oets are formed of different clay from common mortals," she
said slowly, as she scattered the leaves before her. "That's the only
reason one can ascribe for their vagaries."

The young prince shook his head sadly.

"No, it is not that; his peculiarities spring from some other source. I
have felt confident for a long time that there is something dark and
mysterious in Hartmut's life, but I never could ascertain what it was.
He would allow no allusions to his past. I have often broached the
subject, but he resented all reference to it. There seems to be a
veritable sword of Damocles hanging over him, and when in some happy
moment he thinks he has escaped, he looks up, and there it hangs as
usual gleaming above his head. I was more impressed than ever with that
idea when he last parted from me, he was so excited--almost
insane--nothing could hold him back. I cannot tell you how sad I am
about him. For more than two years we lived together. I learnt to know
and appreciate his warm heart, and responsive, genial nature. Now
everything is desolate and dreary without him, and all the rich coloring
seems to have gone out of my life."

They had reached the limit of the park and remained standing for a
moment now. Before them lay a long stretch of meadow with a hot
afternoon sun streaming down on it, while a background of forest-clad
mountains rose high and green in the distance. Adelheid had listened
silently, and now her sad glance rested on the far mountain heights.
Suddenly she turned and held out her hand to her companion.

"I believe you to be a very self-sacrificing friend. Herr Rojanow should
not desert so true a comrade. Perhaps you could save him from
this--sword of Damocles."

Egon could hardly credit his senses.

This warm hand pressure, the sad, tender glance from the eyes brimming
with tears, and the almost passionate earnestness with which she spoke,
surprised and enchanted him. He grasped her hand and pressed it with
fervor to his lips.

"If I could ever do anything for Hartmut, I would do it gladly. Rest
assured your plea for him will spur me on. While I am here you must
allow me the neighborly privilege of coming to Ostwalden frequently. Do
not say no for I am all alone at Rodeck, and I came here solely for the
purpose--"

He stopped suddenly, feeling that the time had not yet come when he
could reveal to her why he had come, and he saw that no such confession
would avail him now. Adelheid drew her hand