t everything was made sure of; here would be now an attractive
widow, or, better still, an attractive unhappy wife. He drove the
thoughts away, however, saying to himself that he loved Manna.

As a former comrade of the bridegroom, and as friend of the family,
Pranken proposed the toast to the bridal pair; he spoke well, and in a
humorous tone, as was best, and the company were well pleased.

The discharge of a cannon gave notice that the fireworks were
beginning, and the guests betook themselves to the veranda and the
garden.

CHAPTER X.

FIREWORKS AND THEN DARKNESS.

Bella suddenly stood by Eric's side, without his noticing her approach.

"You are unusually grave to-day," she said in a low voice.

"I am not used to the confusion of such a fete."

"I always feel as if you would have something to say to me," she
murmured lower.

Eric was silent, and Bella continued:--

"Does it seem to you as it does to me, when you see your nearest friend
in a great assembly, as if you met in a strange land, or as if
struggling in a river, in which you are drowning?"

"Ah! Bravo!" many voices cried suddenly. A flight of rockets was sent
off, while music was heard, and a trumpet across the river took up the
strain, and echoed it. Far away they saw the people from the towns and
villages about, standing on the river-banks, their faces lighted by the
glare.

"Ah," exclaimed Bella, as all was dark again, "we are all nothing but
slaves! If we could live like that, that would be life indeed! to burn
like that rocket in the free air, then come, darkness and death; ye are
welcome!"

Eric trembled; he did not know how it happened, but he was holding
Bella's hand fast in his.

Again bright fires rose from river and hills. It seemed as if all those
people who were looking on from the distant shore must have seen Eric's
hand in Bella's. Eric drew back with a start. The Prince came up, and
Bella immediately took his arm. Eric was left alone, and as he saw
Bella walking up and down the road before the house, leaning on the
Prince's arm, he tried to recollect whether he had not said to her, I
love you. It seemed to him that he had spoken aloud, and yet it could
not be. Fire-wheels, the monogram of the bridal-pair, Roman-candles,
were exhibited, and at last from a boat on the Rhine rose a great
golden wine-flask, which burst in the air, and scattered a shower of
sparkling dr