n every movement of Odile of Nideck, and that clearness and
purity of outline which is only found marked in the features of the
higher aristocracy, and I could recall nothing to my recollection equal
to this ideal beauty.

"Go now, Gretchen," said the young countess, "and make haste."

The attendant went out, and I stood a few seconds under the influence of
the charm of her manner.

Odile turned round, and addressing me, "You see, sir," said she with a
sad smile, "one may not indulge in grief without a pause; we must divide
ourselves between our affection within and the world without."

"True, madam," I replied; "souls of the highest order are for the common
property and advantage of the unhappy--the lost wayfarer, the sick, the
hungry poor--each has his claim for a share, for God has made them like
the stars of heaven to give light and pleasure to all."

The deep-fringed eyelids veiled the blue eyes for a moment, while Sperver
pressed my hand.

Presently she pursued--

"Ah, if you could but restore my father's health!"

"As I have had the pleasure to inform you, madam, the crisis is past; the
return must be anticipated, if possible."

"Do you hope that it may?"

"With God's help, madam, it is not impossible; I will think carefully
over it."

Odile, much moved, came with me to the door. Sperver and I crossed the
ante-room, where a few servants were waiting for the orders of their
mistress. We had just entered the corridor when Gideon, who was walking
first, turned quickly round, and, placing both his hands on my shoulders,
said--

"Come, Fritz; I am to be depended upon for keeping a secret; what is your
opinion?"

"I think there is no cause of apprehension for to-night."

"I know that--so you told the countess--but how about to-morrow?"

"To-morrow?"

"Yes; don't turn round. I suppose you cannot prevent the return of the
complaint; do you think, Fritz, he will die of it?"

"It is possible, but hardly probable."

"Well done!" cried the good man, springing from the ground with joy; "if
you don't think so, that means that you are sure."

And taking my arm, he drew me into the gallery. We had just reached it
when the Baron of Zimmer-Bluderich and his groom appeared there also,
marshalled by Sebalt with a lighted torch in his hand. They were on their
way to their chambers, and those two figures, with their cloaks flung
over their shoulders, their loose Hungarian boots up to the knees, the
body closel