terrace it formed, leaning against a window-frame, stood a
small figure with her head thrust so far forth to listen that the light
shone through the curls that framed it. Katharina was trying to overhear
a dialogue between the Patriarch Benjamin--whose bearded and apostolic
head Orion could clearly recognize--and the priest John, an insignificant
looking little man, of whom, however, the deceased Mukaukas had testified
that he was far superior to old Plotinus the Bishop in intellect and
energy.

The young man could easily have watched Katharina's every movement, but
he did not think it worth while. Nevertheless, as he rode on, the
water-wagtail's little figure dwelt in his mind; not alone, however, for
that of Paula immediately rose by her side; and the smaller Katharina's
seemed, the more ample and noble did the other appear. Every word he had
heard that day from Paula's lips rushed to his remembrance, and the vivid
and lovely memory drove out all care. That woman, who only a few hours
since, had declared herself ready, with him, to hope all things, to
believe all things, and to accept his protection--that lordly maiden whom
he had been glad to bid fix her eye, with him, on the goal of his future
efforts, whose pure gaze could restrain his passion and impetuosity as by
a charm, and who yet granted him the right to strive to possess her--that
proud daughter of heroes, whom even his father would have clasped to his
heart as a daughter--was it possible that she should betray him like some
pleasure-seeking city beauty? Could she forget her dignity as a
woman?--No! and a thousand times no. To doubt her was to insult her--was
to wrong her and himself.

The physician loved her; but it certainly was not any warmer feeling than
friendship on her part that made her receive him at this late hour. The
shame would be his own, if he ever again allowed such base suspicion to
find place in his soul!

He breathed a deep sigh of relief. And when his servant, who had lingered
to pay the toll at the bridge, came up with him, Orion dismounted and
desired him to lead his horse home, for he himself wished to return on
foot, alone with his thoughts. He walked meditatively and slowly under
the sycamores, but he had not gone far when, on the other side of the
deserted road, he heard some one overtaking him with long, quick strides.
He recognized the leech Philippus at a glance and was glad, for this
proved to him how senseless and unjust his