e'll send a lamp up to
him. The night watch can be divided between us." Unconsciously, like a
somnambulist, Edwin obeyed. The strong wine Mohr pressed upon him threw
him into a sound sleep for half an hour. As he awoke, he uttered a cry
that made his companion start up in alarm.

"It's nothing!" Edwin said with a sorrowful shake of the head. "I was
only dreaming that I heard Balder's voice. Just as I tried to take his
hand, I awoke and suddenly remembered all. I thought my heart would
burst; but I am strong again, only my eyes are still dry. Come, we'll
not keep him waiting too long."

When they opened the door of the death chamber, they paused on the
threshold in astonishment. Franzelius had taken advantage of their
short absence to erect, with the aid of the household, a sort of
catafalque. The turning lathe was placed in the centre of the room and
covered with a black cloth, and on it was a hastily made couch, on
which Balder was laid. At his head stood the palms, and beside them two
tall laurel trees, which the old tenor had sent. His wife had added two
silver candelabras, which burned on either side of the bier and shed a
calm light on the beautiful pale face. Instead of the little cloak, a
white sheet, on which the slender hands rested, covered the slight
form. The white cat had glided in through the open window and wandering
around for a time, crouched finally at the foot of the bier with its
yellow eyes fixed steadily on the candles.

Edwin seated himself on Balder's empty bed and drew his friend down
beside him. "Thank you," said he. "We'll let no stranger touch him. No
one but those who have loved him."

Franzelius mutely pressed his hand and turned away to hide his tears.
Mohr had sat down before the chess board that stood on the little table
in the corner, and mechanically began to move the pieces.

They had not long sat thus silent and alone, when some one knocked
gently. Mohr went to the door and came back saying: "The zaunkoenig is
here, with Leah and Frau Valentin. They only wish to hear how you are,
and have no desire to intrude upon you. But I thought if you had no
objections we would admit them."

Edwin nodded and rose. When the little artist entered and cast a glance
at the simple catafalque, tears gushed from his eyes. He blindly
grasped Edwin's hand and held it firmly, trying to conceal his emotion
behind his hat. Frau Valentin's pleasant face also disappeared in her
handkerchief. Leah, wi