those on whom mine thus impinged.

I know not whether I shall ascribe it to the excitement of my soul
under the impulse of such mighty sensations; or to the exhaustion
of my physical strength, which during the last days such unwonted
privations had enfeebled; or whether, finally, to the desolating
commotion which the presence of this gray fiend excited in my whole
nature--be that as it may, as I was on the point of signing I fell
into a deep swoon and lay a long time as in the arms of death.

Stamping of feet and curses were the first sounds which struck my
ear as I returned to consciousness. I opened my eyes; it was dark; my
detested attendant was busied scolding me. "Is not that to behave like
an old woman? Up with you, man, and complete off-hand what you have
resolved on, if you have not taken another thought and had rather
blubber!" I raised myself with difficulty from the ground and gazed
in silence around. It was late in the evening; festive music resounded
from the brightly illuminated Forester's house; various groups of
people wandered through the garden walks. One couple came near in
conversation, and seated themselves on the bench which I had just
quitted. They talked of the union this morning solemnized between the
rich Mr. Rascal and the daughter of the house. So, then, it had taken
place!

I tore the magic-cap of the already vanished unknown from my head, and
hastened in brooding silence toward the garden gate, plunging myself
into the deepest night of the thicket and striking along the path past
Count Peter's arbor. But invisibly my tormenting spirit accompanied
me, pursuing me with keenest reproaches. "These then are one's thanks
for the pains which one has taken to support Monsieur, who has weak
nerves, through the long precious day. And one shall act the fool in
the play. Good, Mr. Wronghead, fly you from me if you please, but we
are, nevertheless, inseparable. You have my gold and I your shadow,
and this will allow us no repose. Did anybody ever hear of a shadow
forsaking its master? Your's draws me after you till you take it back
again graciously, and I get rid of it. What you have hesitated to do
out of fresh pleasure, will you, only too late, be compelled to seek
through new weariness and disgust. One cannot escape one's fate." He
continued speaking in the same tone. I fled in vain; he relaxed not,
but, ever present, mockingly talked of gold and shadow. I could come
to no single thought of my own