he memory of his
father for having freed the land from that degenerate race. Now, he felt,
that lost parent, whose image lived in his soul, was satisfied with him,
and this gave him a sense of happiness which he meant to cling to and
enhance by every thought and deed in the future. "Life is a function, a
ministry, and a duty!" this watchword, which had been given him by those
beloved lips, should keep him in the new path; and soon he hoped to feel
sure of himself, to be able to look back on such deeds of valor as would
give him a right in his own judgment to unite his lot to that of this
noblest of women.

Full of such thoughts as these, he made his way to the house of Rufinus.
The windows of the corner room on the upper floor were lighted up; two of
these windows looked out on the river and the quay. He did not know which
rooms were Paula's, but he looked up at the late-burning light with a
vague feeling that it must be hers; a female figure which now appeared
framed in the opening, showed him that he was not mistaken; it was that of
Perpetua. The sound of hoofs had roused her curiosity, but she did not
seem to recognize him in the dim starlight.

He slowly rode past, and when he presently turned back and again looked
up, in the hope this time of seeing Paula, the place was vacant: however,
he perceived a tall dark shadow moving across from one side of the room
to the other, which could not be that of the nurse nor of her slender
mistress. It must indeed be that of a remarkably big man, and stopping to
gaze with anxious and unpleasant apprehension, he plainly recognized
Philippus.

It was past midnight. How could he account for his being with Paula at
this hour?--Was she ill?--Was this room hers after all?--Was it merely by
chance that the nurse was in Rufinus' room with the physician.

No. The woman whom he could now see pass across the window and go
straight up to the man, with outstretched hands, was Paula and none
other. Isis heart was already beating fast, and now a suspicion grew
strong in him which his vanity had hitherto held in check, though he had
often seen the friendly relations that subsisted between Paula and the
leech.--Perhaps it was a warmer feeling than friendship and guileless
trust, which had led her so unreservedly to claim this man's protection
and service. Could he have won Paula's heart--Paula's love?

Was it conceivable!--But why not?

What was there against Philippus but his homely face