ops of light. Music resounded, and from the shore a shout
was heard, as if all the waves had found a voice.

Eric's brain reeled; he knew not where he was, nor who he was. Suddenly
he felt an arm laid on his own: it was Clodwig. Eric would have liked
to kneel before him, but he felt unworthy to utter a word, and he could
only make an inward vow: I will send a bullet through my heart, rather
than allow it ever again to thrill with this excitement.

Clodwig spoke of Roland, saying that he could not think it right or
wise that he should be thrust into a sphere strange to him. Eric
answered at random; Clodwig believed that he must know of the project,
while Eric thought he was alluding to the military profession; and he
seemed so distracted and inwardly excited, that Clodwig admonished his
young friend to exert himself less strenuously, and not to torment
himself needlessly.

Eric avoided saying good-night to Bella.

It was late when they drove back, in the same manner as they had come,
except that the Cabinetsrath and his wife accompanied them, to spend
the night at Villa Eden.

The Minister rode with Sonnenkamp, and the conversation naturally fell
on the fete, and on the dissolution of the old and respected firm of
wine dealers, since the Wine-count was now about to sell at auction his
whole stock. The Minister's lady said that Bella had told her that she
intended to write Eric's mother and aunt for a visit; Pranken pretended
to know of this plan, but was inwardly very much surprised. Now that
they were alone and need not be reserved with each other, the
Minister's lady said emphatically, that no one could bring about the
conferring of the new dignity on Herr Sonnenkamp more easily and simply
than the Professor's widow. It was not exactly decided upon, but it was
hinted to Herr Sonnenkamp, that he might establish the first claim of
hospitality by inviting the ladies to Villa Eden.

Sonnenkamp smiled to himself, for he had a further plan of making Frau
Dournay useful: the General had said several times that she was a
trusted friend of his sister, the Superior of the island convent; here
were the wires to be pulled.

In the third carriage Eric rode again with Roland; they sat silent for
a long time, as the carriage rolled slowly on. At last a voice called
out:--

"Good evening, Herr Captain!"

Eric ordered the driver to stop; it was Claus's son, the cooper, who
was walking along the wood. He brought Eric a greeti