complete his spiritual union with the great
prophet; and as, notwithstanding his adherence to the new doctrines, he
began to feel a secret loathing of the unceasing exhortations,
revelations and prophecies, by means of which the people were kept in
such a constant ferment, he devoted himself to assiduous labor for
arming the defences of the city, and under this excuse withdrew himself
from the public meetings of the populace which were daily drummed
together.

For a time his attention was entirely absorbed by his workshop and his
Eliza, whose wild tenderness steeped his youthful senses in a sea of
pleasure, such as he had never before dreamed of. Clara in her quiet,
patient way, observed the happiness of the lovers, who placed no
restraint upon themselves on her account; and the only discoverable
effect it produced on her was, that she became every day paler and more
fragile.

This was perceived by the kind-hearted Alf, and as he happened to find
the good child on one occasion alone in her sitting room, engaged at
her distaff, he seated himself beside her in a familiar manner and,
pressing her hand, asked her, 'what ails thee, my good sister?'

'Ah! call me not so, Kippenbrock,' said Clara, sorrowfully; and gently
withdrew her hand.

'Wherefore not?' cried Alf, surprised. 'May I not call thee sister, as
thy brother in the faith, and as the future husband of the dear Eliza?'

The maiden raised her tearful eyes to Him on high. 'You pierce my
wounded heart,' said she, 'but you do not know the pain you inflict,
and therefore do I right willingly forgive you.'

'Again I do not understand you,' said Alf. 'I see you always sorrowful,
and I can endure it no longer. I feel myself so happy with your sister,
that I desire to render all about me as happy as myself. Therefore
confide in me, good maiden, and take my word for it, I will do
everything in my power to mitigate your sorrow.'

'_I_ confide in _you_! in _you_!' cried Clara, rising and attempting to
retire.

The stout youth held her fast in his arms. 'No,' said he, 'beloved
Clara, I will not let you go until you have opened your heart to me. By
the holy God, mine is well disposed toward you.'

At that moment the door opened, and the detestable Tuiskoshirer,
closely wrapped in his tattered mantle, walked in.

'My God!' shrieked Clara, as she caught a glimpse of him, and violently
disengaging herself from Alf's arms, she sprang out of the room.

With a smirk upo