fore in a position to be able to form a more
correct opinion of his character and the motives of his conduct. It was
not wounded vanity that induced him to give up the pension which
condemned him to idleness. No one can have a more modest opinion of
him, perceive his deficiencies more clearly, than he himself. But as
he's in nobody's way when he paints his unassuming little pictures, he
has probably no reason to be ashamed of this innocent passion, which is
certainly as worthy of honor as many a so-called 'noble passion,' and
it was only a foolish mistake on the good man's part that your offer
was taken seriously. Yet why should not a great man amuse himself by
taking an affectionate interest in a little man? My dear father-in-law
thinks far too well of humankind to suspect that he was the object of a
contemptuous jest, made the subject of an experiment, such as Your
Highness might perhaps venture to try with your serfs. That he did not
decline this honor too courteously, is scarcely reprehensible in a man,
who is no fool. I, myself, was the person, who as soon as I entered
into the relation of a son, opened the old man's eyes and thereby
contributed to make you lose your bet."

A death-like silence followed these words, and for several seconds
nothing was heard but the chevalier's low whisper to Gaston: "_Qu'est
ce qu'il a dit, que le prince fronce si furieusement les sourcils?_"
But he received no answer.

While Edwin, with his eyes fixed steadily upon the prince, was awaiting
his reply, a new guest had entered the hall with noiseless steps and
had reached the empty chair beside Edwin. The latter now turned toward
him, and suddenly started up as if a thunder bolt had fallen.

Lorinser stood before him.

Not a feature of his face had altered since Edwin had seen him last,
only the carriage of the head had become a little bolder, and the
glance, which still as of old sought the ground or scanned the ceiling
in preference, now sometimes rested upon the person who confronted him.
Such was the case at this moment, when he would have had good reason to
cast down his eyes. He regarded his neighbor with a perfectly calm,
courteous smile, as if inviting him to keep his seat and not trouble
himself to make room for him. He was attired in faultless evening
dress, and only his noiseless entrance recalled the poor candidat, who
years ago had glided along such manifold crooked paths.

None of the guests, not even the mistress