ircase. He seemed so absorbed in thought that,
contrary to his usual courteous custom, he took no notice of his
companion.

But on reaching the street before the house, where Mohr was about to
take leave of him, the artist suddenly seized his arm, and said: "If
you have time, my dear sir, I beg you to walk a few steps with me. I've
something to tell you. You're an intimate friend of both brothers. The
Herr Doctor often mentioned your name. Perhaps, too, you know how it
happened that I--that I found myself compelled to stop the lessons he
gave my daughter. My creator knows it was no easy matter for me--or my
daughter either, as you may well believe. It was like punishing her
when she felt perfectly innocent. But that's not the point; to one who
loves his child--but it ought not to be a chastisement for does not our
heavenly father deny us many dear and precious things, we know not why?
Of course I don't mean to compare our human wisdom with the infinite
wisdom of God; I only say all this because perhaps you have thought me
hard hearted. Indeed I'm not; I've probably suffered even more than my
dear child; but I did not dream that she'd take it so much to heart. I
tell you she has altered beyond recognition, become a totally different
creature, not like a girl of eighteen or nineteen, but a wearied soul
for which all the happiness of this world is past. My heart bleeds when
I see her wandering about, uncomplaining, often even wearing a smile,
but so pale! And that's why I couldn't restrain my tears when I saw
your friend's brother lying on his couch of pain, I don't know how it
happened, but I couldn't help thinking suppose my child, my Leah,
should lie before me so, and I--an old man--no, no, my God--thy mercy
will spare me that, this cup--" Overpowered by his feelings, he stood
motionless with his face buried in his hands. To rouse him from his
grief, Mohr at last said:

"You wanted to tell me something?"

"Yes indeed," replied the little artist, recovering his self-command.
"You see, I'm aware your friends have no superabundance of money, and a
sickness--you understand what I mean. I'm still in the Herr Doctor's
debt. If you could induce him, at least now--"

"I doubt whether my friend would hear of such a thing, my dear sir. But
you need feel no anxiety. We're a sort of communistic society, and
where Balder's interests are concerned Edwin is not too proud to
receive help from his friends."

"That's just it," sigh