to the tun, where he
felt most at ease. If she returned, he would at least be near her and
would know it; this was his secret thought.

The day seemed to have passed tolerably well. Marquard was satisfied,
Edwin said. How Balder felt when not asleep, was difficult to
determine. He had not said anything except that he was very
comfortable, but they knew him well, he had always concealed his
sufferings. Fortunately he slept most of the time, and without
narcotics. Entire exhaustion of all the vital powers seemed to have
followed the attack.

He was still sleeping, when in the evening a very timid knock summoned
Edwin to the door. In the passage outside, where a small lamp lighted
the stairs, stood a figure wrapped in a narrow, old-fashioned cloak,
with a high collar, in whom Edwin did not recognize the zaunkoenig until
the embarrassed little gentleman mentioned his name.

He had only heard of Balder's serious illness that noon, when one of
the apprentices brought him a pair of shoes, but had had no rest since,
and his daughter and Frau Valentin who was with them, had both urged
him to inquire immediately in person. He was also to ask whether the
ladies could be of any assistance in nursing or sending delicacies;
Frau Valentin placed at their disposal her whole store of jellies and
her cook, who had had a great deal of experience in preparing food for
the sick. He said all this in such an earnest, beseeching tone, that
Edwin pressed his hand with deep emotion. He would certainly remember
this kind offer when Balder was convalescent. Would he like to see him
a moment?

The little man entered the room on tip toe, bowed courteously to Mohr
whom he did not know and then stood motionless beside Balder's bed.
Suddenly he turned away, drew out his handkerchief and made every
effort to stifle in its folds the agitation that found vent in
passionate tears. When this was no longer possible, he hastily waved a
farewell to Edwin and hurried to the door.

"He's forgotten his hat," said Mohr. "I'll follow the good old fellow
and see that he gets down stairs safely, I was going away at any rate,
Edwin. Our tribune of the people will probably soon be here." On the
landing before Christiane's door he overtook the little artist, who had
paused to collect his thoughts and dry his wet face.

"I've brought you your hat, Herr Koenig," said he.

The artist nodded his thanks, put his hat on mechanically, and then
slowly descended the sta