me mysterious mental struggle.

"At length he explained to me exactly what I had to do. It was very
simple. I must take two packages of letters and a roll of papers from the
first right-hand drawer of the desk, of which I had the key. He added:

"'I need not beg you to refrain from glancing at them.'

"I was wounded at that remark and told him so somewhat sharply. He
stammered:

"'Forgive me, I suffer so,' and tears came to his eyes.

"At about one o'clock I took leave of him to accomplish my mission.

"'The weather was glorious, and I trotted across the fields, listening to
the song of the larks and the rhythmical clang of my sword against my
boot. Then I entered the forest and walked my horse. Branches of trees
caressed my face as I passed, and now and then I caught a leaf with my
teeth and chewed it, from sheer gladness of heart at being alive and
vigorous on such a radiant day.

"As I approached the chateau I took from my pocket the letter I had for
the gardener, and was astonished at finding it sealed. I was so irritated
that I was about to turn back without having fulfilled my promise, but
reflected that I should thereby display undue susceptibility. My friend
in his troubled condition might easily have fastened the envelope without
noticing that he did so.

"The manor looked as if it had been abandoned for twenty years. The open
gate was falling from its hinges, the walks were overgrown with grass and
the flower beds were no longer distinguishable.

"The noise I made by kicking at a shutter brought out an old man from a
side door. He seemed stunned with astonishment at seeing me. On receiving
my letter, he read it, reread it, turned it over and over, looked me up
and down, put the paper in his pocket and finally said:

"'Well, what is it you wish?'

"I replied shortly:

"'You ought to know, since you have just read your master's orders. I
wish to enter the chateau.'

"He seemed overcome.

"'Then you are going in--into her room?'

"I began to lose patience.

"'Damn it! Are you presuming to question me?'

"He stammered in confusion:

"'No--sir--but--but it has not been opened
since--since the-death. If you will be kind enough to wait five
minutes I will go and--and see if--'

"I interrupted him angrily:

"'See here, what do you mean by your tricks?

"'You know very well you cannot enter the room, since here is the key!'

"He no longer objected.

"'Then, sir, I will show you the way.'