one else will help us. We have no belief in
the eternal torments of hell, in an avenging God, or a redeeming
Saviour. But we know what is right, Toinette, we know that all the
bliss of love's greatest rapture would become a poison, if bought with
the heart's blood of others whom we were compelled to sacrifice. We
look for no eternity, in which to atone for the sins of the present. We
can only be honest and brave and good here upon earth, and we will be,
my poor love, for you have an heroic soul, which can find its real
happiness only in refusing to be bowed by any fate, and in conquering
or dying in the conflict."

He paused, and bending over her laid his hand upon her head, as in the
old days he had stroked Balder's curls. Suddenly she started, her
tearful eyes wandered around the room in bewilderment, and she said
hastily: "Do you hear nothing? Steps are approaching along the
corridor. Who can it be? but no matter! What is to come, may come--"

There was a low knock at the door, then it was quickly but cautiously
opened, though only wide enough to enable some person to speak. "The
Herr Count is coming up the stairs," said a woman's voice. "I think he
is on his way here."

"Very well, Rose," replied the countess, hastily wiping her eyes. "Come
in and sit down yonder. This is the only person who is faithful to me,"
she continued turning to Edwin, as a tall, homely, pock-marked woman
entered, and without even casting a curious glance at the pair, seated
herself in the chair beside the bed. "If I had not had Rose, to whom I
can tell everything--how do you know the count is coming here, Rose?"

"I don't know, but I'm almost sure of it. The rest of the company went
to their rooms half an hour ago. The Herr Count remained alone in the
blue drawing room, I could see him from your chamber, standing at the
window. His Excellency's rooms were dark, and besides he never comes up
here at this hour. Only the Herr Doctor's apartment was lighted. I saw
the Herr Count look up here--then he suddenly drew back--I thought he
might perhaps have something to say to the Herr Doctor. There, hark!
Don't you hear him now?"

All listened silently. A hesitating step approached over the carpeted
floor of the lofty, vaulted corridor, paused as if irresolute, and then
approached Edwin's room.

"What shall we say to him?" whispered Edwin.

"Nothing. He would not understand the truth. Don't you say a word to
him; I know how he must be addres