looked at the flowers.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Even he who sent you has become to me an object of dread. Yet he was +the only one here who showed me uniform kindness and treated me with +respect. Felix is right: there is no reason for us to be disturbed on +his account. Who knows whether he is much to blame for the disagreeable +reports about this house. I must not be unjust towards him; but when I +look at his flowers, it seems as if an adder lay within them, for I do +not know whether his soul is pure or impure. I do not understand his +ways, and that makes me uncertain and fearful."</p> + +<p class="normal">She pushed the basket away, and turned from it.</p> + +<p class="normal">The maid who waited upon her came into the room, with a troubled +countenance, and begged permission to go away for the day, as her +mother was very ill in a neighboring village. Ilse asked kindly about +the woman, and gave the girl the desired permission, with good wishes +and advice. The maid went slowly out of the room; Ilse looked +sorrowfully after her.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Her heart, too, is heavy. It is well that Felix is not at home, for I +can now be alone with my sorrow. It will be a quiet day, and this will +be welcome after yesterday's storm."</p> + +<p class="normal">Again there was a knocking at the door; the Castellan brought the +letters that the postman had given him for the Pavilion. There were +letters from her brothers and sisters who kept up a regular +correspondence with their distant Ilse. A ray of joy passed over her +serious face.</p> + +<p class="normal">"This is a pleasant morning greeting," she said. "I will to-day answer +my little band in detail. Who knows whether I may have time for it next +week."</p> + +<p class="normal">She hastened to the writing-table, read, laughed, and wrote. Her +uneasiness had passed away; she chatted like a lively child in the +language and thoughts of the nursery. Hours flew in this occupation. +Gabriel brought up and carried away the dinner. When in the afternoon +he found her still bending over the letters, he lingered by her and +hesitated whether he should speak to her; but as Ilse was so deeply +engrossed in her work, he nodded and closed the door.</p> + +<p class="normal">Finally, Ilse wrote to her father. Again her thoughts became sad, +anguish rose from the depth of her heart, and lay like a burning weight +on her bosom. She left her writing-table, and paced hastily about the +room. When she came to the window, she saw the lord of the castle +coming slowly along the gravel path towards the Pavilion.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse stepped back quickly. She was not unaccustomed to the short visits +of the Sovereign; but to-day she felt fearful, the blood rushed to her +heart, she pressed her hands over her bosom, and struggled for +composure.</p> + +<p class="normal">The door flew open.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I come to inquire," began his Highness, "how you bear your solitude. +My house also has become empty, my children are gone from me, and it is +lonely in the great building."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have employed my leisure in intercourse with distant friends," +answered Ilse.</p> + +<p class="normal">She would not on this occasion mention the children to the Sovereign.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Are the little ones who play about in your home amongst these +friends?" he asked laughing. "Have the children again expressed their +wishes to you?"</p> + +<p class="normal">He took a chair and invited Ilse to be seated. His demeanor made her +more composed; his manner was that of a discreet and well-intentioned +person.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, your Highness," replied Ilse; "but this time my younger sister, +Luise, was the most active correspondent."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Does she promise to become like you?" asked the Sovereign, kindly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"She is now twelve years old," replied Ilse, with reserve; "she is +sentimental upon every subject and every blade of grass excites her +fancy. It appears as if she were to be the poetess of the play-room. I +do not know how these fantastical ideas have come into our family. In +her letter she tells me a long story, as if it had happened to herself, +and yet it is only a tale which she has read somewhere. For since I +have left my home, more story-books have reached it than were there in +my youth."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Probably it is only childish vanity," said the Sovereign, kindly, +"that leads her to substitute an invention for truth."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is it exactly," answered Ilse, more cheerfully. "She pretends +that she lost her way in the wood, and that when she was sitting +sorrowfully among the toad-stools, the little animals whom she was in +the habit of feeding in our court-yard,--the white mouse in the cage, +the cats, and the shepherd's dog,--placed themselves about her and ran +before her till she found her way out of the wood. The cat together +with the mouse, your Highness; that was silly! This story she related +boldly as if it were the truth, and expected me to think it touching. +That was too much--but I have given her my opinion of it."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign laughed, laughed from his heart. It was a rare sound that +echoed through the walls of the dark room, and the god of love above +looked down with surprise on the joyous man.</p> + +<p class="normal">"May I ask how you criticized this poetic state of mind?" asked the +Sovereign. "There is a poetical idea in the tale, that the kindness +shown to others will always be repaid when required. But it is +unfortunately only an poetic idea; gratitude is seldom met with in real +life."</p> + +<p class="normal">"One ought not, in life, to trust solely to the help of others," +replied Ilse, firmly; "and one ought not to show kindness to others in +order that it may be repaid. There is indeed a strange pleasure felt +when some chord which one has struck brings back its echo to one's +heart; but one should not trust to it. A child that has lost its way +should make good use of its five senses in order to find its way home +by itself. But, certainly, one ought not to put forth poetical ideas as +if they were real incidents. I was obliged to scold her; for, your +Highness, girls in these days must have right ideas taught them, or +they will soon lose themselves in dreams."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign laughed again.</p> + +<p class="normal">Where are the wise and good animals, Lady Ilse, that will give <i>you</i> +friendly counsel in your time of need?</p> + +<p class="normal">"You are too strict," continued the Sovereign. "The witch fancy +deceives the judgment of even us grown-up people; one is fearful +without reason, and one hopes and trusts without justification. The +person who could ever command a true, impartial judgment of his own +position, would have a freedom that would make life hardly endurable."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Fancy confuses us," answered Ilse, looking round, "but it warns us +also."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What is warmth of feeling, and devotion to others?" continued the +Sovereign, sorrowfully. "Nothing but subtle self-deceit. If I now am +flattered by the joyful feeling that I have succeeded in sharing the +wealth of your heart, that too is only a deception; but it is a dream +which I carefully cherish, for it does me good. With a happiness which +I have long been deprived of, I listen to the honest tones of your +voice, and the thought is painful to me that I shall ever be without +the sweet enjoyment they afford. It is of greater value to me than you +imagine."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Your Highness speaks to me as to a true friend," replied Ilse, drawing +herself up; "and when I take to heart the kindly tone in which you now +express your sympathy, I have to believe your honesty and sincere +intentions. But this same fancy, which you blame and praise, disturbs +also the confidence which I would gladly have in your Highness. I will +no longer be silent about it, for it pains me after such kind words, to +foster any unfounded feeling against you." She rose hastily. "It +disturbs my peace of mind to feel that I dwell in a house which the +feet of other women avoid."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign looked astonished at the woman who, with such firmness, +controlled her inward excitement.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The fortune-teller," he murmured.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Your Highness knows well what fancy does," continued Ilse, +sorrowfully. "It has tormented my soul, and made it difficult for me in +this place to believe in the esteem of which your Highness assures me."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What have they been telling you?" asked the Sovereign, in a sharp +tone.</p> + +<p class="normal">"What your Highness ought not to desire to hear from my lips," replied +Ilse, proudly. "It is possible that the master of a Court considers +such things with indifference. I say that to myself. But it is a +misfortune to me to have been here: it is a stain on a spotless robe, +and I fix my eyes wildly upon it; I wash it away with my hand, and yet +it always lies before me, for it is a shadow that falls from without."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign looked gloomily before him.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I shall not use the subterfuges that you put into the mouth of a +master of a Court, for I feel at this moment, deeply and passionately +like you, that an injury has been done your honor. I have only one +excuse," he continued, with passion: "you came here as stranger to us, +and I little thought what a treasure lay concealed near me. Since that, +in our slight intercourse, you have awakened in me a feeling to which I +yield irresistibly. It is seldom permitted me by fate to say +undisguisedly what I feel. I disdain to use the impassioned language of +a youth, for I do not wish to disquiet you. But do not think that I +feel less strongly towards you because I know how to conceal my +emotion."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse stood in the middle of the room, and a burning color rose to her +cheeks.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I beg your Highness not to say another word, for it is not right that +I should listen to you."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign laughed bitterly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have already wounded you, and you quickly make it plain that I +labored under an illusion when I hoped for your affection. And yet I am +so completely your slave, that I beg of you not to refuse your sympathy +to a passion which glows so warmly within me, that it has at this +moment entirely deprived me of my self-control."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse gasped:</p> + +<p class="normal">"I must away from here."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Renounce that idea," cried the Sovereign, beside himself. "I cannot be +deprived of your presence or of the sound of your voice. However +slightly it may gladden me, it is the happiness of my days--the one +great feeling in a life without pleasure or love. The knowledge that +you are near me maintains me in my struggle against thoughts that +stupefy me in gloomy hours. Like the devout pilgrim who listens to the +bell of the hermitage, I listen to the slightest chord that vibrates +from your life into mine. Consent to accept the devotion of a lonely +man," he continued, more tranquilly. "I vow never more to wound your +delicate feelings. I vow to be contented with that share of your life +which you will freely give me."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I repent of every word that I have spoken to your Highness, and I +repent of every hour in which I have thought with reverence of you," +exclaimed Ilse, with kindling anger. "I was a poor trusting child," she +continued, excitedly. "I bowed submissively to my Sovereign before I +saw him as he is; now that I know him, he excites abhorrence in me, and +I gather up my garment and say. Monster, begone from me!"</p> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign fell back in his chair.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is an old curse that echoes in my ears from these walls; it is not +your own heart that drives me from you. From your lips should only come +words of love and compassion. I am not a tempter, I am myself a +wanderer in the wilderness, with nothing about me but desert sand and +towering rocks. I hear the laughter of children; I see the fair-haired +group passing by me; I see two eyes fixed on me with kindly greeting, +and a hand, with the filled cup, which beckons to the weary one; and, +like a vision of mist, it has all disappeared. I remain alone, and I +sink to my destruction."</p> + +<p class="normal">He closed his hands over his eyes. Ilse did not reply. She stood, +turned from him, looking through the window at the clouds which flitted +across the heaven.</p> + +<p class="normal">All was quiet in the room. Nothing moved, and no one spoke. At last the +Sovereign rose slowly: he approached Ilse. There was a glassy look in +his eye, and he moved with effort.</p> + +<p class="normal">"If I have wounded you by what I have said in a moment of overwhelming +passion, forget it. I have proved to you that I am not yet free from +the weakness that hopes to gain a heart which would beat in unison with +mine. Remember only that I am an erring one who sought comfort from +you. It was an humiliating request: if you cannot respond to it, do not +be angry with the wretched one who asks."</p> + +<p class="normal">He gazed on her with a long, protracted look of burning passion, +deadly, wounded pride, and something more, that inspired her with +terror, but she looked him firmly and rigidly in the face. He raised a +warning finger, and left the room.</p> + +<p class="normal">She listened to his tread as he went away, marked every step as he +descended, and when he closed the house-door, pulled the bell.</p> + +<p class="normal">Gabriel, who was standing in the anteroom, entered quickly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I wish to go away from here," exclaimed Ilse.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Whereto, Mrs. Werner?" asked the frightened servant.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Where to?" echoed in Ilse's ears.</p> + +<p class="normal">"To my husband," she said; but, as if listening to her own words, she +shuddered. He also was in a house of the Sovereign. He was with the +daughter of the wicked man. He himself was not safe there--his wife +would not be safe with him. Where to? The question whirled in her head. +The son of the cruel man was with her father, so she must not go home; +her neighbour had said so. She sank her head as if stunned. A feeling +of helplessness lay like a dead weight upon her; but she raised herself +again, and approached Gabriel. "I will leave this city to-day--at +once."</p> + +<p class="normal">The servant wrung his hands.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I knew it would come to this," he exclaimed.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You knew it," asked Ilse, gloomily; "and neither I nor my husband did? +Was it seen to every passerby, and yet a secret to him and me?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I noticed that there was something about this place that seemed +uncanny," answered Gabriel, "and that no one trusted the distinguished +gentleman who just now left. How could I tell you what seemed only my +foolish fancy?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is not well to pay too little attention to people's talk," replied +Ilse; "I wish to go to some place where I can find a woman, Gabriel. +Get a carriage for me immediately, and accompany me to Mrs. Rollmaus. +We will leave everything here, and you must return to the house, that +you may be on the spot when my husband comes back."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Where shall I get a carriage?" asked Gabriel, hesitatingly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"From the city, and not from the castle stable."</p> + +<p class="normal">Gabriel stood and reflected. At last he said, abruptly:</p> + +<p class="normal">"I shall go; be careful to prevent the lackey from learning that you +are preparing for a journey."</p> + +<p class="normal">"No one shall know it," said Ilse.</p> + +<p class="normal">Gabriel hastened away, and Ilse locked the door and flew into the next +room. There she collected all that was indispensable for the journey. +She closed all the cupboards and wardrobes, and put the keys in a +bunch. "When Felix comes, he shall not say I ran away unthinkingly." +She went to his writing-table, and sealed up the letters in a packet. +"So that no curious eye can look upon you," she said. When she packed +up the letters of the children and her own answers, a shudder came over +her, and she concealed the bundle rapidly beneath other papers. She was +ready, and Gabriel had not yet returned. He seemed to linger long. With +firm steps she went through the rooms. "You have grown more strange to +me the longer I have dwelt here. What has become of the brilliant +impression of the first evening? It was a cold splendor, hostile to my +life. I would gladly root up every recollection of it from my soul." +She placed herself on the spot where, in the night, she had looked on +her sleeping husband. "That was my last sorrowful look at his dear +face; when shall I see it again? I go from you, Felix; who would have +thought it when we stood together before the altar? I leave you behind +among wicked men; you also in danger, and I go away alone, to seek +safety for myself far from you. Who would have said some days ago that +I should have marked him a liar to his face? I go, Felix, in order to +save myself for you. Think of that, and do not be angry with me. I +would not have gone for less cause." She sank down on a cushion, and +wrung her hands with tearless sorrow. She lay for a long time in this +condition. At last there was a knocking at the outer door. She jumped +up and opened it, but she drew back terrified when she beheld the pale +countenance of her faithful servant.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have not ordered a carriage," said Gabriel, "for it would be of no +use."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What do you mean?" asked Ilse, angrily.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Any carriage that went from here would not take Mrs. Werner where she +wishes, but only where another wishes."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then we will go ourselves, and take a vehicle in the city."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Wherever we go," replied Gabriel, "we shall be observed, and if I +attempt to call a carriage it will be taken from us."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You are frightened yourself, Gabriel, and see danger where none +exists," replied Ilse, annoyed.</p> + +<p class="normal">"If we could only get an honest man to take you to Mrs. Rollmaus," +continued Gabriel; "but it is doubtful whether you could get there. Do +you see that man below by the castle? He goes slowly as if he were +taking a walk, but he never turns his eyes from this house. That is one +of our spies, and he is not the only one."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Who has told you that?" asked Ilse.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have a good friend here who belongs to the castle," replied Gabriel, +hesitating. "Do not be angry, Mrs. Werner, that I asked him, for he +knows all their tricks. It is possible, he said, that we may succeed; +for one cannot assume that all the people of the city are robbers or +deceivers, but it is uncertain and dangerous."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse seized her hat and cloak.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am going, Gabriel," she said, quietly. "Will you accompany me?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Dear Mrs. Werner, wherever you wish," answered Gabriel. "But first +listen to my proposal. My acquaintance thinks that the safest way would +be, if the Crown Inspector should fetch you himself in the evening. The +evenings are dark, and you may then perhaps be able to leave the house +without the lackey or any one else remarking it."</p> + +<p class="normal">"A prisoner!" exclaimed Ilse. "Who is your acquaintance?" she asked, +looking sharply at Gabriel.</p> + +<p class="normal">"He is true as gold," Gabriel assured her, "and I will willingly tell +you later, but I beg you not to ask me to-day, for he has desired, for +his own safety, that no one should be told."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I trust in your faithfulness," replied Ilse, coldly; "but you yourself +may be deceived; I will not follow the advice of a stranger."</p> + +<p class="normal">"He has offered me a horse," said Gabriel, "it is outside the city. If +you will give me a line to the Crown Inspector, I will ride there and +bring the carriage in good time."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse looked gloomily at the servant.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Many hours must pass away, and I will not remain here alone. I will go +on foot along the high road to my friends."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Look, Mrs. Werner, at the sky; a storm is coming."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I do not care for it," exclaimed Ilse; "it is not the first time I +shall have gone through the rain. If you do not choose to accompany me, +you may wait here for my husband, and tell him that I have gone away to +my home, and when I am with good people I will write to him."</p> + +<p class="normal">Gabriel wrung his hands; Ilse put on her cloak.</p> + +<p class="normal">Suddenly loud altercation was heard on the floor below. Gabriel hastily +opened the door; the bass voice of a stranger was scolding the lackey +vehemently:</p> + +<p class="normal">"But I tell you I am not the man who will allow the door to be shut in +his face; she is at home, I say."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse threw off her hat and cloak, sprang down the stairs, and called +out.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Mr. Hummel!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Your most obedient servant, Mrs. Werner," cried out Hummel. "I come +immediately, only I will first express to this major-domo my high +opinion of him. You are a scoundrel, sir, and an object to whom I wish +such treatment as he deserves--a well-seasoned switch and a tight +halter. I am coming, Mrs. Werner." He ascended the stairs heavily. Ilse +flew to meet him, led him into her room, and was so overcome that she +laid her head on his shoulder and wept.</p> + +<p class="normal">Mr. Hummel was silent, and looked sympathizingly at Ilse.</p> + +<p class="normal">"So these are Court ways?" he asked, softly; "and this is the fashion +in which people act here?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"My husband is away. I wish to leave this place; Mr. Hummel, do help me +to escape!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is exactly my situation," said Mr. Hummel: "I am implicated, +myself, in an elopement affair. I have come to this city in order to +convey to you a request from my daughter Laura, and to bring matters to +some settlement with the clergymen here. But where do you wish to go +to?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"To kind friends who will take me to my father's house."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That will certainly be the right course," replied Mr. Hummel.</p> + +<p class="normal">"In times of despair, when everything totters in the world, the child +should go back to the father. His faithfulness remains; she is twenty +years old before that of the husband begins. As your father is not +here, allow one who knows what it is to feel anxious about a child to +take the place of a father to you."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse clung to him: Mr. Hummel pressed her hand, after his fashion, +tenderly; but it was a hard pressure.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Now for composure and cool blood. It can be no small matter which +moves you so strongly. I will not leave you until I see you well +protected." He looked at Gabriel, who made him a sign. "Do not trouble +yourself further in the matter. Be quietly seated, and allow me to +confer with Gabriel. I will take care of everything for you, and I +shall answer for everything."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse looked at him thankfully and seated herself obediently. Mr. Hummel +beckoned Gabriel into the next room.</p> + +<p class="normal">"What has happened here?" he asked.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The master has gone away for a few days; meanwhile Mrs. Werner has +been treated in an unseemly way; great wickedness is carried on here, +and they will not let her go."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Not let my lodger go?" cried Mr. Hummel; "ridiculous! I have a +passport to Paris in my pocket, we will skip over this country like +grasshoppers. I will fetch a conveyance immediately."</p> + +<p class="normal">Gabriel shook his head. The confidants again conferred together. Mr. +Hummel came back and said, with greater seriousness, to Ilse:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Now I must beg of you to write a few lines to the Crown Inspector--to +the husband, not to his wife, otherwise there would be confusion. You +must request him, immediately after the receipt of this letter, if he +is willing to do a great kindness, to come here in a closed carriage, +to stop in the suburb, at the Black Bear; and he must not leave his +carriage. Nothing further. This letter Gabriel will convey to him. How +he does so is his affair, not ours; if he chooses to fly, like this +ambiguous genius on the ceiling, who has forgotten its overcoat, it +will be so much the better. Now the letter is written, forgive me if I +read it. All right and accurate--away, Gabriel, quickly. When you have +passed the castle, then make speed: till then, act like a composed +philanthropist. I will allow you to whistle my Dessauer, if you can. If +they ask you any questions, say you are attending to some business for +me."</p> + +<p class="normal">Gabriel hastened away. Mr. Hummel placed his chair in front of Ilse, +and looked at his watch.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You will have to wait five hours for the carriage if all goes right. +Meanwhile you must bear my company, I will not leave the house without +you. Do not be troubled at the delay. I am glad of it; for I wish to +speak with you as with an honorable woman, to whom I can take off my +hat with true respect, concerning my own affairs, which I have much at +heart. We have time enough for it. I have also brought some papers to +the Professor; they are of little importance, but I will lay them on +the table, and we shall sit opposite each other like people of +business. Then I should be glad if you would give that Judas in the +servants' chamber a few instructions for me. Have the goodness also to +take everything away that might lead him to suppose that you and I were +going to elope."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse looked round her, undecided.</p> + +<p class="normal">"What shall I say to the man, Mr. Hummel?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"You are so good a housewife," replied Hummel, politely, "that I can +leave entirely to you to decide what you will provide for me. I have +been travelling the whole day," and he made a significant gesture +towards his waistcoat.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Ilse jumped up; in spite of all her anxieties, she could not help +laughing, and said:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Forgive me, Mr. Hummel."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is the right frame of mind," replied Hummel; "there is no better +remedy for tragic spirits than a well spread table. I beg, therefore +that you will send not only for one plate, but for two. I could not eat +if you were looking on. Believe me, Mrs. Werner, the noblest feelings +are not to be depended on if an honest piece of bread and butter is not +impressed on them as a stamp. It makes people calm and firm--and you +will have occasion for these virtues to-day."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse rang the bell.</p> + +<p class="normal">"If the knave appears," proceeded Mr. Hummel, "mention to him my name +and my firm. I do not generally travel incognito, and I wish not to be +looked upon as a mystery here."</p> + +<p class="normal">The lackey appeared. Ilse gave him orders to fetch the necessary +refreshment, and asked him how it was he had denied her dear landlord +admittance.</p> + +<p class="normal">The man stammered an excuse, and went away hastily.</p> + +<p class="normal">"When I came to the house I was aware that all was not right here. I +asked after you at the castle and received no satisfactory answer. I +asked a man at the back of the castle who was wandering about, which +was your house. He looked at me like a crossbill. You were travelling, +he declared, and he tried to discover my secret. Thereupon there was a +short conversation, in which cross-bill showed his spite because I in +ignorance called him by his proper title of spy. The sentinel came up +at this, and I saw that these jovial comrades had a great mind to +arrest me. Then a young gentleman appeared, who asked the other the +cause of the disturbance, and said he knew that you were at home. He +accompanied me up to this house, asked my name politely, told me also +his own, Lieutenant Treeclimber, and advised me not to be frightened +away, that the servants were insolent, but that you would be rejoiced +to see an old friend. He must be known to you."</p> + +<p class="normal">The lackey laid the table. Whenever he offered Mr. Hummel a dish, the +latter gave him a withering look, and did not endeavor to make his +office easy to him. While the servant was removing the things, Mr. +Hummel began:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Now permit me to talk of our affairs, it will be a long account; have +you patience for it?"</p> + +<p class="normal">The evening had set in, darkness lay over the dismal house, the storm +came on, the windows rattled, and the rain poured down. Ilse sat as in +a dream. In the midst of the stormy scenes of the past day and the +uneasy expectation of a wild night, the comfortable prose of the Park +Street rose before her, where, fearless and secure, she was at peace +with herself and the world,--so far as the world was not vexatious. But +she felt how beneficial this contrast was; she even forgot her own +position, and listened with deep sympathy to the account of the father.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am speaking to a daughter," said Mr. Hummel, "who is going back to +her father, and I tell her what I have said to no one else: how hard it +is to bear my child's wish to leave me."</p> + +<p class="normal">He spoke about the child whom they both loved, and it was pleasant +intercourse between them. Thus several hours passed.</p> + +<p class="normal">The lackey came again, and asked respectfully whether Mrs. Werner had +sent Gabriel away.</p> + +<p class="normal">"He has gone upon a commission for me," grumbled Mr. Hummel, to the +inquirer; "he is looking after some money matters with which I did not +choose to burden your honesty. If any one inquires from the city for +me, I must beg, Mrs. Werner, to request this man to say that I am at +home."</p> + +<p class="normal">He again looked at his watch.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Four hours," he said. "If the horse was good, and Gabriel did not lose +his way in the dark, we may expect him every moment. If he has not +succeeded, you may still be without anxiety; I will still take you from +this house."</p> + +<p class="normal">The bell below rang, and the house door opened--Gabriel entered. There +was a gleam of pleasure in his countenance.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Promptly, at ten, the carriage will stop before the inn," he said, +cautiously; "I have ridden hastily in advance."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse jumped up. Again the terrors of the day and anxiety for the future +passed through her mind.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Sit still," admonished Mr. Hummel again; "violent moving about is +suspicious. I will meanwhile hold council once more with Gabriel."</p> + +<p class="normal">This council lasted a long time. At last Mr. Hummel came back, and +said, very seriously:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Now, Mrs. Werner, prepare yourself; we have a quarter of an hour's +walk. Yield yourself quietly to our guidance; all has been carefully +considered."</p> + +<p class="normal">Mr. Hummel rang. Gabriel, who had returned to the spy on the ground +floor, entered as usual, and took several keys and a screw-driver out +of his pocket, and said, cautiously:</p> + +<p class="normal">"The first week we were here I closed the small back staircase and +secured the door with a large screw; the people do not know that I have +the keys."</p> + +<p class="normal">He went to one of the back rooms and opened the entrance to a secret +staircase. Mr. Hummel glided after him.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I wished to know how I was to let myself in again," he said, returning +to Ilse. "When I have taken you away some one must be heard moving +about here as your spirit, otherwise all the trouble would be lost. +Gabriel will take you down the back staircase, while I go out at the +front door and keep the lackey in conversation. I will meet you a short +distance from the house among the bushes; Gabriel will bring you to me, +and I will be sure to be there."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse pressed his hand anxiously.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I hope all will go well," said Mr. Hummel, cautiously. "Take care to +have a cloak that will disguise you as much as possible."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse flew to her writing-table and in haste wrote these words:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Farewell, beloved; I am gone to my father."</p> + +<p class="normal">Again sorrow overpowered her; she wrung her hands and wept. Mr. Hummel +stood respectfully aside. At last he laid his hand on her shoulder: +"The time is passing away."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse jumped up, enclosed the note in an envelope, gave it to Gabriel, +and quickly veiled herself.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Now forward," admonished Mr. Hummel, "out of both doors. I go first. +Good bye, Mrs. Werner," he called out, through the open door; "I hope +you will rest well."</p> + +<p class="normal">He stepped heavily down the stairs, the lackey was standing on the last +step.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Come here, young man," shouted Mr. Hummel, "I wish to have you stuffed +after your death, and placed before the council house as a model for +later generations of the love of truth. When I return you may depend +upon it I shall again give myself the pleasure of expressing my high +opinion of you; then I will reveal to the Professor the consummate +meanness of your character. I have a great mind to make your +worthlessness known in the daily paper in order that you may become a +scare-crow to the world."</p> + +<p class="normal">The servant listened with downcast eyes, and bowed mockingly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Good-night, courtling," said Mr. Hummel, going out and closing the +door behind him.</p> + +<p class="normal">Mr. Hummel walked with measured tread from the house, turning to the +left side where a path entered a thicket; there he concealed himself. +The rain poured, and the wind roared in the tops of the trees. Mr. +Hummel looked cautiously about him when he entered the darkness of the +spot where Gabriel and Prince Victor had once spoken to one another of +the ghosts of the castle. There was a slight stir in the thicket, a +tall figure approached him and seized his arm.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Good," said Mr. Hummel, in a low tone; "go back quickly, Gabriel, and +expect me in time. But we must seek out dark paths and avoid the +lights; you must conceal your face under your veil when we come into +the open."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse took the arm of her landlord and walked along, covered by the +great umbrella which Mr. Hummel held over her.</p> + +<p class="normal">Behind the fugitives the tower clock struck ten, when the outline of +the inn outside the gate was seen against the darkened heaven.</p> + +<p class="normal">"We must not be too early nor too late," said Mr. Hummel, restraining +the steps of his eager companion. At the same moment a carriage came +slowly towards them out of the darkness. Ilse's arm trembled. "Be +calm," begged Mr. Hummel; "see whether that is your friend."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I recognize the horses," whispered Ilse, breathless. Mr. Hummel +approached the coachman's covered seat, and asked, as a password, "From +Toad?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Ville," answered a firm voice. The Crown Inspector sprang down to +Ilse; there was a little movement in the carriage, the corner of the +leather curtain was lifted, and a small hand was put out. Hummel seized +and shook it. "An agreeable addition," he said. Without speaking a +word, the Crown Inspector unbuttoned the leather curtain. "My dear +friend," cried a trembling female voice from within. Ilse turned to Mr. +Hummel; "not a word," he said; "a pleasant journey to you." Ilse was +pushed in; Mrs. Rollmaus seized hold of her arm, and held it firmly; +and while the Crown Inspector was again buttoning the curtain, Mr. +Hummel greeted him. "It gives me great pleasure," he said, "but for an +exchange of cards this is not a favorable opportunity. Besides which, +our classes, according to natural history, are not the same. But +punctuality at the right time and goodwill were mutual." The Crown +Inspector jumped upon the coachman's box and seized the reins. He +turned the carriage, Mr. Hummel gave a farewell tap upon the wet +leather curtain, the horses trotted off quietly, and the carriage +passed into the darkness.</p> + +<p class="normal">Hummel looked after it till the heavy rain concealed it from his view, +cast one more searching glance down the now empty road, and hastened +back to the city. He went to the Pavilion through the most remote part +of the grounds; at the spot where Gabriel had put the lady under his +charge, he dived into the deep shade of the trees, and made his way +cautiously through the wet bushes to the back of the house. He felt +along the wall. "Stop on the threshold," whispered Gabriel; "I will +take off your boots."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Cannot I be spared this court toilet?" grumbled Hummel. "Stocking-feet +are contrary to my nature."</p> + +<p class="normal">"All will have been in vain if you are heard on the staircase."</p> + +<p class="normal">Hummel slipped up the stairs behind Gabriel into the dark room. "Here +are Mrs. Werner's rooms. You must move backwards and forwards in the +dark, and sometimes move the chairs, till I call you. There is now +another spy, they are talking together below. I fear they suspect that +we have something on hand. They look at me askance. The lackey every +day carries the lamps from the sitting-room, and nothing must be +altered; it would create suspicion if he did not hear some one moving +about in the next room. When all is quiet, then the lackey leaves the +house, and we can speak to one another."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is against my conscience, Gabriel," murmured Hummel, "to remain in +a strange house without the permission of the owner or lodger."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Quiet," warned Gabriel, anxiously; "I hear the man on the stairs; close +the door behind me."</p> + +<p class="normal">Mr. Hummel stood alone in the dark. He placed his boots near the +arm-chair, walked around them, and sometimes gave them a push. "Very +gently always," he thought, "for they are the movements of a +Professor's wife. The demands which now-a-days are made on a +householder exceed all imagination. An elopement from the house of a +stranger, and acting the part of a lady in the darkness of night." The +steps of men were heard outside, and he again pushed his boots. +"Darkness in a strange house is by no means desirable," he continued, +to himself. "I have always had a hatred of a dark room since I once +fell down into a cellar; this gloom is only good for cats and rogues. +But the most lamentable thing for a citizen is, that his boots should +be withheld from him." He heard a light tread in the next room, and +again moved the chair.</p> + +<p class="normal">At last all became quiet in the house. Mr. Hummel threw himself back in +the chair, and looked wearily around the strange room. A pale ray of +light fell from without through a crevice of the curtains, and the +tassel of the curtain and the gilded top of a chair glimmered in the +darkness. Now at last Mr. Hummel might put on his boots, and then for a +time he occupied himself with severe comments upon the world. His usual +hour for rest had meanwhile come, and he was tired from his journey; he +sank gradually into a dreamy state, and his last distinct thought was, +"there must be no snoring in this princely darkness." With this +intention he closed his eyes, and said farewell to the cares of the +world.</p> + +<p class="normal">In his sleep it appeared to him as if he heard a slight noise; he +opened his eyes and looked about the room. He saw indistinctly that the +wall looked different from what it had done. The large mirror that +before stood there, seemed to have vanished, and it appeared to him as +if a veiled figure stood in its place and moved. He was a courageous +man, but his limbs now trembled with terror. He barricaded himself +behind a chair. "Is this a magic lantern?" he began, with stammering +voice; "if so, I beg you not to disturb yourself; I admire your skill, +but have not my purse with me. But if you are a man, I should like a +more distinct knowledge of the fact. I call upon you to show yourself +in substance. I have the honor of introducing myself to you in this +scanty light. Hat-manufacturer, Henry Hummel; my papers are correct--a +passport to Paris." He put his hand into his breast pocket. "As a +respectable citizen is bound to defend himself in these dangerous +times, it has been inserted in my passport, <i>avec un pistolet</i>. I beg +you kindly to bear this in mind." He took out a pocket pistol and held +it before him. He again looked at the spot; nothing was to be seen; the +mirror stood as before. He rubbed his eyes. "Stupid stuff," he said; +"it was, after all, only a sleepy fancy."</p> + +<p class="normal">The door of the house was closed outside. For a while Mr. Hummel stood +looking round suspiciously, and perspiration rose on his brow. At last +he heard Gabriel's knock at the door; he opened it, took the light +quickly from his hand, and approached the mirror so as to throw the +light upon the frame and wall.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It seems to stand firm as iron," he said to himself; "it was only a +deception."</p> + +<p class="normal">But he hastily seized his hat, and took the servant out of the room.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have had enough for to-day," he muttered; "I wish to get out of this +house as quickly as possible. I do not like to have you remain here +alone, Gabriel. Early to-morrow I will call for you; I have business +for the whole day in the city. Endeavor to sleep; in our beds we shall +both think of this intrigue and of her who is still seeking a secure +roof for protection from night-storms and spirits."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse traveled through the night; the rain poured in torrents around +her, the storm howled through the trees, and the water splashed high +from the ruts about the horses and carriage. It was only between the +figures of the men on the front seat that she caught glimpses of the +midnight sky, which hung heavy and dark above the fugitives. Sometimes +a glimmer of light twinkled from the window of a house, and then again +there was nothing but rain, storm, and black night. She maintained a +terrified silence during the ghostly journey, Mrs. Rollmaus still +clasping her hand. Ilse was driving into the world, a storm-lashed +world, poor in light and rich in tears. There was uncertainty and +fearful anxiety everywhere, whether she thought of the loved one whom +she left behind her in the hands of the persecutor, or saw before her +the troubled countenance of her father, and the fields of the estate +where the young man dwelt whose neighborhood now threatened her with +new trouble; but she sat erect.</p> + +<p class="normal">"When he returns to the door over which the dark angel hovers, he will +ask in vain for his wife. But I have done what I had to do: may the +sovereign Lord of life watch over me."</p> + +<p class="normal">There was the sound of a horse's hoofs behind the carriage; it +approached nearer. Where the private road to the estate branched off +from the highway, a cavalier galloped up on a foaming horse; he spoke +to some one on the coachman's seat, the carriage and rider rushed +forward side by side for a few moments, then the rider reined in his +horse. The Crown Inspector threw a branch of a tree into the carriage.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The rider has brought this for Lady Ilse; it is from the tree under +her window, and the reckoning is paid."</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>CHAPTER XXXVII</i>.</h2> + +<h3>THE LORD HIGH STEWARD.</h3> + +<p class="normal">At the same hour in which Ilse was listening to the comforting words of +her landlord, the carriage of the Lord High Steward was driving to the +tower castle of the Princess. The Princess received the announcement +with astonishment, and flew down to her reception-room. The Professor +caused the chest with its contents to be taken to his room, and was in +the act of bending over the manuscript, when the High Marshal entered +below to deliver himself of his commission. Meanwhile the Princess +awaited the old gentleman.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Lord High Steward had been appointed to the honorable office of +attendance upon the Princess: it was a considerate way of removing him +from the person of the Sovereign. At the same hour every morning his +carriage was to be seen standing before the wing of the castle which +was occupied by the Princess. His personal relations to the young +Princess appeared cool; in Court society he was treated by her with +just as much distinction as was needful, and petitioners learnt +sometimes that their requests were imparted to him. He was esteemed by +the citizens on account of his benevolence, and was the only one of the +lords of the Court concerning whom one never heard an unfavorable +opinion. He dwelt in an old-fashioned house surrounded by gardens, was +unmarried, rich, without relations, and lived quietly by himself. He +was, it was supposed, without influence; he was not in favor, and was +therefore treated by the young cavaliers with chivalrous condescension. +He was, notwithstanding all this, indispensable to the Sovereign and +the Court. He was the great dignitary who was necessary for all +ceremonious affairs; he was counsellor in all family matters; he was +ambassador and escort in all transactions with foreign powers. He was +well known at most of the courts of Europe, had acquaintances in the +great diplomatic bodies, and enjoyed the special favor of various +rulers whose good will was of importance to the Sovereign; and as in +our courts the reputation that one enjoys at foreign capitals is the +standard of the judgment of the palace, the correspondence which he +carried on with political leaders in foreign countries, and the +abundance of broad ribbons of which he had the choice, gave him with +the Sovereign himself an authority which was at the same time +burdensome and valuable; he was the secret counsellor for the Court and +the last resource in difficult questions.</p> + +<p class="normal">The servant opened the door of the Princess's room with a profound bow +to the old gentleman. Indifferent questions and answers were exchanged, +the Princess entered the adjoining room and intimated to her faithful +lady-in-waiting by a sign that she was to keep watch in front. When the +conversation was secure from the ear of any listener, the demeanor of +the Princess altered, she hastened up to the old gentleman, seized him +by the hand, and looked inquiringly at his earnest countenance:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Has anything happened? No trifle could have caused you to take the +trouble of coming into this wilderness. What have you to say to your +little daughter,--is it praise or blame?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am but fulfilling my duty," replied the old lord, "if I make my +appearance in order to take your Highness's commands, and to ascertain +whether the residence of my gracious Princess is suitably arranged."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Your Excellency has come to complain," exclaimed the Princess, drawing +back, "for you have not one kind word for your little woman."</p> + +<p class="normal">The High Steward bowed his white head in apology:</p> + +<p class="normal">"If I appear more serious than usual to your Highness, it is perhaps +only the fancies of an old man which have intruded themselves at an +unseasonable time. I beg permission to relieve myself of them by +discussing them with your Highness. The health of the Sovereign is a +cause of anxiety to us all: it reminds us of the transitory nature of +life. Even the good humor of Prince Victor does not succeed in +dissipating my troubled thoughts."</p> + +<p class="normal">"How does my cousin?" asked the Princess.</p> + +<p class="normal">"He overcomes the difficulties of being a Prince in a wonderful way," +replied the High Steward; "but he is sound to the core; he knows very +well how to manage serious things cleverly. I rejoice," added the +courtier, "that my gracious Princess feels warmly towards a cousin who +is faithfully devoted to her Highness."</p> + +<p class="normal">"He has always been true and kind to me," said the Princess, +indifferently. "But now you have punished me severely enough. What you +have to say to me confidentially must not be carried on in this way."</p> + +<p class="normal">She took a chair, and pushed it into the middle of the room.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Here, sit down, my worthy lord, and allow me to hold the hand of my +friend when he tells me what makes him anxious on my account."</p> + +<p class="normal">She fetched herself a low tabouret, held the right hand of the old lord +between hers, looking earnestly into his eyes.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Your Highness knows the way of giving me courage to make bold +requests," said the courtier, laughing.</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is more to the purpose," said the Princess, relieved; "I now hear +the voice and hold the hand of him in whom I most love to trust."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But I wish for your Highness a nearer and stronger support than +myself," began the old lord, earnestly.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Princess started.</p> + +<p class="normal">"So it was that which occasioned your Excellency's journey?" she +exclaimed, with agitation.</p> + +<p class="normal">"That was the anxiety which occupied me. It is nothing--nothing more +than an idea," said the High Steward, inclining his head.</p> + +<p class="normal">"And is that to tranquilize me more?" asked the Princess. "What has +hitherto given me the power to live but your Excellency's ideas?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"When your Highness, while still in widow's weeds, was called home, the +wish of the Sovereign, making it a duty to attend upon you, was welcome +to me; because I thereby obtained the right of carrying on this +conversation with your Highness."</p> + +<p class="normal">He motioned with his hand to the seat, and the Princess again hastened +to place herself by his side.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Now when I see your Highness before me in the bright bloom of youth, +richly gifted and fitted to confer the greatest happiness on others and +to partake of it yourself, I cannot forbear thinking that it is wrong +for you to be debarred from the pleasures of home."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have enjoyed this happiness and have lost it," exclaimed the +Princess. "Now I have accustomed myself to the thought of renouncing +much. I seek for myself a compensation which even you will not consider +unworthy."</p> + +<p class="normal">"There is a difference between us of more than fifty years. A mode of +life, proper for me, an unimportant man, may not be permitted the +daughter of a princely house. I beg the permission of my beloved +Princess," he continued, with a gentle voice, "to draw aside to-day the +curtain which has covered a dark image of your early youth. You were +witness of the scene which separated the Sovereign from your +illustrious mother."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is a dark recollection," whispered the Princess, looking up +anxiously at the old lord; "my mother was reproaching the +Sovereign,--it was something concerning the fateful Pavilion. The +Sovereign got into a state of excitement that was fearful. I, then but +a little girl, ran up and embraced the knees of my mother; he dragged +me off, and--" the Princess covered her eyes. The old lord made a +motion to stop her, and continued:</p> + +<p class="normal">"The after-effect of the scene was ruinous to the life of a noble +woman, and also to that of yourself. Then for the first time the +diseased irritability which has since darkened the Sovereign's spirit +displayed itself; from that day the Sovereign sees in you the living +witness of his guilt and his disease. He has for years endeavored to +wipe away from you that impression by kindness and attentions, but he +has never believed himself to be successful. Shame, suspicion, and fear +have continually ruined his relations with you. He will not let you go +away from him, because he fears that in your confidence to another man +you might betray what he would fain conceal from himself. He +unwillingly gave in to the first marriage, and he will oppose a second, +for he does not wish to see your Highness married again. But in the +hours when dark clouds lie over his extraordinary spirit, he rejoices +in the thought that your Highness might lose the right of secretly +reproaching him. The thought that he did an injury to the princely +dignity of his wife gnaws within him, and he is now occupied with the +idea that your Highness might under certain circumstances forget your +position as princess."</p> + +<p class="normal">"He hopes in vain," exclaimed the Princess, excitedly. "Never will I +allow myself to be degraded by an unworthy passion; it has not been +without effect that I have been the child of your cares."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What is unworthy of a princess?" asked the High Steward, reflectively. +"That your Highness would keep yourself free from the little passions +which are excited in the quadrille of a masked ball there can be no +doubt. But intellectual pastime with subjects of great interest might +also disturb the life of a woman. Easily does the most refined +intellectual enjoyment pass into extravagance. More than once has the +greatest danger of a woman been when under powerful external +excitement, she has felt herself to be higher, freer, nobler than her +wont. It is difficult to listen to entrancing music and to preserve +oneself from a warm interest in the artist who has produced it for us."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Princess looked down.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Supposing the case," continued the High Steward, "in which a diseased +man, in bitter humor, should meditate and work for such an object, the +sound person should guard himself from doing his will."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But they should also not allow themselves to be disturbed in what they +consider for the honor and advantage of their life?" cried the +Princess, looking up at the old man.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Certainly not," replied the latter, "if such benefits are in fact to +be gained by the playful devotion of a woman to art or learning. It +would be difficult for a princess to find satisfaction in this way. No +one blames a woman of the people when she makes a great talent the +vocation of her life; she may satisfy herself as singer or painter and +please others, and the whole world will smile upon her. But if my +gracious Princess should employ her rich musical talent in giving a +public concert, why would men shrug their shoulders at it? Not because +your Highness's talent is less than that of another artist, but because +one expects other objects in your life; the nation forms very distinct +ideal demands of its princes. If, unfortunately, the ruling princes of +our time do not find it easy to answer to this ideal, yet to the ladies +of these illustrious families the serious tendency of the present day +makes this more possible than in my youth. A princess of our people +ought to be the noble model of a good housewife,--nothing more and +nothing else: true and right-minded, firmly attached to her husband, +careful in her daily duties, warm hearted to the needy, kind and +sympathizing to all who have the privilege of approaching her. If she +has intellect, she must beware of wishing to shine; if she has a talent +for business, she must guard herself from becoming an <i>intrigante</i>. +Even the great social talent of virtuosoship she must exercise with the +greatest discretion. A well-weighed balance of female excellence is the +best ornament of a princess; her highest honor, that she is better and +more lovable than others, without parading it, with goodness and +capacity in everything, and with no pretensions of any kind. For she +stands too high to seek conquest and acquisition for herself."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Princess sat near the speaker, her head supported on her arm, +looking sorrowfully before her.</p> + +<p class="normal">"My beloved Princess does not hear me speak in this way for the first +time," continued the Lord High Steward. "I have often felt anxious +about the dangers which a high-flown spirit and active fancy prepare +for you, the cradle gift of an envious fairy, who has made your +Highness too brilliant and attractive. It is owing to these brilliant +gifts that you have not the same aristocratic nature as your +illustrious brother, the Hereditary Prince. There is too lively a +desire in you to make yourself appreciated, and to influence others. +One can leave your brother with full confidence to his own good nature. +Every attempt to persuade the soul of the much-tormented child has come +to naught. But you, that delicate artistic work of nature which now +gazes at me with those open eyes, I have endeavored constantly to guard +from an over-refined coquetry of sentiment. I am now the severe +admonisher to high duties, because I anticipate the dangers which this +love of conquest in your soul will bring upon yourself and others."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I hear a severe reproof in loving words," replied the Princess, with +composure. "I should marry again in order to become distinguished."</p> + +<p class="normal">"My dear Highness, I wish that you may obtain this great aim as the +wife of a husband who is not unworthy of your devotion. Only in this +way can a princess expect true happiness. Even this happiness cannot be +gained without self-denial, I know it; it is difficult to every one to +control themselves. To those who are born in the purple this virtue is +ten times more difficult than to others. Forgive me," he continued, "I +have become talkative, as often happens to us old people at Court."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You have not said too much, my friend, nor too little," said the +Princess, much moved. "I have always cherished the hope to live on +quietly for myself, surrounded by men who would teach me the highest +things that it is possible for a woman to acquire. On this path also I +find tender duties, noble bonds which unite me with the best, and such +a life also would not be unworthy of a princess; more than one have, in +former times, chosen this lot, and posterity respects them."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Your Highness does not mean Queen Christina of Sweden," replied the +High Steward. "But to others also this lot has seldom been a blessing. +Your Highness must remember that when a princess surrounds herself with +wise men, she means always one man who is to her the wisest."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Princess was silent, and looked down.</p> + +<p class="normal">"We have now long discussed the possible position of a princess," began +the old gentleman; "let us now consider the fate of the men who would +be united by tender bonds to the life of an illustrious lady. Granted +that she should succeed in finding a friend, who, without unseemly +pretensions, would attach himself with self-denial and real devotion to +the active and varied life of a princess. He must sacrifice much and +forego much; the right of the husband is that the wife should devote +herself to him, but in this case a man must fetter the powers,--nay, +even the passions of his nature,--for a woman who would not belong to +him, whom he could only cautiously approach at certain hours as a +friend unto friend; who would consider him at first, to a certain +extent, as a valuable possession and a beautiful ornament, but finally, +under the best circumstances, as a useful bit of furniture. The +greatest sufferer in such a position would be the artist or scholar. I +have always felt compassion for the walking dictionaries of a princely +household. Even men of great talent then resemble the philosophers of +ancient Rome, who, with the long beard and the mantle of their schools, +pass through the streets in the train of some distinguished lady."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Princess rose, and turned away.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Better, undoubtedly, is the situation of the man," concluded the High +Steward, "whose personality allows him to guide, by silent work, the +life-current of his high-born friend. Yet even he must not only himself +lose much of what is most delightful in life, but, even with the purest +intentions, he will not always be able to give pleasure to his +princess. He who would be more than a faithful servant diminishes the +security of his princely mistress. Should such chivalrous devotion be +offered, a noble woman should hesitate to accept it, but to endeavor to +attract it does not become a princess."</p> + +<p class="normal">Tears rushed to the eyes of the Princess, and she turned quickly to the +old man.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I know such a life," she exclaimed; "one that has been passed in +unceasing self-denial--a blessing to three ladies of our family. O my +father, I know well what you have been to us; have patience with your +poor ward. I struggle against your words; it is a hard task for me to +listen to you, and yet I know that you are the only secure support that +I have ever had in this life. Your admonitions alone have preserved me +from destruction."</p> + +<p class="normal">Again she seized his hand, and her head sank on his shoulder.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I loved your grandmother," replied the old man, with trembling voice; +"it was at a time when such things were lightly thought of. It was a +pure connection; I lived for her; I made daily self-sacrifice for her. +She was unhappy, for she was the wife of another, and her holiest +duties were made difficult to her by my life. I guarded your mother +like an anxious servant, but I could not prevent her from being unhappy +and dying with the feeling of her misery. And now I hold the third +generation to my heart, and before I am called away I would like to +impress my life and the sufferings of your mother as a lesson on you. I +have never been so anxious about you as I am now. If my dear child has +ever felt the heart of a fatherly friend in my words, she should not +lightly esteem my counsel now, whatever brilliant dreams it may +dispel."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I will think of your words," exclaimed the Princess. "I will endeavor +to resign my wishes; but, father, my kind father, it will be very hard +for me."</p> + +<p class="normal">The old gentleman collected himself, and interrupted her.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is enough," he said, with the composure that befitted his office; +"your Highness has shown me great consideration to-day. There are +others who also desire their share of your Highness's favor."</p> + +<p class="normal">There was a knock at the door. The waiting-woman entered.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The servant announces that Lady Gotlinde and the gentlemen are waiting +in the tea-room."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have still some business with his Excellency," answered the +Princess, gently. "I must beg Gotlinde to take my place in entertaining +our guest."</p> + +<hr class="W10"> + +<p class="normal">Evening had descended upon the castle-tower, the bats flew from their +hiding-places in the vacant room; they whirled about in circles, +astonished that they had awoke in an empty habitation. The owls flew +into the crevices of the tower, and searched with their round eyes +after the old arm-chairs, on which they had formerly waited for the +stupid mice; and the death-watch, which the scholar had carried down +from the lonely room, gnawed and ticked on the staircase and in the +rooms of the castle among living men. The rain beat against the walls, +and the stormy wind howled round the tower. The wife of the scholar was +driving through the night, flying like a hunted hare; but he was pacing +up and down his room, dreamily forming from the discovered leaves the +whole lost manuscript. And again he wondered within himself that it +looked quite different from what he had imagined it for years.</p> + +<p class="normal">The wind also howled about the princely castle at the capital, and +large drops of rain beat against the window; there, also, the powers of +nature raged and demanded entrance into the firm fortress of man. The +darkness of the night seemed to pervade the halls and the decorated +rooms like gloomy smoke; only the lamps in the pleasure-grounds threw +their pale light through the window, and made the desolate look of the +room still more dreary. The melancholy tones of the castle clock +sounded through the house, announcing that the first hour of the new +day was come. Then again silence, desolate silence, everywhere; only a +pale glimmer from the distance on the covers of the chandeliers and the +golden ornaments of the walls. Sometimes there was a crackling in the +parquet of the floor, and a draught of wind blew through an open pane +upon the curtains, which hung black round the window like funeral +drapery. Here and there fell a scanty ray of light on the wall, where +hung the portraits of the ancestors of the princely house in the dress +of their time. Many generations had dwelt in these rooms; stately men +and beautiful women had danced here. Wine had been poured out in golden +goblets; gracious words, festive speeches, and the soft murmur of love, +had been heard here; the splendor of every former age had been outdone +by the richer adornment of later ones. Now everything had vanished and +withered; the darkness of night and of death hung over the bright +colors. All those who had once moved about and rejoiced in the +brilliant throng, had passed away into the depths. Nothing now remained +of these hours but a dreary void and dismal stillness, and one single +figure which glided about on the smooth floor, noiseless like a ghost. +It was the lord of this castle. His head bent forward as in a dream, he +passed along by the pictures of his ancestors.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The timid doe has escaped," he whispered; "the panther made too short +a spring: in rage and shame he now creeps back to his den. The powerful +beast could not conceal his claws. The chase is over; it is time to set +at rest the beatings of this breast. It was only a woman--a small, +unknown human life. But the jade Fancy had bound my senses to her body; +to her alone belonged whatever remained in me of warmth and devotion to +human kind."</p> + +<p class="normal">He stopped before a picture, on which fell the gloomy light of an +expiring lamp.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You, my steel-clad ancestor, know what the feeling is of him who flies +from home and court, and has to give up to his enemy what is dear to +him. When you fled from the castle of your fathers, a homeless +fugitive, pursued by a pack of foreign mercenaries, there was misery in +your heart, and you cast back a wild curse behind you. Still poorer +does your descendant feel, who now glides fleeting through the +inheritance that you have left him. To you remained hope in your hard +heart; but I to-day have lost all that is worth the effort of life. She +has escaped my guards. Where to? To her father's house on the rock! +Cursed be the hour when I, deceived by her words, sent the boy among +those mountains."</p> + +<p class="normal">He dragged himself onward.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The third station on the road to the end," he meditated, "is idle and +empty play, and puerile tricks. So said the learned pedant. It +coincides; I am transformed into a childish caricature of my nature. +Miserable was the texture of the net which I drew around her; a firm +will could have broken it in a moment. He was right; the game was +childish: by a stroke of a quill I wished to hold him fast, and, before +the art of the Magister had accomplished its purpose, I disturbed the +success of the scheme by the trembling haste of my passion. When the +news comes to him that his wife has fled, he also will pack up his +books, and mock me at a safe distance. Bad player, who approached the +gaming-table with a good method, to put piece after piece on the green +cloth, and who in his madness flung down his purse and lost all in one +throw. Curses upon him and me! He must not escape from me; he must not +see her. Yet, what use is there in keeping him, unless I encase his +limbs in iron, or conceal his body below, where we shall all be +concealed when others obtain the power of doing what they will with us? +You lie. Professor, when you compare me to your old Emperors. I am +alarmed at the thought of things which they did laughing, and my brain +refuses to think of what was once commanded by a short gesture of the +hand. A ball and dice for two," he continued; "that is a merry game, +invented by men of my sort; as it turns up, one falls and the other +escapes. We will throw the dice. Professor, to see which of us shall do +his opponent the last service; and I will greet you, dreamer, if I am +the fortunate one that is carried to rest. Does thy wit, philosopher, +extend far enough to see thy fate, as happened to that old astrologer, +of whom thy Tiberius inquired about his own future? Let us try how wise +you are."</p> + +<p class="normal">He again stood still, and looked restlessly on the dark pictures.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You shake your heads, you silent figures; many of you have done injury +to others; but you are all honorably interred, with mourning marshals +and funeral horses. Songs have been sung in your honor, and learned men +have framed Latin elegies, and sighed that the golden shower has ceased +that fell upon them from your hands. There stands one of you," he +exclaimed, gazing with fixed eyes on a corner; "there hovers the spirit +of woe, the dark shadow that passes through this house when misfortune +approaches it--guilt and atonement It passes along bodiless to frighten +fools, an apparition of my diseased mind. I see it raise its hand--it +scares me. I am terrified at the images of my own brain. Away!" he +called out, aloud, "away! I am the lord of this house."</p> + +<p class="normal">He ran through the room and stumbled; the black shadow hastened behind +him. The Sovereign fell upon the floor. He cried aloud for help through +the desolate space. A valet hastened from the anteroom. He found his +master lying on the ground.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I heard a shrill cry," said the Sovereign, raising himself up; "who +was it that screamed above my head?"</p> + +<p class="normal">The servant replied, trembling:</p> + +<p class="normal">"I know not who it was. I heard the cry, and hastened hither."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It was myself, I suppose," the master returned, in a faltering tone; +"my weakness overcame me."</p> + +<hr class="W10"> + +<p class="normal">In the early morning the Professor called to the Castellan, and rushed +up the staircase of the tower. He went about the room, pushing boards +and planks in all directions; he found many forgotten chests, but not +that which he sought. He made the Castellan open each of the adjoining +rooms; went through garrets and cellars; he examined the forester, who +lived in a house near by, but the latter could give him no information. +When the Scholar again entered his room, he laid his head on his hands; +prolonged disappointment and the consciousness of his impotence +overmastered him. But he chid and restrained himself.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have lost too much of the cool circumspection which Fritz said was +the highest virtue of a collector. I must accustom myself to the +thought of self-resignation, and calmly examine the hopes which still +remain. I must not be ungrateful also for the little I have gained."</p> + +<p class="normal">He could not sit quietly by the discovered leaves, but paced +thoughtfully up and down. He heard voices in the court-yard; hasty +running in the passages; and at last a lackey announced the arrival of +the Sovereign, and that he wished to see the Professor at breakfast.</p> + +<p class="normal">The table was spread among blooming bushes on the side of the tower +that faced the rising sun. When the Professor entered under the roof +which protected the place from rain and the rays of the sun, he found +there, besides the household and Marshal, the forest officials and the +Lord High Steward, who thought, with more anxiety than the Professor, +of the sudden arrival of the Sovereign. The old lord approached the +Scholar, and spoke on indifferent subjects.</p> + +<p class="normal">"How long do you think of remaining here?" he asked, politely.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I shall request permission to return to the city in an hour; I have +accomplished what I had to do."</p> + +<p class="normal">It was a long time before the princely party appeared. When the +Sovereign approached them, all present were struck by his ill +appearance: his movements were hurried, his features disturbed, and his +looks passed unsteadily over the company. He turned first to the +forester, who was in attendance, and asked him, harshly:</p> + +<p class="normal">"How can you tolerate the disagreeable screaming of the daws on the +tower? It was your business to remove them."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Her Highness the Princess last summer requested that the birds be +left."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The noise is insupportable to me," said the Sovereign; "bring out the +weapons, and prepare yourself to shoot among them."</p> + +<p class="normal">As the practice of shooting was one of the regular country pleasures of +the Court, and the Sovereign had, even in the neighborhood of the +castle, frequently used his gun on birds of prey or other unusual +objects, the Court thought less seriously of this commission than did +the Scholar.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign turned to the Lord High Steward.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am surprised to find your Excellency here," he said; "I did not know +that you too had taken leave of absence for this quiet life."</p> + +<p class="normal">"My gracious master would have been surprised if I had not done my +duty. It was my intention to have reported to your Highness to-day at +the palace concerning the health of the Princess."</p> + +<p class="normal">"So it was for that," said the Sovereign. "I had forgotten that my Lord +High Steward is never weary of his office of guardian."</p> + +<p class="normal">"An office that one has exercised almost half a century in the service +of the illustrious family becomes in fact a habit," replied the High +Steward. "Your Highness has heretofore judged with kind consideration +the zeal of a servant who is anxious to make himself useful."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign turned to the Marshal, and asked, in a suppressed voice:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Will he remain?"</p> + +<p class="normal">The Marshal replied, distressed:</p> + +<p class="normal">"I could obtain no promise, nor even a wish from him."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I knew it already," replied the Sovereign, hoarsely. He turned to the +Professor, and violently forced himself to assume a friendly demeanor, +as he said: "I have heard from my daughter of your campaign against +broken chairs. I wish to have some talk with you alone about it."</p> + +<p class="normal">They sat down to table. The Sovereign gazed vacantly before him, and +drank several glasses of wine; the Princess also sat silent, the +conversation flagged, the High Steward alone became talkative. He asked +about a bust of Winkelmann, and spoke of the lively interest which the +nation took in the fate of their intellectual leaders.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It must be an agreeable feeling," he said, politely, to the Professor, +"to be in a certain measure under the protection of the whole civilized +world. In the majority of cases the private life of our great men of +learning passes away uneventfully, but our people delight in occupying +themselves with the course of life of those who have departed. If happy +accident brings a person into contact with gentlemen of your standing, +he must take care that he does not suffer for all eternity under the +hands of later biographers. I confess," he continued, laughing, "that a +fear on this point has robbed me of many interesting acquaintances."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor answered, quietly:</p> + +<p class="normal">"The people are conscious that they have by the labor of scholars first +been raised from misery; but with greater experience in political life, +their interest in the promoters of our present culture will assume more +moderate proportions."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have told the Sovereign that you have found something here," +remarked the Princess, across the table.</p> + +<p class="normal">"There has been a remarkable discovery made in an ancient sepulchre," +interrupted the High Steward; and he gave a diffuse account of a +funeral urn.</p> + +<p class="normal">But now the Sovereign himself turned to the Scholar.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Surely you may hope to find the rest?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Unfortunately, I do not know where to search further," replied the +Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"What you have found, then," continued the Sovereign, with +self-control, "is unimportant."</p> + +<p class="normal">It did not please the Professor that the conversation should again turn +upon the manuscript; he felt annoyed at having to talk about his +Romans.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is a few chapters from the sixth book of the Annals," he replied, +with reserve.</p> + +<p class="normal">"When your Highness was at Pompeii," interposed the High Steward, "the +inscriptions on the walls attracted your attention. In those days a +beautiful treatise upon the subject came into my hands; it is +fascinating to observe the lively people of lower Italy in the +unrestrained expression of their love and their hatred. One feels +oneself transplanted as vividly into the old time by the naïve +utterances of the common people, as if one took a newspaper in one's +hand that had been written centuries ago. If any one had told the +citizens of Pompeii that at the end of eighteen centuries it would be +known who they, in accidental ill-humor, had treated with hostility, +they would hardly have believed it. We indeed are more cautious."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That was the hatred of insignificant people," replied the Sovereign, +absently. "Tacitus knew nothing of that, he only concerned himself +about the scandal of the court. Probably he also held office."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Princess looked uneasily at the Sovereign.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Is there anything in the contents of the parchment leaves which would +be interesting to us ladies?" she said, endeavoring to turn the +conversation.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Nothing new," replied the Scholar. "As I had the honor of telling your +Highness, the same passage was already known to us from an Italian +manuscript: it is about small events in the Roman senate."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Quarrels of the assembled fathers," interposed the Sovereign, +carelessly. "They were miserable slaves. Is that all?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"At the end, there is another anecdote of the last years of Tiberius. +The disturbed mind of the prince clung to astrology: he called +astrologers to him to Capri, and caused those to be cast into the sea +whom he suspected of deceit. Even the prudent Trasyllus was taken to +him over the fatal rock path, and he announced the concealed secret of +the Imperial life. Then the Emperor furtively asked of him whether he +knew what would happen to himself that day? The philosopher inquired of +the stars, and called out, trembling: 'My situation is critical; I see +myself in danger of death.' At this passage our fragment breaks off. +The incident may have been repeated--the same anecdote attaches to more +than one princely life."</p> + +<p class="normal">A couple of daws flew round the battlements of the tower, they cawed +and screamed, and told one another that underneath there stood a +sportsman who was seeking his game. The Sovereign suddenly arose.</p> + +<p class="normal">"There must be an end to the screaming of these birds."</p> + +<p class="normal">He beckoned to the forester. The man approached, and placed a weapon in +his hands. The Sovereign placed the but-end on the ground and turned to +the Professor, while the Princess, disquieted by the last words of the +Scholar, stood aside with her suite, struggling for composure.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The Princess has told me," began the Sovereign, "that you have some +hesitation as to fulfilling a wish that we have all much at heart. I +hope that the hindrances may not be insurmountable."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It becomes me," replied the Professor, delighted by the kind words of +the Sovereign, "to weigh calmly so honorable a proposal. But I have +other things to take into account besides the cause of learning."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What others?" asked the Sovereign.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The wish of a loved wife," said the Professor. A sudden convulsion +shook the limbs of the Sovereign.</p> + +<p class="normal">"And how do you consider your relations to me?" asked the Sovereign, in +a hoarse voice.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Scholar looked at the man, from whose eyes darted a look of deadly +hatred and malignity. He saw the muzzle of the weapon directed toward +his breast, and the raised foot of the Sovereign feeling for the +trigger. The flash of lightning impended, there was no room for flight, +no time for movement; the thought of the last moment passed through his +mind. He saw before him the distorted countenance of the Emperor +Tiberius, and he said, in a low voice:</p> + +<p class="normal">"I stand on the verge of death."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The Sovereign is sinking," called out the High Steward.</p> + +<p class="normal">He threw himself with outstretched arms towards his master, and seized +his hands. The Sovereign tottered, the weapon fell to the ground, he +himself was received in the arms of those who hastened toward him. The +Princess flew up to them, and looked inquiringly into the pale face of +the Scholar.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The Sovereign has been attacked by a sudden dizziness," answered the +latter calmly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"My master is losing consciousness," cried the High Steward. "How are +you, Mr. Werner?"</p> + +<p class="normal">The hands of the old man trembled. The Sovereign lay senseless in the +arms of his attendants, and was carried to the castle.</p> + +<p class="normal">The by-standers expressed with much concern their terror at the event +and the Princess hastened after the stricken Sovereign. Before the High +Steward followed, he said to the Professor, whilst giving him a +searching look:</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is not the first time that the Sovereign has been taken ill in such +a manner. Was that a surprise to you? You did not know that the +Sovereign was suffering in this way?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I know it to-day," replied the Scholar, coldly.</p> + +<p class="normal">A few minutes afterwards the High Steward entered the room of the +Professor, who was preparing for his journey.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I come to beg your indulgence," began the High Steward; "for I must +trouble you with an acknowledgment which is painful to me. You have +talked much lately in my presence to the Sovereign of the Cæsarian +madness of the Roman emperors. What you then said was very instructive +to me."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I now find," replied the Professor, gloomily, "that the place was ill +chosen."</p> + +<p class="normal">"More than you assume," replied the courtier, drily. "To me it was +peculiarly instructive, but not so much what you said as that you said +it. I should not have thought it possible that any one would so acutely +reason upon the past, and so completely give up all judgment of that +which was around him. You then told a sick man the story of his own +disease."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have just discovered that," replied the Scholar.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The Sovereign is diseased in mind. It is now necessary that you should +know it. I have a second confession to make to you. I discover that I +have misjudged you."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I shall be glad if your present opinion is more favorable to me than +the former one," replied the Professor, with dignity.</p> + +<p class="normal">"In your point of view, yes," continued the High Steward. "I have for a +long time regarded you in your relations here as a cautious man, who +was cleverly following out his objects. I have learnt that you are not +that, but something different."</p> + +<p class="normal">"An honorable man, your Excellency," replied the Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"We have nothing to reproach one another with," rejoined the courtier, +bowing; "as you misjudged the Sovereign, so did I misunderstand you; +but my mistake is the greater, for I am an older man, and I have not +the excuse of a specially intellectual mind, which sometimes makes it +difficult for a man to judge correctly of other natures. But we have +both one excuse. It is seldom easy to form a just estimate of those who +have grown up in other circles, and show a different combination of +virtues and weaknesses. We are all liable to be confused in our +judgment, according as our self-respect is satisfied or wounded. Where +genial tendencies find no response, displeasure erects a barrier; and +where powerful tones echo sympathetically to one's breast, there is the +danger of too rapid intimacy. Thus I have put too low a value on your +honorable openness and candor. I now pay the penalty, for I have to +confide to you a secret that I have no doubt you will accept with +proper regard."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I assume that your Excellency does not make this communication to me +without a specific cause."</p> + +<p class="normal">"There is a plan for keeping you in our city," interposed the High +Steward.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Proposals of this nature have been made to me since yesterday."</p> + +<p class="normal">The High Steward continued: "It is not necessary for me to be anxious +about your answer. You have learnt the meaning which is concealed under +a veil of civility. Do you know why the Sovereign made you the +proposal?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"No; up to this morning I have not doubted that a certain personal +feeling of kindness, and the view that I might be useful here, were the +motives."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You are mistaken," replied the High Steward. "It is not a wish to keep +you here merely for passing private interests. The real motive is, as +appears to me, the freak of a diseased mind, which sees in you an +opponent, and fears a sharp-sightedness that will remorselessly +disclose to the world a diseased spirit. You were to be fettered here; +you were to be cajoled, watched, and persecuted. You are an object of +interest, of fear, and of aversion."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor rose.</p> + +<p class="normal">"What I have experienced and what you tell me compel me to leave this +place instantly."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I do not wish," said the High Steward, "that you shall depart from +here with displeasure, if this can be avoided; both on your own account +and for the sake of many of us."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor went to the table, on which lay the parchment leaves.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I beg your indulgence if I do not regain my composure immediately. The +situation in which we are placed is like that of a distant century; it +stands in fearful contrast to the cheerful security with which we are +wont to consider our own lives and the souls of our contemporaries."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Cheerful security?" asked the High Steward, sorrowfully. "In courts, +at least, you must not seek this, nor under any circumstances in which +the individual passes out of private life. Cheerful security! I must +ask whether we have it in this century? It would be difficult to find a +time in which there is so much that is insecure; in which the old is so +decayed, and the new so weak."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor raised his head, astonished at the bitter complaints of +the old man. The High Steward continued, indignantly:</p> + +<p class="normal">"I hear everywhere of the hopes that one has in the nation, and I see +an abundance of young student-like confidence. There is not much mature +power, and I do not blame a sanguine man if he places his hopes on it; +nay, I even admit that this youthful spirit is in fact the best hope +that we have. But I am an old man; I cannot among these novelties find +anything that commands my respect, where they affect the interests of +private life. I feel the decay of vital power in the air which +surrounds me. My youth belonged to a time when the best culture of the +nation was to be found at Court. My own ancestors have for six +centuries taken an eager part in the follies and crimes, and also in +the pride, of their times; and I have grown to be a man in the +conception that princes and nobles were the born leaders of the nation. +I see with sorrow that they have for long, perhaps for ever, lost this +lead. Much of what you lately said exactly coincides with the last +decades that I have passed through. It has been a sorrowful time; the +hollow weakness in the life of the people has in a great measure +deteriorated the higher classes. But there has not been altogether a +deficiency of honorable and powerful men. What time has been entirely +without them? But what should be the noblest blossom of the national +strength is just what in this empty shallow time is most deeply +diseased."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor interposed:</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is a cause for sorrow; but where, perhaps, the individual loses, +the whole gains?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Undoubtedly not," replied the courtier; "if only the gain to the whole +was certain. But I see with astonishment that the greatest concerns of +the nation are carried on, on all sides, with school-boyish pettiness. +Much that is valuable is lost; nothing better is gained. The delicacy +of feeling which formerly expressed itself beneficially in all forms of +intercourse, and the discreet management of important affairs, become +rare. If these advantages did not suffice to form the character, as is +perhaps needed in the present, they made life pleasing and beautiful. A +secure feeling of superiority, and a gracious rule over others, was +general at courts and in business; of this we are deprived. Diplomacy +has ceased to be distinguished. One sets bluntly to work; not only +nobleness of feeling, but even the pleasing show of it is wanting; an +uncertain pettiness, a grumbling, irritable, reserved character has +gained the upper hand at courts, and in diplomacy ill-bred frivolity, +without knowledge and without manly will. Our princes rattle about like +accoutred idlers; the old court discipline is lost, and one feels +oneself incessantly on the defensive, and seeks for safety in senseless +attacks. It is impossible not to feel that by these acts one is +irretrievably going downward."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor smiled at the sorrow of the old lord.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I do not blame you," continued the High Steward, "if you do not feel +the misfortune of this change as deeply as I do. It is only a pity that +it should always be the highest earthly interests which are thus +trifled with."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But is this misfortune so general?" replied the Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Some splendid exceptions have not been wanting," said the High +Steward; "some were granted us at a time when we played the greatest +tragedy before the world, as if here and there to preserve a bright +romance. They have scarcely been wanting in a country which possesses +the five qualities which are necessary to form a good court: an upright +sovereign, an amiable princess, a high-minded statesman, some +intellectual court ladies, and a superior spirit among the cavaliers. +But these requisites are seldom found."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Were they ever frequent?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"They were the pride of our nation at the time from which my earliest +recollections date," replied the High Steward.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Just at this time we gained something else of which we may still be +proud," rejoined the Scholar. "There was a short period during which +the Court became the home of the most liberal culture of the time, and +it was only through the rare political circumstances of our nation that +this leadership was possible. Now it has passed into other circles, and +we have exchanged the increased capacity of many for the distinguished +culture of individuals."</p> + +<p class="normal">"In this also there is a loss," returned the High Steward; +"distinguished men have become rare. I am ready to acknowledge the +advance which the citizen classes have made in the last fifty years. +But the capacity which a people develop in trade and commerce is +seldom united with secure self-respect, nay, seldom also with that +firmly-established position which is necessary to political strength. +Too frequently we find a wavering between discontented insolence and +over-great subserviency; covetousness abounds, and self-sacrifice is +small. Wealth increases everywhere; who can deny that? But not in the +same degree a comprehension of the highest interests of the nation."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Time will improve," rejoined the Scholar, "and our sons will become +firmer and freer; here too our future belongs to those who work +laboriously."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Much may be lost," said the High Steward, "before the improvement +which you expect becomes great enough to secure to those who are +struggling onward a salutary and active participation in the affairs of +government. I am too old to nourish myself with hopes, and therefore +cannot adopt your sanguine conception of our situation. I wish for the +good of our nation, in whatever way it may come. I know it has passed +through crises more critical than its present swaying between a +decaying and a rising culture. But I feel that the air in which I live +is growing more sultry; the tense excitement of contrast more +dangerous. When I look back on a long life, I sometimes feel horror at +the moral pestilence that I have contemplated. It was not a time of +gigantic vices like your Imperial era, but it was a time in which, +after short poetic dreams, the weakness of petty souls ruled and +brought distraction. The figures which in this lamentable time have +passed away will appear to posterity, not fearful, but grotesque and +contemptible. You, Professor, live in a new epoch in which a younger +generation awkwardly endeavors to rise. I have no sympathy for the new +style. I have not the courage to hope, for I have no power to promote +the culture of the younger generation."</p> + +<p class="normal">He had risen. The old man and the young, vigorous man, the diplomat and +the scholar, stood opposite to each other; the one an advocate for the +world which was tending downwards; the other a proclaimer of a teaching +which was unceasingly to renew the old world; secret sorrow lay on the +calm countenance of the old man, and feeling, vigorous feeling, worked +in the animated features of the younger: a high mind and a refined +spirit were visible in the open countenance of both.</p> + +<p class="normal">"What we had to say to one another," continued the High Steward, "is +said. I have endeavored to make amends for my mistake in regard to you. +May the gossiping openness with which I have exposed myself to your +judgment be some small compensation for my having been so long silent. +It is the best satisfaction that I can give to a man of your sort. As +respects the diseased state of mind of others, which was the subject of +our conversation, there need be no further words between us; both of us +will endeavor to do what is our duty concerning the men that are +entrusted to our care, to preserve them from danger and to guard +ourselves. Mr. Werner, farewell. May the occupation which you have +chosen preserve your joyful confidence in your time and your generation +for as many years as I bear on my head. This highest happiness of man, +I, an insignificant individual, have painfully felt the want of, as did +your great Roman."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Allow me, your Excellency, to express one request to you," replied the +Scholar, with warm feeling. "Often may the unpractical activity of the +new apostles evoke a bitter smile from you, and the unfinished work +which we pioneers of learning throw off will not always satisfy the +demands which you make upon us; but when you are compelled to blame us, +remember, with forbearance, that our nation can only bear within it the +guaranty of renewing youth so long as it does not lose respect for +intellectual aspiration, and retains its simple honesty, in love and +hate. So long as the nation renews itself, it may inspire its princes +and leaders with new life; for we are not Romans, but staunch and +warm-hearted Germans."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Nero no longer ventures to burn the apostles of a new doctrine," +replied the High Steward, with a sad smile. "May I say something kindly +from you to the Sovereign, as far as is compatible with your dignity?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I beg you to do so," replied the Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor hastened to take leave of the Princess. She received him +in the presence of her ladies and the Marshal. Few words were +exchanged. Upon expressing the hope of seeing him soon again at the +capital, speech almost forsook her. When he had left the room, she flew +up to her library and looked down on the carriage into which the chest +was being put. She plucked some flowers which the gardener had placed +in her room, and fastened them together with a ribbon.</p> + +<p class="normal">"His eye looked upon you, and his voice sounded in the narrow halls in +which you are passing your life. It was a short dream! No, not a dream, +a beautiful picture from a new world."</p> + +<p class="normal">"As the womanly heart submits, in loving devotion, to the stronger mind +of a life-companion, her eye fixed upon his, such is the happiness of +which I have had a presage. Only once has my hand touched his, but I +feel as if I had lain on his heart, invisible, bodiless. No one knows +it, not even himself, I alone felt the happiness. Light, airy bond, +woven of the tenderest threads that ever were drawn from one human soul +to another, thou must be torn and blown away! Only the consciousness +remains that the inclination which drew two strangers together has been +forever a blessing to one of them.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You, earnest man, go on your path, and I on mine; and if accident +should bring us together, then we shall bow civilly to each other, and +greet one another with courtly speeches. Farewell, my scholar. When I +meet with one of your associates, I shall henceforth know that he +belongs to the silent community, in whose porch I have humbly bowed my +head."</p> + +<p class="normal">From the tops of the trees on which the princely child was looking down +the birds were singing. The carriage rolled away; she bent down, and +held the nosegay with outstretched hand; then with a powerful swing she +threw the flowers on to the top of a tree; they hung among the leaves; +a little bird flew out, but the next moment he again perched by the +nosegay, and continued his song. But the Princess leaned her head +against the wall of the tower.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Scholar drove to the city with the chest he had found beside him. +More rapid and stormy than on his coming were the thoughts that flitted +through his soul; he hastened the coachman, and an indefinite anxiety +fixed his looks on the rising towers of the capital. But amidst all, he +ever saw the figure of the High Steward before him, and heard the +sorrowful words of his soft voice.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Immeasurably great is the difference between the narrow relations of +this Court and the mighty greatness of Imperial Rome; immeasurably +great also the difference between the troubled Court lord and the +gloomy power of a Roman senator. And yet there is something in the +structure of the soul that has this day displayed itself to me which +reminds me of a figure from a time long past; and what he said sounds +in my soul like a feeble tone from the heart of the man whose work I +seek in vain. For just as we endeavor to explain the present from the +past, so do we interpret circumstances and figures of a past time in +the light of the men that live around us. The past unceasingly sends +its spirit into our souls, and we unceasingly adapt the past to conform +to the needs of our hearts."</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>CHAPTER XXXVIII</i>.</h2> + +<h3>THE MAGISTER'S EXIT.</h3> + +<p class="normal">Professor Raschke was sitting on the floor of his room. The bright +colors of his Turkish dressing-gown were faded; constant perseverance +in scientific service had given it a tinge of pale grey, but it still +continued worthily to cover the limbs of its master. The Professor had +seated himself by the side of his eldest son Marcus, in order to +facilitate the latter's study of the first book of A, B, C. While the +little one, tired of the pictures, was resting, his father made use of +the pause to draw a small copy of Aristotle out of his pocket. He read, +and made remarks with a pencil, not observing that his son Marcus had +long thrown away the picture book, and with the other children danced +round their father.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Papa, take your legs away; we can't get round them," exclaimed Bertha, +the eldest, from whom, indeed, one might have expected greater +discretion.</p> + +<p class="normal">Raschke drew in his legs, and as after that he found his seat +uncomfortable, he desired the children to bring him a chair. They +brought the chair, and he supported his back against it.</p> + +<p class="normal">"We can't get around yet," cried the dancing children.</p> + +<p class="normal">Raschke looked up. "Then I will sit upon the chair."</p> + +<p class="normal">That was satisfactory to the children, and the noisy hubbub continued.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Come here, Bertha," said Raschke; "you may act as my desk." He laid +the book on her head whilst he read and wrote; and the little one stood +as still as a mouse under the book, and scolded the others because they +made a noise.</p> + +<p class="normal">There was a knock; the Doctor entered.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Ha, Fritz!" called out the Professor; "I hardly recognized you; I must +try to recall your face. Is it right to set your friends aside in this +way, when a friendly greeting might do you good? Laura has told me what +has happened to your dear father. A heavy loss," he continued, +sorrowfully: "if I am not mistaken, two hundred thousand."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Just one cipher too much."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It matters little," replied Raschke, "what the loss is, compared with +the sorrow it occasions. I should have been with you, Fritz, at that +time. I started immediately, but a circumstance interfered with my +intention," he added, embarrassed. "I have long been accustomed to go +to your street in the evening, and--well--I got to the wrong house, and +with difficulty found my way back to the lecture."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do not pity me," replied the Doctor; "rejoice with me--I am a happy +man. I have just now found, what I despaired of obtaining, Laura's +heart and the consent of her father."</p> + +<p class="normal">Raschke clapped the Doctor on the shoulder, and pressed first one hand, +then the other. "The father's!" he exclaimed; "he was the hindrance. I +know something of him, and I know his dog. If I may judge of the man by +his dog," he continued, doubtingly, "he must be a character. Is it not +so, my friend?"</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor laughed. "There has been an old enmity brooding over our +street. My poor soul has been unkindly treated by him, like the Psyche +in the tale of Venus. He vents his anger upon me, and gives me +insoluble tasks. But beneath all his insolence, I perceive that he is +reconciled to my attachment. I anticipate happiness, for I am to-day to +accompany Laura to Bielstein. On my friend's account alone have I +wished to start earlier on this journey. I cannot rid myself of one +anxiety. I am disturbed that the Magister is in the neighborhood of +Werner."</p> + +<p class="normal">Raschke passed his hand through his hair. "Indeed," he exclaimed.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have distinct reasons for this," continued the Doctor. "The dealer +who was said, to have brought the forged parchment strip of Struvelius +to the city was sent to me by the mother of the Magister. I dealt +severely with him, as was natural; but he assured me that he knew +nothing of such a parchment, and never had sold such a sheet to the +Magister. The anger of the man at the false assertion of the Magister +has made me very anxious. It confirms a suspicion that I have expressed +in a letter with respect to the genuineness of another piece of writing +which has been mentioned to me by Werner from the capital. I cannot +help fearing that the Magister himself was the forger, and a terror +comes over me at the thought that he is now exercising his art upon our +friend."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is a very serious affair," exclaimed Raschke, pacing up and down, +disquieted. "Werner trusted the Magister implicitly."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor also paced up and down. "Only think, if his noble confidence +should make him the victim of a deceit. Fancy what a bitter sorrow that +would be to him. He would long struggle sternly and self-tormentingly +with a painful impression, which we should not be able to obliterate +without great effort."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You are quite right," said Raschke, again passing his hand through his +hair. "It is not in him to be able to overcome moral delinquency +without great excitement. You must warn him at once, and that face to +face."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Unfortunately I cannot do that for several days; meanwhile, I beg of +you to make Professor Struvelius acquainted with the statement of the +dealer."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor went away. Raschke forgot Aristotle, and meditated anxiously +on the treachery of the Magister. Whilst so doing, there was a knock, +and Struvelius, with Flaminia, stood at the open door.</p> + +<p class="normal">Raschke greeted them, called his wife, begged them to sit down, and +quite forgot that he was in his Turkish dressing-gown.</p> + +<p class="normal">"We come with one wish," began Flaminia, solemnly. "It is with respect +to our colleague Werner. My husband will impart to you what has moved +us both deeply."</p> + +<p class="normal">Raschke started up from his chair. Struvelius, whose emotion was only +visible in his bristly hair, began: "We were called yesterday to the +police-station. When the brother of Magister Knips fled to America, his +things were taken possession of on the application of petty creditors, +and as the greater portion of his effects were at his mother's house, +they were taken away from there. Amongst them were utensils and +portfolios which evidently did not belong to the fugitive, but to his +brother; one of those portfolios contained tracings after the style of +manuscripts, unfinished attempts to imitate old writings, and written +parchment sheets. The officials had been surprised at these, and +requested me to inspect them. It appeared upon closer observation that +the Magister had long been occupied in acquiring the skill of imitating +the characters of the Middle Ages. And from the fragments I have found +in the portfolio, there can be no doubt that he has other forgeries in +his collection, some of which answer exactly to that parchment strip."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is enough, Struvelius," began his wife. "Now let me speak. You +may imagine, dear colleague, that Werner at once occurred to us, and +that we were greatly alarmed lest the husband of our friend should get +into trouble through the deceiver. I asked Struvelius to write +Professor Werner, but he preferred to inform him through you. This +method also appeared most satisfactory to me."</p> + +<p class="normal">Raschke, without saying a word, took off his dressing-gown, and ran in +his shirt-sleeves about the room, searching in all the corners. At last +he found his hat, which he put on.</p> + +<p class="normal">"What are you about, Raschke!" exclaimed his wife.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Why do you ask?" he said, hastily; "there is no time for delay. I beg +your pardon, Mrs. Struvelius," he said observing his sleeves, and again +put on his dressing-gown, but in his excitement he still kept on his +hat, and thus attired, seated himself opposite his friends. Bertha, at +a sign from her mother, gently took his hat off.</p> + +<p class="normal">"A quick decision is necessary in this case," he repeated.</p> + +<p class="normal">"There is no reason," continued Struvelius, "for withholding the +property of the Magister from his mother; but, meanwhile, they would +willingly allow you an inspection of the writings."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That I do not wish," exclaimed Raschke; "it would spoil the day for +me. Your judgment, Struvelius, satisfies me."</p> + +<p class="normal">There was some further excited interchange of views, and the visitors +left. Again Raschke rushed stormily about, so that the skirts of his +dressing-gown flew over the chairs.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Dear Aurelia, do not be frightened; I have made up my mind. I shall +set out to-morrow."</p> + +<p class="normal">Mrs. Raschke clasped her hands together.</p> + +<p class="normal">"What are you thinking of, Raschke?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is necessary," he said. "I despair of shaking the firm views of +Werner by letter. My duty is to try whether persuasive words and +detailed representations will have greater effect. I must know in what +relation my friend stands to the Magister. From certain intimations of +the Doctor, I fear the worst from the activity of the forger. I have a +short vacation before me, and I cannot employ it better."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But, Raschke, you wish to travel!" asked his wife, reproachfully. "How +can you engage in such an undertaking?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"You mistake me, Aurelia; in our city I sometimes do lose my bearings, +but in foreign parts I always find my way."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Because you have never yet been alone in foreign parts," replied the +prudent wife.</p> + +<p class="normal">Raschke approached her, and raised his hand warningly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Aurelia, it is for our friend, and one must pay no regard to trifles."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You will never get there," rejoined his wife, with sad foreboding.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is much easier to speed through half the world in a secure vessel +than to go on two legs through our streets; half acquaintances are the +most unreliable."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then the money for the journey, Raschke?" whispered Mrs. Aurelia, in a +low voice, that the children might not hear.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You have in your linen cupboard an old black savings-box," replied +Raschke, slily. "Do you think I know nothing of it?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"What I have collected in that is for a new dress-coat."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You wish to take away from me my old one?" asked Raschke, indignantly; +"it is well that I have made the discovery. I would now travel to the +capital even if I had no occasion for it. Out with the box!"</p> + +<p class="normal">Mrs. Aurelia went slowly, brought the savings-box, and with silent +reproach, put it into his hands. The Professor tossed the money, +together with the box, into his breeches' pocket, threw his arm round +his wife, and kissed her on the forehead.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You are my own dear wife," he exclaimed; "and now there must be no +delay. Bring me Plato and Spinoza."</p> + +<p class="normal">Plato was the silk cap, and Spinoza the thick cloak of the Professor. +These treasures of the house were so called because they had been +bought with the money earned by two books on those philosophers. The +impression which the works had made on the learned world had been very +great, but the remuneration very small. A commotion arose among the +children, for in winter these beautiful articles were sometimes brought +out for a Sunday walk. The little troop ran with their mother to fetch +them.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Be sure and bring them back, Raschke. I am so afraid you will lose one +of them."</p> + +<p class="normal">"As I have told you, Aurelia, in traveling you may depend upon me."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I will write a few lines to Werner; he must take care that you keep +them both. I will put the letter in your coat pocket, if you will only +give it to him."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Why not?" exclaimed Raschke, courageously.</p> + +<p class="normal">The following morning Mrs. Aurelia accompanied her husband to the point +from which the coach started and took care that he came to the right +place.</p> + +<p class="normal">"If you were only safely home again!" she said, piteously.</p> + +<p class="normal">Raschke kissed her gallantly, and seated himself on his traveling-bag.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The seats are remarkably high," he cried out, with his legs dangling. +His traveling companions laughed, and he said, civilly, "I beg the +gentlemen to excuse me."</p> + +<hr class="W10"> + +<p class="normal">The lamps burned, and the moon shone through the white mist on the +walls of the Pavilion when the Professor returned there. No ray of +light fell from the windows. The house stood gloomy and abandoned, and +a blue phosphorescence seemed to glimmer above it. The door was closed; +the lackey had disappeared. The Scholar pulled the bell. At last some +one came down the stairs. Gabriel appeared, and gave vent to a cry of +joy when he saw his master before him.</p> + +<p class="normal">"How is my wife?" asked the Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Mrs. Werner is not at home," replied Gabriel, shyly. He beckoned his +master into the room: there he gave him Ilse's letter. The Professor +read the lines, and held them in his hands as if stunned. This also was +a manuscript which he had found. It informed him that his wife had gone +from him: every word went like a dagger to his heart. When he looked at +Gabriel he perceived that he did not yet know all. The servant told him +what had happened. The Scholar pushed the chair from him; his limbs +trembled as in a fever.</p> + +<p class="normal">"We will leave this house immediately," he said, faintly; "collect all +the things."</p> + +<p class="normal">Like a Romish priest who prays in secret devotion to his God, he had +veiled his head from the sounds which sought to penetrate his soul from +the outward world. He had closed his ears and eyes to the figures that +moved about him. Now fate had torn the veil from his head.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Mr. Hummel would not depart before your arrival," continued Gabriel; +"he is in great haste."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I shall go to his inn; follow me," said the Professor; "but first +mention at the castle that I have departed."</p> + +<p class="normal">He turned away and left the house. As he passed by the castle, he cast +a wild look on the windows of the room which the Sovereign inhabited. +"He is not returned yet; patience," he murmured. He then went, as if in +a state of stupor, to the inn. He ordered a room, and inquired after +his landlord. Immediately afterwards Mr. Hummel entered.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Good news," began the latter, in his softest tone; "a messenger from +the Crown Inspector brings me the report that they have all made a safe +journey. It must have been a matter of caution that there is no letter +for you."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It was indeed a matter of caution," repeated the Scholar, and his head +sank heavily on his breast.</p> + +<p class="normal">Mr. Hummel seated himself close to him, and whispered in his ear. At +the last words the Professor sprang up in terror, and a groan sounded +through the room.</p> + +<p class="normal">"A man is not a screech owl," declared Mr. Hummel, pacifyingly; "and it +would be unjust to expect of him that he should be able to distinguish +in the darkness the head from the tail of a rat; but every householder +knows that there are also worthless contrivances of architecture. These +intimations I make to you only, to no one else. I sent my card a few +days ago to your father-in-law. Little Fritz Hahn has, in your absence, +become a Doctor Faustus, who will carry off my poor child under his +fiend's cloak to Bielstein. May I announce your arrival there?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Say," replied the Scholar, gloomily, "that I will come as soon as I +have settled matters here."</p> + +<p class="normal">He held Mr. Hummel firmly by the hand, as if he did not like to part +from the confidant of his wife, and led him down to the hall. New +travelers had arrived there, and a little gentleman in a cloak and a +beautiful silk traveling-cap, turned, without looking from under a +large umbrella, to the Professor, and said:</p> + +<p class="normal">"I should be much obliged if you would show me to a room, waiter. Am I +in the right place here?"</p> + +<p class="normal">He mentioned the name of the city; the Professor took the gentleman's +traveling-bag from him, seized him by the arm without saying a word, +and took him rapidly up the stairs.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Very polite," exclaimed Raschke, "I thank you sincerely, but I am not +at all tired; my only wish is to speak to Professor Werner. Can you +arrange for an audience with him?"</p> + +<p class="normal">Werner opened his room, took off his hat, and embraced him.</p> + +<p class="normal">"My dear colleague," cried Raschke, "I am the most fortunate traveler +in the world: usually a pilgrim on the highroad is contented if no +misfortune happens to him, but I have met in the carriage with modest +and thoughtful men. The conductor on changing carriages carried my cap +after me, and some one kindly accompanied me to this house; and now +when, for the first time, I stand on my own feet, I find myself in the +arms of him whom I came to see. It is a pleasure to travel, colleague: +at every mile-stone one observes how good and warm-hearted the people +are among whom we live. We are fools that we do not deliver our +lectures in carriages; the anxieties of our wives are unjustifiable; a +man can manage by himself."</p> + +<p class="normal">Thus did Raschke exult.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Who lives in this room--I or you?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"You may remain with me or have the adjacent room, as you please," +replied Werner.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then with you; for I wish to be without you, my friend, as little as +possible."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You come to a man who is in need of consolation," said the Scholar. +"My wife is with her father; I am alone," he added, with faltering +voice.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You look to me like a traveler who draws his cloak around him in bad +weather," exclaimed Raschke; "therefore what I bring you will at any +rate not disturb you in cheerful repose. My business as messenger is to +lower a human soul in your eyes; that is hard for us both."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have to-day experienced what would shatter the foundations of the +strongest structure. There can be but little that would shock me now: I +am composed enough to listen."</p> + +<p class="normal">Raschke seated himself by him and told his story. He fidgeted about on +the sofa, slapped his friend on the knee, stroked his arm, and begged +for composure.</p> + +<p class="normal">Again was a veil drawn from the head of the seeker, who had believed +himself to be speaking alone with his God. The Scholar was silent, and +did not flinch.</p> + +<p class="normal">"This is fearful, friend?" he said, at last.</p> + +<p class="normal">With that he broke off, and the whole evening he did not say a word +about the Magister.</p> + +<p class="normal">The following morning the Professors sat together in Werner's room. +Werner at last threw the two parchment sheets on the table.</p> + +<p class="normal">"With these at least the Magister has had nothing to do. I myself +fetched them out of the old rubbish: there lies the missal on +the chest. It demands great self-control for me to look at that +dearly-bought acquisition."</p> + +<p class="normal">Raschke examined the parchment.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Highly valuable," he exclaimed, "if it is genuine, as it appears." He +hastened to the chest and examined the missal. "Probably the initial +letters of the book will afford some evidence as to whether the missal +was used in the cloister of Rossau," he said. "I regret that my +knowledge of monastic customs does not extend to this test."</p> + +<p class="normal">He opened the chest and took up the contents. Of the absence of mind +which usually disturbed him nothing was to be observed: he looked round +with sharp eyes, as if he were searching the dark words of a +philosopher.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Very remarkable," he exclaimed. "Only one thing surprises me. Has the +chest been cleaned out?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"No," replied Werner, irritably.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The three companions of a century's repose are wanting--dust, cobwebs, +and grubs; yet there ought to have been something on the inside of the +lid or on the bottom, for the chest has crevices which allow of the +entrance of insects."</p> + +<p class="normal">He rummaged again, and examined the bottom.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Under a splinter of wood there hangs a bit of paper."</p> + +<p class="normal">He drew out a tiny piece of paper, and a deep shadow passed over his +noble features.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Dear friend, compose yourself, and be prepared for an unwelcome +discovery. On this fragment there are only six printed words, but they +are the characters of our time: it is a piece of one of our newspapers, +and one of the six words is a name well known in the politics of our +day."</p> + +<p class="normal">He laid the bit of paper on the table. Werner stared at it without +saying a word; his countenance was changed; it seemed as if one hour +had done the work of twenty years of care.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The things were unpacked by me and again put back; it is possible that +the paper may have fallen in."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is possible," replied Raschke.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor jumped up, and sought in great haste for his pocket copy +of Tacitus.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Here is the reading of the Florentine manuscript, comparison with the +parchment sheets will throw light on it." He compared some sentences. +"It appears an accurate copy," he said, "too accurate--awkwardly +accurate."</p> + +<p class="normal">He held the manuscript searchingly towards the light; he poured a drop +of water on the corner of the parchment and wiped it with a towel; the +next moment he flung towel and parchment to the ground, and clasped his +hands over his face. Raschke seized the leaves, and looked at the +damaged corner.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is true," he exclaimed, sorrowfully; "a writing that had been on +the parchment six hundred years would leave other traces on the +material."</p> + +<p class="normal">He paced hastily up and down, his hands in his coat pocket, rubbed his +face with the towel, and, perceiving his mistake, threw it away from +him.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I only know of one word for this," he exclaimed--"a word that men +unwillingly allow to pass their lips--and that word is villainy!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"It was a piece of vile and rascally knavery," exclaimed Werner, in a +strong voice.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Here let us stop, friend," begged Raschke; "we know that a deception +has been intended; we know that the attempt has been made lately; and +when we compare the place of the discovery and your presence here, we +may assume as a fact, without doing injustice to any one, that the +trick was intended to deceive you. Of the person who has practiced it +we have only suspicion, well-grounded suspicion, but no certainty."</p> + +<p class="normal">"We will make it certainty," explained Werner, "before the day becomes +many hours older."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Undoubtedly," replied Raschke, "this certainty must be obtained, for +suspicion ought not to continue in the hearts of men; it destroys all +ideas and thoughts. But the ultimate question remains: For what object +was the deceit practiced? Was it the willfulness of a knave? If so, the +wickedness of it is not, to an honorable mind, thereby lessened; yet it +is not the worst kind of turpitude. But if it was deliberate malice +with intent to injure you, then it deserves the severest condemnation. +On what terms are you with the Magister?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"It was deliberate malice to injure a man, body and soul," replied +the Professor, with solemn earnestness; "but the doer was only the +tool--the idea was that of another."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Hold," cried Raschke, again, "no further; this also is only +suspicion."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is only suspicion," repeated the Professor; "therefore I seek for +certainty. When I wished to go to the country castle I was detained +from day to day under trivial pretexts; the Magister was absent not +long ago for a day from the work which was entrusted to him; he excused +himself on the score of illness, and as he was profuse in his excuses I +was struck by a shyness in his manner. There was a wish to keep me here +for reasons which you, in your sphere of feelings, can scarcely +understand. It was hoped to attain this object by exciting the +fanatical zeal with which I was afflicted, without entirely contenting +it. Such is my suspicion, friend; and I feel myself miserable, more +miserable than I have ever been in my life."</p> + +<p class="normal">He threw himself on the sofa, and again concealed his face.</p> + +<p class="normal">Raschke approached him, and said, softly:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Does it distress you so much, Werner, that you have been deceived?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have confided, and deceived confidence gives pain; but in my sorrow +I feel not only for myself, but for the destruction of another who +belongs to us."</p> + +<p class="normal">Raschke nodded his head. He again paced vehemently about the room, and +looked angrily at the chest. Werner rose and rang the bell.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I wish to speak to Magister Knips," he said, to Gabriel, who entered. +"I must beg him to take the trouble of coming here as soon as +possible."</p> + +<p class="normal">"How will you speak to him?" asked Raschke, stepping anxiously before +his friend.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I need so much consideration myself," replied Werner, "that you need +not fear my violence. I also have been laboring under a disease, and I +know that I have to speak to one who is more diseased than I."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You are not diseased," exclaimed Raschke, "only shocked, as I am. You +will say what is necessary to him, for the rest you will leave him to +his own conscience."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I will only say what is necessary," repeated the Professor, +mechanically.</p> + +<p class="normal">Gabriel returned, and reported that the Magister would call when he +left the Museum in the evening.</p> + +<p class="normal">"How did the Magister take the message?" asked Raschke.</p> + +<p class="normal">"He appeared alarmed when I told him that the Professor was stopping at +the inn."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor had ensconced himself in a corner, but the philosopher +left him no rest; he kept talking to him about the occurrences at the +University, and compelled him to take part by frequent questions. At +last he expressed a wish to take a walk, to which the Professor +unwillingly consented.</p> + +<p class="normal">Werner led him through the gate of the city; as they walked along he +briefly answered the lively talk of his friend. When they came to the +inn from which Ilse had got into the carriage of the Crown Inspector, +the Scholar began, with hoarse voice:</p> + +<p class="normal">"This is the road along which my wife escaped from the city. I came +early this morning along this same road, and at every step I felt what +is the deepest humiliation to man."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Before her was light, and behind her darkness," exclaimed Raschke.</p> + +<p class="normal">He talked of Ilse, and now thought of the commission which his children +had given to their aunt.</p> + +<p class="normal">Thus the afternoon passed. Werner again sat brooding in his room, when +Gabriel announced the arrival of the Magister. Before Raschke hastened +into the next room, he once more pressed the hand of the other, and, +looking imploringly at him, said:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Be calm, friend."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am calm," replied he.</p> + +<p class="normal">Magister Knips had profited by the refining influence of the Court. His +black suit had been made by a tailor who had the princely coat of arms +above his workshop; his hair was free from feathers, and his vocabulary +had been replenished with new expressions of respect. He now looked +furtively and defiantly around him.</p> + +<p class="normal">Werner measured the man as he entered with a steady look; if, before, +he had had a doubt of the guilt of the Magister, he now recognized it. +He turned away for a moment in order to struggle with his aversion.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Examine this," he said, pointing with his finger to the parchment +leaves.</p> + +<p class="normal">Knips took a leaf in his hand, and the parchment trembled as he cast a +shy glance upon it.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is another forgery," said the Professor; "the reading of the first +Florentine manuscript, and even the peculiarities of its orthography, +are copied with a careful accuracy which would have been impossible to +any old transcriber. The writing, too, betrays itself to be recent."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Magister laid the sheet down, and answered, with hesitation:</p> + +<p class="normal">"It appears undoubtedly to be an imitation of an old script, as the +Professor has already discovered."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I found this work," continued the Scholar, "in the tower of the castle +in the country, inserted in that torn missal, laid in that chest, and +concealed among old furniture. And you, Magister, have prepared this +leaf, and you have concealed it in this place. That is not all. Long +before, in order to put me on a false track, you placed the register of +a chest in the old records; you invented the figures 1 and 2 for the +chests, and further, you yourself wrote the register in order to +deceive me."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Magister stood with lowered head, seeking for an answer. He did not +know on what confession of others these deliberate assertions were +grounded. Had the Castellan betrayed him? Had the Sovereign himself +exposed him? Terror came over him, but he replied, doggedly:</p> + +<p class="normal">"I did not do it."</p> + +<p class="normal">"In vain do you seek to deceive me anew," continued the Scholar. "If I +had not already sufficient ground to say to your face that you did +this, your demeanor in the presence of this sheet would be ample +evidence. No sound of astonishment, no word of horror at such an +attempt at forgery escaped you. What true scholar would look upon such +a thing and remain silent, if his own conscience did not close his +mouth? What have I done to you, Magister, that you should inflict upon +me this bitter anguish? Give me some excuse for your action. Have I +ever injured you? Have I ever aroused in you secret ill-will against +me? Any reason that will make this abomination comprehensible will be +welcome to me; for I look with dismay on this depravation of a human +soul."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The Professor has never given me any ground for complaint," replied +Knips, submissively.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Nevertheless," said the Professor, "in cold blood, with indifference, +with malicious levity, you have done your worst to me: it was wrong, +very wrong, Magister."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Perhaps it was only a jest," sighed the Magister; "perhaps it was only +put in that way to him who prepared the writing. He only perhaps acted +by the command of another, not by free choice, and not of his own +will."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What power on earth could command you to practice towards another so +deliberate a piece of knavery?" asked the Professor, sorrowfully. "You +yourself know right well what consequences this deception may have for +myself and others."</p> + +<p class="normal">Magister Knips was silent.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have done with you," continued the Scholar. "I shall say nothing of +the plan which this falsehood was to serve nor make any further +reproaches concerning the injury that you have practiced towards a man +who trusted in your honor."</p> + +<p class="normal">He threw the parchment under the table. Knips seized his hat silently +to leave the room.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Stop!" exclaimed the Professor; "do not move from the spot. I must be +silent as to what you have endeavored to do personally against me. It +is not so much on account of this manuscript that I have sent for you. +But the man whom I see before me, on whom I look with an abhorrence +that I have never yet felt, is something more than an unscrupulous tool +in the service of a stranger; he is an unfaithful philologist, a +traitor to learning, a forger, and deceiver in that in which only +honorable men have a right to live, a cursed man, for whom there is no +repentance and no mercy."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Magister's hat fell to the ground.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You wrote the parchment strip of Struvelius; the trader has informed +against you in your native city. Your writings are confiscated and are +in the hands of the police."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Magister still remained silent. He fumbled for his +pocket-handkerchief and wiped the cold sweat from his brow.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Now, at least, speak out," cried Werner. "Give me an explanation of +the fearful riddle, how any one who belonged to us could willfully +destroy all that made his life noble. How could a man of your +attainments become untrue to science in so despicable a way?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I was poor and my life full of trouble," replied Knips, in a low +voice.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, you were poor. From your earliest youth you have worked from +morning to night; even as a child you have denied yourself much that +others thoughtlessly enjoy. You have in this way the secret +consciousness of having obtained for yourself inward freedom, and a +humble friendship with the great spirit of our life. Yes, you have +grown up to be a man amidst countless sacrifices and self-denials which +others fear. You have thus learnt and taught what is the highest +possession of man. In every proof-sheet that you have read for the +assistance of others, in every index of words that you have drawn up +for a classical work, in every word that you have corrected, in every +number that you have written, you have been obliged to be truthful. +Your daily work was an unceasing, assiduous struggle against what was +false and wrong. Yet more, and worse than that, you have been no +thoughtless day-laborer; you have fully and entirely belonged to us; +you were, in fact, a scholar, from whose learning many with higher +pretensions have frequently taken counsel. You not only treasured in +your mind a mass of rare knowledge, but you well comprehend the +thoughts to which such knowledge gives rise. You were all this--and yet +a forger. With true devotion and self-denial, you united malicious +willfulness; you were a confidential and assiduous assistant, and at +the same time a deceiver, bold and mocking like a devil."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I was a tortured man," began Knips. "He who has lived otherwise does +not know how difficult it is, in the service of science, to be ever +following in the foot-steps of others. You have never worked for others +who knew less than yourself. You do not understand the feeling that +possesses one when others use haughtily, without acknowledgement and +without thanks, what one has given them from one's own knowledge. I am +not insensible to friendship. The Professor was the first who, in the +last lines of the introduction of his maiden work, mentioned my name +because I had been of use to him. And yet I have done less for you than +any other of my old patrons. The copy which you then gave me I have put +in the place of honor among my books. Whenever I have felt tired from +my night's work I have read those lines; I have seldom experienced the +like kindliness. But I have felt the torment of having more knowledge +than I had credit for, and I have had no opportunity to work my way out +of my narrow sphere. That has been the cause of all."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Magister suddenly stopped.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It was pride," said the Professor, sorrowfully, "it was envy, that +burst forth from an oppressed life against more fortunate ones, who, +perhaps, did not know more; it was the craving for superiority over +others."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It was that," continued Knips, plaintively. "First came the idea of +mocking those who employed and despised me. I thought, if I chose, I +had you in my power, my learned colleagues. Then it became a purpose +and took fast hold on me. I have sat many nights working at it before I +went so far, and frequently have I thrown away what I have done, +Professor, and hid it under my books. But I was allured to go on, it +became my pride to master the art. When at last I had done so, it was a +pleasure to me to make use of it. It was less for the gain than for the +superiority it gave me."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is easy," replied the Professor, "to deceive men of our sort where +they are accustomed to place firm confidence. Where the acuteness that +we acquire in our work is not brought into play, many of us are like +children, and he who is colder and wishes to deceive may easily for a +time play with us. It is a weak glory to exercise the art of Satan +against the innocent."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I knew that it was a devil with whom I was dealing; I knew it from the +first day, Professor, but I could not guard myself from him. Thus it +was," concluded Knips, seating himself exhausted on the chest.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Thus it was, Magister," exclaimed Werner, raising himself up; "but +thus it cannot remain. You were one of us, you can no longer be so. You +have done an injury to the highest good which is granted to the race of +man--the honor of learning. You yourself knew that he who endangers +this honor is a mortal enemy to our souls. In our realm, where error +daily threatens the limited powers of individuals, the determination to +be true is a preliminary which none can be wanting in, without +involving others in his own destruction."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I was only an assistant," sighed Knips, "and few cared about me. If +others had esteemed me as a scholar it would not have happened."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You considered yourself so, and you had a right to do so," rejoined +the Professor. "You felt the pride of your learning, and you well knew +your high vocation. You well knew that you also, the humble Magister, +had your share in the priestly office and in the princely office of our +realm. No purple is nobler, no rule is more sovereign than ours. We +lead the souls of our nation from one century to another; and ours is +the duty of watching over its learning and over its thoughts. We are +its champions against the lies and spirits of a past time which wander +amongst us clothed with the semblance of life. What we consecrate, +lives; and what we condemn, passes away. The old virtues of the +Apostles are required of us--to esteem little what is earthly, and to +proclaim the truth. You were in this sense consecrated, like every one +of us; your life was pledged to God. On you, as on all of us, lay the +responsibility for the souls of our nation. You have proved yourself +unworthy of this office, and I grieve, I grieve, wretched man, that I +must separate you from it."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Magister jumped up, and looked imploringly at the Scholar.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor spoke impressively:</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is my duty both towards you and others to speak out. What you have +done to my fellow professors, and what you have prepared for similar +attempts, cannot remain secret. Honorable men must be warned against +the art which you have been led by a demon to exercise. But in this +last hour in which you stand before me, I feel that I have done too +little to help you against temptation. Without intending to be unkind, +I have perhaps sometimes undervalued you, in comparison with others, +and have forgotten how hard was your daily life. If you have ever felt +depressed and embittered by my severity, I now atone for it. For when +I, short-sighted, erring man, advised you to accept a position which +was to raise you out of external need, I participated in your guilt, by +exposing you to new temptation here. That gives me bitter pain, +Magister, and I feel the anguish of this hour."</p> + +<p class="normal">Magister Knips sat exhausted and cowering on the chest: the Scholar +stood over him, and his words sank like blows on the Magister's head.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I cannot conceal the fact, Magister, that you are a forger; you can +never again move in our circle; your career is closed by your +transgression, you are lost to learning, lost to all who took an +interest in your work. You have vanished from the place which you held +amongst us; nothing remains but a black shadow. Human powers +laboriously trained, a spirit of uncommon acuteness and fullness, are +lost and dead to us; and I mourn over you as over a dead man."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Scholar wept, and Knips covered his face with his hands. Werner +hastened to his writing-table.</p> + +<p class="normal">"If you require means to maintain your ruined life in some other +neighborhood, here it is. Take what you require."</p> + +<p class="normal">He threw some money on the table.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Try to conceal yourself where no member of our community will meet +you. May all the good become your portion, which is still possible for +you to have on earth. But fly, Magister; avoid those places where one +shall think of you with the sorrow and repugnance that the faithful +workman feels towards one who is untrue."</p> + +<p class="normal">Knips rose; his face was paler than usual, and he looked distractedly +about him.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I need no money," he said, with faint voice; "I have enough for my +journey. I beg of the Professor to care for my mother."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Scholar turned away, the strong man sobbed. Magister Knips went to +the door; there he stopped.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have the Homer of 1488; tell my mother to give you the book. Though +the thought of me be painful, yet keep the book. It was a treasure to +me."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Magister closed the door and went slowly out of the house. The wind +drove through the streets; it blew against the back of the Magister, +and hastened his steps.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It drives," murmured Knips again; "it drives me onward."</p> + +<p class="normal">At the open square he remained standing in the wind; looking towards +the clouds, which were passing in hasty flight beneath the moon. +Distorted figures hovered in the grey vapor and glided over his head. +He thought of the last proof-sheets which he had read in his native +town, and spoke some Greek words; they were verses from the Eumenides +of Æschylus:--</p> +<div class="poem"> + + +<p class="t4" style="text-indent:-6px"> +"Rush on! rush on! rush on! ye messengers of vengeance!"</p> +</div> + +<p class="normal">He went up to the castle, and remained standing before the lighted +windows; the four black steeds which brought the Sovereign back from +the tower castle to the city dashed past him, and he clenched his bony +fist at the carriage. He then ran round the castle to the park side. +There, against a tree, beneath the windows of the Sovereign's +apartment, he cowered; looked up to the castle, and again raised his +fist against the lord of it, and sighed. He looked up at the dark +boughs that towered over him, gazed at the sky and the grey flitting +shadows which coursed along under the moon, and desperate thoughts +passed through his mind:</p> + +<p class="normal">"When the moon vanishes that will be a token to me also."</p> + +<p class="normal">He looked long at the moon. Amidst his wild thoughts a Latin sentence +entered his confused brain: "'The moon and the earth are but as little +points in the universe;' that is beautifully said by Ammianus +Marcellinus. I have compared the manuscripts of this Roman; I have made +conjectures on all sides with respect to his mutilated text; I have +pored for years over him. If I do here, in order to vex this ignorant +lord, what was done to Haman, all this preparation for my Roman would +be lost."</p> + +<p class="normal">He rushed from under the trees and ran to his dwelling. There he +collected all his possessions, put his small copy of Ammianus into his +pocket, and hastened with his bundle to the gate.</p> + +<p class="normal">They say he went to the same country to which his brother had gone +before him--far off in the West.</p> + +<p class="normal">He passed away, he hid his head--an unfaithful servant, and at the same +time a victim of science. All his life long he had pondered over +written words; now the living words, which penetrated from another soul +into his, drove him from his home. Day and night he had been surrounded +with the letters of books and learned writings which had flowed from +the pen on to the white sheets; but the blessing of living words which +pass from the mouth to the ear, and echo from heart to heart, had +failed him at the right time; for what is in common use with us is also +our highest boon. Its power is as mysterious to us to-day as it was to +our ancestors; the generation of our literary period, accustomed to +contemplate tones in their imaginations, and to estimate the powers of +nature by measure and weight, seldom think how powerfully the echoing +word from the human heart rules within us; it is mistress and servant, +it elevates and annihilates us, it produces disease and health. Happy +the living being in whose ear it sounds full and pure, who incessantly +receives the soft sound of love and the hearty call of friendship. He +who is deprived of the blessing of the conversation which flows from +warm hearts, wanders among others as a living being in whom the spirit +is separated from the body, or like a book that one opens, makes use +of, and puts away at pleasure. The Magister had sinned by the written +word; a cry of agony uttered by a human voice had frightened him into +the misty and silent distance.</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>CHAPTER XXXIX</i>.</h2> + +<h3>BEFORE THE CRISIS.</h3> + +<p class="normal">The cattle lowed and the sheep-bells tinkled, and the springing blades +of wheat waved in the wind. The eldest daughter of the family was again +walking in the garden, surrounded by her brothers and sisters. What has +become of the glad brightness of your eye and the hearty child's laugh, +Lady Ilse? Your countenance has become serious and your demeanor +subdued; your looks scan critically the men about you and the paths +that you tread, and calm commands sound from your lips. Your home has +not made your heart light, nor given you back again what you lost among +strangers.</p> + +<p class="normal">But it zealously exercises its right to be loved by you and to show you +love; it recalls familiar images to your soul, and old recollections +awake at every step; the people whom you fostered faithfully in your +heart, the animals that you cared for, and the trees that you planted, +greet you, and labor busily to cover with bright colors what lies +gloomily within you.</p> + +<p class="normal">The first evening was painful. When Ilse, accompanied by her neighbor, +entered her home a fugitive, striving to conceal what tormented her, +amidst the terror of her father and the inquisitive questions of her +brothers and sisters, anger and dismay once more threw their black +shadows over her. But on the breast of her father, under the roof of a +secure house, together with the feeling of safety, her old energy +revived, and she was able to conceal from the eyes of her loved ones +that which was not her secret alone.</p> + +<p class="normal">Another painful hour came. Ilse was sitting late in the evening, as +years before, on her chair opposite her father. After her story was +told, the strong man looked down anxiously, used hard words concerning +her husband, and cursed the other. When he told her that even in her +father's house danger threatened her, when he desired her to be +cautious at every step, and when he told her that in her childhood +there had been a dark rumor that a maiden from the house on the rock, a +child of a former possessor, had been the victim of a distinguished +prince, she raised her hands to heaven. Her father seized them and drew +her towards him.</p> + +<p class="normal">"We are wrong to forget in an uncertain future how mercifully +Providence has guarded you. I hold you by the hand and you stand on the +soil of your home. We must do what the day requires, and trust +everything else to a higher Being. As for the talk of strangers we care +not; they are weather-cocks. Be calm and have confidence."</p> + +<p class="normal">The younger children chattered innocently; they asked about the +charming life at the capital, they wished to know accurately what their +sister had gone through, and above all how the Sovereign of the country +had treated Ilse, he whom they thought of as a holy Christ, as the +unwearied dispenser of joy and happiness. But the elder ones were more +cautious in their language without exactly knowing why, with that kind +of natural tact which children show towards those whom they love. Ilse +accompanied her sister Clara through the upper floor, they arranged the +room for the guests who were expected, and placed an immense bunch of +flowers in the room which Mr. Hummel was to occupy. Her brothers took +her through the kitchen-garden into the narrow valley, and showed her +the new wooden bridge over the water to the grotto, which their father +had built as a surprise for Ilse. Ilse passed by the swollen brook, the +water rushed yellow and muddy over the rocks, it had overflowed the +small strip of meadow by its banks and flowed in a strong stream down +the valley to the town. Ilse sought the place where she once, under the +foliage and wild plants, lay concealed, when she read in the eyes of +her Felix the acknowledgement of his love. This cosy nook was also +flooded; the stream ran muddily over it, the flowers were broken down +and washed away, the alder bushes covered to their upper branches, and +reeds and discolored foam hung round them: only the white stem of a +birch rose out of the devastation, and the flood whirled round its +lowest branches.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The flood is passing away," said Ilse, sadly; "in a few days the +ground will again be visible, and where the verdure has been injured +the mild rays of the sun will soon restore it. But how will it be with +me? There is no light so long as he is not with me, and when I see him +again how he will be changed? How will he, so serious and zealous, bear +the cold wind of adversity that has passed through his life and mine?"</p> + +<p class="normal">Her father watched her carefully; he talked to her more frequently than +formerly. Whenever he returned from the field he told her of the work +that was doing on the farm; he was always taking care not to touch on +thoughts that might give her pain, and the daughter felt how tender and +loving was the attention of the busy man. Now he beckoned to her from a +distance, and near him was walking a thick-set figure, with a large +head and comfortable aspect.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Mr. Hummel!" exclaimed Ilse, joyfully, and hastened with winged +footsteps towards him. "When will he come?" she called out, with eager +expectation.</p> + +<p class="normal">"As soon as he is free," replied Hummel.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Who detains him there?" said the wife, looking sorrowful.</p> + +<p class="normal">Mr. Hummel explained. At his report the wrinkles on Ilse's forehead +disappeared, and she led her guest into the old house. Mr. Hummel +looked astonished at the tall race that had grown up on the rock: he +looked with admiration on the girls and respectfully at the heads of +the boys. Ilse did not to-day forget what becomes a good housewife in +welcoming a guest. Mr. Hummel was happy among the country people, and +delighted with the flowers in his room; he took the sprightly lad Franz +upon his knee, and made him drink almost too much out of his glass. +Then he went through the farm with the proprietor and Ilse; he was +clever in his judgment, and he and his host recognized in each other +sound common sense. At last Ilse asked him frankly how he was pleased +with her home.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Everything is magnificent," said Hummel; "the development of the +family, their curly heads, the flowers, the cattle, and the domestic +arrangements. Compared to the business of H. Hummel, it is like a gourd +to a cucumber. Everything capacious and abundant, only to my taste +there is too much straw."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse was called aside by her father. "The Prince is preparing to +depart. He has expressed a wish to speak to you first. Will you see +him?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Not to-day. To-day belongs to you and our guest, but to-morrow," said +Ilse.</p> + +<p class="normal">On the morning of the day following, Professor Raschke entered his +friend's room prepared for the journey.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Has the Magister disappeared?" he asked, anxiously.</p> + +<p class="normal">"He has done what he was obliged to do," replied Werner, gloomily. +"Whatever his future life and fortune may be, we have done with him."</p> + +<p class="normal">Raschke looked anxiously on the furrowed countenance of his colleague.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I should like to see you on the road to your wife, and better still, +with her on the road back to us."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Have no doubt, friend, that I shall seek both roads as soon as I have +a right to do so."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Ilse counts the hours till your return," said Raschke, in still +greater anxiety; "she will not be at rest till she has fast hold of her +loved one."</p> + +<p class="normal">"My wife has long been deprived of rest while she was with me," said +the Scholar, "I have not understood how to defend her. I have exposed +her to the claws of wild beasts. She has found from strangers the +protection that her own husband refused her. The indifference of her +husband has wounded her in that point which it is most difficult for a +woman to forgive. I have become a mere, impotent dreamer," he +exclaimed, "unworthy of the devotion of this pure soul, and I feel what +a man never should feel--ashamed to meet my excellent wife again." He +turned his face away.</p> + +<p class="normal">"This feeling is too high-strained, and the reproaches that you angrily +make yourself are too severe. You have been deceived by the cunning +prevarication of a worldly wise man. You yourself have expressed that +it is ingloriously easy to deceive us in things in which we are not +cleverer than children. Werner, once more I entreat of you to depart +with me immediately, even though by another road."</p> + +<p class="normal">"No," replied the Scholar, decidedly; "I have all my life long been +clear in my relations with other men. I cannot do things by halves. If +I feel a liking, the pressure of my hand and the confidence that I give +does not leave a moment's doubt of the state of my heart. If I must +give up my relation to any one, I must have the reckoning fully closed. +I cannot leave this place as a fugitive."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Who demands that?" asked Raschke. "You only go like a man who turns +his eyes away from a hateful worm that crawls before him on the +ground."</p> + +<p class="normal">"If the worm has injured the man, it is his duty to guard others from +the danger of like injury, and if he cannot guard others, he ought to +clear his own path.</p> + +<p class="normal">"But if he incurs new danger in the attempt?</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yet he must do what he can to satisfy himself," exclaimed Werner. "I +will not allow myself to be robbed of the rights that I have against +another. I am called upon by the insult to my wife; I am called upon by +the ruined life of a scholar, whom we both lament. Say no more to me. +Friend, my self-respect has been severely wounded, and with reason. I +feel my weakness with a bitterness that is the just punishment for the +pride with which I have looked upon the life of others. I have written +to Struvelius, and begged his pardon for having so arrogantly treated +him in the uncertainty that once disturbed his life. Here is my letter +to our colleague. I beg you to give it to him, and to tell him that +when we meet again I wish to have no words upon the past, only he must +know how bitterly I have atoned for having been severe with him. But, +however much patience and consideration I may require from others, I +should lose the last thing that gives me courage to live, if I went +from here without coming to a reckoning with the lord of that castle. I +am no man of the world who has learnt to conceal his anger beneath +courtly words."</p> + +<p class="normal">"He who seeks to call a man to account," exclaimed Raschke, "should +have the means of getting firm hold of his opponent, otherwise what +should be satisfaction may become a new humiliation."</p> + +<p class="normal">"To have sought this satisfaction to the utmost," replied Werner, "is +in itself a satisfaction."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Werner," said his colleague, "I hope that your anger and indignation +will not draw you into the thoughtless vindictiveness of the weak fools +who call a brutal playing with one's own life and that of others +satisfaction."</p> + +<p class="normal">"He is a prince," said the Professor, with a gloomy smile; "I wear no +spurs, and the last use I made of my bullet mould was to crack nuts +with it. How can you so mistake me? But there are things which must be +expressed. There is a healing power in words; if not for him who +listens to them, yet for him who speaks. I must tell him what I demand +of him. He shall feel how my words are forced down into his joyless +heart. My speaking out will make me free."</p> + +<p class="normal">"He will refuse to hear you," exclaimed Raschke.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I will do my best to speak to him."</p> + +<p class="normal">"He has many means of preventing you."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Let him use them at his peril, for he will thereby deprive himself of +the advantage of hearing me without witnesses."</p> + +<p class="normal">"He will set all the machinery that his high position affords him in +motion against you; he will use his power recklessly to restrain you."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am no bawling soothsayer who will attack Cæsar in the open street, +to warn him of the Ides of March. My knowledge of what will humble him +before himself and his contemporaries, is my weapon. I assure you he +will give me opportunity to use it as I will."</p> + +<p class="normal">"He is going away," said Raschke, anxiously.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Where can he go to that I cannot follow him?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"The apprehension that you will excite in him will drive him to some +dark deed."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Let him do his worst; I must do what will give me peace."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Werner!" cried Raschke, raising his hands, "I ought not to leave you +in this position, and yet you make your friend feel how powerless his +honest counsel is against your stubborn will."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor went up to him and embraced him. "Farewell, Raschke. As +high as any man can stand in the esteem of another, you stand in mine. +Do not be angry if, in this case, I follow more the impulse of my own +nature than the mild wisdom of yours. Give my greeting to your wife and +children."</p> + +<p class="normal">Raschke passed his hands over his eyes, drew on his coat, and put the +letter to Struvelius in his pocket. In doing so he found another +letter, took it out, and read the address. "A letter from my wife to +you," he said; "How did it come into my pocket!"</p> + +<p class="normal">Werner opened it; again a slight smile passed over his face. "Mrs. +Aurelia begs me to take care of you. The charge comes at the right +moment. I will accompany you to your place of departure; we will not +forget the cap or cloak."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor conducted his friend to the conveyance; they spoke +together, up to the last moment, of the lectures which both wished to +give in the approaching term. "Remember my letter to Struvelius," were +Werner's last words, when his friend was seated in the carriage.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I shall think of it whenever I think of you," said Raschke, stretching +out his hand from the carriage.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor went to the castle for a last conversation with the man +who had called him to his capital. The household received him with +embarrassed looks. "The Sovereign is just starting on a journey, and +will not return for some days; we do not know where he is going," said +the Intendant, with concern. The Professor, nevertheless, desired him +to announce him to the Sovereign, his request was urgent; the servant +brought as an answer that his master could not be spoken to before +his return; the Professor might impart his wishes to one of the +aides-de-camp.</p> + +<p class="normal">Werner hastened to the adjacent house of the Lord High Steward. He was +taken into the library, and gave a fleeting glance at the faded carpet, +the old hangings, which were covered with engravings in dark frames, +and on the large bookshelves, with glass doors, lined within, as if the +possessor wished to conceal what he read from the eyes of strangers. +The High Steward entered hastily.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I seek for an interview with the Sovereign before his departure," +began the Professor, "I beg of your Excellence to procure me this +audience."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Pardon my asking you your object," said the High Steward. "Do you wish +again to speak to a sufferer concerning his disease?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"The diseased man administers a high office, and has the power and +rights of a healthy one; he is answerable to his fellow-men for his +deeds. I consider it a duty not to go from here without informing him +that he is no longer in a condition to perform the duties of his +position."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Lord High Steward looked with astonishment at the Scholar.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do you insist on this interview?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"What I have learned since my return here from the country compels me +to do so; I must seek this interview by every possible means in my +power, whatever may be the consequences."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Even the consequences to yourself?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Even these. After all that has passed, the Sovereign cannot refuse to +hear me speak before I go."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What he ought not to do he will yet try to do."</p> + +<p class="normal">"He will do it at his peril," replied the Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">The High Steward placed himself in front of the Professor, and said, +impressively:</p> + +<p class="normal">"The Sovereign is going to Rossau to-day. The plan is secret. I +accidentally learnt the orders, which were given at the princely +stables."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Scholar started.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I thank your Excellence from my heart for this communication," he +exclaimed, with forced composure. "I will endeavor to send a speedy +warning beforehand. I shall not start, myself, till your Excellence has +seconded my efforts to speak to the Sovereign before his journey."</p> + +<p class="normal">"If you seek an audience through me," said the High Steward, after some +consideration, "I will, as an officer of the Court, and from personal +esteem for you, immediately convey your wish to the Sovereign. But I +will not conceal from you, Professor, that I consider a criticism from +you upon past events as very risky in every point of view."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But I am thoroughly impressed with the conviction that the criticism +must be made," exclaimed the Professor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"To the Sovereign alone, or before others?" asked the High Steward.</p> + +<p class="normal">"If the ears and mind of the Sovereign remain closed, then before the +world. I shall thus fulfil an imperative duty to all who might suffer +from the dark fancies of this disordered mind; a duty from which I, as +an honest man, cannot escape. If calm remonstrance will not move him, I +shall publicly arraign him before the rulers and people of our nation. +For it is not to be borne that the conditions of ancient Rome should +again rise to life among our people."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is decisive," replied the High Steward.</p> + +<p class="normal">He went to his bureau, took out a document, and presented it to the +Scholar.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Read this. Will you renounce a personal interview with the Sovereign +if this paper is signed by his hand?"</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor read, and bowed to the High Steward.</p> + +<p class="normal">"As soon as he ceases to be what he has been, I shall consider him +merely as an afflicted man; in this case my interview with him would be +useless. Meanwhile I repeat my request to procure an audience before +the Sovereign's departure."</p> + +<p class="normal">The High Steward took back the document.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I will endeavor to act as your representative. But do not forget that +the Sovereign travels to Rossau in another hour. If we ever see each +other again, Mr. Werner," concluded the old lord, solemnly, "may both +our hearts be free from anxiety about that which sometimes one esteems +lightly, as you do at this moment, but which one does not willingly +allow one's self to be robbed of by the intervention of another."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor hastened to the inn and called for his servant.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Show me your fidelity to-day, Gabriel: none but a messenger on +horseback can arrive at Bielstein in time. Do your best, take courier's +horses, and put a letter into the hands of my wife before the Court +carriages arrive there."</p> + +<p class="normal">"At your command, Professor," said Gabriel, with a military salute, "it +is a hard ride even for a hussar; if I am not detained in changing +horses, I trust to be able to deliver the letter in due time."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor wrote in haste, and despatched Gabriel; then he returned +to the dwelling of the High Steward.</p> + +<hr class="W10"> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign was lying wearily on his sofa, his cheeks pale and his +eyes dim--a thoroughly sick man.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I had formerly other thoughts, and could, when I had touched the keys, +play more than one melody; now everything changes itself into a +discordant measure: she has gone, she is in the neighborhood of the +boy, she laughs at her foolish wooer. I see nothing before me but the +track on the high road that leads to her. A strange power eternally +strikes the same notes within me, a dark shadow stands near me and +points with its finger incessantly to the same path; I cannot control +myself, I hear the words, I see the road, I feel the dark hand over my +head."</p> + +<p class="normal">The servant announced the High Steward.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I will not see him," said the Sovereign, imperiously. "Tell his +Excellence that I am on the point of departing for the country."</p> + +<p class="normal">"His Excellence begs admittance, it is a question of an urgent +signature."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The old fool," murmured the Sovereign, "usher him in."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am unfortunately much pressed for time, your Excellence," he called +out to him, as he entered.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I do not wish to make a long demand upon the time of my most Serene +Lord," began the courtier. "Prof. Werner begs that your Highness will +consent to receive him before his departure."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What is the cause of this importunity?" exclaimed the Sovereign; "he +has already been here, and I have refused him."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I must be permitted to make the respectful remark that after all that +has passed, the honor of a personal interview cannot well be refused +him. Your Highness would be the last to approve of so marked a +violation of seemly considerations."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign looked vindictively at the High Steward.</p> + +<p class="normal">"All the same, I will not see him."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Besides these considerations, it is not advisable to refuse this +interview," continued the old lord, with emphasis.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Of that I am the best judge," replied the Sovereign, carelessly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"This person has become privy to certain things, the exposure of which, +for the sake of the princely dignity, must be avoided, even at a heavy +sacrifice, for he is not bound to keep the secret."</p> + +<p class="normal">"No one will listen to an individual, and a dreamer at that."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What he will divulge will not only be believed, but will excite a +storm against your Highness."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Gossip from bookworms will not hurt me."</p> + +<p class="normal">"This person is a highly-respected man of character, and will use his +observations to demand of the whole civilized world that the +possibility of similar occurrences at this Court should be made +impossible."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Let him do what he dare," cried the Sovereign, with an outbreak of +fury, "we shall know how to protect ourselves."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The exposure may yet be guarded against; but there is only one last +and radical remedy."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Speak out, your Excellence; I have always respected your judgment."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What inflames the Professor," continued the courtier, cautiously, +"will become generally known; at all events it will produce a great +sensation and dangerous scandal; nothing further. It was a personal +observation only that he was compelled to make at the foot of the +tower; it was a conjecture only which he gave vent to beneath the same +tower. According to his assertion, two attempts have been made, and yet +neither has been followed by evil consequences. To be able to provoke +the public judgment of the civilized world on such grounds is doubtful. +However upright the narrator may be, he may himself have been deceived. +Your Highness remarks rightly that the irritation of a single scholar +would occasion disagreeable gossip, nothing further."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Most admirable, your Excellence," interrupted the Sovereign.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Unfortunately there is one important circumstance that I have not yet +added. With respect to that personal observation at the foot of the +tower, the Scholar has a witness, and <i>I</i> am that witness. When he +calls upon me for my testimony and speaks of my personal observation, I +must declare that he is right, for I am not accustomed to consider +half-truth as truth."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign started.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It was I who restrained the hand," remarked the courtier; "and because +that simple scholar is in the right, and because I must confirm his +views concerning the state of my gracious master's health, I tell you +there is only one last and radical remedy." The High Steward took the +document out of the portfolio. "My remedy is, that your Highness +should, by a great resolve, anticipate the storm, and high-mindedly +consent to make this declaration the expression of your will."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign cast a look on the paper, and flung it away from him:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Are you mad, old man?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Insanity has not yet been discovered in me," replied the High Steward, +sorrowfully. "If my gracious master would but weigh the circumstances +with his usual acuteness! It has unfortunately become impossible for +your Highness to carry on the duties of your high calling in the way +you have hitherto done. Even if your Highness considered it possible, +your faithful servants are in the painful position of not partaking of +this opinion."</p> + +<p class="normal">"These faithful servants are my High Steward?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am one of them. If your Highness will not consent to give your +princely approbation to this project, consideration for that which is +dearer to me than your Highness's favor will forbid my remaining in +your service."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I repeat the question, have you become insane. Lord High Steward?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Only deeply moved; I did not think that I would ever have to choose +between my honor and my service to your Highness."</p> + +<p class="normal">He took out another document from the portfolio.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Your resignation," exclaimed the Sovereign, reading. "You should have +added to it, 'with permission.'" The Sovereign seized the pen. "Here, +Baron von Ottenburg, you are released from your office."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is no joyful thanks that I express to your Highness for it. But now +it is done, I, Hans von Ottenburg, express to you my respectful request +that your Highness would still, at this hour, be pleased to sign the +other document. For in case your Highness should hesitate to fulfil the +earnest entreaties of a former servant, this same request, from now on, +will be forced upon your Highness's ear in many ways, and by persons +who would not use so much consideration for your Highness as I have +hitherto done. Till now there has been one who has begged of you, a +professor,--now there are two, he and I,--in another hour the number +will become burdensome to your Highness."</p> + +<p class="normal">"A former High Steward, a rebel!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Only a petitioner. It is your Highness's right, of your own free will, +to make the high decision to which I endeavor to influence you. But I +beg you once more to consider that it can no longer be avoided. Your +Highness's Court will, in the next hour, be brought front to front with +the same alternative as myself; for my regard for the honor of these +gentlemen and ladies will compel me, on the same grounds which have led +to my decision, not to be silent with respect to them. Without doubt, +the gentlemen of the Court will, like me, approach your Highness with +earnest entreaties, and, like me, will resign in case their entreaties +are unsuccessful, and without doubt your Highness will have to find new +attendants. Respect for the honor and the office of those who rule +under you will oblige me to make the same communication to your +Highness's ministers. True, these also might be replaced by less +important servants of the State. But further, from loyalty and devotion +to your Highness's house, from anxiety about the life and welfare of +the Hereditary Prince and his illustrious sister, as well as from +attachment to this country in which I have grown gray, I see myself +obliged to appeal to every Government connected with ours for an +energetic enforcement of this my request. As long as I was a servant of +the Court, my oath and allegiance compelled me to silence and careful +regard for your Highness's personal interests. I am now relieved from +this obligation, and I shall from henceforth advocate the interests of +our people in opposition to those of your Highness. Your Highness may +yourself judge what that would lead to; this signature may be put off, +but can no longer be avoided. Every delay makes the situation worse; +the signing will no longer appear as the voluntary act of a high-minded +decision, but as a necessity forced upon you. Finally, let your +Highness bear in mind that the Professor has made in the Tower Castle +another important observation,--another with respect to the conduct of +a certain Magister; it is my destiny to know much which does not belong +to the secrets of my department."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign lay on his sofa, with his head turned away. He folded his +hands before his face. A long oppressive silence intervened.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You have been my personal enemy from the first day of my reign," +suddenly put in the Sovereign.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have been the faithful servant of my gracious master; personal +friendship has never been my portion, and I have never simulated it."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You have always intrigued against me."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Your Highness well knows that I have served you as a man of honor," +replied the Baron, proudly. "Now, also, when once more I beg of you to +sign this document, I do not stand upon the right which many years of +confidence give me with your Highness; I do not advance as an excuse +for this repeated importunity the interest that I have been entitled to +take in the dignity and welfare of this princely house; I have another +ground for relieving your Highness from the humiliation of a public +discussion of your Highness's state of mind. I am a loyal and +monarchically-minded man. He who has respect for the high office of a +prince is under the urgent necessity of guarding this office from being +lowered in the eyes of the nation. This he must do, not by concealing +what is insupportable, but by extirpating it. Therefore, since that +scene in the tower, there has been this struggle between me and your +Highness, that I, in order to maintain your Highness's exalted office, +must sacrifice your Highness's person. I am determined to do so, and +there consequently only remains to your Highness the choice of doing +that which is inevitable, of your own free will, and honorably in the +eyes of the world, or dishonorably and at the instance of importunate +strangers. The words are spoken; I beg for a speedy decision."</p> + +<p class="normal">The old lord stood close before the ruler. He looked firmly and coldly +into the restless eyes of his former master, and pointed with his +finger fixedly to the parchment. It was the keeper conquering the +patient.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Not now--not here," exclaimed the Sovereign, beside himself. "In the +presence of the Hereditary Prince I will take counsel and come to a +decision."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The presence and signature of your ministers are necessary for the +document, not the presence of the Hereditary Prince. But as your +Highness prefers signing in the presence of the Prince, I will do my +self the honor of following your Highness to Rossau, and beg one of the +ministers to accompany me for this object."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign looked reflectively down.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am still a ruler," he exclaimed, springing up; and seizing the +signed resignation of the High Steward, he tore it up. "High Steward +von Ottenburg, you will accompany me in my carriage to Rossau."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then the minister will follow your Highness in my carriage," said the +old lord, calmly. "I hasten to inform him."</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>CHAPTER XL</i>.</h2> + +<h3>ON THE ROAD TO THE ROCK.</h3> + +<p class="normal">Towards the quiet country town which pious colonists had once built +about the monastery walls of praying monks, and towards the rock on +which the heathen maiden had once whispered oracles to her race, were +now hastening along different roads horses and wheels, together with +living men who were seeking the decision of their fate; here joyful, +rising hopes--there downward, declining powers; here the pure dream of +enthusiastic youth--there the destructive dream of a gloomy spirit. In +the valley and over the rock hovered the spirits of the country; they +prepared themselves to receive the flying strangers with the +hospitality of home.</p> + +<p class="normal">The early dawn sent its pale glimmer into Laura's study; she stood by +her writing-table, and cast a lingering look on the familiar book in +which, with rapid hand, she had written the concluding words. She +fastened the book and the Doctor's poems together, and concealed them +under the cover of her trunk. She cast another look on the sanctuary of +her maiden life, and then flew down the stairs into the arms of her +anxious mother. It was a wonderful elopement--a quiet Sunday morning, a +mysterious light, gloomy rainclouds, contrasting strongly with the deep +red glow of morning. Laura lay long in the arms of her weeping mother, +till Susan urged her departure; then she passed into the street, where +the Doctor awaited her, and hastened with him into the carriage; for +the carriage was ordered to wait in a deserted place around the corner, +and not before the house; upon this Laura had insisted. It was a +wonderful elopement--a modest, sedate traveling-companion, the object +of the journey the house of a loved friend, and, lastly, a large +leather bag containing cold meat and other victuals, which Mrs. Hahn +herself carried to the carriage, in order that she might once more kiss +her son and Laura, and bless them amid tears.</p> + +<p class="normal">Spitehahn had for several days found it difficult to bear his lonely +existence; since the departure of the learned lodgers he had been much +disturbed, but when the master of the house also disappeared, there was +no one to recognize him. This morning he cast cold glances on Laura as +she hovered round her sorrowing mother, and looked askance at Susan +when she carried the great traveling-trunk to the carriage; then he +sneaked out into the street in order to give expression to his hatred +of the neighboring house. But when Mrs. Hahn hastened to the carriage +with the leather bag, he saw that something was wrong and he crept +after his neighbor from across the way; and whilst she mounted on the +step of the carriage to warn her Fritz of the sharp morning air, and to +kiss Laura once more, he sprang upon the footboard and ensconced +himself under the leather apron of the coachbox, determined to abide +his time. The coachman seated himself, and supposing the dog belonged +to the travelers, cracked his whip and started off. Another look and +call to the mother, and the adventurous journey began.</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura's soul trembled under the pressure of passionate feelings, which +were called forth by this long-desired but dreaded hour. The houses of +the city disappeared, and the poplars on the high road seemed to dance +past. She looked anxiously at her Fritz, and placed the tips of her +fingers in his hand. He smiled, and pressed the little hand warmly.</p> + +<p class="normal">His cheerfulness was a support to her. She looked tenderly into his +true face.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The morning is cool," he began, "allow me to fasten your cloak."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am very comfortable," replied Laura, again putting her trembling +hand within his.</p> + +<p class="normal">Thus they sat silently together, the sun peeped modestly from behind +his red curtains and smiled on Laura, so that she was obliged to close +her eyes. Her whole childhood passed before her in fleeting pictures; +and finally, she heard the significant words of her friends at her last +visit. Her godmother had said to her. Return soon again, child; and +Laura now felt with emotion that this return was at an immeasurable +distance. Her other godmother had kindly asked, When shall we see each +other again? and a touching echo sounded in Laura's heart, Who knows +when? All Nature was stirring in the fresh morning: a flock of pigeons +flew across the field, a hare ran along the road as if racing, a +splendid cluster of blue flowers grew on the border of the ditch, and +red roofs shone from among the fruit trees. Everything on earth looked +green and hopeful, blooming and waving in the morning breeze. The +country people who were going to the city met them, a peasant sitting +on his waggon smoking his pipe nodded a good morning to Laura, who held +out her hand as if she wished to send a greeting to the whole world. +The milkwoman in her little cart, who was going to sell her milk, also +greeted her, saying, "Good morning. Miss Laura." Laura drew back, and, +looking alarmed at Fritz, said:</p> + +<p class="normal">"She has recognized us."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Without doubt," replied the Doctor, gaily.</p> + +<p class="normal">"She is a gossip, Fritz; she cannot hold her tongue, and will tell all +the servant-girls in our street that we are driving together along this +road. This distresses me, Fritz."</p> + +<p class="normal">"We are taking a drive," replied the Doctor, triumphantly; "going to +pay a visit to some one; we are going to act as sponsors together in +the country. Do not mind these trifles."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It began by our being sponsors together, Fritz," answered Laura, +tranquilized. "It has all been owing to the cat's paws."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I do not know," replied Fritz, slyly, "whether this misfortune did not +originate earlier. When you were quite a little girl I kissed you +once."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I do not remember that," said Laura.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It was for a basket of colored beans that I brought you from our +garden. I demanded the kiss, and you consented to give the price, but +immediately after wiped your mouth with your hand. From that time I +have liked you better than all others."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do not let us talk of these things," said Laura, troubled; "my +recollections of old times are not all so harmless."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have always been kept at a distance," exclaimed Fritz, "even to-day. +It is a shame. It must not go on so; I must have some serious talk +about it. Travelling together as we are, it is not fitting that we +should use the stiff <i>you</i> in talking to one another."</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura looked reproachfully at him. "Not to-day," she said, softly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is of no use now," replied Fritz, boldly. "I will no longer be +treated as a stranger. I once heard the honest <i>thou</i> from you, but +never since. It pains me."</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura regretted that. "But only when we are quite alone," she +entreated.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I propose it for all time," continued Fritz, undisturbed, "otherwise +there will be continually mistakes and confusion."</p> + +<p class="normal">He offered her his hand, which she shook gently, and before she could +stop him she felt a kiss on her lips.</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura looked at him tenderly, but then immediately drew back and +ensconced herself in a corner of the carriage. Fritz was quite +different to-day from usual; he looked confident and bold. In the house +he had always been modest, while Laura had more than once thought of +this relation, and had written in her book: "When two human beings are +united in soul they ought to let each other know it." Now he used +little ceremony. He looked boldly out of the carriage, and when they +met travelers did not retreat as she had done after meeting the +milkwoman, but looked as if challenging notice, and greeting people +first.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I must begin about the Hindus," she said to herself, "in order to turn +his thoughts to other subjects."</p> + +<p class="normal">She asked him about the contents of the Veda.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I cannot think of it to-day," exclaimed Fritz, gaily. "I am too happy +to think of the old books. I have only one thought in my heart: 'Laura, +the dear girl, will become mine.' I could dance in the carriage for +joy."</p> + +<p class="normal">He jumped up from his seat like a little boy.</p> + +<p class="normal">Fritz was fearfully changed; she did not know him again; she withheld +her hand from him, and looked at him, suspiciously, askance.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The heavens are covered with clouds," she said, sadly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"But the sun shines above them," replied Fritz; "it will come out again +in a few minutes. I propose that we examine the great leather bag which +my mother gave us; I hope there will be something good in it."</p> + +<p class="normal">Thus did the prose of the Hahn family betray itself, and Laura observed +with secret regret how eagerly the Doctor rummaged the bag. She had, +however, in her excitement thought little of her breakfast, so when +Fritz offered her some of its contents she extended her little hand for +it, and both ate heartily.</p> + +<p class="normal">Something darkened the seat next the coachman; a misshapen head showed +itself at the window, and a discordant snarl was heard in the carriage. +Laura pointed terrified at the apparition.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Merciful heavens, there is the dog again!"</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor also looked angrily at the hostile figure. "Drive him away," +cried Laura; "make him run home."</p> + +<p class="normal">"He will hardly find his way back," replied the Doctor, thoughtfully; +"what would your father say if he were lost?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"He has been the enemy of my life," exclaimed Laura; "and must we now +take him with us into the world? The idea is insupportable, and a bad +omen, Fritz."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Perhaps we shall meet a wagon that will take him back again," said the +Doctor, consolingly; "meanwhile we must not let him starve."</p> + +<p class="normal">In spite of his aversion he handed him some breakfast, and the dog +disappeared again under the apron.</p> + +<p class="normal">But Laura continued disturbed.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Fritz, dear Fritz," she exclaimed, suddenly, "you must leave me +alone."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor looked at her with astonishment. The <i>you</i> was an +orthographical error which must be atoned for. He was again about to +give her a kiss, but she drew back.</p> + +<p class="normal">"If you love me, Fritz, you must now leave me alone," she cried out, +wringing her hands.</p> + +<p class="normal">"How can I do that?" asked Fritz; "we are traveling for good into the +great world."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Get upon the box by the coachman," begged Laura, imploringly.</p> + +<p class="normal">She looked so serious and depressed that Fritz obediently stopped the +carriage, descended from it, and climbed upon the coach-box. Laura drew +a deep breath, and became more tranquil. Her words had influenced him. +Intractable as he was, he would do much to please her. She sat alone, +and her thoughts became more cheering. The Doctor turned round +frequently, knocked at the window, and asked how she was. He was very +tender-hearted, and full of loving attentions.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The whole responsibility for his health rests on me," she thought, +"what hitherto his dear mother has done for him now becomes my duty. A +delightful duty, dear Fritz. I will keep him from working at nights, +for his health is delicate, and every day I will go walking with him, +in the coldest weather, to accustom him to it."</p> + +<p class="normal">She looked out of the carriage, the wind was stirring the leaves; she +knocked at the window:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Fritz, it is windy, you have no shawl on."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I shall no longer use one," called out the Doctor, "this effeminacy +must be shaken off."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I beg of you, Fritz, not to be so childish. Put one round you, or you +will certainly catch cold."</p> + +<p class="normal">"With a <i>you</i>, I will certainly not put it on."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Take it, my darling Fritz, I beg of <i>thee</i>," entreated Laura.</p> + +<p class="normal">"That sounds quite different," said Fritz.</p> + +<p class="normal">The window was opened, and the shawl put out.</p> + +<p class="normal">"He is firm as a rock," said Laura, seating herself again. "Complaisant +as he appears, he knows well what he chooses to do, and, contrary to +his own convictions, will not give in, even to me. That is all for the +best, for I am still a childish creature, and my father was in the +right; I need a husband who will look more calmly on the world than I +do."</p> + +<p class="normal">It began to rain. The coachman put on his cloak, and Fritz spread his +plaid and enveloped himself in it. She became very anxious about Fritz, +and again knocked at the window.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is raining, Fritz."</p> + +<p class="normal">This the Doctor could not deny.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Come in, you will get wet and catch cold."</p> + +<p class="normal">The carriage stopped, and Fritz obediently got down and entered it, +while Laura wiped away the raindrops on his hair and shawl with her +pocket-handkerchief.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You said <i>you</i> four times," began Fritz, reprovingly. "If it continues +thus, you will have a large reckoning to pay."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Be serious," began Laura, "I am in a very solemn mood. I am thinking +of our future. I will think of it day and night, dearest one, that you +may not feel the loss of your mother. Your dear mother has always taken +your coffee up to you, but that is unsociable, you shall come over +to me and take your breakfast with me; your Hindus must grant this +half-hour to me. About ten o'clock I shall send you over an egg, and at +dinner-time you will come over again to me. I shall take care that the +cooking is good; we will live simply, as we are accustomed, and well. +Then you shall tell me something about your books that I may know what +my husband is occupied with, for this is a wife's right. In the +afternoon we will take a walk together in the streets."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What do you mean?" asked Fritz, "'over there,' 'here,' 'in the +streets'? Surely we shall live together."</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura looked at him with open eyes, and a blush slowly mantled over her +face up to her temples.</p> + +<p class="normal">"We cannot, as man and wife, live in different houses?"</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura held her hand before her eyes and remained silent. As she did not +answer, Fritz drew her hand quietly from her face, and large tears +rolled down her cheeks.</p> + +<p class="normal">"My mother," she said, softly, as she wept.</p> + +<p class="normal">So touching was the expression of her grief, that Fritz said, +sympathizingly:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do not grieve, Laura, about her, we will live where you like, and +exactly as you think fit."</p> + +<p class="normal">But even these kind words could not comfort the poor soul, whose +maidenly anxieties cast a shadow over her future. The colored haze with +which her childish fancy had invested her free life in the neighborhood +of her loved one, had been dissolved.</p> + +<p class="normal">She sat silent and sad.</p> + +<p class="normal">The coachman stopped before a village inn to refresh himself and his +horses. The young landlady stood at the door with her child in her +arms; she approached the carriage and civilly invited them to alight. +Laura looked anxiously at the Doctor; he nodded, the carriage door was +opened. Laura seated herself on a bench in front of the door, and asked +the young woman questions about her family, in order to show the +self-possession of a traveller. The woman answered, confidently:</p> + +<p class="normal">"This is our first child, we have been married scarcely two years. +Excuse me, but I suppose you are a young married couple."</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura rose hastily, her cheeks glowed a deeper red than the rising sun, +as she answered with a low "No."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then you are engaged without doubt," said the woman, "that can be seen +at once."</p> + +<p class="normal">"How could you discover that?" asked Laura, without raising her eyes.</p> + +<p class="normal">"One sees evidence of it," replied the woman, "the way in which you +looked at the gentleman was significant enough."</p> + +<p class="normal">"A good guess," exclaimed the Doctor, gaily; but he also colored +slightly.</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura turned away and struggled for composure. The secret of her +journey was apparent to every one. It was known in the city and was +spoken of in the villages. Her betrothal had been settled by the talk +of strangers. Yet her parents had not laid her hand in that of her +lover, nor had any of her friends wished her happiness, but now the +stranger on the high road came and told her to her face what she was.</p> + +<p class="normal">"If the woman had known all,--how that I was eloping secretly with +Fritz Hahn, without betrothal or marriage,--how would she have looked +upon me?" thought Laura.</p> + +<p class="normal">She entered the carriage before the coachman had finished feeding the +horses, and again tears flowed from her eyes. The Doctor, who did not +anticipate this change of mood, was about to enter, when Laura, quite +beside herself, exclaimed:</p> + +<p class="normal">"I beg of you to sit by the coachman, I feel very sad."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Why?" asked Fritz, softly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have done wrong," said Laura. "Fritz, I should like to return. What +will that woman think of me? She saw right well that we were not +engaged."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But are we not?" asked the Doctor, astonished. "I consider myself as +decidedly engaged, and the friends to whom we go will clearly look upon +the affair in that point of view."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I conjure you, Fritz, to leave me alone now; what I feel I cannot +confess to any human being; if I become calmer I will knock at the +window."</p> + +<p class="normal">Fritz again climbed on the coach-box, and Laura passed a sorrowful hour +in the solitude of her carriage.</p> + +<p class="normal">She felt something strange on her cloak, looked with alarm at the empty +seat, and started when she saw the demon sitting next her, the enemy of +her life, the red dog. He stretched out his forefeet, and raised his +moustache high in the air, as if he would say: "<i>I</i> am carrying you +off. The Doctor is sitting on the box, and I, the mischief-maker, the +misanthropist, who have caused so much sorrow to this poetic soul, who +have been cursed in her journal in both prose and verse, I, the common +and unworthy being who used to lie at her feet, sit by her side the +gloomy figure of her fate, the spectre of her youth, and the bad omen +of her future life. I lie in the place where, in her childish poetry, +she has long dreamt of another, and I mock at her tears and anxiety." +He licked his beard and looked from under his long hair contemptuously +at her. Laura knocked at the window, resolved to leave the carriage +herself and sit upon the box.</p> + + +<hr class="W10"> + + +<p class="normal">Meanwhile the mothers sat anxiously in the hostile houses. Since her +daughter had left, Mrs. Hummel trembled for fear of the anger of her +husband. She knew from Laura that he had not objected to the journey to +Bielstein, and only wished to appear unconscious of it in order to +maintain his defiant character towards his neighbors. But of what was +to follow, he would give no information; when it came to a decision as +to what was to become of Laura and the Doctor, she felt there was +everything to fear from him. Mrs. Hummel had encouraged the journey in +order to compel the consent of the family tyrant; but now she felt +distrustful of her own cleverness. In her sad perplexity she put her +mantle on, over her morning dress, and hastened out of the house to +seek consolation from her neighbor.</p> + +<p class="normal">The heart of Mrs. Hahn was burdened with similar cares; she also was +prepared, in her morning dress and mantle, to go over to Mrs. Hummel. +The women met outside the two houses, and began an exchange of motherly +anxieties. They made use of the neutral ground that lay between the +hostile domains for quiet intercourse, and forgot that they were +standing in the street. The bells sounded and the church-goers +returned, yet they were still standing together talking over the past +and future. The comedian approached them elegantly dressed; as he drew +near he made a dramatic salutation with his hand. Mrs. Hummel looked +with anxiety at her favorite guest, she feared his conjectures and +still more his sharp tongue. His face was radiant with pleasure and his +gestures were sympathetic.</p> + +<p class="normal">"What a surprise," he exclaimed, in the tone of a warm-hearted uncle; +"what an agreeable surprise? The old quarrel made up; wreaths of +flowers from one house to the other; the discord of the fathers is +atoned for by the love of the children. I offer my hearty +congratulations."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What do you mean?" asked Mrs. Hummel, perplexed.</p> + +<p class="normal">"An elopement," exclaimed the comedian, raising his hands.</p> + +<p class="normal">Both mothers looked terrified.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I must beg of you, in your remarks, to have more regard for the real +state of things," replied Mrs. Hummel with offended dignity.</p> + +<p class="normal">"An elopement," again exclaimed the gentleman triumphantly. "Quite in +conformity with the humor of this house; it is a master-stroke."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I feel confident from our old friendship," said Mrs. Hummel, "that you +do not mean to insult us; but I must earnestly request you to have +regard, at least, for propriety."</p> + +<p class="normal">The comedian was astonished at the reproaches of his patroness.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I only repeat what I have just been informed of by post." He drew out +of his pocket a neat letter. "I hope that the ladies will convince +themselves." He read aloud: "'I beg to announce to you the betrothal of +Dr. Fritz Hahn with my daughter Laura, and their elopement this morning +from her parents' house. Yours humbly, Hummel.' This quite answers to +the character of our humorous friend."</p> + +<p class="normal">The ladies stood aghast. Then the rustling of a silk dress was heard, +the godmother came up hastily, her hymn-book in her hand, and called +out while yet in the distance:</p> + +<p class="normal">"What does one not live to see? You naughty people! Is it right that +the friends of the family should first learn from the preacher in the +church what is happening here?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"What do you mean?" asked both ladies, quite confounded.</p> + +<p class="normal">"That the bans of your children have been proclaimed in church to-day +for the first, second, and third time. There was general astonishment, +and though you have acted in so unfriendly a way as to keep it a +secret, all your acquaintances were delighted. Now the whole city is +full of it."</p> + +<p class="normal">Without speaking a word the two mothers flew into each others' arms in +the open street, midway between the houses. The comedian stood on one +side with his hand in his breast pocket, the godmother on the other +with folded hands.</p> + +<hr class="W10"> + +<p class="normal">It was also a troublous Sunday on the estate of Ilse's father. During +the previous night a waterspout had burst on the hills, and a wild +flood poured down where formerly the brook ran between the meadows. The +oldest people did not remember such a rush of water. Before this the +brook had been much swollen by the rains of the previous week, now it +roared and thundered through the narrow valley between the manor-house +and the sloping hills, and overflowed the fields where it was not +defied by the steepness of the country and rocks. Furiously did the +water rush and foam over the rocks and about the heads of the willows, +carrying away the hay from the meadows in its course, uprooting reeds +and tearing off branches of trees, and also the ruins of habitations, +which, though far above, had been reached by the flood. The people of +the estate stood by the edge of the orchard, looking silently upon the +stream and the ruins it bore along with it. The children ran eagerly +along the side of the water, endeavoring to draw toward them with poles +whatever they could reach. They raised loud cries when they saw a +living animal floating along. It was a kid standing on one of the +boards of the roof of its stall. When the little creature saw the +people standing near, it cried piteously, as if begging to be rescued. +Hans put out a well-hook, caught hold of the plank, the kid sprang +ashore and was taken in grand procession by the children to the +farmyard and there fed.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse was standing at the new bridge leading to the grotto. It had only +been built a few weeks, and was now threatened with destruction. +Already the supports were bending on one side. The force of the water +worked against the lower end, and loosened the pegs. The foam of the +water whirled round the projecting foot of the rock, which formed the +vault of the grotto, and the power of the rising water made deep +furrows in the flood.</p> + +<p class="normal">"There comes some one running from the mountain," exclaimed the people.</p> + +<p class="normal">A girl came hastily round the rock, with a large kerchief full of +fresh-mowed mountain grass on her back. She stopped terrified on the +platform of the rock, and hesitated about crossing the unsafe bridge.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is poor Benz's Anna!" exclaimed Ilse; "she must not remain there in +the wilderness. Throw your burden away--be brisk, Anna, and come over +quickly."</p> + +<p class="normal">The girl passed rapidly across the bridge.</p> + +<p class="normal">"She shall be the last one," commanded Ilse. "None of you shall attempt +to go upon it, for it will not bear the pressure long."</p> + +<p class="normal">Her father came up.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The flood will subside to-night if fresh rain does not fall; but the +injury it has done will long be remembered. Below, at Rossau, it +appears still worse; it has overflowed the fields. Mr. Hummel has +hastened down, as he is anxious about the bridges on the road on which +his daughter is coming. In the village the water has entered some of +the houses; the people are preparing to move to our farm-yard. Go down +and help them," he said, turning to some laborers, and continued, in a +low tone, to his daughter: "The Prince has gone to the village to +examine the damage there. He wishes to speak to you; would you like to +see him now?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am ready," said Ilse.</p> + +<p class="normal">She went towards the village with her father; there she ascended to the +churchyard.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I shall remain in the neighborhood," said he. "When the Prince leaves +you, call me."</p> + +<p class="normal">She stood by the side of the wall, looking at the grave of her dear +mother and at the spot where the old Pastor reposed with his wife. The +branches of the trees which she had planted here hung over her head. +She remembered how fond her old friend had been of dilating on the fact +that everything was just the same in the great world as in his village, +the nature and passions of men were everywhere alike, and that one +might make the same experience in their little valley as amidst the +tumult of the Court.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Here my father is master," she thought, "and the people are accustomed +to obey us, his children, and to regard us as we do our rulers. And +their children, too, might experience what others have had to +experience, were their master an evil-minded man. Yet they may ask for +justice at any moment and find protection.</p> + +<p class="normal">"How will he, the proud man, bear that his wife should not find justice +or protection from the injury which has been done to both her and him? +We ought to do good to those who injure us. If the wicked Sovereign +should now come to me sick and helpless, ought I to receive him in my +house? and ought I to place myself by his couch, when such a mark of +kindness might expose me to fresh insult? I have worn a white mantle; +the stain which he has cast upon it, I see every hour, and no tears +wash it away. He has taken from me my pure robe; shall I also at his +bidding give him my gown? O high and honorable precept, taught me by my +departed friend, I tremble to obey. It is a struggle between duties, +and the thought of my Felix says to me, 'No.'</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have done with the young Prince too, however innocent he may be. I +know that he once sought encouragement from the simple woman with all +the warmth of his heart, and my vanity has often told me that I have +been a good friend to him in his high yet lonely life. Fearfully have I +atoned for this vain pride. He also from henceforth must be a stranger +to me. What can he still wish from me? I imagine that he thinks exactly +as I do, and only wishes to take leave of me for ever. Well, I am +prepared for it."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Hereditary Prince came along the footpath from the village. Ilse +remained standing by the wall of the churchyard, and bowed calmly to +his greeting.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have made known at the capital my wish to travel," began the Prince; +"I hope my request will be granted. And I have therefore come to say +farewell to you."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What you now say," answered Ilse, "shows that I have rightly judged +your Highness."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I had little opportunity of speaking to you in the city," said the +Prince, shyly; "it would grieve me if you should deem me capable of +ingratitude or of coldheartedness."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I know the reasons that kept your Highness away," replied Ilse, +looking down; "and I am thankful for your good intentions."</p> + +<p class="normal">"To-day I wish to tell you, and at the same time your husband," +continued the Prince, "that I shall endeavor to make what I have learnt +with you useful for my future life. I know that this is the only way in +which I can thank you. If you should ever hear that my people are +contented with me, you may feel, gracious lady, that I have to thank, +above all, you and yours for the strengthening of my sense of duty, for +an impartial judgment of the worth of men, and for a higher standard of +the duties of one who has to guard the welfare of many. I shall +endeavor to show myself not quite unworthy of the sympathy you have +accorded me. If you learn from others that it has benefited me, think +kindly of me."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse looked at his excited countenance; there was the gentle, honest +expression which she had so often watched with anxious sympathy; she +saw how deeply he felt that something had interposed between him and +her, and how thoughtfully he endeavored to spare her. But she did not +fathom the deep and powerful grief of the young man, the poetry of +whose youthful life a father had destroyed. She did not guess that the +punishment which could not reach the father had fallen upon the +innocent soul of the son. The injury that the father had inflicted had +clouded the happiest feeling of his young life--his warm friendship +for the woman to whom he clung with enthusiastic admiration. But the +kind-hearted Ilse understood the full worth of him who now stood before +her, and her cautious reserve disappeared; with her old frankness, she +said to him: "One must not be unjust to the innocent, nor be untrue to +those whose confidence one has had, as I have yours. What I now wish +for your Highness is a friend. I have seen that this is what your life +needs, and I have observed, too, how difficult it is to avoid forming a +low estimate of men when one's sole companions are servants."</p> + +<p class="normal">These kind words of Ilse broke down the composure which the Prince had +been struggling to maintain. "A friend for me?" he asked, bitterly. +"Fate early disciplined me; I am not permitted to seek for or enjoy +friendship; poison has been poured over the love that I felt. Forgive +me," he suddenly said; "I am so accustomed to complain to, and seek +comfort from you, that I cannot help speaking of myself, although I +know that I have lost the right to do so."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Poor Prince," exclaimed Ilse, "how can you look after the welfare of +others, if your own life is void of light? The happiness which I desire +for your Highness's future life is domestic love, a wife that +understands you, and would become the friend of your soul."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Prince turned aside to conceal the pain that this speech occasioned +him. Ilse looked at him sorrowfully; she was once more his good +counsellor as before.</p> + +<p class="normal">A beggar-woman crept round the wall of the churchyard.</p> + +<p class="normal">"May I beg of you to day?" began a hoarse voice, at Ilse's back. "When +it is not the father, it is the son."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse turned round; again she saw the hollow eyes of the gipsy, and +cried out, dismayed, "Away from here."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The lady can no longer drive me away," said the gipsy, cowering down, +"for I am very weary, and my strength is at an end."</p> + +<p class="normal">One could see that she spoke the truth.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The troopers have hunted me from one boundary to another. If others +have no compassion on me, the lady from the rock should not be so +hard-hearted, for there is old fellowship between the beggar and her. I +also once had intercourse with noble people, I have abandoned them, and +yet my dreams ever hover over their golden palaces. Whoever has drunk +of the magic cup will not lose the remembrance of it. It has again and +again driven me into this country, I have led my people here--and they +now lie in prison, the victims of the old memories that pursued me."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Who is this woman?" asked the Prince.</p> + +<p class="normal">The beggar raised her hands on high.</p> + +<p class="normal">"In these arms I have held the Hereditary Prince when he was a child +and knew nothing; I have sat with him on velvet in his mother's room. +Now I lie in the churchyard on the high road, and the hands that I +stretch out to him remain empty."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is the gipsy woman," said the Prince in a low tone, and turned +away.</p> + +<p class="normal">The beggar-woman looked at him scornfully, and said to Ilse:</p> + +<p class="normal">"They trifle with us, and ruin us, but they hate the remembrance of old +times and of their guilt. Be warned young woman, I know the secrets of +this noble family, and I can tell you what they have tried to do to +you, and what they have done to another who flourished before you on +yonder height, and whom they placed, as they did you, in the gilded +prison, over whose portal the black angel hovers."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse stood bending over the beggar woman, the Prince approached her.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do not listen to the woman," he exclaimed.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Speak on," said Ilse, with a faint voice.</p> + +<p class="normal">"She was young and finely formed like you, and like you she was brought +to that prison, and when the mother of this man removed me from her +service because I pleased the Sovereign, I was appointed to serve the +stranger. One morning I was made to ask for leave of absence from the +imprisoned lady, because she was to be alone."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I entreat of you not to listen to her," implored, the Prince.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I listen," said Ilse, again bending down over the old woman, "speak +low."</p> + +<p class="normal">"When I came back the next morning I found a maniac in the house +instead of the fair-haired lady, and I escaped from the place in +terror. Do you wish to know through which door madness made its way to +that woman?" she continued in a low murmur. Ilse put her ear to her +mouth, but sprang suddenly back and uttered a piercing shriek, hiding +her face with her hands. The Prince leaned against the wall and wrung +his hands.</p> + +<p class="normal">A loud call sounded from the carriage-road, and a man hastily +approached; he held out a letter while still at a distance.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Gabriel!" exclaimed Ilse, hastening towards him. She tore the letter +from him, read it, and supported herself convulsively against one of +the stones of the churchyard. The Prince sprang forward, but she held +out the letter as if to stop him and exclaimed:</p> + +<p class="normal">"The Sovereign is coming."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Prince looked terrified at Gabriel.</p> + +<p class="normal">"He is hardly a mile from here," announced the exhausted servant. "I +overtook the princely carriage, and succeeded in getting ahead of it. +The horses are struggling along the unfinished road, but the bridge +between this and Rossau is now scarcely fit for horsemen or carriages; +I was obliged to leave my horse behind; I do not believe they will be +able to cross it, except on foot."</p> + +<p class="normal">Without saying a word the Prince hastened down the road to Rossau. Ilse +flew with her letter in her hand up the rock to her father, who came +with Mr. von Weidegg to meet her.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Go and pay your respects to your master," she called out wildly, to +the Chamberlain. "My Felix comes!" she called to her father, and sank +upon his breast.</p> + +<p class="normal">People were collected near the temporary bridge between Rossau and +Bielstein. Gabriel also hastened back to the water; he had met Mr. +Hummel there, who was passing up and down along the bank looking across +the stream.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The world is wretchedly small," exclaimed Mr. Hummel, to his +confidant, "people always meet again. One who has been galloping, like +you, should take care of himself; you are exhausted, and look greatly +changed. Sit down on this log and rest yourself like a sensible man."</p> + +<p class="normal">He pushed Gabriel down, buttoned his coat, and patted him on the cheek +with his large hand.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You must be in great need of refreshment, but the best we have here is +a water-perch, and I do not like to treat you like a despicable New +Zealander, who in the booths at a fair consumes five cents-worth of raw +whitings. Take the last restorative of a Parisian traveler."</p> + +<p class="normal">He forced him to take a piece of chocolate.</p> + +<p class="normal">A few steps from them, at the bridge, stood the Prince with folded +arms, looking at the water, which on the side of Rossau had spread +itself over the meadows and low fields about the town. Rapidly did the +expanse of water increase; on the nearest part of the new road, which +had not yet been paved, puddles of water gleamed between the heaps of +sand and the wheelbarrows of the workmen; the road projected like a +dark strip out of the muddy flood. A few individuals were coming from +Rossau; they waded through the thick mud of the road and supported +themselves timidly by the smooth poles which supplied the place of the +bridge-rails. For the water rushed violently against the beams instead +of flowing deep under the arches, and the spectators on the Bielstein +side called aloud to them to make haste. The Chamberlain hastened down +to his silent master and looked anxiously in his face. He was followed +by the Proprietor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"If I could do as I wished, I would break these tottering planks with +my own hands," he said, indignantly, to Mr. Hummel.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The carriages are coming," called the people. The Sovereign's carriage +with four horses drove at a rapid trot through the gate of Rossau. +Beside the Sovereign sat the Lord High Steward. The former had during +the wearisome journey been in a state of gloomy stupor; an occasional +wild word, and a look of intense hatred, was all his intercourse with +his companion.</p> + +<p class="normal">The courtier had in vain endeavored to draw the Sovereign into quiet +conversation. Even the consideration of the two servants sitting at the +back of the open carriage could not restrain the Sovereign's mood. +Exhausted by the secret strain of this journey the old gentleman sat, +the attendant by his invalid, and his sharp eye watched every movement +of his companion. When they drove out of the town into the open +country, the Sovereign began, musingly:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Did you recognize the horseman that overtook us in such haste?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"He was a stranger to me," said the High Steward.</p> + +<p class="normal">"He conveyed information of our arrival; they are prepared to receive +us."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then he has done your Highness a service, for they would hardly have +had any anticipation at the hunting-lodge of your Highness's important +resolution."</p> + +<p class="normal">"We are not yet at the end of our drama. Lord High Steward," said the +Sovereign, tauntingly; "the art of foreseeing the future is lost. Even +your Excellency does not understand that."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have always been satisfied with observing cautiously what surrounds +me in the present, and I have thereby sometimes guarded myself from +being disagreeably surprised by the future. If by any accident I should +myself be prevented from carrying out my <i>rôle</i> in the drama of which +your Highness speaks, I have taken care that others shall act my part."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign threw himself back in his seat. The carriage went on +through the mire, the horses floundered, and the coachman looked back +doubtfully.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Forward!" called out the Sovereign, in a sharp voice.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The Hereditary Prince awaits your Highness at the bridge on foot," said +the High Steward.</p> + +<p class="normal">They went on at a good pace, the coachman with difficulty restraining +his horses, who were frightened at the glittering expanse of water and +the roar of the flood.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Forward!" again commanded the Sovereign.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Permit the coachman to stop, your Highness; the carriage cannot go +further without danger."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do you fear danger, old man?" exclaimed the Sovereign, his face +distorted with hatred. "Here we are both in the water--the same fate +for us both, Lord High Steward. He is a bad servant who abandons his +master."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But I wish to restrain your Highness also," replied the High Steward.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Forward!" cried the Sovereign again.</p> + +<p class="normal">The coachman stopped.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is impossible, most gracious master," he said; "we can no longer go +over the bridge."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign jumped up in the carriage, and raised his stick against +the coachman. The man, frightened, whipped his horses; they reared and +sprang off to one side.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Stop!" cried the High Steward.</p> + +<p class="normal">The frightened lackeys readily jumped down, and held the horses. The +High Steward opened the carriage door, and scrambled out.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I beseech your Highness to alight."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign sprang out, and, casting a look of vindictive hatred at +him, hastened forward on foot. He stepped on the bridge, and the flood +roared around him.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Stay back, father," entreated the Hereditary Prince.</p> + +<p class="normal">The father laughed, and advanced over the tottering planks; he had +passed over the middle of the bridge and the deepest part of the +stream; only a few steps more and his foot would touch the shore of +Bielstein. At that moment there rose up near the bridge a bent figure, +that cried out wildly to him:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Welcome to our country, Gracious Lord; mercy for the poor +beggar-woman. I bring you greeting from the fair-haired lady of the +rock."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Away with the crazy creature," exclaimed the Chamberlain.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign gazed-fixedly at the wild figure; he tottered, and +supported himself by the rails. The Hereditary Prince flew towards him; +the father drew back with a shudder, lost his footing, and rolled down +the side of the slippery planks into the flood.</p> + +<p class="normal">There was a loud scream from the bystanders; the son sprang after him. +The next moment half-a-dozen men were in the water--among the first, +Gabriel, cautiously followed by Mr. Hummel. The gigantic form of the +Proprietor towered above the stream; he had grasped the Sovereign, +while Gabriel and Hummel seized the Prince. "The Sovereign lives," +called out the Proprietor to the son, laying the unconscious man on the +shore. The Hereditary Prince threw himself down by his father on the +ground. The latter lay on the gravel road, the beggar-woman holding his +head; he looked with glazed eyes before him, and did not recognize his +kneeling son, nor the furrowed countenance of the stranger who bent +over him. "He lives," repeated the Proprietor, in a low tone; "but his +limbs cannot perform their office." On the other side of the water +stood the High Steward. He called out to the Chamberlain in French, +then hastened back with the carriage to Rossau, in order to reach a +safer crossing. It was with difficulty that the carriage was brought +back. Meanwhile, on the Bielstein side, a plank was torn off the +half-destroyed bridge and the Sovereign laid upon it and carried to the +Manor. The children of the Proprietor ran ahead and opened the door of +the old house. In the hall stood Ilse, white as marble. She had been +told by her brother that the Sovereign was saved from the water; he was +approaching the house, to two generations of which he had been a curse +and a terror. She stood in the entrance-hall no longer the Ilse of +former days, but a wild Saxon woman who would hurl the curses of her +gods on the head of the enemy of her race; her eyes glowed, and her +hands closed convulsively. They carried the exhausted man up the steps. +Then Ilse came to the threshold, and cried:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Not in here."</p> + +<p class="normal">So shrill was the command, that the bearers halted.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Not into our house," she cried the second time, raising her hand +threateningly.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Sovereign heard the voice; he smiled, and nodded his head +graciously.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is a Christian duty. Ilse," exclaimed the Proprietor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am the Professor's wife," cried Ilse, passionately. "Our roof will +fall upon that man's head."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Remove your daughter," said the Hereditary Prince, in a low tone. "I +demand admittance for the Sovereign of this country."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Proprietor approached the steps and seized Ilse's arm. She tore +herself away from him.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You drive your daughter from your house, father," she exclaimed, +beside herself. "If you are the servant of this man, I am not. There is +no room for him and my husband at the same time. He comes to ruin us, +and his presence brings a curse!"</p> + +<p class="normal">She tore open the gate into the garden and fled under the trees, burst +through the hedge, and hastened down into the valley; there she sprang +upon the wooden bridge, from which she had shortly before driven the +village people; the flood roared wildly beneath her, and the woodwork +bent and groaned. A rent, a crack, and with a powerful spring she +alighted on the rock on the other side; behind her the ruins of the +bridge whirled down to the valley. She stood on the rocky prominence in +front of the grotto, and raised her hands with a wild look to heaven. +Her eldest brother came running behind her from the garden, and +screamed when he saw the ruins of the bridge.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am separated from you," exclaimed Ilse. "Tell father, he need not +care for me; the air is pure here; I am under the protection of the +Lord, whom I serve; and my heart is light."</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>CHAPTER XLI</i>.</h2> + +<h3>IN THE CAVE.</h3> + +<p class="normal">The dark water gurgled and streamed through the valley; the reflection +of the setting sun shone on the bay-windows of the old house; the wife +of the Scholar stood alone beneath the rock overhanging the entrance to +the cave. Where once the wives of the ancient Saxons listened to the +rustling of the forest-trees, and where the wife of the hunted robber +hurled stones on his pursuers, now stood the fugitive daughter of the +Manor on the Rock, looking down on the wild surging of the water, and +up to the house where her husband's foe was resting in the arm-chair of +her father. Her breast still heaved convulsively, but she looked kindly +on the brown rock which spread its protecting vault above her. Below +her roared the wild, destructive flood, while around her the diminutive +life of nature carelessly played. The dragon-flies chased one another +over the water, the bees hummed about the herbs of the sloping hill, +and the wood-birds chanted their evening-carols. She seated herself on +the stone bench, and struggled for peaceful thoughts; she folded her +hands and bent her head; and the storm within her bosom spent itself in +the tears that flowed from her eyes.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I will not think of myself, but only of those I love. The little ones +will inquire after me when they go to bed; to-night they will not hear +the stories of the city that I used to tell them, to put them to sleep. +They were all wet after their fishing, and in the confusion no one will +think of putting dry stockings on them. In thinking of other things I +have forgotten to care for them. The youngest persists in wishing to +become a professor. My child, you do not know what it is you wish. How +much must you learn, and what a change will come over you! For the work +which life accomplishes in us is immeasurable. When I formerly sat here +near my father, I believed, in my simplicity, that the higher the +office, the more noble were the men, and the most exalted of all the +best, and that all that was important on earth was done by great and +refined minds. And when the two scholars came, and I talked about books +with Felix for the first time, I still imagined that everything in +print must be indubitable truth, and every one who wrote, a thoroughly +learned man. Many think thus childishly. But I have been an obstinate +thing, and have vehemently opposed myself to others, even to my +husband, who stood highest in my opinion."</p> + +<p class="normal">She looked with a sad smile before her, but immediately afterwards bent +her head, and again the tears poured from her eyes.</p> + +<p class="normal">She heard the call of her brother from the garden.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Holloa, Ilse! are you there? The strangers are still in the house; +they are making a sedan chair for the invalid; he is to be taken to the +ranger's lodge. Father is busy sending out messengers. The bridge at +Rossau has also been carried away by the water; we cannot get to the +town, and no one can come from the town to us. We feel very anxious +about your getting back to us."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do not mind about me, Hans," said Ilse; "tell the girls they must not +be so engrossed with the strangers as to forget our dear guest. Greet +the children for me; they must not come to the edge of the water to bid +me good night, for the bank is slippery."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse placed herself at the entrance of the cave and looked all about. +Early that morning she had seated herself here, and when the water +began to rise high, she had hastened over the wooden bridge to warn her +brothers and sisters. Her work still lay on the bench, together with a +book that had been given her by the Pastor when she was a girl. It was +the life of the holy Elizabeth, written by one of the most zealous +ecclesiastics of her church.</p> + +<p class="normal">"When I first read about you," she thought, "Saint Ilse of the +Wartburg, my distinguished namesake, your life touched me, and all that +you did and that was told of you appeared to me as an example for +myself. You were a pious, sensible, and amiable woman, and united to a +worthy husband. Then the longing for higher honor in his knightly +order, and martial fame, made him blind to the nearest duty of his +life, and he left you and the people of his home, and went to the wars +in the far-off land of Italy. Two long years he wandered and fought, +and finally returned, weary and worn. But he found not his beloved wife +as he had left her. In the solitude that surrounded you, you had +yearned for your husband, and your overpowering sorrow had brought you +to ponder upon the great mysteries of life; your own life had been full +of longing, and for this you had become a pious penitent. You wore a +garment of hair, and scourged your back; you bowed your head and +thoughts before an intolerant priest. You did what was not right nor +seemly; to please your God, you laid the leper in the bed of your dear +husband. In your over-strained piety you lost your warm heart and the +modesty of womanhood; you were canonized by the clergy; but you, poor +woman, in your striving for what they called the grace of God, had +sacrificed human feelings and duties. It is not good, Ilse, that man +and wife separate without great necessity."</p> + +<p class="normal">"When people act harshly towards those they love, they do so because +some wrong has been done them or because they fancy themselves +offended. But why should you care for invalid strangers on the couch +that your husband had forsaken? I fear me, blessed Elizabeth, that it +was the spite of offended love, that it was secret revenge for having +so hopelessly longed for your husband. Your history is no good teaching +for us, but rather a warning. My sweet old friend Penelope, the poor +heathen woman, was far more human than you and a far better wife than +you. She wept night after night for her loved husband, and when he +finally returned, she threw her arms about him for his having +recognized the secret signs of the nuptial couch."</p> + +<p class="normal">Again a voice sounded from the other side of the water.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do you hear me, Ilse?" cried her father, from the other bank.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I hear you," answered Ilse, raising herself.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The strangers are going away," said the father; "the invalid is so +weak that he cannot injure others; you are, in truth, separated from +us. It is becoming dark, and there is no prospect of being able to +repair the bridge over the water before night. Go along the valley on +your side over the hill to Rossau, and there remain with some one of +our acquaintances until morning. It is a long way round, but you may +reach it before night."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I will remain here, father," Ilse called back; "the evening is mild, +and it is only a few hours till morning."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I cannot bear, Ilse, that my wilful child should sleep beneath the +rocks in the very sight of her home."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do not mind about me. I have the moon and the stars over me; you know +that I do not fear the dwarfs of the cave, nor on my mountain the power +of man."</p> + +<p class="normal">The twilight of evening fell on the deep valley, and the mist rose from +the water; it floated slowly from tree to tree, it undulated and rolled +its long, dusky veil between Ilse and her father's house. The trunks of +the trees and the roof of the house disappeared, and the grotto seemed +to hover in clouds of air separated from the earth amidst indistinct +shadows, which hung round the entrance of the rock and fluttered at +Ilse's feet, then collected together and dissolved.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ilse sat on the bench at the entrance, her hands folded over her knees, +appearing in her light dress, like a fairy woman of olden times, a +ruler of the floating shadows. She gazed along her side of the shore on +the mountain-path that led from Rossau.</p> + +<p class="normal">The distant steps of a wanderer sounded through the damp fog. Ilse took +hold of the moist stone. Something moved on the ground near her, and +glided indistinctly forward--perhaps it was a night-swallow or owl.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is he," said Ilse, softly. She rose slowly, she trembled, and +supported herself against the rock.</p> + +<p class="normal">The figure of a man stepped out of the white mist; he stopped +astonished when he saw a woman standing there.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Ilse!" called out a clear voice.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I await you here," she answered, in a low tone. "Stop there, Felix. +You find not your wife as you left her. Another has coveted that which +is yours; a poisonous breath has passed over me; words have been said +to me which no honest woman ought to hear, and I have been looked upon +as a bought slave."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You have escaped from the enemy."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have, and therefore am here; but I am no longer in the eyes of +others what I once was. You had a wife free from all taint; she who now +stands before you is evilly talked of, both on account of father and +son."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The noise of tongues dies away like the surging of the water beneath +your feet. It signifies little what others think when we have done what +is satisfactory to our own consciences."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am glad that you do not care for the talk of others. But I am not +quite so proud and independent as I was. I conceal my sorrow, but I +feel it always. I am lowered in my own eyes, and, I fear, Felix, in +yours also; for I have brought on my own misfortune--I have been too +frank with strangers, and given them a right over me."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You have been brought up to trust in those who hold high positions. +Who can give up loyal trust without pain?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have been awakened, Felix. Now answer me," she continued, with +agitation, "how do you return to me?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"As a weary, erring man, who seeks the heart of his wife and her +forgiveness."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What has your wife to forgive, Felix?" she again asked.</p> + +<p class="normal">"That my eyes were blinded, and that I forgot my first duties to follow +a vain chase."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Is that all, Felix? Have you brought me back your heart, unchanged to +me as it was before?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Dear Ilse," exclaimed her husband, embracing her.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I hear your tones of love," she exclaimed, passionately, throwing her +arms round his neck. She led him into the grotto, stroked the drops of +water out of his damp hair, and kissed him. "I have you, my beloved +one; I cling firmly to you, and no power shall ever again separate me +from you. Sit here, you long-suffering man; I hold you fast. Let me +hear all the trouble you have gone through."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Scholar held his wife in his arms, and related all. He felt her +tremble when he told her his adventures.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Indignant anger and terror impelled me along the road to Rossau after +the Sovereign," he said, concluding his account, "and the delay for +change of horses seemed insupportable to me. In the town I found a +crush of vehicles worse than on a market-day; before the inn a confused +noise of wheels, and the cries of men, drovers, and court-lackeys, who +could not cross the water. In the city I learned from strangers that +the foe of our happiness had been overtaken by a fate which pursued him +to the water. We have done with him, and are free. They called out to +me that the bridge on the way to you was broken. I sprang out of the +carriage in order to seek the footpath over the hills and the road +behind the garden. Then the dog of our landlord ran past me, and a +coachman from our city came up to me and stated that he had brought +Fritz and Laura to the town, but that they had gone further down the +stream in order to find a crossing. You may believe that I would not +wait."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I knew that you would seek this path," said Ilse. "To-day you are come +to me--to me alone; you belong only to me; you are given to me anew, +betrothed to me for the second time. The habitations of men around us +have disappeared; we stand alone in the wild cave of the dwarfs. You, +my Felix, to whom the whole world belongs, who understand all the +secrets of life, who know the past and divine the future--you have +nothing now for a shelter but this cleft of the rock, and no covering +but the kerchief of poor Anna for your weary limbs. The rock is still +warm, and I will strew the grass of our hills as a couch for you. You +have nothing, my hero in the wilderness, but the rocks and herbs, and +your Ilse by your side."</p> + +<p class="normal">The stillness of night reigns about; the stream rushes gently around +the roots of the brambles; and the white mists hang like a thick +curtain over the cave. Dusky phantoms glide along the valley; they +hover, in long white dresses, past the rocky entrance, down into the +open country, where a fresh breath of air dissolves them. High above, +the moon spreads its white, glimmering tent, woven of rays of light and +watery vapors; and the old juggler laughs merrily over the valley and +down upon the rocky grotto. As the delusive moonlight harasses mortals +by its unreal halo, so do they harass themselves by the pictures of +their own fancy, in love and hate, in good and bad humor; their life +passes away whilst they are thinking of their duty and err in doing it, +whilst they seek truth and dream in seeking it. The spirit flies high, +and the heart beats warm, but the hobgoblin of fancy works incessantly +amidst the reality of life; the cleverest deceive themself, and the +best are disappointed by their own zeal. Sleep in peace, Ilse. Thou +sittest upon thy low stone bench and boldest in thy lap the head of thy +husband. Even in this hour of bliss, thou feelest the sorrow that came +to him and thee, and a gentle sigh sounds through the cavern like the +movement of a moth's wings against the walls of rock. Sleep in peace. +For thou hast lived, in the weeks gone by, through that which for all +future time will be a gain to thee. Thou hast learned to seek in the +depths of thy own life judgment and firm resolve. It would not be +fitting. Ilse, that the lightly-woven tale of that which thou hast +suffered, should separately bring up the lofty questions of eternal +moment that thou hast raised--thy doubts and thy fierce battles of +conscience. That were a too heavy burden for our frail bark. Yet as the +mariner at sea, his eye fixed upon things below, recognizes in the +waters beneath the reflection of the clouds of heaven, so will thy +attainment of freedom, Ilse, be seen in the reflection of thy thoughts, +in thy countenance, thy manner, and thy conduct.</p> + +<p class="normal">Slumber in peace, you children of light! Many of your hopes have been +deceived, and much innocent trust has been destroyed by rough reality. +The forms of a past time--forms that you have borne reverentially in +your hearts--have laid a real hold on your life; for what a man thinks, +and what a man dreams, becomes a power over him. What once has entered +in the soul continues to work actively in it, exalting and impelling it +onward, debasing and destroying it. About you, too, a game of fantastic +dreams has played. If at times it has given you pain, it has still not +impaired the power of your life, for the roots of your happiness lie as +deep as it is granted man, that transitory flower, to rest in the soil +of earth. Slumber in peace under the roof of the wild rock; the warm +air of the grotto breathes round your couch, and the ancient vaulting +of the roof spreads protectingly over your weary eyes! Around you the +forest sleeps and dreams; the old inhabitants of the rock sit at the +entrance of the cave. I know not whether they are the elves in whom +Ilse does not believe, or the old friends of the scholar, the little +goat-footed Pans, who blow their sylvan songs on their reed pipes. They +hold their fingers to their mouth, and blow so gently in their pipe +that it sounds sometimes like the rushing of the water or the soft sigh +of a sleeping bird.</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2><i>CHAPTER XLII</i>.</h2> + +<h3>TOBIAS BACHHUBER.</h3> + +<p class="normal">Ilse gently touched the head of her husband. Felix opened his eyes, +threw his arms round his wife, and for a moment looked in confusion at +the wild scene about him. The mist hovered like a white curtain before +the opening of the cave; the first dawn of morning cast a glow on the +jagged projections of the dark vault; the redbreast sang, and the +blackbird piped; the pure light of day was approaching.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do you not hear something?" whispered Ilse.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The birds singing, and the water rushing."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But under us, within the rock, some strange power is at work. It stirs +and groans."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is some animal from the wood," said the Professor; "a fox or a +rabbit."</p> + +<p class="normal">The noise about their seat became louder; something was pushing against +the stone bench; it was working and sighing like a man who carries a +heavy burden.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Look," whispered Ilse, "it is coming out; it is slipping round our +feet. There sits the strange thing; it has shining eyes and a +glittering cloak."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor supported himself on his hand and looked at the dark +spot, where a small figure sat with hairy face, its body covered with a +stiff, glittering garment.</p> + +<p class="normal">They both looked motionless at the figure.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Now do you believe in the spirits of this place?" asked her husband, +in a low tone.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am afraid, Felix; I distinctly see the gold of the dress, and I see +a small beard and a horrible face."</p> + +<p class="normal">She raised herself.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Are you the Dwarf-King, Alberich," asked the Professor, "and is the +Nibelungen treasure concealed here?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is the red dog," cried Ilse, "he has a coat on."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor jumped up; the dog crouched whining before his feet. The +Scholar bent down, felt a strange material round the body of the dog, +and took off the covering; he stepped to the entrance and held it up in +the dawning light. It was old rotten stuff, woven with golden thread. +The dog, freed from his burden, rushed out of the cave with a growl. +The Professor gazed long on the torn tissue, let the rag fall, and said +gravely:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Ilse, I am at the goal of my long search. These are the remains of a +priestly vestment. The dog has drawn this out of some hole into which +he has crept; the treasure of the monk lies in this grotto. But I have +done with my hopes. A few days ago this discovery would have +intoxicated me, now so dark a remembrance is attached to it that the +pleasure that I might have had in what is concealed in these depths has +almost all vanished."</p> + +<p class="normal">There were loud voices on the opposite bank. Hans hallooed again +through the mist; he greeted his sister and Felix who now came out from +the cave on the broad rock, with the joyful news--"The water has +fallen." The other brothers and sisters rushed after him and came close +to the water shouting and screaming. Franz brought a sandwich in a +paper, and declared his intention of throwing this breakfast over to +them, that they might not starve. The children contended against this +decision, and eagerly devised a plan of throwing over a piece of twine +on a ball and attaching the sandwich to it. Life on the estate had +again resumed its ordinary routine.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Has Fritz come?" asked the Professor, across the stream.</p> + +<p class="normal">"They are still at Rossau," called out Hans. "The bridge has been +repaired; Mr. Hummel is up, and has gone down there."</p> + +<p class="normal">The father also came, followed by a troop of laborers, who brought +beams and planks. The men went into the water and drove a support into +the soft ground, upon which they laid several slender tree-trunks +across the water; the Professor caught the rope which was thrown to +him. After a few hours' work a small bridge was erected. The Proprietor +was the first who passed over to his children, and the men exchanged a +grave greeting.</p> + +<p class="normal">"If the men have an hour's time to spare during the day," said the +Professor, "they may do one last work for me here. The hiding-place of +the monks was in this cave."</p> + +<p class="normal">In the meantime Mr. Hummel was descending with rapid steps towards +Rossau. The carpenters were still working at the bridge. He cast a +searching look on the spot where he had caught hold of the young Prince +in the water and murmured:</p> + +<p class="normal">"He went down like a cannon-ball. This nation has no capacity for the +sea either in its upper or lower classes,--in this whole neighborhood +they have not so much as a boat. Twenty years ago there was one here, +it is said, but it has been cut up to boil coffee. The best thanks that +one can give to this Bielstein man for the disturbance that we have +occasioned him, will be to send him a boat to keep among his bundles of +straw."</p> + +<p class="normal">With these thoughts he entered the door of the Dragon; there he went up +to the sleepy landlord and asked:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Where is the young couple that arrived yesterday evening?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"They are up stairs, I suppose," returned the latter, indifferently; +"their bill is to be paid yet, if you will know."</p> + +<p class="normal">As he was about to ascend to the upper floor, he heard a cry of joy.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Father, my father!" exclaimed Laura, rushing down the stairs; she +threw her arms round his neck, and gave vent to such warm expressions +of tenderness and sorrow that Mr. Hummel at once became gracious.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Vagrants!" he exclaimed; "have I caught you? Wait! you shall pay +dearly for this escapade."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor also rushed headlong down stairs, and greeted Mr. Hummel +with outbursts of joy.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Your carriage will bring the things after us; we will go on ahead," +ordered Mr. Hummel. "How did your Don Juan behave?" he asked, in a low +tone, of his daughter.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Father, he took care of me like an angel, and sat on a chair the whole +night before my door. It was terrible, father."</p> + +<p class="normal">"And how does the affair please you? So romantic! It calls forth superb +feelings, and one thereby escapes the almond-cake and the unseasoned +jokes of the comic actor."</p> + +<p class="normal">But Laura pressed up to her father, and looked imploringly at him, till +Mr. Hummel said:</p> + +<p class="normal">"So it has been a cure? Then I will joyfully pay the bill of the +Dragon."</p> + +<p class="normal">They walked out of the door together.</p> + +<p class="normal">"How did she behave on the way?" he asked the Doctor, confidentially.</p> + +<p class="normal">"She was charming," he exclaimed, pressing the arm of the father, "but +in an anxious state of mind; I was sent up on the coach-box four times +that repentance overcame her."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What, and did you climb up?" asked Mr. Hummel, indignantly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It gave me pleasure to see that she was so deeply affected by the +unusual nature of the journey."</p> + +<p class="normal">"'It gives me pleasure that my poodle should go into the water,' said +the flea, and was drowned," returned Mr. Hummel, mockingly. "Why did +you not look calmly on the anxiety of my child? It would have saved you +many a bond if you had been firm with her the first day."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But she was not yet my wife," said the Doctor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"O, it was tolerant mischievousness, was it?" replied the father, "may +you bide your time."</p> + +<p class="normal">When they approached the courtyard, the daughter hanging on the arm of +her father--which she would not let go--he began:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Not a word to-day, now, about this abominable elopement. I have hushed +up your thoughtless folly before the people here, and thrown a mantle +over it, that you may be able to open your eyes; you are announced and +expected as quiet travelers. We shall remain here together to-day; +to-morrow I shall speak to you, in my office of father, a last word +concerning your romance."</p> + +<p class="normal">At the door the wanderers were joyfully welcomed by their friends. The +Professor and the Doctor embraced each other.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You come just in time, Fritz; the adventure which we began here years +ago will conclude to-day. The treasure of Brother Tobias is +discovered."</p> + +<p class="normal">After some hours the whole party started for the cave; the laborers +followed with iron crows and levers.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Proprietor examined the block of stone at the back of the cave. At +the bottom on one side he saw a hole, the same through which the dog +had crawled.</p> + +<p class="normal">"This opening is new," he exclaimed; "it was closed by a stone which +has fallen in."</p> + +<p class="normal">The large stone bench was with some exertion rolled away, and an +opening wide enough for a man to creep in without difficulty became +perceptible. The lights were lowered into it, and showed a continuation +of the cave sloping downwards, which went many yards further into the +mountain. It was a desolate space. In the time of the monks it had +undoubtedly been dry, but was no longer so. Roots of trees had driven +the crevices of the rock asunder, or the strata had sunk, owing to the +penetration of the damp. Thus an entrance had been given to water and +animals, and there was a confused mass of litter from the wood and +bones. The workmen cleared it with their tools, and the spectators sat +and stood by, full of curiosity. The Professor, in spite of his +composure, kept as close to the spot as he could. But the Doctor could +not long bear to look on. He took off his coat and descended into the +opening. Mouldy pieces of thick cloth were brought up; probably the +treasure had been conveyed in a large bag to its place of concealment. +Then came altar covers and ecclesiastical robes.</p> + +<p class="normal">There was a cry of joy, and the Doctor handed out a book. The face of +the Professor was suffused with color as he took it. It was a missal on +parchment. He gave it to the Proprietor, who now looked on with great +interest. The Doctor handed out a second book; all pressed near. The +Professor sat on the ground and read. It was a manuscript of St. +Augustine in a deplorable condition.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Two!" he said, and his voice sounded hoarse from inward emotion.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The Doctor handed a third book, again spiritual Latin hymns with +notes. The fourth, a Latin Psalter. The Professor held out his hand, +and it trembled.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Is there more?" he exclaimed.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor's voice sounded hollow from the cave.</p> + +<p class="normal">"There is nothing more."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Look carefully," said the Professor, with faltering voice.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Here is the last," cried the Doctor, handing out small square board, +"and here another."</p> + +<p class="normal">They were two book-covers of solid wood, the outside ornamented with +carved ivory. The Professor perceived at once from the style of the +figures that it was Byzantine work of the latest Roman period--the +figure of an Emperor on a throne, and over him an angel with a halo.</p> + +<p class="normal">"A large quarto of the fifth or sixth century. It is the cover of the +manuscript, Fritz; where is the text?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"There is no text to be found," again replied the sepulchral voice of +the Doctor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Take the lantern and throw the light everywhere."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor took the second lantern in. He felt with his hand and +pickaxe all round in every corner of the rock. He threw the last blade +of straw out, and the last remnant of the bag. There was nothing of the +manuscript to be seen--not a page, not a letter.</p> + +<p class="normal">The Professor looked at the cover.</p> + +<p class="normal">"They have torn it out," he said, in a faint voice; "probably the monks +took the Roman Emperor in ivory for a saint."</p> + +<p class="normal">He held the cover to the light. On the inner side of one of the pieces, +amidst dust and decay, might be read, in old monkish writing, the words:</p> + + +<p class="center">"THE TRAVELS OF THE SILENT MAN."</p> + + +<p class="normal">The silent man was now drawn from his hiding-place. But he spoke not: +his mouth remained mute for ever.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Our dream is at an end," said the Professor, composedly. "The monks +have torn out the text from the cover, and left it behind; there was no +more room for the manuscript in the crowded bag. The treasure is lost +to science. Our hand touches what was once the cover of the manuscript, +and we cannot help having the bitter feeling of sorrow for what is +irreparable, the same as if it had passed away in our sight. But we +return to the light in possession of our faculties, and must do our +duty in making available to our generation, and those who come after +us, what remains."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Was this genius called Bachhuber?" exclaimed Mr. Hummel; "judging from +appearances, he was an ass."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Proprietor laid his hand on the shoulder of his son-in-law.</p> + +<p class="normal">"After all, you learned men have been in the right," he said, "Close +the opening by the stone bench again," he said, addressing the +laborers; "the cave shall remain as it was."</p> + +<p class="normal">The party returned silently to the old house. The boys carried the +books, the girls the bundles of torn monks' dresses, and made plans for +drawing out the gold threads for themselves. The Professor kept the +cover of the lost manuscript.</p> + +<p class="normal">As they entered the house there was a sound of horse's feet on the +other side. The Proprietor went to the door. The old Chief Forester +drew in his black horse.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have ridden in haste through the farm to bring you news. Everything +with us is topsy-turvy. We have Court Officials and Ministers, and +doctors are fetched from every quarter. My people have all been sent +out, and I myself have come to Rossau to order a courier. I fear his +Serene Highness is very low; he knows no one. The Hereditary Prince is +now awaiting the arrival of the Court physician; as soon as he gives +permission the party will start for the capital. All these terrible +things are owing to the unfortunate additions to my quiet dwelling. One +thing more, while it occurs to me--your son-in-law is searching for old +papers and books. There are some chests at our place containing such +lumber of ancient times, when the ranger's lodge was still a royal +shooting-box. Over the door, from under the plaster, one can discover a +foreign word, <i>solitudini</i>, which means, they say, 'in solitude.' The +chests are rotten: in the course of the building they have been moved +from their place. When things become quieter with us the Professor +will, perhaps, look over them."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then here is the Castle Solitude, with the genuine chests of the +official," exclaimed the Professor. "I shall never go to that house."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor seized his hat, and spoke in a low tone to Laura and the +Proprietor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I beg leave of absence for to-day," he said, going out.</p> + +<p class="normal">He did not return till evening.</p> + +<p class="normal">"In the chest there are accounts for repairs to the monastic buildings +and for the estate at the end of the seventeenth century; there are, +besides, some volumes of Corneille. The vicar who went to America is +related to the Chief Forester."</p> + +<p class="normal">"We have been led astray," said the Professor, calmly. "It is well that +every doubt has disappeared."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But," replied the Doctor, "there is still no proof that the old +manuscript is destroyed. It is yet possible that it may come to light +somewhere in fragments. Who knows but there may be strips on the back +of some books?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"On the books which the Swede has written in characters of fire at +Rossau," replied the Professor, with a sad smile. "It is well, Fritz, +that the tormenting spirits are forever banished."</p> + +<p class="normal">Early on the morning of the following day a line of carriages left the +ranger's lodge; the first was closely curtained--it was the prostrate +Sovereign, guarded by his physicians. Before starting, the Hereditary +Prince beckoned the Chief Forester to his carriage:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Is there any other way to Rossau than that by the manor-house through +the Bielstein estate?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Over the ridge through the wood," replied the Chief Forester; "but it +is a roundabout way."</p> + +<p class="normal">"We will take the road through the wood," commanded the Hereditary +Prince. On the way he said to his attendant: "I expect from you, +Weidegg, that, should occasion present itself, you will show +considerate attention to the people who dwell in that house. I am the +son of the sick Sovereign to whom a voice refused reception there. I +shall, therefore, never again cross the threshold of that house; and I +wish that you never again mention the name of that woman in my +presence."</p> + +<p class="normal">The sad procession passed close by the spot where once the lightning +had struck the pine-tree. The carriages moved at a slow pace along the +ridge of hills upon the forest-road.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Drive on ahead," said the Prince; "I will walk a short distance +alone."</p> + +<p class="normal">He stepped to the edge of the hill; the early dawn tinged the dark +bushes of heather with a golden green. From that same height, where +once a merry party had rested, the Prince looked down on Bielstein, +which stood out in the white morning mist, on the roof and balconies of +the old house. Long he stood motionless; the bell sounded from the +village church through the mountain air; he bent his head till the last +echoes of the melancholy tones passed away; then he stretched his hand +greetingly towards the manor, turned quickly back, and went along the +forest-road.</p> + +<hr class="W10"> + +<p class="normal">The cocks crowed in the farmyard at Bielstein, the sparrows twittered +in the vine arbor, and the people were preparing for the day's work. +Then Mr. Hummel knocked three times with his ponderous fist at the door +of the room in which his daughter slept.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Get up, eloper," he shouted, "if you still wish to take leave of your +forsaken father."</p> + +<p class="normal">There was a noise in the room and a prattering of slippers, and Laura's +head peeped through the opening in the door.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Father, you are not going to leave us!" she said pleadingly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You have left me," replied Mr. Hummel; "we must have a few final words +together. Dress yourself properly, and you shall accompany me down the +hill. I will wait for you in the hall."</p> + +<p class="normal">He had to wait some time for his daughter, and paced impatiently up and +down, looking at his watch.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Gabriel," he said to the servant, who came up to him in his best +attire, "much misfortune arises from women's long hair. It is on that +account that they never can be ready at the right time; this is their +privilege by which they vex us, and it is on that account that they +maintain they are the weaker sex. Order and punctuality will never be +obtained unless all womankind have their pig-tails cut off on one day."</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura glided down the stairs, clung to her father's arm, and stroked +his cheeks with her little hand.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Come into the garden, my little actress," he said; "I must speak to +you alone for a few minutes. You have succeeded in eloping, you have +gone through the scandal,--in what state of mind are you now?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Uneasy, dear father," said Laura, dejectedly. "I know that it was a +folly, and Ilse says so too."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then it must be so," replied Mr. Hummel, dryly. "What is now to become +of you?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Whatever you wish, father," said Laura. "Fritz and I are of opinion +that we must follow your wishes unconditionally. I have by my folly +lost all right of expressing a wish; if I could still venture to make a +request," she said, timidly, "I should like to remain here for a short +time."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then you wish to get rid of your seducer?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"He is going back to his parents, and we will wait, my father, until he +has an appointment at the University: he has prospects."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Indeed," said Mr. Hummel, shaking his head. "All that would have been +very sensible before the elopement; now it is too late. Your banns have +been published in church, now, three times."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The people would not have it otherwise," continued Mr. Hummel. "When +it was known that you had eloped, the clergy could not avoid publishing +the banns; you had not been long out of the gate when this calamity +took place."</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura stood terrified, and a burning red suffused her cheeks. The bells +of the little church by the wood below sounded. Mr. Hummel took a paper +out of his pocket.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Here are those cursed old godmother's gloves; I wish at last to get +rid of the trash. Here you have your dowry, I can give you nothing +more; put them on quickly, that people may at least observe by your +hands that this is a festive day for you. When it comes to the business +of the wedding-ring you can easily take them off."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Father," cried Laura, wringing her hands.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You could not bear the idea of a wedding-cake," said Mr. Hummel, "so +you must do without a wedding-dress, and many other things. These +dramatic attitudes would have been very suitable before the elopement, +now you must be married without question either immediately, or not at +all. Do you think that one goes out into the world for a joke?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"My mother!" exclaimed Laura, and the tears rolled from her eyes.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You chose to run away from your mother, and if your father, out of +consideration for these strangers, had not come, you would have had to +do the business alone. You wished to escape from our homely, simple +feelings."</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura laid hold of a tree with trembling hands, and looked imploringly +at her father.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You are not so bold as I thought. Now the timid hare in you comes to +light."</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura threw herself on her father's breast and sobbed; he stroked her +curls.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Little Hummel," he said, kindly, "there must be punishment, and it is +not severe; I am satisfied that you should marry him. He is a worthy +man; I have observed that; and if it is for your happiness, I shall +easily get on with him, but you must not immediately begin to hum and +buzz if I sometimes bristle up in my way. I wish, too, that you should +marry him to-day, that is now the best course for all parties. You may +exercise your bridal feelings later and go through your emotions as you +like. Be brave, now, my child, the others are waiting, and we must not +delay them. Are you ready?"</p> + +<p class="normal">Laura wept, but a soft "Yes" was heard.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then we will awake the bridegroom," said Mr. Hummel. "I believe the +sacrificial lamb sleeps without any foreboding of his fate."</p> + +<p class="normal">He left his daughter, hastened to the Doctor's door, and looked into +the room. Fritz lay fast asleep. Mr. Hummel seized the boots which were +standing before the door and bumped them down beside the bed.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Good morning, Don Juan," he shouted; "have the kindness to get +immediately into this leather. These are your bridal boots. My daughter +Laura begs you to make haste, and the clergyman is impatient."</p> + +<p class="normal">The Doctor sprang out of his bed.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Are you in earnest?" he asked.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Terribly in earnest," said Hummel.</p> + +<p class="normal">He did not have to wait long for the Doctor. He entered the garden +where Laura was still sitting alone in the bower, uneasy, like an +imprisoned bird that does not venture to leave its cage. Mr. Hummel led +the Doctor up to her.</p> + +<p class="normal">"There, you have her," he said solemnly. "It is a fine morning, just +like that when I set out as a boy. To-day I send my child into the +world, and that is another kind of feeling. I do not object to it if +you live happily together, till first your children run away from you +into the world, and then the grandchildren: for man is like a bird, he +takes pains and collects the bits of straw together for his home, but +the young brood do not care for the nest of the parents. Thus the old +raven must now sit alone and find few who will be vexed with his +croaking. Take my stubborn girl, dear Fritz, and do not let her have +too much of her own will. I have watched you for some time, and I +will tell you something in confidence: ever since the affair of the +cat's-paws it occurred to me, that in the end you would be no bad +husband for this Hummel. That you are called Hahn is, after all, only a +misfortune." He kissed them both right heartily. "Now come, runaways, +for the others are expecting you."</p> + +<p class="normal">Mr. Hummel walked before his children to the house; he opened the door +of the sitting-room where the whole family were assembled. Laura flew +to Ilse, and concealed her hot face on the breast of her friend. The +latter took the bridal wreath, which her sisters had brought, and +placed it on Laura's head. Gabriel opened the door. Years before the +Doctor had drawn his friend from the bramble bush against the wall into +the church; now he walked into the little village church hand in hand +with his love, and again the children strewed flowers. When the +clergymen joined the hands of the bridal pair. Ilse also clasped the +hand of her husband.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Your mother is wanting," said Hummel, to the bride, when she embraced +him after the wedding; "and the Doctor's family also. But you are +citizen's children, and however exalted your feelings may be you must +accommodate yourself to our customs. You will go from here back to your +native town. There your mothers will keep the after-nuptials, and you, +runaway, shall not escape the bad poetry. You must excuse me if I am +not at home on that day; I have to make a business journey, and it is +not suitable to marry one's child twice in a week." He then said, in a +low tone to his daughter: "between ourselves, I do not wish to peck of +the same wedding-cake with the Hahn family. You are not to live with +me, nor in the house over the way:--that has been advised by our +friends, and I think it quite right. After the marriage feast you may +travel for some weeks, and then return to your own home."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The bridal journey you will make alone," said the Professor; "not with +us. Ilse and I have determined, after a short rest, to return to the +city. I have some months of the vacation still before me which I shall +endeavour to make of use to a select circle of students. Among books we +shall again find what we lost among strangers,--peace with ourselves, +and peace with those about us."</p> +<br> +<p class="normal">It was about Easter the following year. Mr. Hummel and Gabriel stood +dressed in festive black before the door of No. 1. Park Street.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I was to see her, Gabriel," began Mr. Hummel, confidentially. "I took +the money to her this time myself, because you wished it. I inquired +concerning her of the people at the Inn and of the neighbors. She +behaves with modesty, and her character is greatly changed. Much water, +Gabriel," and he pointed to his eyes.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You were kind to her?" asked Gabriel, faintly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"As a lamb," replied Mr. Hummel, "and she the same. The room was poor, +one picture only hung there without a frame, Gabriel, as a remembrance +of her happy position in that house. It was a cock with golden +feathers."</p> + +<p class="normal">Gabriel turned away.</p> + +<p class="normal">"At last the place became too moist for my dry constitution, but care +has been taken of her. She is to be placed in a respectable business as +a saleswoman, and as for the illegitimate Knips, the ladies will take +care of him. I have spoken with Madame Hummel, and she with the Hahn +woman over the way; they will arrange for the charitable collections. +But as far as you are concerned, Gabriel, with all respect,--what is +too much is too much."</p> + +<p class="normal">Mr. Hummel respectfully seized Gabriel's waistcoat button, and twisted +the averted face as by a screw round to himself. Then he looked into +the sad eyes for some time without saying a word, but they both +understood each other.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It was a hard time, it was a mad time, Gabriel, in every point of +view," began Mr. Hummel, at last, shaking his head; "what we went +through with princes was no trifle."</p> + +<p class="normal">"He was very light," said Gabriel, "and I carried him like a feather."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is nothing to the purpose," said Mr. Hummel; "the affair was +creditable. Just think what it is to have saved a young Sovereign. +That few of us can do. For a moment, ambitious thoughts came into my +head--that is to say, the Chamberlain, no ill-disposed man and an old +acquaintance of ours, sounded me on a delicate point when he last +called."</p> + +<p class="normal">"He also sent for me," interposed Gabriel, with dignity. "Prince Victor +had commissioned him to send his respects, and to say that the Prince +was to marry the Princess."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Even this kind of householder becomes domestic," said Mr. Hummel, +"that is at least a beginning. Well, the Chamberlain assured me of his +Serene Highness's gratitude, made eloquent speeches, and probed me at +last with a 'predicate.' Do you know what that is?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Hum," said Gabriel, "if it is something that is given away at that +Court it would be like a colored tobacco pouch without any tobacco in +it; it must be a title."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You have hit it," said Mr. Hummel. "What do you think of Sir Court Hat +Maker and Householder, Henry Hummel?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"A swindle," replied Gabriel.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Right, it was a weakness; but I overcame it at the right time. Then I +asked this Chamberlain, 'what would you expect of me'? 'Nothing at +all,' he said, 'except that you should carry on a distinguished +business!' 'That is the case now,' I said. 'But what hats will they +expect me to keep?' For he, who has had experience like mine, becomes +suspicious, and look you, Gabriel, then the fraud came out, for what +was his idea and expectation? I was in his eyes a man who dealt in +straw hats. Then I thanked him for the honor, and turned my back to +him."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But," said Gabriel, "there should be some concession with regard to +this matter; we are on good terms now with the people over there; and +if you have given your daughter to the family, why not also an article +of business?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do not interfere in my affairs," said Mr. Hummel, irritably. "It is +bad enough that I, as father, and in a certain degree as neighbor, have +been obliged to give up my old grudge. How can one irritate oneself +now, when one is obliged to have one's hand pressed here, and to drink +family punch under the cursed Muse there? No, I was a weak father, and +as a neighbor, an inexcusably fickle man. But, Gabriel, even the worm +which is trod upon keeps its sting. And my sting is my business. There +the enmity still remains. Every spring, vindictiveness; and every +winter, triumph. I have lost my child and made over my money to a +coxcomb, but I am still man enough to hold my own against the fellow +across the way."</p> + +<p class="normal">He looked at the empty place on the door-steps, where his dog Spitehahn +formerly used to sit.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I miss him," continued Mr. Hummel, pointing significantly to the +ground.</p> + +<p class="normal">"He is gone," said Gabriel.</p> + +<p class="normal">"He was a dog after my own heart," continued Mr. Hummel, slowly; "and I +have an idea. What do you think, Gabriel, if we were to erect a +monument to him in the garden. Here near the street; there would only +be a low stone and upon it a single word--'Spitehahn.' When the doors +stand open one could read it across the street. It would be a memorial +of the poor beast, and especially of the good time when one could pluck +the feathers of a Hahn without being indicted for infanticide."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That will not do," replied Gabriel. "What would the son-in-law's +people over the way say to it?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"The devil!" exclaimed Mr. Hummel, and turned away.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yes, Spitehahn had disappeared from the world. Since that hour, when in +the dim grey of the morning he had wound round him the golden dress of +the deceased Bachhuber like a ruff, he had disappeared. No inquiries +and no offers of reward had enabled Mr. Hummel to obtain a trace of +him. In vain were the shepherds and laborers of the neighborhood, and +even the magistrates of Rossau, set in movement--he had vanished like a +spirit. The place on the steps remained empty; the blank which he had +left behind in society was filled by a younger race of dogs in Park +Street; the neighborhood in every walk along the street felt a +satisfaction which they had long been deprived of; the cigar dealer +again placed his stand near Mr. Hummel's garden; and the young ladies +in white dresses, who went to the Park, gradually gave up the custom of +turning away from Mr. Hummel's house, and going over to the straw side. +The memory of Spitehahn passed away without regret from any; only with +the old inmates of the street the remembrance of him remained as a dark +tradition. Gabriel alone thought of the lost one evenings when he saved +the bones for miscellaneous dogs of the neighborhood. But he did not +wonder at the disappearance of the animal: he had long known that +something mysterious must sometime or other happen to him.</p> + +<p class="normal">There came a confirmation of this view, which furnished food for +thought for the rest of Gabriel's life; for when, in the following +autumn, he again went in company with his master and mistress to visit +the Manorhouse of Bielstein, directly upon his arrival he begged +permission to have an afternoon's holiday, and, as he often did now, +walked alone with his thoughts. He went in the wood, far past the +ranger's lodge, amongst large mossy beech-trees, ferns, and bilberries. +It was evening, and a grey twilight overtook the wanderer; he was +uncertain of his direction, and, somewhat uneasy, sought the road to +the house. Thunder rolled in the distance, and sometimes a bright +flash of lightning passed over the heavens, and for a moment lighted up +the trunks of the trees and the mossy ground. Amid a bright flash he +saw himself suddenly on a cross-road; he started back, for a few +steps from him a great dark figure was moving across the path, with a +broad-brimmed felt hat on his head and a weapon on his shoulder; it +glided by noiselessly and without greeting. Gabriel stood astonished; +again a flash, and along the same road ran two dogs, a black and a red +cur, with huge heads and bristly hair: suddenly the red one stopped and +turned towards Gabriel, who saw at the back of the dog a tuft which it +wagged. The next moment there was profound darkness, and Gabriel heard +at his feet a slight whimpering, and it appeared to him as if something +licked his boot. Another slight noise, and then all was still.</p> + +<p class="normal">The people on the estate maintain that it was a poacher, or the great +deer-stealer from the other side of the frontier; but Gabriel knew who +the night-hunter was, and what the dog was. He who had before sent the +dog to Hummel's house, without money and without name, had also called +him away. The hound now barked again in the night, when the storm blew +like a hunting-horn, when the clouds flew under the moon, and the trees +bent their heads, groaning, to the earth. Then he ran over the hills +from Rossau, through the grounds of Bielstein; he howled, and the moon +laughed mockingly down on the place in which Tobias Bachhuber had +deposited his treasures, and among them the cover of the lost +manuscript.</p> + +<p class="normal">But if no observer could be in doubt as to the fate of the dog, far +more uncertain is the judgment of the present day concerning another +figure which hovers about the grotto.</p> + +<p class="normal">What can thy fate be, unfortunate Brother Tobias Bachhuber? Thy conduct +towards the manuscript we have been seeking transcends everything one +could have expected of a Tobias. It is much to be feared that thy +disregard of the highest interests of mankind may have injured thy +social position in the other world. Grievous doubts arise, Bachhuber, +as to thy heavenly happiness: for the wrong that thou hast done to us +would have drawn tears from an angel. To us mortals it is impossible to +think of thee with the confidence which thy true-hearted words would +impress upon us: <i>hæc omnia deposui</i>,--I have deposited all this. That +was an untruth, Bachhuber, and the wounds of deceived confidence will +always bleed afresh.</p> + +<p class="normal">Answer my question, Tobias--what views didst thou hold of the unity of +the human race? of the bonds of union binding the souls of men of +past ages with the souls of men of the present? or of that stupendous +net-work, humanity, in which thou wert a mesh? Thy views were pitiable, +indeed. Thou didst stuff the great manuscript, the hope of our century, +into a bag and thou didst rip out the text when thou foundest the bag +too full, and didst carefully preserve the covers for later +generations! For shame, thrice for shame!</p> + +<p class="normal">And yet, withal, thou didst ever hover restlessly about the cave of the +forest, and since Swedish times didst bustle about unceasingly in the +rooms of the old house!</p> + +<p class="normal">Why didst thou do that, Tobias, silly monk? Is't possible that thou +hadst something in store, that thou wast guarding something, for the +happiness of those who came after thee, that thou wert, after all, +laboring for the unity of mankind that we said thou hadst no conception +of?</p> + +<p class="normal">Yes, a treasure was found. It did not have the appearance that our +scholars thought it would, when their glance first rested on the faded +letters of thy record. The treasure that both the scholars found, had +clenched fists, and dimpled cheeks, and sweet, bright eyes. Their +treasure came to them alive, nor was it of the silent kind. Bachhuber, +can it be that thou hast frivolously transcended the rules of thy +order? Was it thou that set down this treasure in the 'dry hollow +place' commonly called a cradle? in the cradles of two homes?</p> + +<p class="normal">To-day there is a great christening at the Professor's house--a double +one. The Professor's son is called Felix, and the Doctor's young +daughter Cornelia. Almost at the same time the children resolved to +narrow the space of the over-crowded world by their appearance. The +sponsors of the boy are Professor Raschke and Mrs. Struvelius; the +sponsors of the girl are Professor Struvelius and Mrs. Raschke; but Mr. +Hummel is godfather for both, stands in the middle and swings first +one, and then the other godchild.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am delighted that yours is a boy," he said, to the Professor; "he +will be fair and jolly. For womankind is rapidly getting the upper +hand, and will soon become too powerful for us; we must strengthen +ourselves by an increase, otherwise a complete revolution will take +place. I am delighted that yours is a girl," he said, to his daughter; +"the creature is dark and bristly; it will be no Hahn, but a Hummel."</p> + +<p class="normal">The christening is over, and Professor Raschke raises his glass.</p> + +<p class="normal">"There are two new human souls in the kingdom of books, two more +scholars' children in our blustering, curious, pedantic, and whimsical +community. You children will take your first riding-lessons on your +fathers' folios; you will make your first helmet and your first dress +from your fathers' proof-sheets: you will regard, earlier than others, +with secret terror the books that surround your rosy youth. But we hope +that you too will help preserve for a future generation the proud and +lofty spirit with which your fathers have dedicated their lives to +science, to thought, and to creative activity. You too, be you man or +woman, must become the faithful guardians of the ideals of our people. +You will find a national spirit that takes a stronger flight and makes +higher demands on its intellectual leaders. As we in the present, so +you in the future, will often be accorded a smile. But see to it that +it be kindly. And see to it that the office that has come to you from +your fathers, remain worthy of the people. And see to it that you too +shall acquit yourselves as steadfast and honest workers in the fields +of Science--true to your faith in the good genius of this our life."</p> + +<p class="normal">Raschke spoke: and waved his glass.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Pray, Professor Raschke!" exclaimed Mrs. Struvelius; "you have my +glass. My gloves are in it. Do not drink them, I beseech you!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"True enough," said Raschke, apologetically; and he poured with +measured deliberation the wine from the flask on the gloves, to join +with great appreciation in the toast he had offered.</p> + +<p class="normal">But in the dimly, lighted corner, by the book-case, whereon the tiny +record of our loved Brother lay, appeared the humble figure of +Bachhuber,--Tobias Bachhuber, observed by no one--in the resemblance of +a nurse. He greeted, and graciously bowed his thanks.</p> + +<p class="normal">When the friends had departed. Ilse sat on the sofa, the child before +her in her lap. Felix knelt at her side, and both looked down upon the +young life between them.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is so small, Felix," said Ilse; "and yet all that was and all that +is, does not make the mother so happy as the soft beating of the little +heart in its breast."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Restlessly the thinking mind struggles after the eternal," exclaimed +the Scholar; "but he who holds wife and child to his heart, feels +forevermore united in holy peace with the high power of life."</p> + +<p class="normal">The cradle rocked, as if moved by spirit hands. Thus does the treasure +look, blessed Bachhuber, that thy active hand has helped bestow upon +a future race. Thou hast not acted well by us. Thou hast done us +wrong. But when we think how studiously active thou wast, in the old +manor-house and elsewhere, to perform, to the glory of coming +generations, the kindly offices of a match-maker, we cannot be angry +with thee on this solemn, festive occasion. All in all, we must say +thou wert an unfortunate, ill-starred fellow, and hast been the cause +of much trouble. But thy heart was kind. And after all, Tobias, thou +hast been taken up into heaven--with a question-mark it is true: for +thou shalt ever wear on the back of thy celestial cowl a tag of Satan's +making--a mark for all future time of thy dealings with the lost +manuscript of Tacitus.</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h3>[THE END.]</h3> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<p class="hang1"><a name="div2Ref_01" href="#div2_01">Footnote 1</a>: Compare the library scene in the chapter "A Day of +Visits," Vol. 1, p. 265, of this novel.</p> + +<p class="hang1"><a name="div2Ref_02" href="#div2_02">Footnote 2</a>: <i>Andres</i> means "the other."</p> + +<p class="hang1"><a name="div2Ref_03" href="#div2_03">Footnote 3</a>: A festive and bibacious celebration, in honor of some +prominent person, or commemoration of a great event.</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h1>THE OPEN COURT</h1> + +<h3>A MONTHLY MAGAZINE</h3> + +<h3>Devoted to the Science of Religion, the Religion of Science, and the<br> +Extension of the Religious Parliament Idea.</h3> + +<hr class="W10"> + +<p class="normal"><i>THE OPEN COURT</i> does not understand by religion any creed or dogmatic +belief, but man's world-conception in so far as it regulates his +conduct.</p> + +<p class="normal">The old dogmatic conception of religion is based upon the science of +past ages; to base religion upon the maturest and truest thought of the +present time is the object of <i>The Open Court</i>. 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By <span class="sc">George Jacob Holyoake</span>, 25c.</p></td> +</tr><tr> +<td>29.</td> +<td><p class="hang1"><i>On Orthogenesis</i>. By <span class="sc">Th. 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