been nourished with her milk, and has our father, the sun,
given light to our eyes and awakened our senses, only that we may
wander about all our lives homeless waifs, with our heart-hunger
unappeased? Only an idle, selfish, and perverse soul can turn
reluctantly or arrogantly away from the pleasant place where it should
live and labor, and which helpful toil should make so dear. And such
hopeless people think, when the piece they perform becomes stupid and
tiresome, and is hissed, that it is the fault of the scenes! To such
should be said: 'Do your duty, play your part well, and these boards,
which are your world, will not burn so quickly beneath your feet that
when the need comes you cannot escape.'_

"_But whither am I wandering? Good night, my wife, dearest of human
souls. When Mohr comes, I'll you where we decide to go. I hope to be
able to persuade him that he owes you a visit. Believe me, if I were
not ashamed to turn back so soon, I should be with you again to-morrow,
or rather, as I do not see why I need be ashamed to find life dull and
unprofitable without you--if to-morrow a letter arrives, instead of my
friend, our doctor will shake his head in vain; for nothing shall
prevent me from clasping you in my arms the following day._

"Edwin."

"_Remember me to our neighbors, Frau Reginchen's ears must have burned
of late; I have been obliged to answer so many questions about her and
her little ones._"

CHAPTER II.

Edwin had just finished the letter and risen from his seat, to take it
himself to the post office, when there was a knock at his door; a
familiar knock, but one which he had not heard for years.

Before he had time to say "come in," the door opened, and in the dark
passage appeared a round head with thin fair hair and a pair of gold
spectacles. A portly, but active figure hastily entered. "It's he!"
exclaimed the friends in a breath, and the next instant Marquard and
Edwin were clasped in each others arms.

"Wonder of wonders!" cried Edwin, as he drew his friend nearer the
window. "Have you taken up the study of animal magnetism, that you
discover me here? True, you were always a sort of repertory for all
valuable knowledge, but as I don't know a soul in this place, haven't
been outside these four walls, or even written my name in the visitors'
book--"

"The mystery will be solved in due time," interru