own near
them in silence, she requested them to continue their conversation; but
neither the Professorin nor Clodwig resumed the interrupted theme.

Clodwig spoke of Aunt Claudine, asked after her favorite pursuits, and
was glad to own a fine telescope, which she could use at Wolfsgarten.

After a brief rest, Bella left them and went into the park.

CHAPTER VIII.

A STRUGGLE BETWEEN DUTY AND PASSION.

"I must speak with you this evening in the park, under the weeping
ash," Eric had said to Bella as they were getting out of the boat.

"This evening?" she asked.

"Yes."

"And in the park, under the weeping ash?"

"Yes."

She had of her own accord placed her arm in his, and they walked
together in silence to the villa; then she relinquished his arm, and
went straight to Clodwig and the Mother.

She knew not what she desired here, but she was happy, or rather
soothed, when she saw them sitting so confidentially together. Yes, she
thought, every one who gives an ear to him, and returns a stimulating
reply occasionally, is as much to him as I.

She rose and went into the park; she walked about restlessly, knowing
that Eric must get released from Roland, in order to keep the
appointment with her. But she had no idea how hard it was for him to
effect this; not so much because Roland was not obedient, and mindful
every hour of the task set him, but because Eric was inwardly disturbed
that he was obliged to assign to his pupil as a duty and a theme some
noble thought, some lesson, some subject of study, merely to become
temporarily freed from his presence. The book he gave him, the place he
selected for him to read until his return, appeared to him perverted to
a wrong use, dishonored and profaned; yet nothing else could be done.
It was a bitter experience, but it was the last time; he would come out
from this final interview pure and strong; and have a plain and
straight path before him.

He became composed with this thought, and entered the park. He found
Bella on the seat upon the height; she had evidently been weeping
freely.

Hearing his step, she removed the handkerchief from her eyes. "You have
been weeping?"

"Yes, for your mother, for myself, for us all! O, how often have I
heard your mother ridiculed, blamed, pitied, and despised, for
following the impulse of her heart and the man of her choice. For some
time the saying was, To live on love and e