hints that swans never came out of the eggs of geese, Linda would
declare with some pride of spirit that the son was not like the
father; that the son had never been known to be idle. She had not
attempted to defend the father, of whom it seemed to be acknowledged
by the common consent of all Nuremberg that he was utterly worthless,
and a disgrace to the city which had produced him. But Linda now felt
very thankful for the assurance of even his presence. Had it been
Ludovic's mother, how much better would it have been! But that she
should be received even by his father,--by such a father,--was much
to her in her desolate condition.

"Will he be at the station?" Linda asked.

"Oh, no."

"Does he expect us?"

"Well, no. You see, Linda, I only got out of prison yesterday
morning."

"Does your father live in Augsburg?"

"He hardly lives anywhere. He goes and comes at present as he is
wanted by the cause. It is quite on the cards that we should find
that the police have nabbed him. But I hope not. I think not. When I
have seen you made comfortable, and when we have had something to eat
and drink, I shall know where to seek him. While I am doing so, you
had better lie down."

She was afraid to ask him whether his father knew, or would suspect,
aught as to his bringing a companion, or whether the old man would
welcome such a companion for his son. Indeed, she hardly knew how
to frame any question that had application to herself. She merely
assented to his proposition that she should go to bed at the Black
Bear, and then waited for the end of their journey. Early in the
morning their fellow-passengers had left them, and they were now
alone. But Ludovic distressed her no more by the vehemence of his
caresses. He also was tired and fagged and cold and jaded. It is not
improbable that he had been meditating whether he, in his present
walk of life, had done well to encumber himself with the burden of a
young woman.

At last they were at the platform at Augsburg. "Don't move quite
yet," he said. "One has to be a little careful." When she attempted
to raise herself she found herself to be so numb that all quickness
of motion was out of the question. Ludovic, paying no attention to
her, sat back in the carriage, with his cap before his face, looking
with eager eyes over the cap on to the platform.

"May we not go now?" said Linda, when she saw that the other
passengers had alighted.

"Don't be in a hurry, my girl. By