o longer necessary, Franzelius still continued
to sleep in the tun. Edwin had begged him to do so, because he felt how
much pleasure it afforded the faithful friend to thus fulfil what he
had promised Balder. Moreover, after being alone all day--Mohr having
sought solitude for some time, it was pleasant when evening came to see
the honest face and to be lulled to sleep by quick conversation. True,
there was no lack of other visitors. The little artist came and Frau
Valentin, who again as far as Madame Feyertag's jealousy permitted,
hastened convalescence by preserves, strengthening broths, and various
delicate birds. But the more his strength returned, the more
indifferent and content with his position the invalid seemed.

The news that another had obtained the professorship offered to him had
come long before. Edwin had seen it in a newspaper and submitted to the
disappointment with great indifference. What was his career to him now?
He was happy in once more feeling strength to think of new books, and
eagerly read the important works that had appeared during his sickness.
Toinette's name never crossed his lips. He once asked whether Marquard
had seen a letter which he had received just before his illness and
which he was unable to find. "The maid-servant probably lighted the
fire with it long ago," Marquard answered dryly; "was it anything of
importance?" He did not want to return the fatal sheet which he
had carefully laid aside, until there was no possible danger of a
re-opening of the old wound.

But this danger seemed at last to have disappeared. One day, when
Marquard was making a short call, Edwin with a perfectly calm face
showed him a note he had received an hour before at the sight of which
his friend could scarcely conceal his alarm.

"It has come true," said Edwin smiling, but with a slight flush. "I
thought the lime twig would not release the bird again. Well, I hope
her gilded cage will be large enough for her to fancy herself at
liberty."

"May I read it?" asked Marquard.

"Certainly. Unfortunately I've never had any secrets in common with
her, and you have long thought her what she seems here."

The note ran as follows:

"_You discarded me so suddenly, dear friend, that if I were sensitive I
should now keep silence in my turn. But as, from the beginning of our
acquaintance, I was as sincere in my friendship as you in your
unfortunate love, my feeling is more lasting, as well as more
compassio