ness was a reality! Here
were two who had attained rest and blessedness, such as could hardly be
believed to exist in the actual world.

While he was standing still upon the carpeted stairs, from unconscious
thoughts of the rich house he was about to enter, and conscious
thoughts of the full and rounded existence of his host and hostess, the
question suddenly occurred to him, Is this beautiful life, this
perfecting of the soul in an extended view of nature, and its
saturation in all that is beautiful in science and art, possible to
wealth only, to freedom from care and want, to emancipation from all
labor and from common needs?

As, holding the light in his hand, he entered the balcony chamber, he
remained standing terrified, as if a ghost had appeared to him, before
the bust of the Medusa, which with open mouth fixed upon him its
overpowering and paralyzing gaze.

How is this? how has this image so suddenly assumed this likeness? Did
Clodwig have any suspicion of it? It was indeed terrible.

Eric turned about, and now, as if it were some trick played upon him by
an evil spirit, the contrasted image also, the Victoria, has a likeness
to Bella when, silent and quiet, she modestly and humbly bent down her
head.

Had Clodwig any suspicion of this wonderful play of opposites, and did
he not acknowledge this, this morning when he avowed his heresy to the
received opinion?

The pulse in Eric's temples beat violently. He put out the light,
looked for a long time out into the dark night, and sought to recall
afresh to his recollection the bright plenitude of the day's
experience.

CHAPTER XII.

FRAU ADVENTURE.

In the morning Eric put on his uniform, for so Clodwig had advised with
cautious reference to a former experience. A horse had been placed at
his disposal, and his portmanteau was to be sent after him.

Clodwig's contracted brow grew smooth as the handsome, noble-looking
young man entered the parlor in his becoming uniform. After greeting
him, he pointed to Eric's arm, saying:--

"Take off the crape before you go."

Eric looked at him surprised, and Clodwig explained himself.

"You are not to be sentimental, and you must agree with me that it is
not well to enter, for the first time, a stranger's house, wearing a
badge of mourning. People often desire a sympathy which they cannot
expect to receive. You will be less disturbed in the end, if