in Hartmut's life; he told me
much himself that had seemed mysterious before, and I can find no
excuse, no extenuating circumstances for his actions. Even his
denunciation of--"

"Of his mother! She was the sword which hung over his head. It was she
who destroyed her son! But he knew nothing of the shameful depths to
which she had sunk; he lived with her but she concealed her life from
him. I saw it, I knew it when his father hurled the dreadful accusation
at him; he was as one struck by lightning. There was truth in the man's
despairing cry. Whatever his youthful misdemeanors, his punishment in
that hour balanced them all. His flight, his broken promise, have robbed
him of a father, and of his dearest friend; but though they turn against
him I will believe in him. Yes, to the death! Their charge is untrue, he
is an innocent man."

Adelheid was in a state of intense excitement now, her cheeks were
aflame, her voice and manner had that intense passion which love alone
can give. Egon stood and looked at her. There it was, the awaking to
love and life, of which he had so often dreamed; the sea of ice had
melted forever, but for another.

"I will not venture to decide whether you are right or not, my dear
madame," he said, in a spiritless voice, after a second's pause. "I only
know one thing. Whether Hartmut be guilty or innocent, he is to be
envied in this hour!"

Adelheid drew back with a start. She understood the significance of his
words, and her head sank before his pained, sorrowful glance.

"I came to say good-bye," continued Egon, "and to ask one question, one
favor--but it is fruitless to ask it now. I have only farewell to say to
you."

Adelheid raised her eyes, in which the hot tears were standing, and held
out her hand to him.

"Good-bye," she said. "Good-bye. May Heaven protect you!"

The prince shook his head, and said with bitterness:

"What does it matter? I had thought to return--do not look at me so
pleadingly. I have made a great mistake. I see it now, and I will not
annoy you with my moaning, but Adelheid, I would willingly fall if I
could but inspire for a moment the feeling and passion which you reserve
for another. God bless you! Good bye!"

He pressed her hand and was gone.

A dreary afternoon. The wind had risen since the morning hours, and
whistled ominously through the tall forest trees; the clouds grew darker
and heavier, and the damp air was growing rawer and colder every moment.