be
in them."

"For the use and benefit of the Pope," said Erastus coldly.

"All our gifts are given to us to honor the Holy Church," rejoined
Felix. "Besides you knew me to be a Catholic when you called me here."

"Certainly, Master Felix. We cannot permit Otto Heinrich's statues to
be repaired by Ursinus' Bachelors, or the Doctors of the Sapientia, and
the Heidelberg artists are so busy with politics and church questions,
that soon none will understand his handicraft. Therefore must we turn
to the Papists. You will be allowed to carry on the exercises of your
faith in your chamber, as you please. How comes it however that your
brother Paul fills a protestant pulpit, when inwardly he appears to me
as Roman as yourself?"

Felix looked up in surprise at his quick-witted interlocutor. Then
composing himself, said: "I have not seen my brother for two years."

Erastus shook his head: "In such a time great changes certainly often
take place. I am interested in the young man, yea more, as often as I
see him I have compassion on him. He is as handsome as you are, perhaps
handsomer, but his expression does not exhibit happiness and
contentment of mind. Can I help you, we are now neighbours. I dwell in
the 'new building' as the Kurfuerst often requires my medical advice.
For a lame man my quarters are rather high up between Jupiter and
Serapis, and I look down on the heads of all the planets and christian
virtues. You have a claim upon me, in that you spared me a daily sight
of seven lions' tails. I am also indebted to all Italians. I spent nine
years in Bologna and Padua, and experienced much kindness at the hands
of your countrymen. Visit me soon; Erastus' advice will be of use to
you in this Heidelberg where everything is war and partizanship, since
in twenty years the religion has been four times changed."

"Bachmann," he now called out to the old servant, who was leaning
against a well-house supported by high pillars, "this gentleman is to
have the two rooms near the pages' apartment. Look to it that his
property is brought up from the Hirsch." With a friendly shake of the
hand he left the young artist who looked after his new patron in
wonderment. "Model for a Regulus," he murmured, and then followed the
broad-shouldered Bachmann who preceded him jingling his bunch of keys.

CHAPTER III.

The full moon shone brightly over the Koenigsstuhl and shed its gentle
light o'er the gab