ry event, every experience, was made
subservient to the development of his beautiful character. Good,
beautiful, lofty, but a childless, barren existence is that, whose
mother is a philosophy which accepts all things, comprehends all
things, only to reduce them afterwards to a system. I have often
reproached him with that while he lived; and I venture to do the same
now that he is dead."

"He repeated to me once an expression of yours, Captain Dournay," said
the Banker. "You once said to him, 'Man has to do railway duty on the
earth;' and the words made a great impression on him. So it is, we all
have to act more or less as guards on the swiftly-rolling train of our
generation; but it is not every one who is fitted for the post."

There was much that Eric wanted to say, and he might have explained
many points; for what had Clodwig not discussed with him? But he had no
chance to speak; for the doctor cried,--

"I do not believe that I am inclined to find fault with this man. Of
all in the wide world who will hear of his death, and mourn for him,
not one respected him more than I."

Some reference was made to the horrible suspicion which had fallen upon
Bella; but the Doctor repeated emphatically that this was a monstrous
mistake, and heartily regretted that nothing could be done to efface
all remembrance of it; for men would always hold fast to such a
calumny, at least, they would not wholly forget it.

Pranken entered with a clergyman of the neighborhood, who finally
consented, after much persuasion on the part of Pranken and the royal
physician, to pronounce a benediction over the body.

The Doctor presently drove off with the Court-physician: and, soon
afterward, Eric also departed, with the Banker and Aunt Claudine; for
Bella had requested to be left alone.

They looked back sorrowfully at the mansion, from whose summit a black
flag was now waving.

For two days, Clodwig's body lay upon satin cushions in the great
drawing-room, exposed to the public gaze. His countenance was peaceful.
He was surrounded by palms and flowers, and candles burned at the side
of the coffin.

People from the whole country round flocked to take a last look at
Clodwig; some from respect, and some from curiosity. Bella could hear
them say as they left the house, "He shows no signs of having been
strangled."

On the third day, Eric, the Justice, the Banker, the Major, the chief
men of the city, besides an ambassador from the King,