upon in meditation to come into the cold sharp air of the critical
understanding.

Clodwig again gazed at him fixedly, apparently surprised that this man
should be so well armed at all points; and placing his small hand upon
a portfolio before him as if he were writing down something new, he
resumed:--

"I have, to-day, been confirmed anew in an old opinion. People
generally regard private employment as a degradation, regardless of the
consideration that the important thing is, in what spirit one serves,
and not whom he serves. 'I serve,' is the motto of my maternal
ancestors."

The old man paused, and Eric did not know whether he was going on, or
waited for a reply; but Clodwig continued: "It is regarded as highly
honorable when a general officer, or a state official undertakes the
education of a prince; but is it any the less honorable to engage in
the work of educating thirty peasant lads, or to devote one's self, as
you do, to the bringing up of this wealthy youth? And now I have one
request to make of you."

"My only desire is to grant it."

"Will you tell me as exactly as possible how, you have so--I mean, how
you have become what you are?"

"Most willingly; and I will deserve the honor of being allowed to speak
so unreservedly, by not being too modest. I will speak to you as to
myself."

Clodwig rang a bell that stood upon the table, and a servant entered.
"Robert, what room is assigned to the doctor?" "The brown one directly
over the count's chamber." "Let the captain have the balcony chamber."
"If the count will pardon me, the luggage of Leonhard, Prince of
Saxony, is still in that room." "No matter; and, one thing more, I
desire not to be interrupted until I ring."

The servant departed, and Clodwig settled himself in the arm-chair,
drawing a plush sofa-blanket over his knees; then he said, "If I shut
my eyes, do not think that I am asleep."

In the manner with which Clodwig now bade Eric speak out frankly, there
was a trustful kindness, very far removed from all patronizing
condescension; it expressed, rather, an intimate sympathy and a most
hearty confidence. Eric began.

CHAPTER IV.

A SEEKER.

"I am twenty-eight years old, and when I review my life, it seems to me
so far to have been only a search. One occupation leaves so many
faculties dormant, and yet the torture of making a choice must come to
an end; and in every c