double satisfaction in her words, as she
said that she greatly desired that her husband could have constant
intercourse with such a mentally active friend as Eric, for he often
felt himself lonely here in the town, and he was often obliged to
depend wholly upon himself.

Eric was happy, for he perceived in this not only a friendly
appreciation of himself, but also the deep and intelligent esteem of
the wife, who would like to bestow upon her husband a permanent
blessing.

CHAPTER XII.

A CHEERFUL LITTLE TOWN.

There was a genuine neighborly feeling among the inhabitants of this
small town. People called out to friends who were standing at the
windows and on the balconies, or walking in the streets; groups were
formed, where much chatting and jesting went on, while from windows,
here and there piano-playing and singing were heard.

The justice's wife and her daughter Lina joined Eric and his hostess.
People were surprised that he was leaving Sonnenkamp's house, as the
report had already spread that he was to remain there. And now Eric
learned that Roland had really ridden through the town, passing several
times before the physician's house, and letting his horse prance so
that it frightened one to look at him.

Lina was burning with eagerness to speak to Eric alone for a moment,
and she found her opportunity when they met the school-director and his
wife, and the two elder ladies stopped to inquire about the health of
the forester's wife, who lived in the director's house. Lina went on
with Eric, and said abruptly:--

"Do you know that your pupil Roland has a sister?"

"Certainly. I have heard so."

"Heard so? Why, you have seen her. She was the young girl with the star
on her forehead, and the wings, who met us in the twilight on the
cloister steps."

"Ah, indeed!"

"Ah, indeed!" mimicked Lina. "Oh! you men are dreadful; I have always
thought that you----"

She stopped and Eric asked:--

"That I--what of me?"

"Ah, mother is right, I am too heedless and clumsy, and say everything
that comes into my head; I should have believed you now----"

"That you may do; it is a sin to be untrue, and a double sin to be so
towards you."

"Well then," said Lina, taking off her straw hat, and shaking the curls
in her neck, "well then, if you will honestly confess, that Manna made
an impression on you at that time, I will tell you something; but you
mu