t which wearies if it does not anger us. I've endured it like
a thousand others, and said to myself: it's no worse than to sign
yourself at the close of a letter 'with respect and esteem,' when you
feel neither; it is a mere form which can only bind those who find in
it a substance. But I now see whither this carelessness leads. Instead
of declining all priestly gabble, I paid no more attention while this
warder of Zion was slandering Balder's dust, than if the wind had been
blowing through the leafless branches, and was only roused from my
reverie by our faithful friend's eloquent defense. If he had remained
silent, I verily believe I should have been stupid enough to let the
zealot talk on, just as once, when I undertook to be godfather, I
weakly said 'yes,' when asked if I would strengthen the child in the
faith that Jesus Christ descended into hell and rose from the dead on
the third day. And now our poor champion must atone for the cowardice
and false shame we have all shown in not honestly and thoroughly
renouncing ancient abuses. No, I'll go and tell these gentlemen--"

"You'll be kind enough not to attempt to escape from my care," said
Marquard quietly, as he seized the agitated man by the arm. "As for our
scapegoat, I hope to set him free immediately. I am blessed with
various connections, and fondly as conservative circles cherish the
deceptions of a high church patterned after the English, they can't
wholly shake off a secret fear of the free-thinkers, and are the first
to counsel half way measures and compromises as long as possible. But
you, my son, will now take an hour's walk, accompanied by Mohr, in the
course of which you'll converse on the most shallow and insignificant
subjects--"

He was interrupted by the old maid-servant, who came in to deliver a
letter. A deep flush crimsoned Edwin's pale face as he recognized the
handwriting, "Excuse me," said he, "if I glance it over."

He went to the window, and they soon heard him laugh aloud. "Good
news?" asked Mohr, who was absently playing with the leaves of the
palms.

"Excellent! And it comes just at the right time. I'll set out on my
journey this very day, for you're right, Fritz, the air of this city
doesn't agree with me. I must beg you Heinrich, to take my farewell
messages to the little house on the lagune and to Frau Valentin.
I--whether I ever set foot in the tun again, or trouble one of you to
send my movables after me--at any rate, I'll write