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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Alpine Fay, by 
+Elisabeth Buerstenbinder (AKA E. Werner)
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Alpine Fay
+       A Romance
+
+Author: Elisabeth Buerstenbinder (AKA E. Werner)
+
+Translator: Mrs. A. L. Wister
+
+Release Date: February 9, 2011 [EBook #35229]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ALPINE FAY ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Charles Bowen, from page scans provided by the Web Archive
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Note:
+
+   1. Page scan source:
+      http://www.archive.org/details/alpinefayromance00wern
+
+   2. The diphthong oe is represented by [oe].
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                             The Alpine Fay
+
+
+                               A ROMANCE
+
+
+
+                            FROM THE GERMAN
+                                   OF
+                               E. WERNER
+
+
+
+                                   BY
+                           MRS. A. L. WISTER
+
+
+
+
+
+                              PHILADELPHIA
+                        J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY
+                                 1908.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                           *   *   *   *   *
+             Copyright, 1889, by J. B. Lippincott Company.
+                           *   *   *   *   *
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                               CONTENTS.
+
+
+                               CHAPTER
+
+       I.--A Mountain Home
+
+      II.--A Morning Call
+
+     III.--Explanatory
+
+      IV.--The Last Thurgau
+
+       V.--The Lover and the Suitor
+
+      VI.--At President Nordheim's
+
+     VII.--A New Scheme
+
+    VIII.--Another Clime
+
+      IX.--The Herr President Speaks
+
+       X.--A Professional Visit
+
+      XI.--On the Alm
+
+     XII.--The Bale-Fire
+
+    XIII.--An Outraged Wife
+
+     XIV.--Midsummer Blessing
+
+      XV.--A Betrothal
+
+     XVI.--Suspicions
+
+    XVII.--Unforeseen Obstacles
+
+   XVIII.--A Mountain Ramble
+
+     XIX.--Nemesis
+
+      XX.--Blasts and Counterblasts
+
+     XXI.--A Challenge
+
+    XXII.--An Unexpected Visit
+
+   XXIII.--A Jealous Lover
+
+    XXIV.--The Avalanche
+
+     XXV.--Not all Despair
+
+    XXVI.--The Kiss of the Alpine Fay
+
+   XXVII.--Midsummer-Eve again
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                            .
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER I.
+
+                            A MOUNTAIN-HOME.
+
+
+High above the snow-crowned summits of the mountains gleamed a rainbow.
+The storm had passed; there was still a low mutter of thunder in the
+ravines, and masses of clouds lay encamped about the mountainsides, but
+the skies were once more clear, the loftiest peaks were unveiling, and
+dark forests and green slopes were beginning slowly to emerge from the
+sea of cloud and mist.
+
+The extensive Alpine valley through which rushed a considerable stream
+lay far in the depths of the mountain-range, so secluded and lonely
+that it might have been entirely shut off from the world and its
+turmoil; and yet the world had found the way to it. The quiet
+mountain-road, usually deserted save for an occasional wagon or a
+strolling pedestrian, was all astir with bustle and life. Everywhere
+were to be seen groups of engineers and labourers; everywhere
+measuring, surveying, and planning were going on; the railway, in a
+couple of years, was to stretch its iron arms forth into this mountain
+seclusion, and preparations were already making for its course.
+
+Some way up the mountain-road, on the brink of a hollow whose rocky
+sides fell away in a steep descent, lay a dwelling-house, which at
+first sight did not appear to differ much from others scattered here
+and there among the mountains; a near view, however, soon made plain
+that it was no peasant's abode situated thus on the spacious green
+slope. The house had firmly-cemented walls of blocks of stone, and low
+but broad doors and windows; two semicircular projections, the pointed
+roofs of which gave them the air of small towers, lent it a stately
+appearance, and above the entrance there was artistically carved in the
+stone a scutcheon.
+
+It was one of those old baronial mansions, yet to be found here and
+there among the mountains, simple and rude, half suggesting a peasant
+abode, gray and weather-worn, but stoutly resisting the decay to which
+many a proud castle had fallen a victim. The ascending slope of the
+mountain formed a picturesque background, and high above a huge peak
+reared its rocky crest, crowned with snow, lonely and proud.
+
+The interior of the house accorded with its outside. Through a vaulted
+hall, with a stone floor, a low spacious room was reached which
+occupied nearly the entire width of the building. The wainscot, brown
+with age, the gigantic tiled stove, the high-backed chairs, and the
+heavily-carved oaken cupboards were all plain and simple and showed
+marks of long years of use. The windows were wide open, affording a
+magnificent view of the mountains, but the two gentlemen sitting at the
+table were too earnestly engaged in conversation to pay any heed to the
+beauties which each moment revealed more fully.
+
+One of them, a man fifty years of age, was a giant in stature, with a
+broad chest and powerful limbs. Not a thread of silver as yet streaked
+his thick hair and fair, full beard; his tanned face beamed with the
+life and health that characterized his entire figure. His companion was
+of perhaps the same age, but his spare figure, his sharp features, and
+his gray hair made him appear much older. His face and the high
+forehead, already deeply lined, spoke of restless striving and
+scheming, as well as of the energy necessary for them; there was in his
+expression a degree of arrogance which was far from prepossessing, and
+his air and speech conveyed an impression of self-confidence, as of a
+man accustomed to rule those about him.
+
+"So pray listen to reason, Thurgau," he said, in a tone in which
+impatience was audible. "Your opposition will do you no good. In any
+case you will be forced to relinquish your estate."
+
+"I, forced!" exclaimed Thurgau, angrily. "We'll see about that. While I
+live, not a stone of Wolkenstein shall be touched."
+
+"But it is directly in the way. The big bridge starts from here, and
+the line of railway goes directly through your property."
+
+"Then alter your cursed line of railway! Carry it where you choose,
+over the top of the Wolkenstein, for all I care, but let my house
+alone. No need to talk, Nordheim; I persist in my 'no.'"
+
+Nordheim smiled, half compassionately, half sarcastically: "You seem to
+have entirely forgotten in your seclusion how to deal with the world
+and its requirements. Do you actually imagine that an undertaking like
+ours can be put a stop to, just because the Freiherr von Thurgau
+chooses to refuse us a few square rods of his land? If you persist,
+nothing is left us save to have recourse to our right of compulsion.
+You know that we have long been empowered to use it."
+
+"Oho, I have rights too!" exclaimed the Freiherr, bringing his fist
+down heavily upon the table. "I have protested, and shall continue to
+protest, while I live. Wolkenstein Court shall be left untouched,
+though the entire railway company with the Herr President Nordheim at
+their head should band themselves against me."
+
+"But if you are offered double its value----"
+
+"If I were offered a hundred times its value, it would be all the same.
+I do not bargain for the last of my inheritance. Wolkenstein Court
+shall not be touched, and there's an end of it!"
+
+"This is your old obstinacy which has so often stood in your way in
+life," said the president with irritation. "I might have foreseen it;
+it is far from agreeable to have my own brother-in-law force to extreme
+measures the company of which I am president."
+
+"That is why you condescended to come up here yourself, for the first
+time for years," Thurgau said, with a sneer.
+
+"I wanted to try to talk you into a reasonable state of mind, since my
+letters were of no avail. You surely know how entirely my time is taken
+up."
+
+"Yes, yes, heaven knows it is! Nothing would induce me to run the
+perpetual race which you call life. What good do you get out of your
+millions and your incredible successes? Now here, now there, you are
+always on the wing, always burdened down with business and
+responsibility. There's where you get the wrinkles on your forehead and
+your gray hair. Look at me!" He sat upright and stretched his huge
+limbs. "I am a full year older than you!"
+
+"Very true; but then it is not given to every man to live up here with
+the marmots and shoot chamois. You resigned from the army ten years
+ago, although your ancient name would have insured you a brilliant
+career."
+
+"Because the service did not suit me. It never did suit the Thurgaus.
+You think that is what has brought them down in the world? I can see
+you do by your sneer. Well, there is not, it is true, much of the old
+splendour left, but I have at least a roof over my head, and the soil
+beneath my feet is my own; here no one has a right to order me
+about and control me, least of all your cursed railway. No offence,
+brother-in-law, we will not quarrel over the matter, and neither has a
+right to reproach the other, for if I am obstinate you are domineering.
+You hector your precious company until they are almost blind and deaf,
+and if one of them dares to contradict you he is simply tossed aside
+neck and crop."
+
+"What do you know about it?" asked Nordheim, piqued by the last words.
+"As a rule, you trouble yourself very little about our affairs."
+
+"True, but I was talking awhile ago with a couple of engineers who were
+up here surveying, and who, of course, had no idea of the relationship
+between us; they scolded away at a great rate about you and your
+tyranny, and favouritism. Oh, I heard a deal that was extremely
+interesting."
+
+The president shrugged his shoulders with an air of indifference: "My
+appointment of the superintendent for this district was probably
+distasteful to the gentlemen. They certainly threatened an open revolt
+because I advanced to be their superior officer a young man of
+seven-and-twenty who has more in his head than all the rest of them put
+together."
+
+"But they maintain that he is a fellow who would shun no means, so it
+might promote his advancement," Thurgau said, bluntly. "You, as
+president of the company, had nothing to do with the appointment,--the
+engineer-in-chief alone has the right to appoint his staff."
+
+"Officially it is so, and I do not often bring my influence to bear in
+his department; when I do so I expect due deference to be paid to my
+wishes. Enough, Elmhorst is superintendent and will remain so. If it
+does not suit the gentlemen they can resign their posts; their opinion
+is of very little consequence."
+
+In his words there was all the arrogant self-assertion of a man
+accustomed to have his own way, regardless of consequences. Thurgau was
+about to reply, but at the moment the door opened, or rather was flung
+wide, and a something made up of drenched clothes and floating curls
+flew past the president and eagerly embraced the Freiherr; a second
+something, equally wet and very shaggy, followed, and also rushed
+towards the master of the house, springing upon him with loud and
+joyful barks of recognition. The noisy and unexpected intrusion was
+almost an attack, but Thurgau must have been used to such onslaughts,
+for he showed no impatience at the damp caresses thus bestowed upon
+him.
+
+"Here I am, papa!" cried a clear girlish voice, "wet as a nixie; we
+were up on the Wolkenstein all through the storm; just see how we look,
+Griff and I!"
+
+"Yes, it is plain that you come directly from the clouds," Thurgau
+said, laughing. "But do you not see, Erna, that we have a visitor? Do
+you recognize him?"
+
+Erna turned about; she had not perceived the president, who had risen
+and stepped aside upon her entrance, and for a few seconds she seemed
+uncertain as to his identity, but she finally exclaimed, delightedly,
+"Uncle Nordheim!" and hurried towards him. He, however, put out his
+hands and stood on the defensive.
+
+"Pray, pray, my child; you are dripping at every step. You are a
+veritable water-witch. For heaven's sake do not let the dog come near
+me! Would you expose me to a rain-storm here in the room?"
+
+Erna laughed, and, taking the dog by the collar, drew him away. Griff
+showed a decided desire to cultivate an acquaintance with the visitor,
+which in his dripping condition would hardly have been agreeable. In
+fact, his young mistress did not look much better; the mountain-shoes
+which shod her little feet very clumsily, her skirt of some dark
+woollen stuff, kilted high, and her little black beaver hat, were all
+dripping wet. She seemed to care very little about it, however, as she
+tossed her hat upon a chair and stroked back her damp curls.
+
+The girl resembled her father very slightly; her blue eyes and fair
+hair she had inherited from him, but otherwise there existed not the
+smallest likeness between the Freiherr's giant proportions and
+good-humoured but rather expressionless features and the girl of
+sixteen, who, lithe and slender as a gazelle, revealed, in spite of her
+stormy entrance, an unconscious grace in every movement. Her face was
+rosy with the freshness of youth; it could not be called beautiful, at
+least not yet: the features were still too childish and undeveloped,
+and there was an expression bordering on waywardness about the small
+mouth. Her eyes, it is true, were beautiful, reminding one in their
+blue depths of the colour of the mountain-lakes. Her hair, confined
+neither by ribbon nor by net, and dishevelled by the wind, hung about
+her shoulders in thick masses of curls. She certainly did not look as
+if she belonged in a drawing-room, she was rather the personification
+of a fresh spring rain.
+
+"Are you afraid of a few rain-drops, Uncle Nordheim?" she asked. "What
+would have become of you in the rain-spout to which we were exposed
+just now? I did not mind it much, but my companion----"
+
+"Why, I should have thought Griff's shaggy hide accustomed to such
+drenchings," the Freiherr interposed.
+
+"Griff? Oh, I had left him as usual at the sennerin's hut; he cannot
+climb, and from there one must rival the chamois. I mean the stranger
+whom I met on the way. He had strayed from the path, and could not find
+his way down in the mist; if I had not met him, he would be on the
+Wolkenstein at this moment."
+
+"Yes, these city men," said Thurgau,--"they come up here with huge
+mountain-staffs, and in brand-new travelling-suits, and behave as if
+our Alpine peaks were mere child's play; but at the first shower they
+creep into a rift in the rocks and catch cold. I suppose the fine
+fellow was in a terrible fright when the storm came up?"
+
+Erna shook her head, but a frown appeared on her forehead.
+
+"No, he was not afraid; he stayed beside me with entire composure while
+the lightning and rain were at their worst, and in our descent he
+showed himself courageous, although it was evident he was quite unused
+to that sort of thing. But he is an odious creature. He laughed when I
+told him of the mountain-sprite who sends the avalanches down into the
+valley every winter, and when I grew angry he observed, with much
+condescension, 'True, this is the atmosphere for superstition; I had
+forgotten that.' I wished the mountain-sprite would roll an avalanche
+down upon his head on the spot, and I told him so."
+
+"You said that to a stranger whom you had met for the first time?"
+asked the president, who had hitherto listened in silence, with an air
+of surprise.
+
+Erna tossed her head: "Of course I did! We could not endure him, could
+we, Griff? You growled at him when he reached the sennerin's hut with
+me, and you were right,--good dog! But now I really must change my wet
+clothes; Uncle Nordheim will else catch cold from merely having me near
+him."
+
+She hurried off as quickly as she had come; Griff tried to follow her,
+but the door was shut in his face, and so he decided upon another
+course. He shook from his shaggy hide a shower of drops in every
+direction, and lay down at his master's feet.
+
+Nordheim took out his pocket-handkerchief and ostentatiously brushed
+with it his black coat, although not a drop had reached it.
+
+"Forgive me, brother-in-law; I must say that the way in which you allow
+your daughter to grow up is inexcusable."
+
+"What?" asked Thurgau, apparently extremely surprised that any one
+could possibly find anything to object to in his child. "What is the
+matter with the girl?"
+
+"Everything, I should say, that could be the matter with a Fräulein von
+Thurgau. What a scene we have just witnessed! And you allow her to
+wander about the mountains alone for hours, making acquaintance with
+any tourist she may chance to meet."
+
+"Pshaw! she is but a child!"
+
+"At sixteen? It was a great misfortune for her to lose her mother so
+early, and since then you have positively let her run wild. Of course
+when a young girl grows up under such circumstances, without
+instruction, without education----"
+
+"You are mistaken," the Freiherr interrupted him. "When I removed to
+Wolkenstein Court, after the death of my wife, I brought with me a
+tutor, the old magister, who died last spring. Erna had instruction
+from him, and _I_ have brought her up. She is just what I wished her to
+be; we have no use up here for such a delicate hot-house plant as your
+Alice. My girl is healthy in body and mind; she has grown up free as a
+bird of the air, and she shall stay so. If you call that running wild,
+so be it, for aught I care! My child suits me."
+
+"Perhaps so, but you will not always be the sole ruling force in her
+life. If Erna should marry----"
+
+"Mar--ry?" Thurgau repeated in dismay.
+
+"Certainly, you must expect her to have lovers, sooner or later."
+
+"The fellow who dares to present himself as such shall have a lesson
+from me that he'll remember!" roared the Freiherr in a rage.
+
+"You bid fair to be an amiable father-in-law," said Nordheim, dryly. "I
+should suppose it was a girl's destiny to marry. Do you imagine I shall
+require my Alice to remain unmarried because she is my only daughter?"
+
+"That is very different," said Thurgau, slowly, "a very different
+thing. You may love your daughter,--you probably do love her,--but you
+could give her to some one else with a light heart. I have nothing on
+God's earth save my child; she is all that is left to me, and I will
+not give her up at any price. Only let the gentlemen to whom you allude
+come here as suitors; I will send them home again after a fashion that
+shall make them forget the way hither."
+
+The president's smile was that of the cold compassion bestowed upon the
+folly of a child.
+
+"If you continue faithful to your educational theories you will have no
+cause to fear," he said, rising. "One thing more: Alice arrives at
+Heilborn to-morrow morning, where I shall await her; the physician has
+ordered her the baths there, and the mountain-air."
+
+"No human being could ever get well and strong in that elegant and
+tiresome haunt of fashion," Thurgau declared, contemptuously. "You
+ought to send the girl up here, where she would have the mountain-air
+at first hand."
+
+Nordheim's glance wandered about the apartment, and rested with an
+unmistakable expression upon the sleeping Griff; finally he looked at
+his brother-in-law: "You are very kind, but we must adhere to the
+physician's prescriptions. Shall we not see you in the course of a day
+or two?"
+
+"Of course; Heilborn is hardly two miles away," said the Freiherr, who
+failed to perceive the cold, forced nature of his brother-in-law's
+invitation. "I shall certainly come over and bring Erna."
+
+He rose to conduct his guest to his conveyance; the difference of
+opinion to which he had just given such striking expression was in his
+eyes no obstacle to their friendly relations as kinsmen, and he bade
+his brother-in-law farewell with all the frank cordiality native to
+him. Erna too came fluttering down-stairs like a bird, and all three
+went out of the house together.
+
+The mountain-wagon which had brought the president to Wolkenstein Court
+a couple of hours previously--not without some difficulty in the
+absence of any good road--drove into the court-yard, and at the same
+moment a young man made his appearance beneath the gate-way and
+approached the master of the house.
+
+"Good-day, doctor," cried the Freiherr in his jovial tones, whilst
+Erna, with the ease and freedom of a child, offered the new-comer her
+hand. Turning to his brother-in-law, Thurgau added: "This is our
+Æsculapius and physician-in-ordinary. You ought to put your Alice under
+his care; the man understands his business."
+
+Nordheim, who had observed with evident displeasure his niece's
+familiar greeting of the young doctor, touched his hat carelessly, and
+scarcely honoured the stranger, whose bow was somewhat awkward, with a
+glance. He shook hands with his brother-in-law, kissed Erna on the
+forehead, and got into the vehicle, which immediately rolled away.
+
+"Now come in, Dr. Reinsfeld," said the Freiherr, who did not apparently
+regret this departure. "But it occurs to me that you do not know my
+brother-in-law,--the gentleman who has just driven off."
+
+"President Nordheim,--I am aware," replied Reinsfeld, looking after the
+vehicle, which was vanishing at a turn in the road.
+
+"Extraordinary," muttered Thurgau. "Everybody knows him, and yet he has
+not been here for years. It is exactly as if some potentate were
+driving through the mountains."
+
+He went into the house; the young physician hesitated a moment before
+following him, and looked round for Erna; but she was standing on the
+low wall that encircled the court-yard, looking after the conveyance as
+with some difficulty it drove down the mountain.
+
+Dr. Reinsfeld was about twenty-seven years old; he did not possess the
+Freiherr's gigantic proportions, but his figure was fine, and
+powerfully knit. He certainly was not handsome, rather the contrary,
+but there was an undeniable charm in the honest, trustful gaze of his
+blue eyes and in his face, which carried written on its brow kindness
+of heart. The young man's manners and bearing, it is true, betrayed
+entire unfamiliarity with the forms of society, and there was much
+to be desired in his attire. His gray mountain-jacket and his old
+beaver hat had seen many a day of tempest and rain, and his heavy
+mountain-shoes, their soles well studded with nails, showed abundant
+traces of the muddy mountain-paths. They bore testimony to the fact
+that the doctor did not possess even a mountain-pony for his visits to
+his patients,--he went on foot wherever duty called him.
+
+"Well, how are you, Herr Baron?" he asked when the two men were seated
+opposite each other in the room. "All right again? No recurrence of the
+last attack?"
+
+"All right," said Thurgau, with a laugh. "I cannot understand why you
+should make so much of a little dizzy turn. Such a constitution as mine
+does not give gentlemen of your profession much to do."
+
+"We must not make too light of the matter. At your years you must be
+prudent," said the young physician. "I hope nothing will come of it, if
+you only follow my advice,--avoid all excitement, and diet yourself to
+a degree. I wrote it all down for you."
+
+"Yes, you did, but I shall not pay it any attention," the Freiherr
+said, pleasantly, leaning back in his arm-chair.
+
+"But, Herr von Thurgau----"
+
+"Let me alone, doctor! The life that you prescribe for me would be no
+life at all. I take care of myself! I, accustomed as I am to follow a
+chamois to the topmost peak of our mountains without any heed of the
+sun's heat or the winter's snow,--always the first if there is any
+peril to be encountered,--I give up hunting, drink water, and avoid all
+agitation like a nervous old maid! Nonsense! I've no idea of anything
+of the kind."
+
+"I did not conceal from you the grave nature of your attack, nor that
+it might have dangerous consequences."
+
+"I don't care! Man cannot balk his destiny, and I never was made for
+such a pitiable existence as you would have me lead. I prefer a quick,
+happy death."
+
+Reinsfeld looked thoughtful, and said, in an undertone, "In fact, you
+are right. Baron, but----" He got no further, for Thurgau burst into a
+loud laugh.
+
+"Now, that's what I call a conscientious physician! When his patient
+declares that he cares not a snap for his prescriptions, he says 'you
+are right!' Yes, I am right; you see it yourself."
+
+The doctor would have protested against this interpretation of his
+words, but Thurgau only laughed more loudly, and Erna made her
+appearance with Griff, her inseparable companion.
+
+"Uncle Nordheim is safe across the bridge, although it was half
+flooded," she said. "The engineers all rushed to his assistance and
+helped to draw the carriage across, after which they drew up in line on
+each side and bowed profoundly."
+
+She mimicked comically the reverential demeanour of the officials, but
+the Freiherr shrugged his shoulders impatiently.
+
+"Fine fellows those! They abuse my brother-in-law in every way behind
+his back, but as soon as he comes in sight they bow down to the ground.
+No wonder the man is arrogant."
+
+"Papa," said Erna, who had been standing beside her father's chair, and
+who now put her arm around his neck, "I do not think Uncle Nordheim
+likes me: he was so cold and formal."
+
+"That is his way," said Thurgau, drawing her towards him. "But he has a
+great deal of fault to find with you, you romp."
+
+"With Fräulein Erna?" asked Reinsfeld, with as much astonishment and
+indignation in look and tone as if the matter in question had been high
+treason.
+
+"Yes; she ought to conduct herself like a Fräulein von Thurgau. Oh,
+yes, child, awhile ago he offered to have you come to him to be trained
+for society with his Alice by all sorts of governesses! What do you say
+to such an arrangement?"
+
+"I do not want to go to my uncle, papa. I will never go away from you.
+I mean to stay at Wolkenstein Court as long as I live."
+
+"I knew it!" said the Freiherr, triumphantly. "And they insist that you
+will marry some day,--go off with a perfect stranger and leave your
+father alone in his old age! We know better, eh, Erna? We two belong
+together and we will stay together."
+
+He stroked his child's curls with a tenderness pathetic in the bluff,
+stalwart man, and Erna nestled close to him with passionate ardour. It
+was plain to see that they belonged together; each was devoted to the
+other, heart and soul.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER II.
+
+                            A MORNING CALL.
+
+
+"Well, Herr Superintendent, you are at your post already? It is one of
+difficulty and responsibility, especially for a man of your years, but
+I hope nevertheless that you are quite competent to fulfil its duties."
+
+The young man to whom President Nordheim addressed these words bowed
+respectfully, but in no wise humbly, as he replied, "I am perfectly
+aware that I must show myself worthy of the distinction which I owe
+principally to your influence in my behalf, Herr President."
+
+"Yes, there was much against you," said Nordheim. "First of all, your
+youth, which was regarded as an obstacle by those in authority, the
+rather that older and more experienced applicants look upon their
+rejection as an offence, and finally there was a decided opposition to
+my interference in your favour. I need not tell you that you must take
+all these things into account; they will make your position far from an
+easy one."
+
+"I am prepared for that," Elmhorst replied, quietly, "and I shall not
+yield a jot to the hostility of my fellow-workers. I have hitherto,
+Herr President, had no opportunity to express my gratitude to you save
+by words; I trust I shall be able to show it by deeds at some future
+time."
+
+His answer seemed to please the president, and, far more graciously
+than was his wont, he signed to his favourite to sit down,--for such
+Elmhorst was already considered in circles that were quite conscious of
+the value of the president's preference.
+
+The young superintendent-engineer, who, upon this official visit, wore,
+of course, the livery of the company, was extremely attractive in
+appearance, tall and slender, with regular, decided features, to which
+a complexion browned by the sun, and a dark beard and moustache, lent a
+manly air. Thick brown hair was parted above a broad brow which
+betokened keen intelligence, and the eyes would have been extremely
+fine had they not been so cold and grave in expression. They might
+observe keenly, and perhaps flash with pride and energy, but they could
+hardly light up with enthusiasm, or glow with the warmer impulses of
+the heart; there was no youthful fire in their dark depths. The man's
+manner was simple and calm, perfectly respectful to his superior, but
+without a shadow of servility.
+
+"I am not quite satisfied with what I see here," Nordheim began again.
+"The men are taking a great deal of time for the preliminary work, and
+I doubt if we can begin the construction next year; there is no display
+of eagerness or energy. I begin to fear that we have made a mistake in
+putting ourselves into the hands of this engineer-in-chief."
+
+"He is considered a first-class authority," Elmhorst interposed.
+
+"True, but he has grown old, physically and mentally, and such a work
+as this demands the full vigor of manhood,--a famous name is not all
+that is required. The undertaking depends greatly upon the conductors
+of the individual sections, and your section is one of the most
+important on the entire line."
+
+"The most important, I think. We have every possible natural obstacle
+to overcome here; I am afraid we shall not always succeed, even with
+the most exact calculations."
+
+"My opinion precisely; the post requires a man capable of calculating
+upon the unforeseen, and ready in an emergency to lend a hand himself.
+I therefore nominated you, and carried through your appointment, in
+spite of all opposition; it is for you to justify my confidence in
+you."
+
+"I will justify it," was the decided reply. "You shall not find
+yourself mistaken in me, Herr President."
+
+"I am seldom deceived in men," said Nordheim, with a searching glance
+at the young man's countenance, "and of your technical capacity you
+have given proof sufficient. Your plan for bridging over the
+Wolkenstein chasm shows genius."
+
+"Herr President----"
+
+"No need to disclaim my praise, I am usually very chary of it; as a
+former engineer I can judge of such matters, and I repeat, your plan
+shows genius."
+
+"And yet for a long time it was not only not accepted, it was entirely
+disregarded," said Elmhorst, with some bitterness. "Had I not conceived
+the happy idea of requesting a personal interview with you, at which I
+explained my plans to you, they never would have been accorded the
+slightest notice."
+
+"Possibly not; talent out at elbows, with difficulty finds a hearing;
+'tis the way of the world, and one from which I, myself, suffered in my
+youth. But one conquers in the end, and you come off conqueror with
+your present position. I shall know how to maintain you in it if you do
+your duty. The rest is your own affair."
+
+He rose, and waved his hand in token of dismissal. Elmhorst also rose,
+but lingered a moment; "May I make a request?"
+
+"Certainly; what is it?"
+
+"A few weeks ago I had the honour in the city of seeing Fräulein Alice
+Nordheim, and of being hastily presented to her as she was getting into
+the carriage with you. She is now, I hear, in Heilborn,--may I be
+permitted to inquire personally after her health?"
+
+Nordheim was startled, and scanned the bold petitioner keenly. He was
+wont to have none save business relations with his officials, and was
+considered very exclusive in his choice of associates, and here was
+this young man, only a simple engineer a short time previously, asking
+a favour which signified neither more nor less than the _entrée_ of the
+house of the all-powerful president. It seemed to him a little strong;
+he frowned and said in a very cold tone, "Your request is a rather bold
+one, Herr--Elmhorst."
+
+"I know it, but Fortune favours the bold."
+
+The words might have offended another patron, but not the man to whom
+they were spoken. Influential millionaire as he was, Nordheim had
+enough of flattery and servility, and despised both from the bottom of
+his soul. This quiet self-possession, not a whit destroyed by his
+presence, impressed him; he felt it was something akin to his own
+nature. 'Fortune favours the bold!' It had been his own maxim by which
+he had mounted the social ladder, and this Elmhorst looked as if he
+never would be content with remaining on its lower rounds. The frown
+vanished from his brow, but his eyes remained fixed upon the young
+engineer's face as if to read his very soul,--his most secret thoughts.
+After a pause of a few seconds he said, slowly, "We will admit the
+proverb to be right this time. Come!"
+
+In Elmhorst's eyes there was a flash of triumph; he bowed low, and
+followed Nordheim through several rooms to the other wing of the house.
+
+Nordheim was occupying one of the most beautiful and elegant villas in
+the fashionable spa. Half hidden by the green shade of the shrubberies,
+it enjoyed a charming prospect of the mountain-range, and its interior
+was wanting in none of the luxuries to which spoiled and wealthy guests
+are accustomed. In the drawing-room the glass door alone was open, the
+jalousies were closed to keep out the glare of sunlight, and in the
+cool, darkened room sat two ladies.
+
+The elder, who held a book, and was apparently reading, was no longer
+young. Her dress, from the lace cap covering her gray hair to the hem
+of her dark silk gown, was scrupulously neat, and she sat up stiff and
+cool and elegant, an embodiment of the rules of etiquette. The younger,
+a girl of sixteen at most, a delicate, pale, frail creature, was
+sitting, or rather reclining, in a large arm-chair. Her head was
+supported by a silken cushion, and her hands were crossed idly and
+languidly in the lap of her white, lace-trimmed morning-gown. Her face,
+although hardly beautiful, was pleasing, but it wore a weary, apathetic
+expression which made it lifeless when, as at present, the eyes were
+half closed and the young lady seemed to be dozing.
+
+"Herr Wolfgang Elmhorst," said the president, introducing his
+companion. "I believe he is not quite a stranger to you, Alice. Frau
+Baroness Lasberg."
+
+Alice slowly opened her eyes, large brown eyes, which, however, shared
+the apathetic expression of her other features. There was not the
+slightest interest in her glance, and she seemed to remember neither
+the name nor the person of the young man. Frau von Lasberg, on the
+other hand, looked surprised. Only Wolfgang Elmhorst and nothing more?
+Gentlemen without rank or title were not wont to be admitted to the
+Nordheim circle; there surely must be something extraordinary about
+this young man, since the president himself introduced him.
+Nevertheless his courteous bow was acknowledged with frigid formality.
+
+"I cannot expect Fräulein Nordheim to remember me," said Wolfgang,
+advancing. "Our meeting was a very transient one; I am all the more
+grateful to the Herr President for his introduction to-day. But I fear
+Fräulein Nordheim is ill?"
+
+"Only rather fatigued from her journey," the president made answer in
+his daughter's stead. "How are you to-day, Alice?"
+
+"I feel wretched, papa," the young lady replied in a gentle voice, but
+one quite devoid of expression.
+
+"The heat of the sun in the narrow valley is insufferable," Frau von
+Lasberg observed. "This sultry atmosphere always has an unfavourable
+effect upon Alice; I fear she will not be able to bear it."
+
+"The physicians have ordered her to Heilborn, and we must await the
+result," said Nordheim, in a tone that was impatient rather than
+tender. Alice said not a word; her strength seemed exhausted by her
+short reply to her father's inquiry, and she left it to Frau von
+Lasberg and her father to continue the conversation.
+
+Elmhorst's share in it was at first a very modest one, but gradually
+and almost imperceptibly he took the lead, and he certainly understood
+the art of conversation. His remarks were not commonplaces about the
+weather and every-day occurrences; he talked of things which might have
+been thought foreign to the interest of the ladies,--things which had
+to do with the railway enterprise among the mountains. He described the
+Wolkenstein, its stupendous proportions, its heights which dominated
+the entire mountain-range, the yawning abyss which the bridge was to
+span, the rushing mountain-stream, and the iron road which was to wind
+through cliffs and forests above streams and chasms. His were no dry
+descriptions, no technical explanations,--he unrolled a brilliant
+picture of the gigantic undertaking before his listeners, and he
+succeeded in enthralling them. Frau von Lasberg became some degrees
+less cool and formal; she even asked a few questions, expressing her
+interest in the matter, and Alice, although she persisted in her
+silence, evidently listened, and sometimes bestowed a half-surprised
+glance upon the speaker.
+
+The president seemed equally surprised by the conversational talent of
+his _protégé_, with whom, hitherto, he had talked about official and
+technical matters only. He knew that the young man had been bred in
+moderate circumstances, and that he was unused to 'society' so called,
+and here he was in this drawing-room conversing with these ladies as if
+he had been accustomed to such intercourse all his life. And there was
+an entire absence in his manner of anything like forwardness; he knew
+perfectly well how to keep within the bounds assigned by good breeding
+for a first visit.
+
+In the midst of their conversation a servant appeared, and with a
+rather embarrassed air announced, "A gentleman calling himself Baron
+Thurgau wishes----"
+
+"Yes, wishes to speak to his illustrious brother-in-law," a loud, angry
+voice interrupted him, as he was thrust aside by a powerful arm.
+"Thunder and lightning, what sort of a household have you got here,
+Nordheim? I believe the Emperor of China is more easy of access than
+you are! We had to break through three outposts, and even then the
+betagged and betasselled pack would have denied us admittance. You have
+brought an entire suite with you."
+
+Alice had started in terror at the sound of the stentorian voice, and
+Frau von Lasberg rose slowly and solemnly in mute indignation, seeming
+to ask by her looks the meaning of this intrusion. The president too
+did not appear to approve of this mode of announcement; but he
+collected himself immediately and advanced to meet his brother-in-law,
+who was followed by his daughter.
+
+"Probably you did not at first mention your name," he said, "or such a
+mistake could not have occurred. The servants do not yet know you."
+
+"Well, there would have been no harm in admitting any simple, honest
+man to your presence," Thurgau growled, still red with irritation. "But
+that is not the fashion here, apparently; it was only when I added the
+'Baron' that they condescended to admit us."
+
+The servant's error was undeniably excusable, for the Freiherr wore his
+usual mountaineer's garb, and Erna hardly looked like a young Baroness,
+although she had not donned her storm-costume to-day. She wore a simple
+gown of some dark stuff, rather more suitable for a mountain ramble
+than for paying visits, and as simple a straw hat tied over her curls,
+which were, however, confined to-day in a silken net, against which
+they evidently rebelled. She seemed to resent their reception even more
+than did her father, for she stood beside him with a frown and a
+haughty curl of the lip, gloomily scanning those present. Behind the
+pair appeared the inevitable Griff, who had shown his teeth angrily
+when the servant attempted to shut him out of the room, and who
+maintained his place in the unshaken conviction that he belonged
+wherever his mistress was.
+
+The president would have tried to smooth matters, but Thurgau, whose
+wrath was wont to evaporate as quickly as it was aroused, did not allow
+him to speak. "There is Alice!" he exclaimed. "God bless you, child,
+I'm glad to see you again! But, my poor girl, how you look! not a drop
+of blood in your cheeks. Why, this is pitiful!"
+
+Amid such flattering remarks he approached the young lady to bestow
+upon her what he considered a tender embrace; but Frau von Lasberg
+interposed between Alice and himself with, "I beg of you!" uttered in a
+sharp tone, as if to shield the girl from an assault.
+
+"Come, come, I shall do my niece no harm," Thurgau said, with renewed
+vexation. "You need not protect her from me as you would a lamb from a
+wolf. Whom have I the honour of addressing?"
+
+"I am the Baroness Lasberg!" the lady explained, with due emphasis upon
+the title. Her whole manner expressed frigid reserve, but it availed
+her nothing here. The Freiherr cordially clasped one of the hands she
+had extended to ward him off, and shook it until it ached again.
+
+"Extremely happy, madame, extremely so. My name you have heard, and
+this is my daughter. Come, Erna, why do you stand there so silent? Are
+you not going to speak to Alice?"
+
+Erna approached slowly, a frown still on her brow, but it vanished
+entirely at sight of her young cousin lying so weary and pale among her
+cushions; suddenly with all her wonted eagerness she threw her arms
+round Alice's neck and cried out, "Poor Alice, I am so sorry you are
+ill!"
+
+Alice accepted the caress without returning it; but when the blooming,
+rosy face nestled close to her colourless cheek, when a pair of fresh
+lips pressed her own, and the warm, tender tones fell on her ear,
+something akin to a smile appeared upon her apathetic features and she
+replied, softly, "I am not ill, only tired."
+
+"Pray, Baroness, be less demonstrative," Frau von Lasberg said, coldly.
+"Alice must be very gently treated; her nerves are extremely
+sensitive."
+
+"What? Nerves?" said Thurgau. "That's a complaint of the city folks.
+With us at Wolkenstein Court there are no such things. You ought to
+come with Alice to us, madame; I'll promise you that in three weeks
+neither of you will have a single nerve."
+
+"I can readily believe it," the lady replied, with an indignant glance.
+
+"Come, Thurgau, let us leave the children to make acquaintance with
+each other; they have not seen each other for years," said Nordheim,
+who, although quite used to his brother-in-law's rough manner, was
+annoyed by it in the present company. He would have led the way to the
+next room, but Elmhorst, who during this domestic scene had
+considerately withdrawn to the recess of a window, now advanced, as if
+about to take his leave, whereupon the president, of course, presented
+him to his relative.
+
+Thurgau immediately remembered the name which he had heard mentioned in
+no flattering fashion by the comrades of the young superintendent,
+whose attractive exterior seemed only to confirm the Freiherr in his
+mistrust of him. Erna too had turned towards the stranger; she suddenly
+started and retreated a step.
+
+"This is not the first time that I have had the honour of meeting the
+Baroness Thurgau," said Elmhorst, bowing courteously. "She was kind
+enough to act as my guide when I had lost my way among the cliffs of
+the Wolkenstein. Her name, indeed, I hear to-day for the first time."
+
+"Ah, indeed. So this was the stranger whom you met?" growled Thurgau,
+not greatly edified, it would seem, by this encounter.
+
+"I trust the Baroness was not alone?" Frau von Lasberg inquired, in a
+tone which betrayed her horror at such a possibility.
+
+"Of course I was alone!" Erna exclaimed, perceiving the reproach in the
+lady's words, and flaming up indignantly. "I always walk alone in the
+mountains, with only Griff for a companion. Be quiet, Griff! Lie down!"
+
+Elmhorst had tried to stroke the beautiful animal, but his advances had
+been met with an angry growl. At the sound of his mistress's voice,
+however, the dog was instantly silent and lay down obediently at her
+feet.
+
+"The dog is not cross, I hope?" Nordheim asked, with evident annoyance.
+"If he is, I must really entreat----"
+
+"Griff is never cross," Erna interposed almost angrily. "He never hurts
+any one, and always lets strangers pat him, but he does not like this
+gentleman at all, and----"
+
+"Baroness--I beg of you!" murmured Frau von Lasberg, with difficulty
+maintaining her formal demeanour. Elmhorst, however, acknowledged
+Erna's words with a low bow.
+
+"I am excessively mortified to have fallen into disgrace with Herr
+Griff, and, as I fear, with his mistress also," he declared, "but it
+really is not my fault. Allow me, ladies, to bid you good-morning."
+
+He approached Alice, beside whom Frau von Lasberg was standing guard,
+as if to protect her from all contact with these savages who had
+suddenly burst into the drawing-room, and who could not, unfortunately,
+be turned out, because, setting aside the relationship, they were Baron
+and Baroness born.
+
+On the other hand, this young man with the bourgeois name conducted
+himself like a gentleman. His voice was gentle and sympathetic as he
+expressed the hope that Fräulein Nordheim would recover her health in
+the air of Heilborn; he courteously kissed the hand of the elder lady
+when she graciously extended it to him, and then he turned to the
+president to take leave of him also, when a most unexpected
+interruption occurred.
+
+Outside on the balcony, which overhung the garden and was half filled
+with blossoming shrubs, appeared a kitten, which had probably found its
+way thither from the garden. It approached the open glass door with
+innocent curiosity, and, unfortunately, came within the range of
+Griff's vision. The dog, in his hereditary hostility to the tribe of
+cats, started up, barking violently, almost overturned Frau von
+Lasberg, shot past Alice, frightening her terribly, and out upon the
+balcony, where a wild chase began. The terrified kitten tore hither and
+thither with lightning-like rapidity without finding any outlet of
+escape and with its persecutor in close pursuit; the glass panes of the
+door rattled, the flower-pots were overturned and smashed, and amidst
+the confusion were heard the Freiherr's shrill whistle and Erna's voice
+of command. The dog, young, not fully broken, and eager for the chase,
+did not obey,--the hurly-burly was frightful.
+
+At last the kitten succeeded in jumping upon the balustrade of the
+balcony and thence down into the garden. But Griff would not let his
+prey escape him thus; he leaped after it, overturning as he did so the
+only flower-pot as yet uninjured, and immediately afterwards there was
+a terrific barking in the garden, mingled with a child's scream of
+terror.
+
+All this happened in less than two minutes, and when Thurgau
+hurried out on the balcony to establish peace it was already too
+late. Meanwhile, the drawing-room was a scene of indescribable
+confusion,--Alice had a nervous attack, and lay with her eyes closed in
+Frau von Lasberg's arms; Elmhorst, with quick presence of mind, had
+picked up a cologne-bottle and was sprinkling with its contents the
+fainting girl's temples and forehead, while the president, scowling,
+pulled the bell to summon the servants. In the midst of all this the
+two gentlemen and Frau von Lasberg witnessed a spectacle which almost
+took away their breath. The young Baroness, the Freifräulein von
+Thurgau, suddenly stood upon the balustrade of the balcony, but only
+for an instant, before she sprang down into the garden.
+
+This was too much! Frau von Lasberg dropped Alice out of her arms and
+sank into the nearest armchair. Elmhorst found himself necessitated to
+come to her relief also with cologne, which he sprinkled impartially to
+the right and to the left.
+
+Below in the garden Erna's interference was very necessary. The child
+whose screams had caused her to spring from the balcony was a little
+boy, and he held his kitten clasped in his arms, while before him stood
+the huge dog, barking loudly, without, however, touching the little
+fellow. The child was in extreme terror, and went on screaming until
+Erna seized the dog by the collar and dragged him away.
+
+Baron Thurgau, meanwhile, stood quietly on the balcony observing the
+course of affairs. He knew that the child would not be hurt, for Griff
+was not at all vicious. When Erna returned to the house with the
+culprit, now completely subdued, while the child unharmed ran off with
+his kitten, the Freiherr turned and called out in stentorian tones to
+his brother-in-law in the drawing-room, "There! did I not tell you,
+Nordheim, that my Erna was a grand girl?"
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER III.
+
+                              EXPLANATORY.
+
+
+President Nordheim belonged to the class of men who owe their success
+to themselves. The son of a petty official, with no means of his own,
+he had educated himself as an engineer, and had lived in very narrow
+circumstances until he suddenly appeared before the public with a
+technical invention which attracted the attention of the entire
+profession. The first mountain-railway had just been projected, and the
+young, obscure engineer had devised a locomotive which could drag the
+trains up the heights. The invention was as clever as it was practical;
+it instantly distanced all competing devices, and was adopted by the
+company, which finally purchased the patent from the inventor at a
+price which then seemed a fortune to him, and which certainly laid the
+foundation of his future wealth, for he took rank immediately among men
+of enterprise.
+
+Contrary to expectation, however, Nordheim did not pursue the path in
+which he had made so brilliant a _début_; strangely enough, he seemed
+to lose interest in it, and adopted another, although kindred, career.
+He undertook the formation and the financial conduct of a large
+building association, of which in a few years he made an enormous
+success, meanwhile increasing his own property tenfold.
+
+Other projects were the consequence of this first undertaking, and with
+the increase of his means the magnitude of his schemes increased, and
+it became clear that this was the field for the exercise of his
+talents. He was not a man to ponder and pore for years over technical
+details,--he needed to plunge into the life of the age, to venture and
+contrive, making all possible interests subservient to his success, and
+developing in all directions his great talent for organization.
+
+In his restless activity he never failed to select the right man for
+the right place; he overcame all obstacles, sought and found sources of
+help everywhere, and fortune stood his energy in stead. The enterprises
+of which Nordheim was the head were sure to succeed, and while he
+himself became a millionaire, his influence in all circles with which
+he had any connection was incalculable.
+
+The president's wife had died a few years since,--a loss which was not
+especially felt by him, for his marriage had not been a very happy one.
+He had married when he was a simple engineer, and his quiet,
+unpretending wife had not known how to accommodate herself to his
+growing fortunes and to play the part of _grande dame_ to her husband's
+satisfaction. Then too the son which she bore him, and whom he had
+hoped to make the heir of his schemes, died when an infant. Alice was
+born some years afterwards, a delicate, sickly child, for whose life
+the greatest anxiety was always felt, and whose phlegmatic temperament
+was antagonistic to the vivid energy of her father's nature. She was
+his only daughter, his future heiress, and as such he surrounded her
+with every luxury that wealth could procure, but she made no part of
+his life, and he was glad to intrust her education and herself to the
+Baroness Lasberg.
+
+Nordheim's only sister, who had lived beneath his roof, had bestowed
+her hand upon the Freiherr von Thurgau, then a captain in the army. Her
+brother, who had just achieved his first successes, would have
+preferred another suitor to the last scion of an impoverished noble
+family, who possessed nothing save his sword and a small estate high up
+among the mountains, but, since the couple loved each other tenderly
+and there was no objection to be made to Thurgau personally, the
+brother's consent was not withheld.
+
+The young people lived very modestly, but in the enjoyment of a
+domestic happiness quite lacking in Nordheim's wealthy household, and
+their only child, the little Erna, grew up in the broad sunshine of
+love and content. Unfortunately, Thurgau lost his wife after six years
+of married life, and, sensitive as he was, the unexpected blow so
+crushed him that he determined to leave the army, and to retire from
+the world entirely. Nordheim, whose restless ambition could not
+comprehend such a resolve, combated it most earnestly, but in vain; his
+brother-in-law resisted him with all the obstinacy of his nature. He
+quitted the service in which he had attained the rank of major, and
+retired with his daughter to Wolkenstein Court, the modest income from
+which, joined to his pension, sufficing for his simple needs.
+
+Since then there had been a certain amount of estrangement between the
+brothers-in-law; the mediating influence of the wife and sister was
+lacking, and in addition their homes were very wide apart. They saw
+each other rarely, and letters were interchanged still more rarely
+until the construction of the mountain-railway and the necessity for
+purchasing Thurgau's estate brought about a meeting.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER IV.
+
+                           THE LAST THURGAU.
+
+
+About a week had passed since the visit to Heilborn, when Dr. Reinsfeld
+again took his way to Wolkenstein Court, but on this occasion he was
+not alone, for beside him walked Superintendent Elmhorst.
+
+"I never should have dreamed, Wolfgang, that fate would bring us
+together again here," said the young physician, gaily. "When we parted
+two years ago, you jeered at me for going into 'the wilderness,' as you
+were pleased to express yourself, and now you have sought it yourself."
+
+"To bring cultivation to this wilderness," Wolfgang continued the
+sentence. "You indeed seem very comfortable here; you have fairly taken
+root in the miserable mountain-village where I discovered you, Benno; I
+am working here for my future."
+
+"I should think you might be contented with your present." Benno
+observed. "A superintendent-engineer at twenty-seven,--it would be hard
+to surpass that. Between ourselves, your comrades are furious at
+your appointment. Take care, Wolf, or you will find yourself in a
+wasps'-nest."
+
+"Do you imagine I fear to be stung? I know all you say is true, and I
+have already given the gentlemen to understand that I am not inclined
+to tolerate obstacles thrown in my way, and that they must pay me the
+respect due to a superior. If they want war, they shall have it!"
+
+"Yes, you were always pugnacious; I never could endure to be
+perpetually upon a war-footing with those about me."
+
+"I know it; you are the same peace-loving old Benno that you always
+were, who never could say a cross word to anyone, and who consequently
+was maltreated by his beloved fellow-beings whenever an opportunity
+offered. How often have I told you that you never could get on in the
+world so! and to get on in the world is what we all desire."
+
+"You certainly are striding on in seven-league boots," said Reinsfeld,
+dryly. "You are the acknowledged favourite, they say, of the omnipotent
+President Nordheim. I saw him again lately at Wolkenstein Court."
+
+"Saw him again? Did you know him before?"
+
+"Certainly, in my boyhood. He and my father were friends and
+fellow-students; Nordheim used to come to our house daily; I have sat
+upon his knee often enough when he spent the evening with us."
+
+"Indeed? Well, I hope you reminded him of it when you met him."
+
+"No; Baron Thurgau did not mention my name----"
+
+"And of course you did not do so either," said Wolfgang, laughing.
+"Just like you! Chance brings you into contact with an influential man
+whose mere word would procure you an advantageous position, and you
+never even tell him your name! I shall repair your omission; the first
+time I see the president I shall tell him----"
+
+"Pray do no such thing. Wolf," Benno interrupted him. "You had better
+say nothing about it."
+
+"And why not?"
+
+"Because--the man has risen to such a height in life that he might not
+like to be reminded of the time when he was a simple engineer."
+
+"You do him injustice. He is proud of his humble origin, as all clever
+men are, and he could not fail to be pleased to be reminded of an early
+friend."
+
+Reinsfeld gently shook his head. "I am afraid the memory would be a
+painful one. Something happened later,--I never knew what,--I was a boy
+at the time; but I know that the breach was complete. Nordheim never
+came again to our house, and my father avoided even the mention of his
+name; they were entirely estranged."
+
+"Then of course you could not reckon upon his favour," said Elmhorst,
+in a disappointed tone. "The president seems to me to be one who never
+forgives a supposed offence."
+
+"Yes, they say he has grown extremely haughty and domineering. I wonder
+that you can get along with him. You are not a man to cringe."
+
+"That is precisely why he likes me. I leave cringing and fawning to
+servile souls who may perhaps thus procure some subordinate position.
+Whoever wishes really to rise must hold his head erect and keep his
+eyes fixed upon the goal above him, or he will continue to crawl on the
+ground."
+
+"I suppose your goal is a couple of millions," Benno said, ironically.
+"You never were very modest in your plans for the future. What do you
+wish to be? The president of your company?"
+
+"Perhaps so at some future time; for the present only his son-in-law."
+
+"I thought there was something of the kind in your mind!" exclaimed
+Benno, bursting into a laugh. "Of course you are sure to be right,
+Wolf; but why not rather pluck down yonder sun from the sky? It would
+be quite as easy."
+
+"Do you fancy I am in jest?" asked Wolfgang, coolly.
+
+"Yes, I do take that liberty, for you cannot be serious in aspiring to
+the daughter of a man whose wealth and consequence are almost
+proverbial. Nordheim's heiress may choose among any number of Freiherrs
+and Counts, if indeed she does not prefer a millionaire."
+
+"Then all the Freiherrs and Counts must be outdone," said the young
+engineer, calmly, "and that is what I propose to do."
+
+Dr. Reinsfeld suddenly paused and looked at his friend with some
+anxiety; he even made a slight movement as if to feel his pulse.
+
+"Then you are either a little off your head or in love," he remarked,
+with decision. "For a lover nothing is impossible, and this visit to
+Heilborn seems to be fraught with destiny for you. My poor boy, this is
+very sad."
+
+"In love?" Wolfgang repeated, a smile of ineffable contempt curling his
+lip. "No, Benno, you know I never have either time or inclination to
+think of love, and now less than ever. But do not look so shocked, as
+if I were talking high treason. I give you my word that Alice Nordheim,
+if she marries me, shall never repent it. She shall have the most
+attentive and considerate of husbands."
+
+"Indeed you must forgive me for finding all this calculation most
+sordid," the young physician burst forth indignantly. "You are young
+and gifted; you have attained a position for which hundreds would envy
+you, and which relieves you from all care; the future lies open before
+you, and all you think of is the pursuit of a wealthy wife. For shame,
+Wolfgang!"
+
+"My dear Benno, you do not understand," Wolfgang declared, enduring his
+friend's reproof with great serenity. "You idealists never comprehend
+that we must take into account human nature and the world. You will, of
+course, marry for love, spend your life slaving laboriously in some
+obscure country town to procure bread for your wife and children, and
+at last sink noiselessly into the grave with the edifying consciousness
+that you have been true to your ideal. I am of another stripe,--I
+demand of life everything or nothing."
+
+"Well, then, in heaven's name win it by your own exertions!" exclaimed
+Benno, growing every moment more and more indignant. "Your grand model,
+President Nordheim, did it."
+
+"He certainly did, but it took him more than twenty years. We are now
+slowly and laboriously plodding up this mountain-road in the sweat of
+our brows. Look at that winged fellow there!" He pointed to a huge bird
+of prey circling above the abyss. "His wings will carry him in a few
+minutes to the summit of the Wolkenstein. Yes, it must be fine to stand
+up there and see the whole world at his feet, and to be near the sun. I
+do not choose to wait for it until I am old and gray. I wish to mount
+_now_ and, rely upon it, I shall dare the flight sooner or later."
+
+He drew himself up to his full height; his dark eyes flashed, his fine
+features were instinct with energy and ambition. The man impressed you
+as capable of venturing a flight of which others would not even dream.
+
+There was a sudden rustling among the larches on the side of the road,
+and Griff came bounding down from above, and leaped about the young
+physician in expectation of the wonted caress. His mistress also
+appeared on the height, following the course which the dog had taken,
+springing down over stones and roots of trees, directly through the
+underbrush, until at last, with glowing cheeks, she reached the road.
+
+Frau von Lasberg would certainly have found some satisfaction in the
+manner in which the greeting of the Herr Superintendent was returned,
+with all the cool dignity becoming a Baroness Thurgau, while a
+contemptuous glance was cast at the elegance of the young man's
+costume.
+
+Elmhorst wore to-day an easy, loose suit bearing some similitude to the
+dress of a mountaineer, and very like that of his friend, but it became
+him admirably; he looked like some distinguished tourist making an
+expedition with his guide. Dr. Reinsfeld with his negligent carriage
+certainly showed to disadvantage beside that tall, slender figure; his
+gray jacket and his hat were decidedly weather-worn, but that evidently
+gave him no concern. His eyes sparkled with pleasure at sight of the
+young girl, who greeted him with her wonted cordial familiarity.
+
+"You are coming to us, Herr Doctor, are you not?" she asked.
+
+"Of course, Fräulein Erna; are you all well?"
+
+"Papa was not well this morning, but he has nevertheless gone shooting.
+I have been to meet him with Griff, but we could not find him; he must
+have taken another way home."
+
+She joined the two gentlemen, who now left the mountain-road and took
+the somewhat steep path leading to Wolkenstein Court. Griff seemed
+scarcely reconciled to the presence of the young engineer: he greeted
+him with a growl and showed his teeth.
+
+"What is the matter with Griff?" Reinsfeld asked. "He is usually kindly
+and good-humoured with everybody."
+
+"He does not seem to include me in his universal philanthropy," said
+Elmhorst, with a shrug. "He has made me several such declarations of
+war, and his good humour cannot always be depended upon; bestirred up a
+terrible uproar in Heilborn, in the Herr President's drawing-room,
+where Fräulein von Thurgau achieved a deed of positive heroism in
+comforting a little child whom the dog had nearly frightened to death."
+
+"And, meanwhile, Herr Elmhorst applied himself to the succour of the
+fainting ladies," Erna said, ironically. "Upon my return to the
+drawing-room I observed his courteous attentions to both Alice and Frau
+von Lasberg,--how impartially he deluged both with cologne. Oh, it was
+diverting in the extreme!"
+
+She laughed merrily. For an instant Elmhorst compressed his lips with
+an angry glance at the girl, but the next he rejoined politely: "You
+took such instant possession of the heroic part in the drama, Fräulein
+von Thurgau, that nothing was left for me but my insignificant _rôle_.
+You cannot accuse me of timidity after meeting me upon the Wolkenstein,
+although in my entire ignorance of the locality I did not reach the
+summit."
+
+"And you never will reach it," Reinsfeld interposed. "The summit is
+inaccessible; even the boldest mountaineers are checked by those
+perpendicular walls, and more than one foolhardy climber has forfeited
+his life in the attempt to ascend them."
+
+"Does the mountain-sprite guard her throne so jealously?" Elmhorst
+asked, laughing. "She seems to be a most energetic lady, tossing about
+avalanches as if they were snowballs, and requiring as many human
+sacrifices yearly as any heathen goddess."
+
+He looked up to the Wolkenstein,[1] which justified its title: while
+all the other mountain-summits were defined clearly against the sky,
+its top was hidden in white mists.
+
+"You ought not to jest about it, Wolfgang," said the young physician,
+with some irritation. "You have never yet spent an autumn and winter
+here, and you do not know her, our wild mountain-sprite, the fearful
+elemental force of the Alps, which only too frequently menaces the
+lives and the dwellings of the poor mountaineers. She is feared, not
+without reason, here in her realm; but you seem to have become quite
+familiar with the legend."
+
+"Fräulein von Thurgau had the kindness to make me acquainted with the
+stern dame," said Wolfgang. "She did indeed receive us very
+ungraciously on the threshold of her palace, with a furious storm, and
+I was not allowed the privilege of a personal introduction."
+
+"Take care,--you might have to pay dearly for the favour!" exclaimed
+Erna, irritated by his sarcasm. Elmhorst's mocking smile was certainly
+provoking.
+
+"Fräulein von Thurgau, you must not expect from me any consideration
+for mountain-sprites. I am here for the express purpose of waging war
+against them. The industries of the nineteenth century have nothing in
+common with the fear of ghosts. Pray do not look so indignant. Our
+railway is not going over the Wolkenstein, and your mountain-sprite
+will remain seated upon her throne undisturbed. Of course she cannot
+but behold thence how we take possession of her realm and girdle it
+with our chains. But I have not the remotest intention of interfering
+with your faith. At _your_ age it is quite comprehensible."
+
+He could not have irritated his youthful antagonist more deeply than by
+these words, which so distinctly assigned her a place among children.
+They were the most insulting that could be addressed to the girl of
+sixteen, and they had their effect. Erna stood erect, as angry and
+determined as if she herself had been threatened with fetters; her eyes
+flashed as she exclaimed, with all the wayward defiance of a child, "I
+wish the mountain-sprite would descend upon her wings of storm from the
+Wolkenstein and show you her face,--you would not ask to see it again!"
+
+With this she turned and flew, rather than ran, across the meadow, with
+Griff after her. The slender figure, its curls unbound again to-day,
+vanished in a few minutes within the house. Wolfgang paused and looked
+after her; the sarcastic smile still hovered upon his lips, but there
+was a sharp tone in his voice.
+
+"What is Baron Thurgau thinking of, to let his daughter grow up so? She
+would be quite impossible in civilized surroundings; she is barely
+tolerable in this mountain wilderness."
+
+"Yes, she has grown up wild and free as an Alpine rose," said Benno,
+whose eyes were still fixed upon the door behind which Erna had
+disappeared. Elmhorst turned suddenly and looked keenly at his friend.
+
+"You are actually poetical! Are you touched there?"
+
+"I?" asked Benno, surprised, almost dismayed. "What are you thinking
+of?"
+
+"I only thought it strange to have you season your speech with
+imagery,--it is not your way. Moreover, your 'Alpine rose' is an
+extremely wayward, spoiled child; you will have to educate her first."
+
+The words were not uttered as an innocent jest; they had a harsh,
+sarcastic flavour, and apparently offended the young physician, who
+replied, irritably, "No more of this, Wolf! Rather tell me what takes
+you to Wolkenstein Court. You wish to speak with the Freiherr?"
+
+"Yes; but our interview can hardly be an agreeable one. You know that
+we need the estate for our line of railway; it was refused us, and we
+had to fall back upon our right of compulsion. The obstinate old Baron
+was not content: he protested again and again, and refused to allow a
+survey to be made upon his soil. The man positively fancies that his
+'no' will avail him. Of course his protest was laid upon the table, and
+since the time of probation granted him has expired and we are in
+possession, I am to inform him that the preliminary work is about to
+begin."
+
+Reinsfeld had listened in silence with an extremely grave expression,
+and his voice showed some anxiety as he said, "Wolf, let me beg you not
+to go about this business with your usual luck of consideration. The
+Freiherr is really not responsible on this head. I have taken pains
+again and again to explain to him that his opposition must be
+fruitless, but he is thoroughly convinced that no one either can or
+will take from him his inheritance. He is attached to it with every
+fibre of his heart, and if he really must relinquish it, I am afraid it
+will go nigh to kill him."
+
+"Not at all! He will yield like a reasonable man as soon as he sees the
+unavoidable necessity. I certainly shall be duly considerate, since he
+is the president's brother-in-law; otherwise I should not have come
+hither to-day, but have set the engineers to work. Nordheim wishes that
+everything should be done to spare the old man's feelings, and so I
+have undertaken the affair myself."
+
+"There will be a scene," said Benno, "Baron Thurgau is the best man in
+the world, but incredibly passionate and violent when he thinks his
+rights infringed upon. You do not know him yet."
+
+"You mistake; I have the honour of knowing him, and his primitive
+characteristics. He gave me an opportunity of observing them at
+Heilborn, and I am prepared to-day to meet with the roughest usage. But
+you are right; the man is irresponsible in matters of grave importance,
+and I shall treat him accordingly."
+
+They had now reached the house, which they entered. Thurgau had just
+come in; his gun still lay on the table, and beside it a couple of
+moor-fowl, the result of his morning's sport. Erna had probably advised
+him of the coming visitors, for he showed no surprise at sight of the
+young superintendent.
+
+"Well, doctor," he called out to Reinsfeld, with a laugh, "you are just
+in time to see how disobedient I have been. There lie my betrayers!" He
+pointed to his gun and the trophies of his chase.
+
+"Your looks would have informed me," Reinsfeld replied, with a glance
+at the Freiherr's crimson, heated face. "Moreover, you were not well
+this morning, I hear."
+
+He would have felt Thurgau's pulse, but the hand was withdrawn: "Time
+enough for that after a while; you bring me a guest."
+
+"I have taken the liberty of calling upon you, Herr von Thurgau," said
+Wolfgang, approaching; "and if I am not unwelcome----"
+
+"As a man you are certainly welcome, as a superintendent-engineer you
+are not," the Freiherr declared, after his blunt fashion. "I am glad to
+see you, but not a word of your cursed railway, I entreat, or, in spite
+of the duties of hospitality, I shall turn you out of doors."
+
+He placed a chair for his guest and took his own accustomed seat.
+Elmhorst saw at a glance how difficult his errand would be; he felt as
+a tiresome burden the consideration he was compelled by circumstances
+to pay, but the burden must be shouldered, and so he began at first in
+a jesting tone.
+
+"I am aware of what a fierce foe you are to our enterprise. My office
+is the worst of recommendations in your eyes; therefore I did not
+venture to come alone, but brought my friend with me as a protection."
+
+"Dr. Reinsfeld is a friend of yours?" asked Thurgau, in whose
+estimation the young official seemed suddenly to rise.
+
+"A friend of my boyhood; we were at the same school, and afterwards
+studied at the same university, although our professions differed. I
+hunted up Benno as soon as I came here, and I trust we shall always be
+good comrades."
+
+"Yes, we all lived here very pleasantly so long as we were by
+ourselves," the Freiherr said, aggressively. "When you came here with
+your cursed railway the worry began, and when the shrieking and
+whistling begin there will be an end of comfort and quiet."
+
+"Now, papa, you are transgressing your own rule and talking of the
+railway," Erna cried, laughing. "But you must come with me, Herr
+Doctor. I want to show you what my cousin Alice has sent me from
+Heilborn; it is charming."
+
+With the eager impatience of a child, who cannot wait to display its
+treasures, she carried off the young physician into the next room, thus
+giving the Herr Superintendent fresh occasion to disapprove of her
+education, or rather of the want of it. On this point he quite agreed
+with Frau Lasberg. What sort of way was this to behave towards a young
+man, were he even ten times a physician and the friend of the family!
+
+Benno as he followed her glanced anxiously at the two left behind; he
+knew what topic would now be discussed, but he relied upon his friend's
+talent for diplomacy, and, moreover, the door was left open. If the
+tempest raged too fiercely, he might interfere.
+
+"Yes, yes, the matter cannot be avoided," the Freiherr growled, and
+Elmhorst, glad to come to business, took up his words.
+
+"You are quite right, Herr Baron, it will not be ignored, and on peril
+of your fulfilling your threat and really turning me out of doors, I
+must present myself to you as the agent of the railway company
+intrusted with imparting to you certain information. The measurements
+and surveys upon the Wolkenstein estate cannot possibly be delayed any
+longer, and the engineers will go to work here in the course of a few
+days."
+
+"They will do no such thing!" Thurgau exclaimed, angrily. "How often
+must I repeat that I will not allow anything of the kind upon my
+property!"
+
+"Upon your property? The estate is no longer your property," said
+Elmhorst, calmly. "The company bought it months ago, and the
+purchase-money has been lying ready ever since. That business was
+finished long ago."
+
+"Nothing has been finished!" shouted the Freiherr, his irritation
+increasing. "Do you imagine I care a button for judgments that outrage
+all justice, and which your company procured God only knows by what
+rascality? Do you suppose I am going to leave my house and home to make
+way for your locomotives? Not one step will I stir, and if----"
+
+"Pray do not excite yourself thus, Herr von Thurgau," Wolfgang
+interrupted him. "At present there is no idea of driving you away,--it
+is only that the preliminary surveys must be begun; the house itself
+will remain entirely at your disposal until next spring."
+
+"Very kind of you!" Thurgau laughed, bitterly. "Till next spring! And
+what then?"
+
+"Then, of course, it must go."
+
+The Freiherr was about to burst forth again, but there was something in
+the young man's cool composure that forced him to control himself. He
+made an effort to do so, but his colour deepened and his breath was
+short and laboured, as he said, roughly,--
+
+"Does that seem to you a matter 'of course'? But what can you know of
+the devotion a man feels for his inheritance? You belong, like my
+brother-in-law, to the century of steam. He builds himself three--four
+palaces, each more gorgeous than its predecessor, and in none of them
+is he at home. He lives in them one day and sells them the next, as the
+whim takes him. Wolkenstein Court has been the home of the Thurgaus for
+two centuries, and shall remain so until the last Thurgau closes his
+eyes, rely----"
+
+He broke off in the midst of his sentence, and, as if suddenly attacked
+by vertigo, grasped the table, but it was only for a few seconds;
+angry, as it were, at the unwonted weakness, he stood erect again and
+went on with ever-increasing bitterness: "We have lost all else; we did
+not understand how to bargain and to hoard, and gradually all has
+vanished save the old nest where stood the cradle of our line; to that
+we have held fast through ruin and disaster. We would sooner have
+starved than have relinquished it. And now comes your railway, and
+threatens to raze my house to the ground, to trample upon rights
+hundreds of years old, and to take from me what is mine by the law of
+justice and of God! Only try it! I say no,--and again no. It is my last
+word."
+
+He did indeed look ready to make good his refusal with his life, and
+another man might either have been silent or have postponed further
+discussion. But Wolfgang had no idea of anything of the kind; he had
+undertaken to bring the matter to a conclusion, and he persisted.
+
+"Those mountains outside," he said, gravely, "have been standing longer
+than Wolkenstein Court, and the forests are more firmly rooted in the
+soil than are you in your home, and yet they must yield. I am afraid
+Herr von Thurgau, that you have no conception of the gigantic nature of
+our undertaking, of the means at its disposal, and of the obstacles it
+must overcome. We penetrate rocks and forests, divert rivers from their
+course, and bridge across abysses. Whatever is in our path must give
+way. We come off victorious in our battle with the elements. Ask
+yourself if the will of one man can bar our progress."
+
+A pause of a few seconds ensued. Thurgau made no reply; his furious
+anger seemed dissipated by the invincible composure of his opponent,
+who confronted him with perfect respect and an entire adherence to
+courtesy. But his clear voice had an inexorable tone, and the look
+which encountered that of the Freiherr with such cold resolve seemed to
+cast a spell upon Thurgau. He had hitherto shown himself entirely
+impervious to all persuasion, all explanation; he had, with all the
+obstinacy of his character, intrenched himself behind his rights, as
+impregnable, in his estimation, as the mountains themselves. To-day for
+the first time it occurred to him that his antagonism might be
+shattered, that he might be forced to succumb to a power that had laid
+its iron grasp thus upon the mountains. He leaned heavily upon the
+table again and struggled for breath, while speech seemed denied him.
+
+"You may rest assured that we shall proceed with all possible regard
+for you," Wolfgang began again. "The preliminary work which we are
+about to undertake will scarcely disturb you, and during the winter you
+will be entirely unmolested; the construction of the road will not
+begin until the spring, and then, of course----"
+
+"I must yield, you think," Thurgau interposed, hoarsely.
+
+"Yes, you _must_, Herr Baron," said Elmhorst, coldly.
+
+The fateful word, the truth of which instantly sank into his
+consciousness, robbed the Freiherr of the last remnant of composure; he
+rebelled against it with a violence that was almost terrifying, and
+that might well have caused a doubt as to his mental balance.
+
+"But I will not,--will not, I tell you!" he gasped, almost beside
+himself "Let rocks and mountains make way before you, _I_ will not
+yield. Have a care of our mountains, lest, when you are so arrogantly
+interfering with them, they rush down upon you and shatter all your
+bridges and structures like reeds. I should like to stand by and see
+the accursed work a heap of ruins; I should like----"
+
+He did not finish his sentence, but convulsively clutched at his
+breast; his last word died away in a kind of groan, and on the instant
+the mighty frame fell prostrate as if struck by lightning.
+
+"Good God!" exclaimed Dr. Reinsfeld, who had appeared at the door of
+the next room just as the last sentences were being uttered, and who
+now hurried in. But Erna was before him; she first reached her father,
+and threw herself down beside him with a cry of terror.
+
+"Do not be distressed, Fräulein Erna," said the young physician, gently
+pushing her aside, while with Elmhorst's help he raised the unconscious
+man and laid him on the sofa. "It is a fainting-fit,--an attack of
+vertigo such as the Herr Baron had a few weeks ago. He will recover
+from this too."
+
+The young girl had followed him, and stood beside him with her hands
+convulsively clasped and her eyes riveted upon the face of the speaker.
+Perhaps she saw there something that contradicted the consoling words.
+
+"No, no!" she gasped. "You are deceiving me; this is something else!
+Papa! papa! it is I. Do you not know your Erna?"
+
+Benno made no rejoinder, but tore open Thurgau's coat; Elmhorst would
+have helped him, but Erna thrust away his hand with violence.
+
+"Do not touch him!" she exclaimed, in half-stifled accents. "You have
+killed him, you have brought ruin to our household. Leave him! I will
+not let you even touch his hand!"
+
+Wolfgang involuntarily recoiled and looked in dismay that was almost
+terror at the girl, who at this moment was no longer a child. She had
+thrown herself before her father with outspread arms as if to shield
+and defend him, and her eyes flashed with savage hatred as though she
+were confronting a mortal foe.
+
+"Go, Wolfgang," Reinsfeld said in a low tone, as he led him away. "The
+poor child in her anguish is unjust, and, moreover, you must not stay.
+The Baron may possibly recover consciousness, and if so he must not see
+you."
+
+"May recover?" Elmhorst repeated. "Do you fear----"
+
+"The worst! Go, and send old Vroni here; she must be somewhere in the
+house. Wait outside, and I will bring you tidings as soon as possible."
+
+With these whispered words he conducted his friend to the door.
+Wolfgang silently obeyed; he sent into the room the old maid-servant,
+whom he found in the hall, and then went out into the open air, but
+there was a dark cloud on his brow. Who could have foreseen such an
+issue!
+
+A quarter of an hour might have elapsed, when Benno Reinsfeld again
+made his appearance. He was very pale, and his eyes, usually so clear,
+were suffused.
+
+"Well?" Wolfgang asked, quickly.
+
+"It is all over!" the young physician replied in an undertone. "A
+stroke of apoplexy, undoubtedly mortal. I saw that at once."
+
+Wolfgang was apparently unprepared for this reply; his lips quivered as
+he said in a strained voice, "The affair is intensely painful, Benno,
+although I am not in the least to blame. I went to work with the
+greatest caution. The president must be informed."
+
+"Certainly; he is the only near relative, so far as I know. I shall
+stay with the poor child, who is suffering intensely. Will you
+undertake to send a messenger to Heilborn?"
+
+"I will drive over myself to inform Nordheim. Farewell."
+
+"Farewell," said Benno, as he returned to the house.
+
+Wolfgang turned to go, but suddenly paused and walked slowly to the
+window, which was half open.
+
+Within the room Erna was on her knees, with her hands clasped about her
+father's body. The passionate man who had been standing here but one
+short quarter of an hour ago in full vigour, obstinately resisting a
+necessity, now lay motionless, all unconscious of the despairing tears
+of his orphan child. Fate had decreed that his words should be true;
+Wolkenstein Court had remained in the possession of the ancient race
+whose cradle it had been until the last Thurgau had closed his eyes
+forever.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER V.
+
+                       THE LOVER AND THE SUITOR.
+
+
+The house which President Nordheim occupied in the capital bore
+abundant testimony in its princely magnificence to the wealth of its
+possessor. It reared its palatial proportions in the most fashionable
+quarter of the city, and had been built by one of the first architects
+of the day; there was lavish splendour in its interior arrangements,
+and a throng of obsequious lackeys was always at hand; in short,
+nothing was wanting that could minister to the luxurious life of its
+inmates.
+
+At the head of the household the Baroness Lasberg had held sway for
+years. Widowed and without means, she had been quite willing to accept
+such a position in the establishment of the wealthy parvenu to whom she
+had been recommended by some one of her highborn relatives. Here she
+was perfectly free to rule as she pleased, for Nordheim, with all his
+strength of will, could not but regard it as a great convenience to
+have a lady of undoubted birth and breeding control his servants,
+receive his guests, and supply the place of mother to his daughter and
+niece. For three years Erna von Thurgau had now been living beneath the
+roof of her uncle, who was also her guardian, and who had taken her to
+his home immediately after the death of her father.
+
+The president was in his study, talking with a gentleman seated
+opposite him, one of the first lawyers in the city and the legal
+adviser of the railway company of which Nordheim was president. He
+seemed also to belong among the intimates of the household, for the
+conversation was conducted upon a footing of familiarity, although it
+concerned chiefly business matters.
+
+"You ought to discuss this with Elmhorst personally," said the
+president. "He can give you every information upon the subject."
+
+"Is he here?" asked the lawyer, in some surprise.
+
+"He has been here since yesterday, and will probably stay for a week."
+
+"I am glad to hear it; our city seems to possess special attractions
+for the Herr Superintendent; he is often here, it seems to me."
+
+"He certainly is, and in accordance with my wishes. I desire to be more
+exactly informed with regard to certain matters than is possible by
+letter. Moreover, Elmhorst never leaves his post unless he is certain
+that he can be spared; of that you may be sure, Herr Gersdorf."
+
+Herr Gersdorf, a man of about forty, very fine-looking, with a grave,
+intellectual face, seemed to think his words had been misunderstood,
+for he smiled rather ironically as he rejoined, "I certainly do not
+doubt Herr Elmhorst's zeal in the performance of duty. We all know he
+would be more apt to do too much than too little. The company may
+congratulate itself upon having secured in its service so much energy
+and ability."
+
+"It certainly is not owing to the company that it is so," said
+Nordheim, with a shrug. "I had to contest the matter with energy when I
+insisted upon his nomination, and his position was at first made so
+difficult for him, that any other man would have resigned it. He met
+with determined hostility on all sides."
+
+"But he very soon overcame it," said Gersdorf, dryly. "I remember the
+storm that raged among his fellow-officials when he assumed authority
+over them, but they gradually quieted down. The Herr Superintendent is
+a man of unusual force of character, and has contrived to gather all
+the reins into his own hand in the course of the last three years. It
+is pretty well known now that he will tolerate no one as his superior
+or even equal in authority, save only the engineer-in-chief, who is now
+entirely upon his side."
+
+"I do not blame him for his ambition," the president said, coolly.
+"Whoever wishes to rise must force his way. My judgment did not play me
+false when it induced me to confirm in so important an office, in spite
+of all opposition, a man so young. The engineer-in-chief was prejudiced
+against him, and only yielded reluctantly. Now he is glad to have so
+capable a support; and as for the Wolkenstein bridge,--Elmhorst's own
+work,--he may well take first rank upon its merits."
+
+"The bridge promises to be a masterpiece indeed," Gersdorf assented. "A
+magnificently bold structure; it will doubtless be the finest thing in
+the entire line of railway. So you wish me to speak with the
+superintendent himself; shall I find him at his usual hotel?"
+
+"No, at present you will find him here. I have invited him to stay with
+us this time."
+
+"Ah, indeed?" Gersdorf smiled. He knew that officials of Elmhorst's
+rank were sometimes obliged to await Nordheim's pleasure for hours in
+his antechamber; this young man had been invited to be a guest beneath
+his roof. Still more wonderful stories were told of his liking for
+Elmhorst, who had been his favourite from the first.
+
+For the present, however, the lawyer let the matter drop, contenting
+himself with remarking that he would see Herr Elmhorst shortly. He had
+other and more important affairs in his head apparently, for he took
+his leave of the president rather absently, and seemed in no hurry to
+seek out the young engineer; the card which he gave to the servant in
+the hall was for the ladies of the house, whom he asked to see.
+
+The reception-rooms were in the second story, where Frau von Lasberg
+was enthroned in the drawing-room in all her wonted state. Alice was
+seated near her, very little changed by the past three years. She was
+still the same frail, pale creature, with a weary, listless expression
+on her regular features,--a hot-house plant to be guarded closely from
+every draught of air, an object of unceasing care and solicitude for
+all around her. Her health seemed to be more firmly established, but
+there was not a gleam of the freshness or enthusiasm of youth in her
+colourless face.
+
+There was no want of them, however, to be detected in the young lady
+seated beside the Baroness Lasberg, a graceful little figure in a most
+becoming walking-suit of dark blue trimmed with fur. A charming, rosy
+face looked out from beneath her blue velvet hat; the eyes were dark,
+and sparkling with mischief, and a profusion of little black curls
+showed above them. She laughed and talked incessantly with all the
+vivacity of her eighteen years.
+
+"Such a pity that Erna is out!" she exclaimed. "I had something very
+important to discuss with her. Not a syllable of it shall you hear,
+Alice; it is to be a surprise for your birthday. I hope we are to have
+dancing at your ball?"
+
+"I hardly think so," said Alice, indifferently. "This is March, you
+know."
+
+"But the middle of winter, nevertheless. It snowed only this morning,
+and dancing is always delightful." As she spoke, her little feet moved
+as if ready for an instant proof of her preference. Frau von Lasberg
+looked at them with disapprobation, and remarked, coldly,--
+
+"I believe you have danced a great deal this winter, Baroness Molly."
+
+"Not nearly enough," the little Baroness declared. "How I pity poor
+Alice for being forbidden to dance! It is good to enjoy one's youth;
+when you're married there's an end of it. 'Marry and worry,' our old
+nurse used to say, and then burst into tears and talk of her dear
+departed. A mournful maxim. Do you believe in it, Alice?"
+
+"Alice bestows no thought upon such matters," the old lady observed,
+severely. "I must frankly confess to you, my dear Molly, that this
+topic seems to me quite unbecoming."
+
+"Oh!" exclaimed Molly "do you consider marriage unbecoming, then,
+madame?"
+
+"With consent and approval of parents, and a due regard for every
+consideration,--no."
+
+"But it is just then that it is most tiresome!" the young lady
+asserted, rousing even Alice from her indifference.
+
+"But, Molly!" she said, reproachfully.
+
+"Baroness Ernsthausen is jesting, of course," said Frau von Lasberg,
+with an annihilating glance. "But even in jest such talk is extremely
+reprehensible. A young lady cannot be too guarded in her expressions
+and conduct. Society is, unfortunately, too ready to gossip."
+
+Her words had, perhaps, some concealed significance, for Molly's lips
+quivered as if longing to laugh, but she replied with the most innocent
+air in the world,--
+
+"You are perfectly right, madame. Just think, last summer everybody at
+Heilborn was gossiping about the frequent visits of Superintendent
+Elmhorst. He came almost every week----"
+
+"To see the Herr President," the old lady interposed. "Herr Elmhorst
+had made the plans and drawings for the new villa in the mountains and
+was himself superintending its construction; frequent consultations
+were unavoidable."
+
+"Yes, everybody knew that, but still they gossiped. They talked about
+Herr Elmhorst's baskets of flowers and other attentions, and they
+said----"
+
+"I must really beg you, Baroness, to spare us further details," Frau
+von Lasberg interposed, rising in indignant majesty. The inconsiderate
+young lady would probably have received a much longer reprimand had not
+a servant announced that the carriage was waiting. Frau von Lasberg
+turned to Alice: "I must go to the meeting of the Ladies' Union, my
+child, and of course you cannot drive out in this rough weather.
+Moreover, you seem to be rather out of sorts; I fear----"
+
+A very significant glance completed her sentence, and testified to her
+earnest desire for the visitor's speedy departure, but quite in vain.
+
+"I will stay with Alice and amuse her," Molly declared, with amiable
+readiness. "You can go without any anxiety, madame."
+
+Madame compressed her lips in mild despair, but she knew from
+experience that there was no getting rid of this _enfant terrible_ if
+she had taken it into her head to stay; therefore she kissed Alice's
+forehead, inclined her head to her young friend, and made a dignified
+exit.
+
+Scarcely had the door closed after her when Molly danced about like an
+india-rubber ball with, "Thank God, she has gone, high and mighty old
+duenna that she is! I have something to tell you, Alice, something
+immensely important,--that is, I wanted to confide it to Erna, but,
+unfortunately, she is not here, and so you must help me,--you must! or
+you will blast forever the happiness of two human beings!"
+
+"Who? I?" asked Alice, who at such a tremendous appeal could not but
+open her eyes.
+
+"Yes, you; but you know nothing yet. I must explain everything
+to you, and there goes twelve o'clock, and Albert will be here in a
+moment,--Herr Gersdorf, I mean. The fact is, he loves me, and I love
+him, and of course we want to marry each other, but my father and
+mother will not consent because he is not noble. Good heavens, Alice,
+do not look so surprised! I learned to know him in your house, and it
+was in your conservatory that he proposed to me a week ago, when that
+famous violinist was playing in the music-room and all the other people
+were listening."
+
+"But----" Alice tried to interpose, but without avail; the little
+Baroness went on, pouring out the story of her love and her woes.
+
+"Do not interrupt me; I have told you nothing yet. When we went home
+that evening I told my father and mother that I was betrothed, and that
+Albert was coming the next day to ask their consent. Oh, what a row
+there was! Papa was indignant, mamma was outraged, and my granduncle
+fairly snorted with rage. He is a hugely-important person, my
+granduncle, because he is so very rich, and we shall have his money.
+But he must die first, and he has no idea of dying, which is very bad
+for us, papa says, for we have nothing; papa never makes out with his
+salary, and my granduncle, while he lives, never will give us a penny.
+There, now you understand!"
+
+"No, I do not understand at all," said Alice, fairly stupefied by this
+overwhelming stream of confidence. "What has your granduncle to do with
+it?"
+
+Molly wrung her hands in despair at this lack of comprehension: "Alice,
+I entreat you not to be so stupid! I tell you they actually passed
+sentence upon me. Mamma said she was threatened with spasms at the mere
+thought of my ever being called Frau Gersdorf; papa insisted that I
+must not throw myself away, because at some future time I should be a
+great match, at which my granduncle made a wry face, not much edified
+by this reference to the heirship, and then he went on to make a
+greater row than any one else about the _mésalliance_. He enumerated
+all our ancestors, who would one and all turn in their graves. What do
+I care for that? let the old fellows turn as much as they like; it will
+be a change for them in their tiresome old ancestral vault.
+Unfortunately, I took the liberty of saying so, and then the storm
+burst upon me from all three sides at once. My granduncle raised his
+hand and made a vow, and then I made one too. I stood up before him,
+so,"--she stamped her foot on the carpet,--"and vowed that never, never
+would I forsake my Albert!"
+
+The little Baroness was forced to stop for a moment to take breath, and
+she availed herself of this involuntary pause to run to the window,
+whence came the sound of a carriage rolling away; then flying back
+again, she exclaimed, "She has gone,--the duenna. Thank God, we are rid
+of her! She suspects something; I knew it by the remarks with which she
+favoured me this morning! But she has gone for the present; her meeting
+will last for at least two hours. I reckoned upon that when I laid my
+plans. You must know, Alice, that I have been strictly forbidden either
+to speak or to write to Albert; of course I wrote to him immediately,
+and I must speak with him besides. So I made an appointment with him
+here in your drawing-room, and you must be the guardian angel of our
+love."
+
+Alice did not appear greatly charmed by the part thus assigned her. She
+had listened to the entire story in a way which positively outraged the
+eager Molly, without any 'ah's' or 'oh's,' and in mute astonishment
+that such things could be. A betrothal without, and even against, the
+consent of parents was something quite outside of the young lady's
+power of comprehension. Frau von Lasberg's training did not admit of
+such ideas. So she sat upright, and said, with a degree of decision,
+"No, that would not be proper."
+
+"What would not be proper? your being a guardian angel?" Molly
+exclaimed, indignantly. "Are you going to betray my confidence? Do you
+wish to drive us to despair and death? For we shall die, both of us, if
+we are parted. Can you answer it to your conscience?"
+
+Fortunately, there was no time to settle this question of conscience,
+for Herr Gersdorf was announced, and there was a distressing moment of
+hesitation. Alice really seemed inclined to declare that she was ill
+and could not receive the visitor, but Molly, in dread of some such
+disaster, advanced and said aloud and quite dictatorially, "Show Herr
+Gersdorf in."
+
+The servant vanished, and with a sigh Alice sank back again in her
+arm-chair. She had done her best, and had tried to resist, but since
+the words were thus taken out of her mouth she was not called upon for
+further effort, but must let the affair take its course.
+
+Herr Gersdorf entered, and Molly flew to meet him, ready to be clasped
+in his arms, instead of which he kissed her hand respectfully, and,
+still retaining it in his clasp, approached the young mistress of the
+house.
+
+"First of all, Fräulein Nordheim, I must ask your forgiveness for the
+extraordinary demands which my betrothed has made upon your friendship.
+You probably know that, after her consent to be my wife, I wished
+immediately to procure that of her parents, but Baron Ernsthausen has
+refused to see me."
+
+"And he locked _me_ up," Molly interpolated, "for the entire forenoon."
+
+"I then wrote to the Baron," Gersdorf continued, "and made my proposal
+in due form, but received in return a cold refusal without any
+statement of his reasons therefor. Baron Ernsthausen wrote me----"
+
+"A perfectly odious letter," Molly again interposed, "but my granduncle
+dictated it. I know he did, for I listened at the keyhole!"
+
+"At all events it was a refusal; but, since Molly has freely accorded
+me her heart and hand, I shall assuredly assert my rights, and
+therefore I believed myself justified in availing myself of this
+opportunity of seeing my betrothed, although without the knowledge of
+her parents. Once more I entreat your forgiveness, Fräulein Nordheim.
+Be sure that we shall not abuse your kindness."
+
+It all sounded so frank, so cordial and manly, that Alice began to find
+the matter far more natural, and in a few words signified her
+acquiescence. She could not indeed comprehend how this grave, reserved
+man, who seemed absorbed in the duties of his profession, had fallen in
+love with Molly, who was like nothing but quicksilver, nor that his
+love was returned, but there was no longer any doubt of the fact.
+
+"You need not listen, Alice," Molly said, consolingly. "Take a book and
+read, or if you really do not feel quite well, lay your head back and
+go to sleep. We shall not mind it in the least, only do not let us be
+interrupted."
+
+With which she led the way to the recess of a window half shut off from
+the room by Turkish curtains looped aside. Here the conversation of the
+lovers was at first carried on in whispers, but the vivacious little
+Baroness soon manifested her eagerness by louder tones, so that at last
+Alice could not choose but hear. She had taken up a book, but it
+dropped in her lap as the terrible word 'elopement' fell on her ear.
+
+"There is no other way," Molly said, as dictatorially as when she had
+ordered the servant to admit her lover. "You must carry me off, and it
+must be the day after to-morrow at half-past twelve. My granduncle
+leaves for his castle at that time, and my father and mother go with
+him to the railway-station; they always make so much of him. Meanwhile,
+we can slip off conveniently. We'll travel as far as Gretna Green,
+wherever that is,--I have read that there are no tiresome preliminaries
+to be gone through with there,--and we can return as man and wife. Then
+all my dead ancestors may stand on their heads, and so may my
+granduncle, for that matter, if I may only belong to you."
+
+This entire scheme was advanced in a tone of assured conviction, but it
+did not meet with the expected approval; Gersdorf said, gravely and
+decidedly,--
+
+"No, Molly, that will not do."
+
+"Not? Why not?"
+
+"Because there are laws and injunctions which expressly forbid such
+romantic excursions. Your fanciful little brain has no conception as
+yet of life and its duties; but I know them, and it would ill become
+me, whose vocation it is to defend the law, to trample it underfoot."
+
+"What do I care for laws and injunctions?" said Molly, deeply offended
+by this cool rejection of her romantic scheme. "How can you talk of
+such prosaic things when our love is at stake? What are we to do if
+papa and mamma persist in saying no?"
+
+"First of all we must wait until your granduncle has really gone home.
+There is nothing to be done with that stiff old aristocrat; in his eyes
+I, as a man without a title, am perfectly unfitted to woo a Baroness
+Ernsthausen. As soon as his influence is no longer present in your
+household I shall surely have an interview with your father, and shall
+try to overcome his prejudice; it will be no easy task, but we must
+have patience and wait."
+
+The little Baroness was thunderstruck at this declaration, this utter
+ruin of all her air-built castles. Instead of the romantic flight and
+secret marriage of which she had dreamed, here was her lover
+counselling patience and prudence; instead of bearing her off in his
+arms, he talked as if he were ready to institute legal proceedings for
+her possession. It was altogether too much, and she burst out angrily,
+"You had better declare at once that you do not care for me, after all;
+that you have not the courage to win me. You talked very differently
+before we were betrothed. But I give you back your troth; I will part
+from you forever; I----" Here she began to sob. "I will marry some man
+with no end of ancestors whom my granduncle approves of, but I shall
+die of grief, and before the year is out I shall be in my grave."
+
+"Molly!"
+
+"Let go my hand!" But he held it fast.
+
+"Molly, look at me! Do you seriously doubt my love?"
+
+This was the tender tone which Molly remembered only too well,--the
+tone in which the words had been spoken that evening in the fragrant,
+dim conservatory, to which she had listened with a throbbing heart and
+glowing cheeks. She stopped sobbing and looked up through her tears at
+her lover as he bent above her.
+
+"Darling Molly, have you no confidence in me? You have given yourself
+to me, and I shall keep you for my own in spite of all opposition. Be
+sure I shall not let my happiness be snatched from me, although some
+time may pass before I can carry home my little wife."
+
+It sounded so fervent, so faithful, that Molly's tears ceased to flow;
+her head leaned gently on her lover's shoulder, and a smile played
+about her lips, as she asked, half archly, half distrustfully, "But,
+Albert, we surely shall not have to wait until you are as old as my
+granduncle?"
+
+"No, not nearly so long, my darling," Albert replied, kissing away a
+tear from the long lashes, "for then, wayward child that you are, ready
+to fly off if I do not obey your will on the instant, you would have
+nothing to say to me."
+
+"Oh, yes, I should, however old you were!" exclaimed Molly. "I love you
+so dearly, Albert!"
+
+Again the voices sank to whispers, and the close of the conversation
+was inaudible. In about five minutes the lovers advanced again into the
+drawing-room, just in time to meet the Herr Superintendent Elmhorst,
+who, as the guest of the house, entered unannounced.
+
+Wolfgang had gained much in personal appearance during the last three
+years; his features had grown more decided and manly, his bearing was
+prouder and more resolute. The young man who when we saw him last had
+but just placed his foot on the first round of the ladder, which he was
+determined to ascend, had now learned to mount and to command, but in
+spite of the consciousness of power, which was revealed in his entire
+air, there was nothing the least offensive in his demeanour; he seemed
+to be one whose superiority of nature had involuntarily asserted
+itself.
+
+He had brought with him a bunch of lovely flowers, which he presented
+with a few courteous words to the young mistress of the house. There
+was no need of an introduction to Gersdorf, who had often seen him, and
+Molly had made his acquaintance at Heilborn, where she had passed the
+preceding summer. There was some general conversation, but Gersdorf
+took his leave shortly, and ten minutes afterwards Molly too departed.
+She would have been glad to stay, to pour out her heart to Alice, but
+this Herr Elmhorst did not seem at all inclined to go; indeed, in spite
+of all his courtesy the little Baroness could not help feeling that he
+considered her presence here superfluous; she took her leave, but said
+to herself as she passed down the staircase, "There's something going
+on there."
+
+She was perhaps right, but the 'something' did not make very rapid
+progress. Alice smelled at her bouquet of camellias and violets, but
+looked very listless the while. The wealthy heiress, who had always
+been the object of devoted attention on all sides, had been loaded with
+flowers, and took no special pleasure in them. Wolfgang sat opposite
+her and entertained her after his usual interesting fashion; he talked
+of the new villa which Nordheim had had built in the mountains and
+which the family were to occupy for the first time the coming summer.
+
+"The interior arrangements will all be complete before you arrive," he
+said. "The house itself was finished in the autumn, and the vicinity of
+the line of railway made it possible for me to superintend everything
+personally. You will soon feel at home among the mountains, Fräulein
+Nordheim."
+
+"I know them already," said Alice, still trifling with her flowers. "We
+go to Heilborn regularly every summer."
+
+"Merely a summer promenade, with the mountains for a background,"
+Elmhorst said. "Those are not the mountains which you will learn to
+know in your new home; the situation is magnificent, and I flatter
+myself that you will be pleased with the home itself. It is indeed only
+a simple mountain-villa, but as such I was expressly ordered to
+construct it."
+
+"Papa says it is a little masterpiece of architecture," Alice remarked,
+quietly.
+
+Wolfgang smiled and, as if accidentally, moved his chair a little
+nearer: "I should be very glad to acquit myself well as an architect.
+It is not exactly my _métier_, but _you_ were to occupy the villa,
+Fräulein Alice, and I could not leave it to other hands. I obtained
+permission from the president to build the little mountain-home, which
+he tells me he intends shall be your special property."
+
+The significance of his words was sufficiently plain, as was also his
+intimation of her father's approval, but the young lady neither blushed
+nor seemed confused; she merely said, with her usual indifferent
+lassitude,--
+
+"Yes, papa means the villa shall be a present to me; therefore he did
+not wish me to see it until it was entirely finished. It was very kind
+of you, Herr Elmhorst, to undertake its construction."
+
+"Pray do not praise me," Wolfgang hastily interposed. "On the contrary,
+it was rank selfishness that caused me to thrust myself forward in the
+matter. Every architect asks to be paid, and the recompense for which I
+sue may well seem to you presumptuous. Nevertheless may I speak--may I
+ask of you what it has long been in my heart to entreat?"
+
+Alice slowly raised her large brown eyes to his with an inquiring
+expression that was almost melancholy and that seemed fain to read the
+truth in the young man's resolute face. She read there eager
+expectation, but nothing more, and the questioning eyes were again
+veiled beneath their long lashes. She made no reply.
+
+Wolfgang seemed to consider her silence as an encouragement; he
+arose and approached her chair, as he went on: "My request is a bold
+one, I know it, but 'Fortune favours the bold.' So I told the Herr
+President when I first besought of him the honour of an introduction to
+you. It has always been my motto, and I cling to it to-day. Will you
+listen to me, Alice?"
+
+She slightly inclined her head, and made no resistance when he took her
+hand and carried it to his lips. He went on, making a formal proposal
+for her hand in well-chosen, courteous terms, his melodious voice
+adding greatly to the eloquence of his words. All that was lacking was
+ardour; this was a suit for her hand, not a declaration of love.
+
+Alice listened mutely in no surprise; it had long been an open secret
+to her that Elmhorst was her suitor, and she knew, too, that her
+father, discouraging as he had shown himself hitherto to the advances
+of other men, favoured Elmhorst's suit. He permitted the young man a
+freedom of intercourse in his house accorded to no other, and he had
+frequently expressly declared in his daughter's presence that Wolfgang
+Elmhorst had a brilliant career before him, worth in his eyes
+incalculably more than the scutcheons of men of rank, who were fain to
+rehabilitate the faded splendour of their names with a wife's money.
+Alice herself was too docile to have any will in the matter; it had
+been impressed upon her from earliest childhood that a well-bred young
+lady should marry in accordance with her parents' wishes, and she
+might have found nothing wanting in this extremely correct proposal
+had not Molly hit upon the idea of making her the guardian angel of a
+love-affair.
+
+That scene in the window-recess had been so very different; those
+whispered tones, caressing, cajoling the wayward girl, whose whole
+heart seemed, nevertheless, devoted to the grave man so much her
+senior! With what tenderness he had treated her! This suitor
+respectfully requested the hand of the wealthy heiress,--her hand:
+there had been no mention whatever made of her heart.
+
+Wolfgang finished and waited for a reply, then stooped and, looking in
+her face, said, reproachfully, "Alice, have you nothing to say to me?"
+
+Alice saw clearly that something must be said, but she was unaccustomed
+to decide for herself, and she made answer, as was befitting a pupil of
+Frau von Lasberg's,--
+
+"I must first speak with papa; his wishes----"
+
+"I have just left him," Elmhorst interposed, "and I come with his
+permission and entire approval. May I tell him that my suit has found
+favour in your eyes? May I present my betrothed to him?"
+
+Alice looked up with the same anxious inquiry in her eyes as before,
+and replied, softly, "You must have great consideration for me. I have
+been so ill and wretched all through my childhood that I am still
+oppressed with a sense of my weakness. You will suffer from it, and I
+am afraid----"
+
+She broke off, but there was a childlike pathos in her tone, in the
+entreaty for forbearance from the young heiress, who, with her hand,
+bestowed a princely fortune. Wolfgang, perhaps, felt this, for for the
+first time there was something like ardour in his, manner as he
+declared,--
+
+"Do not speak thus, Alice! I know that yours is a delicate temperament
+needing to be guarded and protected, and I will shield you from every
+rude contact in life. Trust me, confide your future to me, and I
+promise you by my----" "love" he was going to say, but his lips refused to
+utter the falsehood. The man was proud, he might coolly calculate, but
+he could not feign, and he completed his sentence more slowly,--"by my
+honour you never shall repent it!"
+
+The words sounded resolute and manly, and he was in earnest. Alice felt
+this; she laid her hand willingly in his, and submitted to be clasped
+in his arms. Her suitor's lips touched her own, he expressed his
+gratitude, his joy, called her his beloved; in short, they were duly
+betrothed. A trifle only was lacking,--the exultant confession made
+just before by little Molly amid tears and laughter, 'I love you so
+dearly, so very dearly!'
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VI.
+
+                        AT PRESIDENT NORDHEIM'S.
+
+
+The reception-rooms of the Nordheim mansion were brilliantly lighted
+for the celebration not only of the birthday of the daughter of the
+house, but also of her betrothal. It was a surprising piece of news for
+society, which, in spite of all reports and gossip, had never seriously
+believed in the possibility of an alliance so unheard-of. It was
+incredible that a man, notoriously one of the wealthiest in the
+country, should bestow his only child upon a young engineer without
+rank, of unpretending origin, and possessing nothing save distinguished
+ability, which, to be sure, was warrant for his future.
+
+That it was scarcely an affair of the heart every one knew; Alice had
+the reputation of great coldness of nature; she was probably incapable
+of very deep sentiment. Nevertheless she was a most enviable prize, and
+the announcement of her betrothal caused many a bitter disappointment
+in aristocratic circles where the heiress had been coveted. This
+Nordheim, it was clear, did not understand how to prize the privileges
+which his wealth bestowed upon him. With it he might have purchased a
+coronet for his daughter, instead of which he had chosen a son-in-law
+from among the officials of his railway. There was much indignation
+expressed, nevertheless every one who was invited came to this
+entertainment. People were curious to see the lucky man who had
+distanced all titled competitors, and whom fate had so suddenly placed
+on life's pinnacle, in that he had been chosen as the future lord of
+millions.
+
+It was just before the beginning of the entertainment when the
+president with Elmhorst entered the first of the large reception-rooms.
+He was apparently in the best of humours and upon excellent terms with
+his future son-in-law.
+
+"You have your first introduction to the society of the capital this
+evening, Wolfgang," said he. "In your brief visits you have seen only
+our family. It is time for you to establish relations here, since it
+will be your future place of residence. Alice is accustomed to the
+society life of a great city, and you can have no objection to it."
+
+"Of course not, sir," Wolfgang replied. "I like to be at the centre of
+life and activity, but hitherto it has been incompatible with the
+duties of my profession. That it will not be so in the future I see
+from your example. You conduct from here all your various
+undertakings."
+
+"This activity, however, is beginning to oppress me," said Nordheim. "I
+have latterly felt the need of a support, and I depend upon your
+partially relieving me. For the present you are indispensable in the
+completion of the railway line; the engineer-in-chief, in his present
+state of feeble health, is the head of the work only in name."
+
+"Yes, it is in fact entirely in my hands, and if he retires,--I know he
+is thinking seriously of doing so,--I have your promise, sir, that I
+shall succeed him?"
+
+"Assuredly, and this time I am not afraid of meeting with any
+opposition. It is, to be sure, the first time that so young a man has
+been placed at the head of such an undertaking, but you have shown your
+ability in the Wolkenstein bridge, and the position can scarcely be
+refused to my future son-in-law."
+
+"In admitting me to your family, Herr Nordheim, you give me much.--I
+know it," said Elmhorst, gravely; "in return I can give you only a
+son."
+
+The president's eyes rested thoughtfully upon the face of the speaker,
+and with an access of warmth extremely rare in the man of business, he
+replied, "I had an only son, in whom all my hopes were centred; he died
+in early childhood, and I have often reflected bitterly that some
+spendthrift idler would probably scatter abroad what I had taken such
+pains to accumulate. I think better of you; you will continue and
+preserve what I have begun, complete what I leave unfinished. I am glad
+to make you my intellectual as well as my material heir."
+
+"I will not disappoint you," Wolfgang said, pressing the hand extended
+to him.
+
+Here were two kindred natures, but surely the conversation was a
+strange one for the evening of a betrothal and while awaiting a
+promised bride. Both men had spoken of their schemes and undertakings;
+Alice had not been mentioned. The father had demanded of his future
+son-in-law much, but there had been no allusion to his daughter's
+happiness; and the lover, who seemed entirely sensible of the
+advantages of the family connection in prospect, never mentioned the
+name of his betrothed. They talked of construction and bridges, of the
+engineer-in-chief and the railway company, as coolly and in as
+business-like a fashion as if the matter in question were a partnership
+to be formed between them; and in fact it was nothing else,--either
+could easily have foregone the additional relationship. They were
+interrupted, however: a servant entered to ask for orders from the
+president with relation to the arrangement of the table, and Nordheim
+thought best to betake himself to the dining-hall to decide the matter.
+It was still too early for the arrival of the guests, and the ladies of
+the house had not yet made their appearance. The servants were all at
+their posts, and for the moment Wolfgang was left alone in the
+reception-rooms, which occupied the entire upper story of the mansion.
+
+From the large apartment where he was, with its rich crimson rugs and
+velvet hangings, and its profusion of gilding, he could look through
+the entire suite of rooms, the splendour of which was most striking in
+their present deserted, empty condition. Everywhere there was a lavish
+wealth of costly objects, everywhere pictures, statues, and other works
+of art, each one worth a small fortune, and the long suite ended, as in
+some fairy realm, in a dimly-lit conservatory filled with exotic plants
+of rare magnificence. In an hour these brilliant, fragrant apartments
+would be crowded with the most distinguished society of the capital,
+all ready to accept the hospitality of the railway king.
+
+Wolfgang stood still and looked slowly about him. It was indeed a
+bewildering sensation, that of knowing himself a son of this house, the
+future heir of all this magnificence. No one could blame the young man
+if at the thought he stood proudly erect, while his eyes gleamed
+exultantly. He had kept the vow made to himself,--he had executed the
+bold scheme which he had once confided to his friend,--he had dared the
+flight and had reached the summit. At an age when others are beginning
+to shape their future he had clutched success in a firm grasp. He was
+now standing upon the height of which he had dreamed, and the world lay
+fair indeed at his feet.
+
+The drawing-room door opened; Elmhorst turned and advanced a few steps
+towards it, then paused suddenly, for instead of his expected betrothed
+Erna von Thurgau entered. She was much changed since she had been met
+by the strayed young superintendent among the cliffs of the
+Wolkenstein. The wayward child who had grown up free and untrammelled
+among her mountains had not without result passed three years in her
+uncle's luxurious home, under the training of Frau von Lasberg. The
+little Alpine rose had been transformed to a young lady, who with
+perfect grace but also with entire formality returned Wolfgang's
+salutation. This was a beautiful woman, a gloriously beautiful woman.
+
+Her childish features had become perfectly regular, and although the
+rich bloom of health still coloured her cheek, her face expressed a
+degree of cool gravity unknown to the joyous daughter of the Freiherr
+von Thurgau. Her eyes no longer laughed as of old; there lay hidden in
+their depths a mystery akin to that of the mountain-lakes of her home,
+whose colour they had borrowed,--a mystery as powerfully attractive as
+that of the lakes themselves. She looked singularly lovely as she stood
+in the full light of the chandelier, dressed in pure mist-like white,
+her only ornaments single water-lilies scattered here and there among
+its whiteness. Her hair no longer fell in masses about her shoulders,
+but fashion permitted its full luxuriance to be appreciated, and pale
+lily-buds gleamed amid its waves.
+
+"Alice and Frau von Lasberg will be here presently," she said, as she
+entered. "I thought my uncle was here."
+
+"He has gone for a moment to the dining-hall," Elmhorst replied, after
+a salutation quite as formal as her own.
+
+For an instant Erna seemed about to follow her uncle, but, apparently
+recollecting that this might be discourteous towards a future relative,
+she paused and let her gaze wander through the long suite of rooms.
+
+"I think you see these rooms fully lighted to-night for the first time,
+Herr Elmhorst? They are very fine, are they not?"
+
+"Very fine; and upon one coming, as I do, from the winter solitude of
+the mountains, they produce a dazzling impression."
+
+"They dazzled me too when I first came here," the young lady said,
+indifferently; "but one easily becomes accustomed to such surroundings,
+as you will find by experience when you take up your residence here. It
+is settled that you are to be married in a year, is it not?"
+
+"It is,--next spring."
+
+"Rather a long time to wait. Have you really consented to such a period
+of probation?"
+
+The lover seemed, oddly enough, to be rather averse to this allusion to
+his marriage. He examined with apparent interest a huge porcelain vase
+which stood near him, and replied, evidently desirous of changing the
+subject, "I cannot but consent, since for the present I am master
+neither of my time nor of my movements. The first thing to be attended
+to is the completion of the railway, of the construction of which I am
+superintendent."
+
+"Are you, then, so fettered?" Erna asked, with gentle irony. "I should
+have thought you would find it easy to liberate yourself?"
+
+"Liberate myself,--from what?"
+
+"From a profession which you must certainly resign in the future."
+
+"Do you consider that as a matter of course, Fräulein von Thurgau?"
+Wolfgang asked, nettled by her tone. "I cannot see what should induce
+such a course on my part."
+
+"Why, your future position as the husband of Alice Nordheim."
+
+The young engineer flushed crimson; he glanced angrily at the girl who
+ventured to remind him that he was marrying money. She was smiling, and
+her remark sounded like a jest, but her eyes spoke a different
+language, the language of contempt, which he understood but too well.
+He was not a man, however, to rest quietly under the scorn which
+pursues a fortune-hunter; he too smiled, and rejoined, with cool
+courtesy, "Pardon me, Fräulein von Thurgau, you are mistaken. My
+profession, my work, are necessities of existence for me. I was not
+made for an idle, inactive enjoyment of life. This seems
+incomprehensible to you----"
+
+"Not at all," Erna interposed. "I perfectly understand how a true man
+must depend solely upon his own exertions."
+
+Wolfgang bit his lip, but he parried this thrust too: "That I may
+accept as a compliment, for I certainly depended entirely upon my own
+exertions when I planned the Wolkenstein bridge, and I trust my work
+will bring me credit, even as 'the husband of Alice Nordheim.' But
+excuse me; these are matters which cannot interest a lady."
+
+"They interest me," Erna said, bluntly. "My home was destroyed by the
+Wolkenstein bridge, and your work demanded yet another and far dearer
+sacrifice of me."
+
+"Which you never can forgive me, I know," Wolfgang went on. "You
+reproach me for an unhappy accident, although your sense of justice
+must tell you that I am not to blame, that I do not deserve it."
+
+"I do not blame you, Herr Elmhorst."
+
+"You did in that most wretched hour, and you do it still."
+
+Erna did not reply, but her silence was eloquent enough. Elmhorst
+appeared to have expected a denial, if only a formal one, for there was
+an added bitterness in his tone as he continued: "I regret infinitely
+that I should have been the one chosen to conduct the last business
+arrangements with Baron Thurgau. They had to be made, and their tragic
+conclusion lay beyond human foresight. It was not I, Fräulein Thurgau,
+but iron necessity that required of you the sacrifice of your home; the
+Wolkenstein bridge is not less guilty than I am."
+
+"I know it," Erna observed, coldly; "but there are cases in which one
+finds it impossible to be just,--you should see that, Herr Elmhorst.
+You are now a member of our family, and may rest assured that I shall
+show you all the consideration due to a relative; for my feelings I
+cannot be called to account."
+
+Wolfgang looked her full and darkly in the face: "In other words, you
+detest my work and--myself?"
+
+Erna was silent: she had long outgrown the childish waywardness that
+had once prompted her to tell the stranger to his face that she could
+not endure him or his sneers at her mountain-legends. The young lady
+never dreamed of conduct so unbecoming, and she confronted him now in
+entire self-possession. But her eyes had not forgotten their language,
+and at this moment they declared that the girlish nature was quelled
+only in appearance,--it still slumbered untamed in the depths of her
+soul. There was a lightning-flash in them which uttered a quick,
+vehement 'yes' in answer to Wolfgang's last question, although the lips
+were mute.
+
+It was impossible for Elmhorst to misunderstand it, and yet he gazed
+into the blue depths of those hostile eyes as if they had the power to
+hold him spell-bound; only for a few seconds, however, for Erna turned
+away, saying, lightly, "We certainly are having a very odd
+conversation, talking of sacrifice, blame, and hatred, and all on the
+day of your betrothal."
+
+"You are right, Fräulein Thurgau; let us talk of something else,"
+Wolfgang rejoined.
+
+But they did not talk of anything else; on the contrary, an oppressive
+silence ensued. Erna seated herself and became apparently absorbed in
+an examination of the pictures on her fan, while her companion walked
+to the door of the next room as if to admire its magnificence. His
+face, however, no longer showed the proud satisfaction which had
+informed it a quarter of an hour before: he looked irritated and ill at
+ease.
+
+Again the drawing-room door opened and Alice and Frau von Lasberg
+entered, the latter with a certain air of resignation; a darling wish
+of hers was to be frustrated to-night. She had looked forward to seeing
+Alice, whom she had trained entirely according to her own ideas,
+enrolled in the ranks of the aristocracy, and one of the young girl's
+distinguished suitors, the scion of an ancient noble line, had enjoyed
+the Baroness's special favour, and now Wolfgang Elmhorst was carrying
+off the prize! He was indeed the only man without a title whom Frau von
+Lasberg could have forgiven for so doing,--he had long since succeeded
+in winning her regard,--but it was nevertheless a painful fact that a
+man so perfectly well-bred, so agreeable to the strict old lady,
+possessed not the ghost of a title.
+
+Alice, in a pale-blue satin gown rather overtrimmed with costly lace,
+and with a long train, did not look particularly well. The heavy folds
+of the rich material seemed to weigh down her delicate figure, and the
+diamonds sparkling on her neck and arms--her father's birthday gift to
+her--did not avail to relieve her want of colour. Such a frame did not
+suit her; an airy flower-trimmed ball-dress would have been much more
+becoming.
+
+Wolfgang hastened to meet his betrothed, and carried her hand to his
+lips. He was full of tender consideration for her, and he was courtesy
+itself to the Baroness Lasberg, but the cloud did not vanish from his
+brow until the president returned and the guests began to arrive.
+Gradually the rooms were filled with a brilliant assemblage. Those
+present were indeed the foremost in the capital, the aristocracy by
+birth and by talent, those distinguished both in the world of finance
+and in the domain of art, the best names in military and diplomatic
+circles. Splendid uniforms alternated with costly toilets, and the
+throng glittered and rustled as only such an assemblage can,--an
+assemblage thoroughly in keeping with the magnificence of the Nordheim
+establishment.
+
+The centre of attraction was found in the betrothed pair, or rather in
+the lover, who, an entire stranger to most of those present, was doubly
+an object of interest. He certainly was an extremely handsome man, this
+Wolfgang Elmhorst, no one could deny that, and there was no doubt of
+his capacity and his talent, but these gifts alone hardly entitled him
+to the hand of a wealthy heiress, who might well look for something
+more. And then, too, the young man appeared to take his good fortune,
+which would have fairly intoxicated any one else, quite as a matter of
+course. Not the slightest embarrassment betrayed that this was
+the first time he had been thus surrounded. With his betrothed's
+hand resting on his arm he stood proudly calm beside his future
+father-in-law, was presented to every one, received and acknowledged
+with easy grace all congratulations, and played admirably the principal
+part thus assigned him. He was entirely the son of the house, accepting
+his position as such as a foregone conclusion, and even at times
+seeming to dominate the entire assembly.
+
+Among the guests was the Court-Councillor von Ernsthausen, a stiff,
+formal bureaucrat, who in the absence of his wife had his daughter on
+his arm. The little Baroness was charming in her pink tulle ball-dress,
+with a wreath of snow-drops on her black curls, and she was beaming
+with delight and exultation in having, after a hard combat, succeeded
+in being present at the entertainment. Her parents had at first refused
+to allow her to come, because Herr Gersdorf was also invited, and they
+dreaded the renewal of his attentions. The Herr Papa was armed to the
+teeth against attack from the hostile force; he kept guard like a
+sentinel over his daughter, and seemed resolved that she should not
+leave his side during the entire evening.
+
+But the lover showed no inclination to expose himself to the danger of
+another repulse; he contented himself with a courteous salutation from
+a distance, which Baron Ernsthausen returned very stiffly. Molly
+inclined her head gravely and decorously, as if quite agreed with her
+paternal escort; of course she had devised the plan of her campaign,
+and she proceeded to carry it out with an energy that left nothing to
+be desired.
+
+She embraced and congratulated Alice, which necessitated her leaving
+her father's arm; then she greeted Frau von Lasberg with the greatest
+amiability in return for a very cool recognition on that lady's part,
+and finally she overwhelmed Erna with demonstrations of affection,
+drawing her aside to the recess of a window. The councillor looked
+after her with a discontented air, but, as Gersdorf remained quietly at
+the other end of the room, he was reassured, and apparently conceived
+that his office of guardian was perfectly discharged by keeping the
+enemy constantly in sight. He never suspected the cunning schemes that
+were being contrived and carried out behind his back.
+
+The whispered interview in the window-recess did not last long, and at
+its close Fräulein von Thurgau vanished from the room, while Molly
+returned to her father and entered into conversation with various
+friends. She managed, however, to perceive that Erna returned after a
+few minutes, and, approaching Herr Gersdorf, addressed him. He looked
+rather surprised, but bowed in assent, and the little Baroness
+triumphantly unfurled her fan. The action had begun, and the guardian
+was checkmated for the rest of the evening.
+
+Meanwhile, the president had missed his niece and was looking about for
+her rather impatiently, while talking with a gentleman who had just
+arrived, and who was not one of the _habitués_ of the house. He was
+undoubtedly a person of distinction, for Nordheim treated him with a
+consideration which he accorded to but few individuals. Erna no sooner
+made her appearance again than her uncle approached her and presented
+the stranger.
+
+"Herr Ernst Waltenberg, of whom you have heard me speak."
+
+"I was so unfortunate as to miss the ladies when I called yesterday,
+and so am an entire stranger to Fräulein von Thurgau," said Waltenberg.
+
+"Not quite: I talked much of you at dinner," Nordheim interposed. "A
+cosmopolitan like yourself, who after the tour of the world comes to us
+directly from Persia, cannot fail to interest, and I am sure you will
+find an eager listener to your experiences of travel in my niece. Her
+taste is decidedly for the strange and unusual."
+
+"Indeed, Fräulein von Thurgau?" asked Waltenberg, gazing in evident
+admiration at Erna's lovely face.
+
+Nordheim perceived this and smiled, while, without giving his niece a
+chance to reply, he continued:
+
+"You may rely upon it. But we must first of all try to make you more at
+home in Europe, where you are positively a stranger. I shall be glad if
+my house can in any wise contribute to your pleasure; I pray you to
+believe that you will always be welcome here."
+
+He shook his guest's hand with great cordiality and retired. There was
+a degree of intention in the way in which he had brought the pair
+together and then left them to themselves, but Erna did not perceive
+it. She had been in no wise interested in the presentation of the
+new-comer,--strangers from beyond the seas were no rarity in her
+uncle's house,--but her first glance at the guest's unusual type of
+countenance aroused her attention.
+
+Ernst Waltenberg was no longer young,--he had passed forty, and
+although not very tall his frame was muscular and well-knit, showing
+traces, however, of a life of exposure and exertion. His face, tanned
+dark brown by his sojourn for years in tropical countries, was not
+handsome, but full of expression and of those lines graven not by
+years, but by experience of life. His broad brow was crowned by close
+black curls, and his steel-gray eyes beneath their black brows could
+evidently flash on occasion. There was something strangely foreign
+about him that set him quite apart from the brilliant but mostly
+uninteresting personages that crowded Nordheim's rooms. His voice too
+had a peculiar intonation,--it was deep, but sounded slightly foreign,
+possibly from years of speaking other tongues than his own. Evidently
+he was perfectly versed in the forms of society; the manner in which he
+took his seat beside Fräulein von Thurgau was entirely that of a man of
+the world.
+
+"You have but lately come from Persia?" Erna asked, referring to what
+her uncle had said.
+
+"Yes, I was there last; for ten years I have not seen Europe before."
+
+"And yet you are a German? Probably your profession kept you away thus
+long?"
+
+"My profession?" Waltenberg repeated, with a fleeting smile. "No; I
+merely yielded to my inclination. I am not of those steadfast natures
+which become rooted in house and home. I was always longing to be out
+in the world, and I gratified my desire absolutely in this respect."
+
+"And in all these ten years have you never been homesick?"
+
+"To tell the truth, no! One gradually becomes weaned from one's home,
+and at last feels like a stranger there. I am here now only to arrange
+various business affairs and personal matters, and do not propose to
+stay long. I have no family to keep me here; I am quite alone."
+
+"But your country should have a claim upon you," Erna interposed.
+
+"Perhaps so; but I am modest enough to imagine that it does not need
+me. There are so many better men than I here."
+
+"And do you not need your country?"
+
+The remark was rather an odd one from a young lady, and Waltenberg
+looked surprised, especially when the glance that met his own
+emphasized the reproach in the girl's words.
+
+"You are indignant at my admission, Fräulein Thurgau, but nevertheless
+I must plead guilty," he said, gravely. "Believe me, a life such as
+mine has been for years, free of all fetters, surrounded by a nature
+lavish in beauty and luxuriance, while our own is meagre enough, has
+the effect of a magic draught. Those who have once tasted it can never
+again forego it. Were I really obliged to return to this world of
+unrealities, this formal existence in what we call society, beneath
+these gray wintry skies, I think I----but this is rank heresy in the
+eyes of one who is an admired centre of this same society."
+
+"And yet she can perhaps understand you," Erna said, with a sudden
+access of bitterness. "I grew up among the mountains, in the
+magnificent solitude of the highlands, far from the world and its ways,
+and it is hard, very hard, to forego the sunny, golden liberty of my
+childhood!"
+
+"Even here?" Waltenberg asked, with a glance about him at the brilliant
+rooms, now crowded with guests.
+
+"Most of all here."
+
+The answer was low, scarcely audible, and the look that accompanied it
+was strangely sad and weary, but the next moment the young girl seemed
+to repent the half-involuntary confession; she smiled and said,
+jestingly,--
+
+"You are right, this is heresy, and my uncle would disapprove; he
+evidently hopes to make you really at home among us. Let me make you
+acquainted with the gentleman now approaching us; he is one of our
+celebrities and will surely interest you."
+
+Her intention of breaking off a conversation that had become unusually
+grave was evident, and Waltenberg bowed silently, but with an
+expression of annoyance. He was presented to the 'celebrity,' with whom
+he conversed but for a few moments, however, before seeking out Herr
+Gersdorf, whom he had long known; they had been college-friends.
+
+"Well, Ernst, are you beginning to be at home among us?" the lawyer
+asked. "You seemed much interested in your talk with Fräulein Thurgau.
+A handsome girl, is she not?"
+
+"Yes, and really worth the trouble of talking to," Ernst replied,
+retiring somewhat from the throng with his friend, who laughed, as he
+said in an undertone,--
+
+"Extremely complimentary to all the other ladies. I suppose it is not
+worth the trouble to talk with them?"
+
+"No, it is not," Waltenberg coolly replied, in a still lower tone. "I
+really cannot bring myself to take part in their vapid talk through an
+entire evening. It is particularly tiresome around the betrothed
+couple,--a perfect chorus of utterly senseless remarks. Moreover, the
+lady looks very insignificant, and is very uninteresting."
+
+Gersdorf shrugged his shoulders: "Nevertheless her name is Alice
+Nordheim, and that was quite enough for her lover. There is many a one
+here who would gladly stand in his shoes, but he had the wit to gain
+her father's favour, and so won the prize."
+
+"Marrying for money, then? A fortune-hunter?"
+
+"If you choose to call him so,--yes; but very talented, very
+energetic,--sure to succeed. He already rules the various officials of
+his railway as absolutely as his future father-in-law does the
+directors, and when you see his _chef-d'[oe]uvre_, the Wolkenstein
+bridge, you will admit that his talent is of no common order."
+
+"No matter for that, I detest fortune-hunting from my very soul. One
+might forgive it in a poor devil with no other chance to rise in the
+world, but this Elmhorst seems to have force of character, and yet
+sells himself and his liberty for money. Contemptible!"
+
+"My dear Ernst, you are evidently just from the wilds," Gersdorf
+rejoined. "Such things are very usual in our much-lauded 'society,' and
+among very respectable people. Of course money is no consideration to
+you, with your hundreds of thousands. Are you never going to cease
+wandering to and fro on the earth and try sitting beside your own
+hearthstone?"
+
+"No, Albert, I never was made for that. Liberty is my bride, and I
+shall be faithful to her."
+
+"I said the same thing," the lawyer rejoined, with a laugh; "but time
+brings one experience of this same bride's rather chilly nature, and if
+in addition one meets with the misfortune of falling in love, liberty
+loses all attraction and the whilom bachelor is glad enough to turn
+into an honest married man. I am just about to undergo this
+transformation."
+
+"I condole with you."
+
+"No need; it suits me extremely well. But you know all the story of my
+love and woe; what do you think of the future Frau Gersdorf?"
+
+"I think her so charming that she excuses in a measure your desertion
+of your colours. She is lovely, with that rosy, laughing little face."
+
+"Yes, my little Molly is an embodiment of sunshine," Albert said,
+heartily, his glance seeking out the young girl. "The barometer at her
+home points to 'stormy' at present; but although the court-councillor
+and his entire family, with the famous granduncle,--who, by the bye, is
+the worst of all,--should take the field against me, I am resolved to
+come off victorious."
+
+"Herr Waltenberg, may I request you to escort my niece to supper?" said
+the president as he passed the young men.
+
+"With pleasure," Waltenberg assented, hurrying away, with such sincere
+satisfaction expressed in his face, that Gersdorf could not help
+looking after him with a mocking smile.
+
+"I doubt whether I shall long be the only one of us two to desert his
+colours," he said to himself as his friend joined Fräulein von Thurgau,
+looking like anything rather than a misogynist.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VII.
+
+                             A NEW SCHEME.
+
+
+The doors of the supper-room were opened and the assemblage began to
+enter it by couples. Baron Ernsthausen offered his arm to the Baroness
+Lasberg, having been assigned her as his neighbour at table, and having
+learned from her with much satisfaction that Lieutenant von Alven was
+to be his daughter's escort, and that Herr Gersdorf's place was at the
+opposite end of the table. The distinguished couple slowly advanced
+followed by a crowd of others, but, strangely enough, Lieutenant von
+Alven offered his arm to another young girl, and Herr Gersdorf
+approached the Baroness Ernsthausen.
+
+"What does this mean, Molly?" he asked, in a low tone. "Am I to take
+you to supper, as Fräulein von Thurgau tells me? Did you prevail on
+Frau von Lasberg----?"
+
+"Oh, she is a firm ally of my father and mother," Molly whispered,
+taking his arm. "Only fancy, she had the entire length of the table
+between us! Mamma is at home with a headache, but she enjoined it upon
+papa not to let me out of his sight, and Frau von Lasberg was to be
+guard number two. But they have no idea with whom they have to deal; I
+have outwitted them all."
+
+"What is it that you have done?" Gersdorf asked, rather uneasily.
+
+"Changed the table-cards!" Molly declared, exultantly, "or rather
+persuaded Erna to change them. She did not want to at first, but when I
+asked her whether she could answer it to her conscience to plunge us
+both into fathomless despair, she really could not, and so she
+consented."
+
+The phrases which the little Baroness used to beguile the guardian
+angels of her love came trippingly from her tongue; her lover, however,
+did not seem greatly edified by her stroke of policy; he shook his
+head, and said, reproachfully, "But, my dear Molly, it cannot possibly
+be concealed, and when your father sees us----"
+
+"He'll be furious!" Molly completed the sentence very placidly. "But
+you know, Albert, he always is that, and a little more or a little less
+really makes no difference. And now do not look so frightfully grave. I
+believe you would actually like to scold me for my brilliant idea."
+
+"I ought to," said Albert, smiling in spite of himself; "but who could
+find fault with you, you wayward little sprite?"
+
+In the buzz of conversation the lovers' whispered tones were unheard as
+they entered the supper-room, where the councillor was already seated
+beside his companion. The pleasures of the table were dear to his
+heart, and the prospect of a good supper attuned his soul to
+benevolence. But suddenly his face grew rigid as if from a sight of the
+Gorgon, although it was only upon perceiving the extremely happy face
+of his little daughter as she appeared upon Herr Gersdorf's arm.
+
+"Madame, for heaven's sake, look there!" he whispered. "You told me
+that Lieutenant von Alven----"
+
+"Was to take Molly to supper; and in accordance with your express wish
+Herr Gersdorf----"
+
+Frau von Lasberg stopped in the middle of her sentence and also became
+petrified as she perceived the couple just taking their seats near the
+other end of the table.
+
+"Beside him!" The councillor darted an annihilating glance down the
+long table, past thirty seated guests, at the lawyer.
+
+"I cannot understand this; I arranged the places at table myself."
+
+"Perhaps some mistake of the servants----"
+
+"No, it is a plot of the Baroness's," Frau von Lasberg interposed,
+indignantly. "But pray let us have no scene. When supper is over----"
+
+"I shall take Molly directly home!" Ernsthausen concluded the sentence,
+opening his napkin with an energy that boded no good to his disobedient
+daughter.
+
+The supper began and followed its course with all the splendour to be
+expected from an entertainment in the Nordheim mansion. The tables were
+almost overloaded with heavy silver and glittering glass, among which
+bloomed the rarest flowers. There was an endless variety of food, with
+the finest kinds of wine. The usual toasts to the betrothed couple were
+offered, the usual speeches made, and over it all brooded the weariness
+inseparable from such displays of princely wealth.
+
+Nevertheless certain of the younger folk enjoyed themselves
+excessively; notably Baroness Molly, who, quite unaffected by her
+approaching doom, laughed and talked with her neighbour at table, while
+Gersdorf would have been no lover had he not forgotten all else and
+quaffed full draughts of the unexpected happiness of this interview.
+
+Not less eager, if graver and of more significance, was the
+conversation carried on at the upper end of the table between Fräulein
+von Thurgau, who as the nearest relative of the family had her place
+opposite the betrothed couple, and Ernst Waltenberg, who was a
+distinguished guest. Hitherto he had seemed to take but little interest
+in the assemblage and had been rather silent, but now he made it plain
+that where it pleased him to charm by his conversation he was fully
+able to do so.
+
+He did indeed tell of distant lands and peoples, but he described them
+so vividly that his hearer seemed to see them. As he spoke of the charm
+of the southern seas, the splendour of the tropical landscape, Erna,
+listening with sparkling eyes, seemed carried away. Now and then
+Wolfgang, beside Alice on the opposite side of the table, scanned the
+pair with an oddly searching glance; his conversation with his
+betrothed did not seem to be of a particularly lively nature, master of
+the art though he were.
+
+At last supper was over, and all returned to the reception-rooms. The
+universal mood seemed less constrained, laughter and talk were louder,
+and so general was the mingling of various groups that it was difficult
+to single out any particular individual, as Baron Ernsthausen found to
+his vexation, for his young daughter had disappeared for the time.
+
+Ernst Waltenberg had conducted Erna to the conservatory, and was seated
+beside her, deep in the conversation begun at supper, when the
+betrothed couple entered. Wolfgang started as he perceived the pair, he
+bowed coldly to Waltenberg, who sprang up to offer his place to
+Fräulein Nordheim, and said, "Alice complains of weariness and thinks
+it will be quieter here. We are not intruding?"
+
+"Upon whom?" Erna asked, quietly.
+
+"Upon yourself and Herr Waltenberg. You were in such earnest
+conversation, and we should be very sorry----"
+
+Instead of replying, Erna took her cousin's hand and drew her down
+beside her: "You are right, Alice, you need rest. It is a hard task
+even for those stronger than you to be the centre of such an
+entertainment."
+
+"I only wanted to withdraw for a few moments," said Alice, who really
+did look fatigued. "But we seem to have disturbed you; Herr Waltenberg
+was in the midst of a most interesting description, which he broke off
+when we entered."
+
+"I was telling of my last visit to India," Waltenberg explained, "and I
+took the opportunity to make a request of Baroness Thurgau, which I
+should like to make of you also, Fräulein Nordheim. In the course of my
+ten years of absence from Europe I have collected a quantity of foreign
+curiosities. They were all sent home, and form a veritable museum which
+I am just having arranged by an experienced hand. May I entreat the
+ladies to honour me with a visit,--with yourself, of course, Herr
+Elmhorst? I think I can show you much that will interest you."
+
+"I fear my engagements will not allow me to accept your kind
+invitation," Elmhorst replied, with rather cool courtesy. "I must leave
+town in a couple of days."
+
+"So shortly after your betrothal?"
+
+"I must. In the present condition of our work I cannot allow myself a
+longer leave of absence."
+
+"Do you agree to this, Fräulein Nordheim?" Waltenberg appealed to
+Alice. "I should think under present circumstances you would have the
+first claim."
+
+"Duty has the first claim upon me, Herr Waltenberg,--in my opinion, at
+least."
+
+"Must you take it so seriously,--even now?"
+
+"Wolfgang's eyes flashed. He understood this 'even now?' and understood
+also the look which he encountered; he had seen the same expression on
+another face a few hours ago. He bit his lip; for the second time he
+was reminded that he was considered in society only as 'Alice
+Nordheim's future husband,'--one who could with her fortune in prospect
+purchase immunity from duties which he had undertaken to fulfil.
+
+"To fulfil a duty is with me a point of honour," he replied, coldly.
+
+"Yes, we Germans are fanatics for duty," Waltenberg said, negligently.
+"I have lost somewhat of this national characteristic in foreign
+countries. Oh, Fräulein von Thurgau, not that disapproving look, I
+entreat. My unfortunate frankness will ruin me in your estimation, but
+remember I come from quite another world, and am absolutely uncivilized
+according to European ideas."
+
+"You certainly seem so with respect to some of your views," Erna said,
+lightly, but withal with a shade of severity.
+
+He smiled, and, leaning over the back of her chair, said, in a lower
+tone, "Yes, I need to be harmonized with mankind, and with our worthy
+Germans. Perhaps some one will have pity upon me and undertake the
+task. Do you think it would be worth the trouble?"
+
+"Can you really endure this close, stifling temperature, Alice?"
+Wolfgang asked, with ill-concealed impatience. "I fear it is worse for
+you than the heat of the rooms."
+
+"But there is such a crowd of people there. Pray let us stay here,
+Wolfgang."
+
+He bit his lip, but naturally yielded to a wish of his betrothed's so
+distinctly expressed.
+
+"The air here is tropical," said Waltenberg.
+
+"It is indeed. Oppressive, and debilitating for any one accustomed to
+breathe freely."
+
+The words sounded almost rude, but he to whom they were addressed took
+no heed; he was still gazing at Erna as he went on: "These palms and
+orchids require it. Look, Fräulein von Thurgau, they enchant the eye
+even here in captivity. In the tropics, where they climb and twine in
+liberty, they are wonderful indeed."
+
+"Yes, that world must be beautiful," Erna said, softly, while her eyes
+wandered dreamily over the foreign splendour of the blossoms gleaming
+among the green on every side and filling the conservatory with their
+sweet but enervating fragrance.
+
+"Was your stay in the East a long one, Herr Waltenberg?" Alice asked,
+in her cool, uninterested way.
+
+"I passed some years there, but I am at home all over the world, and
+can even boast having penetrated far into Africa."
+
+Wolfgang's attention was roused by these last words: "Probably as a
+member of some scientific expedition?" he observed.
+
+"No, that would have had no charm for me. I detest nothing so much as
+constraint, and it is impossible in such expeditions to preserve one's
+personal freedom. One is bound by the rules of the expedition, by the
+wishes of one's companions, by all sorts of things, and I am wont to
+follow my own will only."
+
+"Ah, indeed?" A half-contemptuous smile played about Wolfgang's lips.
+"I beg pardon; I really thought you had gone to Africa as a scientific
+pioneer."
+
+"Good heavens, how in earnest you are about everything, Herr Elmhorst!"
+Waltenberg said, with a scarcely perceptible sneer. "Must life perforce
+be labour? I never coveted fame as an explorer; I have enjoyed the
+freedom and beauty of the world, and have renewed my youth and strength
+in quaffing long draughts of such enjoyment. To put it to positive use
+would destroy its romance for me."
+
+Elmhorst shrugged his shoulders, and remarked, with apparent
+indifference, in which there was nevertheless a spice of insolence,
+"Certainly a most convenient way of arranging one's existence. And yet
+hardly to my taste, and quite impossible for most people. So to live
+one should be born to great wealth."
+
+"No, not of necessity," Waltenberg retorted, in the same tone. "Some
+lucky chance may endow one with wealth."
+
+Wolfgang looked annoyed, and he was evidently about to make a sharp
+reply, when Erna, perceiving this, hastened to give the conversation
+another turn.
+
+"I fear my uncle must resign all hope of making you at home among us,"
+said she. "You are so entirely under the spell of your tropical world,
+that everything here will seem petty and meagre to you. I hardly think
+that even our mountains could move you to admiration, but there you
+will find me a determined antagonist."
+
+Waltenberg turned towards her,--perhaps he saw in her face, or was
+conscious himself, that he had gone too far. "You do me injustice,
+Fräulein Thurgau," he replied. "I have never forgotten the Alpine
+world of my native country,--its lofty summits, its deep-blue
+lakes, and the lovely creations of its legends by which it is
+peopled,--creatures"--his voice sounded veiled--"compounded as it were
+of air and Alpine snow, with the white fairy-like flowers of its waters
+crowning their fair hair."
+
+The compliment was too bold, but the manner in which it was uttered
+took from it all presumption, as the speaker's eyes rested in
+admiration upon the beautiful girl before him in her white, misty
+ball-dress.
+
+"Alice, are you rested?" Wolfgang asked, aloud. "We really ought not to
+remain away from the other room so long. Let us go back."
+
+His words sounded almost like a command. Alice arose, put her hand
+within his arm, and they left the conservatory together.
+
+"Herr Elmhorst seems to have a decided predilection for command,"
+Waltenberg said, ironically, looking after them. "His tone was
+decidedly that of the future lord and master, and upon the very day of
+his betrothal. Fräulein Nordheim's choice seems surprising to me in
+more than one sense."
+
+"Alice's is a very gentle, docile nature," Erna observed.
+
+"So much the worse. Her lover seems to have no conception that it is
+this connection alone that raises him to a position to which he could
+not personally lay any claim."
+
+The young girl had risen and approached a group of plants, whose heavy
+crimson blossoms hung amid dark green leaves. After a moment's pause
+she rejoined, "I do not think Wolfgang Elmhorst a man to allow himself
+to be 'raised.'"
+
+"Why, then, should her---- Pardon me, I ought not to say one word in
+disapproval of your future relative."
+
+Erna did not reply, and he seemed to take her silence as a permission
+to proceed, for he continued, very gravely: "Do you think inclination
+plays any part in his suit?"
+
+"No."
+
+The word was uttered with a certain harshness, as the girl's face
+leaned half hidden among the crimson flowers.
+
+"Nor do I, and my opinion of Herr Elmhorst is based upon that
+conviction. Pray, Fräulein Thurgau, do not inhale the fragrance of
+those blossoms so closely; I know the plant,--its odour is delicious
+but mischievous, and will give you headache. Be careful."
+
+"You are right," she said, with a deep breath, passing her hand across
+her forehead and standing erect. "It is, besides, time that we returned
+to the other rooms. May I trouble you, Herr Waltenberg?"
+
+He seemed hardly to agree with this, but nevertheless instantly offered
+his arm and conducted her to the ball-room, which was still full.
+
+The court-councillor was sitting in a corner nursing his wrath with
+Fran von Lasberg, who seemed inclined to fan the flame. She had
+ascertained by questioning the servants that the cards on the table had
+really been changed, and her indignation was extreme. She harangued the
+unfortunate father of such a daughter in low but expressive tones, and
+concluded her discourse with the annihilating declaration, "In short,
+the conduct of Herr Gersdorf seems to me outrageous!"
+
+"Yes, it is outrageous!" Ernsthausen murmured in a fury. "And,
+moreover, I have been looking for Molly for half an hour to take her
+home, and I cannot find her. She is a terrible child!"
+
+"Under no circumstances should I have allowed her to attend this
+entertainment," the old lady began again. "When the Frau Baroness
+opened her heart to me about the affair, I urged it upon her to have
+recourse to vigorous measures."
+
+"And so we have," Ernsthausen declared; "but it is of no use. My wife
+is ill with all this worry and vexation, and her indisposition may,
+probably will, last for days. I am occupied with my official duties.
+Who is to stand guard over the girl meanwhile and frustrate all her
+insane schemes?"
+
+"Send Molly to the country to her granduncle," was Frau von Lasberg's
+advice. "There no personal intercourse with Gersdorf will be possible,
+and if I know the old Baron he will find a means of preventing any
+exchange of letters."
+
+The councillor looked as if a ray of light had suddenly invaded the
+darkness of his soul; he adopted the suggestion with enthusiasm.
+
+"That is an idea!" he cried. "You are right, madame, perfectly right!
+Molly shall go to my uncle immediately,--the day after to-morrow. He
+was beside himself at learning of the affair, and will certainly be the
+best of guardians. I will write to him early to-morrow morning."
+
+He was so possessed with this thought that he hastily arose, and made a
+fresh attempt to find his daughter, but it was a difficult undertaking.
+He might as well have given chase to a butterfly, for Molly possessed a
+wonderful talent for disappearing just as her father was about to
+confront her. Ernst Waltenberg, who had been taken into council by the
+lovers twice, acted as a lightning-conductor on this occasion, in view
+of the approaching storm, which he diverted by his conversation.
+Meanwhile, the little Baroness would disappear among a crowd of her
+friends, to come to light again in an entirely different place. She
+seemed to regard the company as an assemblage of guardian-angels, to be
+used according to her good pleasure, and even the minister, her
+father's illustrious chief, who was present, was obliged to serve her
+purpose, for she finally took refuge with His Excellency, and
+complained in the most moving terms that her father was insisting upon
+driving home, when she wanted to stay so much. The old gentleman
+instantly espoused the cause of the charming child, and when the
+councillor appeared with a stern "Molly, the carriage is waiting," he
+kindly interposed with, "Let it wait, my dear councillor. Youth claims
+its rights, and I promised the Baroness to intercede for her. You will
+stay, will you not?"
+
+Ernsthausen was inwardly raging, while his outward man bowed in polite
+assent, in recognition of which his chief engaged him in conversation,
+and did not release him until a quarter of an hour had passed. Then,
+however, the Baron was determined; he invaded the hostile camp, where
+his daughter was seated in great content between Waltenberg and
+Gersdorf. The latter approached him with extreme courtesy.
+
+"Herr Councillor, will you kindly appoint an hour when I can call upon
+you, either to-morrow or the day after?"
+
+Ernsthausen gave him an annihilating glance: "I regret extremely, Herr
+Gersdorf, that pressing business----"
+
+"Quite right, it is that about which I wish to consult with you,"
+Gersdorf interposed. "The matter concerns the railway company, whose
+legal representative I am, as you know, and His Excellency the minister
+has referred me to you. Permit me, however, to visit you at your home
+instead of at your office, since I have a private matter also to
+discuss with you."
+
+The Baron was unfortunately in no uncertainty as to what this private
+matter was, but since he could not refuse to receive the lawyer in his
+legal capacity, he stood erect with much dignity and answered, coolly,
+"The day after to-morrow, at five in the afternoon, I shall be at your
+service."
+
+"I shall be punctual," said Gersdorf, bowing as he took leave of Molly,
+who thought best at last to comply with the paternal command and to
+allow herself to be taken home. On the staircase, however, she
+declared, resolutely, "Papa, the day after to-morrow I will not be
+locked up again. I mean to be there when my lover presents himself."
+
+"The day after to-morrow you will be in the country," Ernsthausen
+asserted, with emphasis. "You will depart by the early train; I shall
+myself see you safely to the railway-carriage, and when you arrive your
+grand uncle will receive you, and will keep you with him for the
+present."
+
+Molly's curly head emerged from her white hood in speechless horror.
+But only for a moment was she silent; then she assumed a warlike
+attitude: "I will not go, papa. I will not stay with my granduncle; I
+will run away and come back to town on foot."
+
+"You will hardly do that," said the councillor. "I should think you
+knew the old gentleman and his principles better. After his death you
+will be a most distinguished match,--remember that!"
+
+"I wish my granduncle would go to Monaco and gamble away all his
+money," Molly retorted, sobbing angrily, "or that he would adopt some
+orphan and leave her every penny he possesses!"
+
+"Good heavens, child, you are mad, absolutely mad!" Ernsthausen
+exclaimed in desperation, but the little Baroness went on excitedly:
+
+"Then I should be no match at all, and could marry Albert. I mean to
+pray fervently that my granduncle may commit some such folly, in spite
+of his seventy years!"
+
+Still sobbing, she sprang into the carriage and buried her face in the
+cushions. Her father followed her, muttering, "A terrible child!"
+
+The brilliant rooms gradually became more empty and more quiet. One
+after another the guests took their leave, until finally the president,
+having bidden farewell to the last, was left alone with Wolfgang in the
+spacious reception-room.
+
+"Waltenberg bus invited us to inspect his collection of curios," he
+said. "I shall hardly have time to go, but you----"
+
+"I shall have still less," Elmhorst interposed. "The three days at my
+disposal are already fully occupied."
+
+"I know, I know, but nevertheless you must escort Alice; she and Erna
+have accepted Waltenberg's invitation, and I wish them to go."
+
+Wolfgang was surprised; he looked keenly at his future father-in-law
+for an instant, and then asked, hastily, "Who and what is this
+Waltenberg, sir? You treat him with extraordinary consideration, and
+yet he appeared in your house to-night for the first time. Have you
+known him long?"
+
+"Certainly. His father took part in several of my schemes. A capital,
+prudent man of business, who would have amassed millions had he lived
+longer. Unfortunately, the son has inherited none of his practical
+ability. He prefers to travel all over the earth and to consort with
+all kinds of savage nations. Well, his property permits him to pursue
+such follies, and it has just been nearly doubled. His aunt, his
+father's only unmarried sister, died a few months ago, leaving him her
+heir. He came home, indeed, only to arrange his affairs, and is already
+talking of going away again. An incomprehensible man!"
+
+The tone in which Nordheim spoke of the man for whom he had shown
+such consideration betrayed his entire want of sympathy with him
+personally, and Elmhorst seemed to be of the same mind, for he
+instantly observed,--
+
+"I think him insufferable! At table he talked exclusively of his
+travels, and precisely as if he were delivering a lecture. All you
+heard was of 'blue depths of water,' 'waving palms,' and 'dreamy
+lotus-blossoms.' It was intolerable! Fräulein von Thurgau, however,
+seemed quite carried away by it. I must confess, sir, I thought all
+this poetic Oriental talk far too confidential for a first interview."
+
+The words were meant to be ironical, but they hardly concealed the
+speaker's irritation. The president, however, did not observe it, but
+replied, quietly, "In this case I have no objection to such
+confidences; quite the contrary."
+
+"That means--you have intentionally brought them together."
+
+"Certainly," Nordheim replied, in some surprise at the eager haste with
+which the question was put. "Erna is nineteen; it is time to think
+seriously of her settlement in life, and as her relative and guardian
+it is my duty to provide for it. The girl is greatly admired in
+society, but no one has as yet presented himself as her suitor. She has
+no money."
+
+"No, she has no money," Wolfgang repeated as if mechanically, and his
+look sought the adjoining room, where the ladies still lingered. Alice
+was sitting on the sofa, and Erna stood before her, her slender white
+figure framed in by the door-way.
+
+"I cannot blame the men," the president continued. "Erna's only
+inheritance is the couple of thousand marks paid for Wolkenstein Court;
+and although I shall of course furnish my niece with a trousseau, that
+would be nothing for a man whose demands upon life are at all great.
+Waltenberg has no need of money,--he is wealthy himself, and of
+excellent family; in short, a brilliant match. I planned it immediately
+upon his return, and I think it will succeed."
+
+He explained everything in a cool, business-like fashion, as if the
+matter under discussion were some new speculation. In fact, the
+'settlement' of his niece was for him an affair of business, as had
+been his daughter's betrothal. In the one case money was necessary in
+exchange for a bride, in the other intelligence and ability, and
+Nordheim could express himself with perfect freedom to his future
+son-in-law, who occupied the same point of view and had acted upon
+principles similar to his own. But just now the young man's face was
+strangely pale, and there was an odd expression in the eyes fixed upon
+the picture framed in by the arched door-way and brilliantly
+illuminated in the candle-light.
+
+"And you think Fräulein von Thurgau is agreed?" he asked, slowly, at
+last, without averting his gaze.
+
+"She will not be such a fool as to reject such good fortune. The girl
+is, to be sure, possessed by unaccountable fancies, obstinate as her
+father, and on certain points not to be controlled. We scarcely
+harmonize in our views, any one can see that, but this time I think we
+shall agree. Such a man as Waltenberg with his eccentricities is
+precisely after Erna's taste. I think her quite capable of accompanying
+him in his wanderings, if he cannot make up his mind to relinquish
+them."
+
+"And why not?" Wolfgang said, harshly. "It is so uncommonly romantic
+and interesting, life in foreign lands with no occupation and no
+country. With no duties to exercise any controlling influence, life can
+be dreamed away beneath the palms in inactive enjoyment. To me such an
+existence, however, seems pitiable; it would be impossible for me."
+
+"You are really indignant," said Nordheim, amazed at this sudden
+outburst. "You forget that Waltenberg has always been wealthy. You and
+I must work to attain eminence; no such necessity exists for him,--he
+has always occupied the height towards which we must climb. Such men
+are rarely fit for serious exertion."
+
+He turned to a passing servant and gave him an order. But Wolfgang
+stood motionless and gloomy, his gaze still fixed upon the white figure
+'compounded as it were of air and Alpine snow, with the white fairylike
+flower of its waters crowning its fair hair,' and inaudibly but with
+intense bitterness he muttered, "Yes, he is rich, and so he has a right
+to be happy."
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER VIII.
+
+                             ANOTHER CLIME.
+
+
+Waltenberg's dwelling was somewhat remote from the central portion of
+the city; it was a fine, spacious villa, surrounded by a garden which
+was almost a park. It had been built by the father of the present
+possessor, and had been occupied by him until his death. Since then it
+had been empty, for the son, always travelling in distant lands, was
+far too wealthy to think of renting it. He left it in charge of a
+trustworthy person, whose duty it had been to receive, to unpack, and
+to arrange the various chests and packages sent home by his master from
+time to time, until now, after the lapse of a decade, the closed doors
+and windows were again opened, and the desolate rooms showed signs of
+occupation.
+
+The large balconied apartment in the middle of the house was still
+furnished precisely as it had been in the lifetime of its former
+master. There was no magnificence here as in the Nordheim mansion, but
+on every hand was to be observed the solid comfort of a well-to-do
+burgher. The persons present at this time in the room, however, looked
+strangely foreign. A negro black as night, with woolly hair, and a
+slender, brown Malay lad, both in fantastic Oriental costume, were busy
+arranging a table with flowers and all kinds of fruits, while a third
+individual stood in the middle of the room giving the necessary
+directions.
+
+The dress of this last was European in cut, and seemed to be something
+between the garb of a sailor and that of a farmer. Its wearer was an
+elderly man, very tall and thin, but at the same time most powerfully
+built. His close-cut hair was grizzled here and there, and his
+furrowed, sunburned face was scarcely less brown than that of the
+Malay. But from the brown face looked forth a pair of genuine German,
+blue eyes, and the words that issued from the man's lips were such
+pure, unadulterated German as is spoken only by those to whom it is the
+mother-tongue.
+
+"The flowers in the centre!" he ordered. "Herr Waltenberg wishes it to
+be romantic; he must have his way. Said, boy, don't stand the silver
+épergnes close together like a pair of grenadiers; put them at either
+end of the table, and the glasses on the side-table where the wine is to
+be served. Do you understand?"
+
+"Oh, yes, master," the negro replied, in English.
+
+"And speak German. Do you not know that we are in Germany, on this
+God-forsaken soil where you freeze stiff in March, and where the sun
+appears once a month, and then only at the command of the authorities?
+I detest it, as does Herr Waltenberg. But you must learn German, or,
+true as my name is Veit Gronau, you'll repent it. You're still half a
+heathen, and Djelma there is a whole one. See how he stares! Do you
+understand a word I say, boy?"
+
+The Malay shook his head. Evidently his progress in the German tongue
+was slow, and the negro, who was much farther advanced, was obliged to
+come to his assistance frequently.
+
+"It is the master's fault; he talks your gibberish to you too often,"
+Veit Gronau grumbled. "If I did not insist upon your speaking German
+neither of you would understand a syllable of it. There! now the table
+is ready. All fruit and flowers, and nothing really fit to eat and
+drink. That, I suppose, is romantic; I think it crazy, which is very
+much the same thing, after all."
+
+"Are there ladies coming?" Said asked, inquisitively.
+
+"Unfortunately, yes. It is no pleasure, but an honour, for in this
+country they are treated with immense respect, very differently from
+your black and brown women; so behave yourselves!"
+
+He would probably have continued his admonitions, but at this moment
+the door opened and the master of the house entered. He glanced at the
+table loaded with flowers and fruit, signed to Said to retire to the
+antechamber, spoke a few words in some Indian tongue to Djelma, who
+straightway disappeared, and then turning to Veit Gronau, said,
+"President Nordheim has sent an excuse, but the rest are coming; Herr
+Gersdorf has also accepted. You will escape for this time the encounter
+you have so dreaded, Gronau."
+
+"Dreaded?" the other repeated. "Hardly that! It certainly would have
+given me no great pleasure to meet an old playmate with whom I was once
+on most familiar terms, and to be honoured by him with a condescending
+nod when I was presented to him as a kind of servant."
+
+"As my secretary?" Waltenberg said, with emphasis. "I should not
+suppose such a position could be in any wise humiliating."
+
+Gronau shrugged his shoulders: "Secretary, steward, travelling
+companion, all in one. True, you have always treated me like a
+fellow-countryman, and not as an inferior, Herr Waltenberg. When you
+picked me up in Melbourne I was very near starvation, and I should have
+starved but for you. God requite you!"
+
+"Nonsense!" said Ernst, repudiating his gratitude almost harshly. "You
+were a priceless discovery for me, with your knowledge of languages and
+your practical experience, and I think we have been well content with
+each other for these six years. So the president was one of your
+playmates?"
+
+"Yes, we were the children of neighbours, and grew up together until
+life parted us, sending one hither and the other thither. He always
+prophesied to me, and to Benno Reinsfeld, who was one of us, that I
+should be a poor devil."
+
+Waltenberg had gone to the window, and was looking out with some
+impatience while nevertheless listening attentively. The youth of the
+man whom he had known only in the midst of wealth and luxury seemed to
+interest him.
+
+"Of course all three of us entertained vast schemes for the future,"
+Veit continued, with good-humoured self-ridicule. "I was to go abroad
+and return a wealthy nabob, Reinsfeld was to astound the world with
+some wonderful invention; we were boys who imagined that the universe
+belonged to us. But Nordheim, the wise, poured cold water upon our
+heated brains. 'Neither of you will ever achieve anything,' said he,
+'for you do not understand expediency.' We jeered at the calculator of
+twenty with his wonderful sagacity, but he was right. I have wandered
+about the world, and have tried my hand at everything, but I have
+always been poor as a church mouse, and Reinsfeld with all his talent
+was left in the lurch as a paltry engineer, while our comrade Nordheim
+is a millionaire and a railway king,--because he understood
+expediency."
+
+"He certainly has always understood that," Waltenberg said, coolly. "He
+occupies an extremely influential position---- But there come our
+guests."
+
+He hastily left the window and went to receive his friends. A carriage
+had drawn up before the door, bringing Frau von Lasberg and Alice,
+escorted by Elmhorst. Wolfgang had not succeeded in evading the duty of
+accompanying his betrothed, and he had no excuse for refusing an
+invitation which his future father-in law regarded with such favour. He
+therefore submitted to necessity, but any one who knew him could see
+that, in spite of the extreme courtesy with which he greeted his host,
+he was making a great sacrifice. The two men, who had instinctively
+disliked each other from the first, hid their antipathy under a
+strictly courteous demeanour.
+
+"Fräulein von Thurgau is late; she drove to the court-councillor's to
+call for Baroness Ernsthausen." Frau von Lasberg, who gave this
+information, was rather surprised by it herself. She had supposed that
+Molly was in the country under the secure guardianship of her
+granduncle; instead of which a note had arrived in the morning for Erna
+begging her to call for her on her way to Herr Waltenberg's. Her
+journey must have been postponed, probably for several days. But the
+old lady's surprise was transformed to indignation upon the entrance of
+Herr Gersdorf. Actually a rendezvous! And the ladies of Nordheim's
+family were made accomplices as it were, since Molly was under their
+protection. This must not be concealed from the girl's parents: they
+should hear of it this very day; and Frau von Lasberg, who was not at
+all inclined to play the part of a guardian-angel, received Herr
+Gersdorf with icy coldness. Unfortunately, it did not produce the
+slightest impression upon him; there was an expression of great content
+upon his grave features, and he took part in the conversation with
+unusual readiness.
+
+Meanwhile, Erna had called at the court-councillor's, where she had
+waited in the carriage for five minutes before the little Baroness
+appeared in a state of great agitation, quite startling her friend by
+the stormy embrace with which she greeted her.
+
+"What is the matter, Molly?" she asked. "You seem quite beside
+yourself."
+
+"I am betrothed!--betrothed to Albert," the girl exclaimed, "and we are
+to be married in three months! Oh, my granduncle is the dearest, most
+delightful of men! I could kiss him if he were not so very ugly!"
+
+Erna's composure was not so easily shaken as Molly's, but, knowing as
+she did the views of the entire Ernsthausen family, this news was
+certainly surprising.
+
+"Your parents have given their consent?" she asked. "And so suddenly?
+It seemed quite impossible a few days ago."
+
+"Nothing is impossible!" Molly cried, in a rapture. "Oh, I prayed so
+fervently that my granduncle would commit some folly! But I never
+dreamed of this; and you will hardly believe it, Erna,--you cannot!"
+
+"Do talk sensibly. Pray explain yourself," said Erna.
+
+"He has married! Seventy, and married! He is a bridegroom. Oh, I shall
+die of laughter!" And she did laugh until the tears came.
+
+"The old Baron--married?" Erna repeated, incredulously.
+
+"Yes, to an old maid of irreproachable descent. The affair was arranged
+long ago; but it was kept secret, because he was afraid of a scene with
+my father and mother. He came to town simply and solely to alter his
+will, which was left with his attorney, and immediately after his
+return he had the knot tied fast by church and state, and papa says he
+has left all his money to his bride, and we shall not have a penny, so
+I am no match at all. Think what good luck!"
+
+The young girl ran on without pausing for an instant, so that it was
+impossible to interpose a word. She scarcely gave herself time to
+take breath before she began again: "They had actually formed a
+conspiracy,--papa and your wise old duenna, to whom I owe something for
+her conduct as long as I live. I was to be tied up like a parcel and
+sent to my granduncle's address. My prayers and tears were of no
+avail,--my trunks were packed. Suddenly my granduncle's letter
+announcing his marriage fell into the midst of us like a bombshell.
+Papa looked ready to have a stroke, mamma went into violent hysterics,
+and I danced about my room tossing the things out of my trunks, for of
+course the journey was out of the question. The next morning was like
+the calm after ten thunder-storms; my granduncle was excommunicated
+with bell, book, and candle. There was a secret conference between my
+parents, and when Albert came in the afternoon, he was accepted without
+a word."
+
+"And you were absolutely happy, I am sure," Erna at last contrived to
+interpose.
+
+"No; at first I was angry," Molly declared, with a little grimace,
+"Albert behaved so prosaically. Instead of talking of our eternal love
+and our half-broken hearts, he told my father the exact amount of his
+income, and explained his prospects. Of course I was listening in the
+next room, and I was outraged; but papa and mamma seemed really quite
+gentle and amiable. At last they called me in, and there was general
+embracing and emotion. Of course I cried too, although I would far
+rather have danced, and I was provoked with Albert for not shedding a
+single tear! A telegram was despatched to my granduncle,--it will
+embitter his honeymoon,--and to-morrow the announcements of the
+betrothal are to be sent out, and in three months we are to be
+married."
+
+In the excess of her happiness the little Baroness threw her arms
+around her friend and embraced her afresh. The carriage, however, now
+reached its destination, and Molly's supreme moment of triumph was at
+hand. While the master of the house was receiving Fräulein von Thurgau,
+Gersdorf, secure in his lately-acquired right, hastened towards his
+betrothed, thus provoking an indignant glance from Frau von Lasberg. "I
+supposed you had already left town, Baroness," she remarked, in her
+sharpest tone.
+
+"Oh, no, madame," Molly replied, with the most innocent air. "I did, it
+is true, propose to pay my granduncle a visit, but as he is just
+married----"
+
+"What?" asked the old lady, imagining she had not heard correctly.
+
+"The marriage of my granduncle, Baron Ernsthausen of Frankenstein, and
+my betrothal took place at the same time. Allow me, madame, to present
+my betrothed to you."
+
+The smile on Waltenberg's face at these words showed that he was in the
+secret, but Frau von Lasberg sat quite dumfounded, and it was not until
+all the rest had eagerly pressed around Molly with their wishes for her
+happiness that she made up her mind to utter a few formal,
+congratulatory words, which the girl received with a smile that was not
+without malice. But Molly was too happy to-day to have refused
+forgiveness to her worst enemy, and her brilliant gaiety was
+contagious. All present seemed greatly to enjoy the occasion, although,
+as Gronau expressed it, 'there was nothing fit to eat.' He required
+some refreshment more solid than fruit, rare as such exquisite fruit
+was at this season of the year, and something better to drink than the
+heavy, fragrant cordial, which could be but sparingly sipped. The
+ladies, however, did not seem to share his opinion, and all left the
+table in a most cheerful mood to inspect the host's collection, which
+occupied the entire upper story.
+
+Waltenberg conducted his guests up the staircase, and when the tall
+folding-doors opened into the suite of rooms, the entire party seemed
+suddenly transported as by magic from the gray wintry atmosphere of
+this northern March day to the sunny, glowing East.
+
+Foreign treasures from every zone were here heaped up in such lavish
+profusion as only years spent abroad, and abundant means, could make
+possible; but the arrangement of this almost priceless collection would
+have driven a man of science to despair. There was not the faintest
+attempt at order of a scientific kind,--picturesque effect alone was
+aimed at, and this was achieved; groups of exotic plants placed here
+and there combined to present a picture before which all preconceived
+ideas of a genuine 'collection' vanished.
+
+Rugs of the richest Oriental fabrics and colours covered the walls and
+draped the windows and tables; gorgeously ornamented weapons were hung
+against these tapestries; cabinets contained specimens of glass and
+porcelain exquisite in hue and shape; skins of tigers and lions were
+spread upon the floor; and Said and Djelma in their fantastic costume
+added to the foreign effect, which was heightened by the yellow light
+which penetrated the coloured glass of the windows and bathed the whole
+in what seemed a magical southern sunshine.
+
+Waltenberg was a delightful cicerone. He led his guests from one room
+to another, explaining and pointing out rare objects of art, and
+enjoying to the full their appreciation of his treasures. As he told of
+how and where this and that article had been obtained, his hearers were
+impressed with the strange, unreal character of the life the man had
+led. It was natural that he should address himself especially to Erna,
+for the girl's remarks showed intense interest in the fantastic
+character of her surroundings. Elmhorst preserved a courteous but cold
+reserve in his expressions of admiration, and Alice and Frau von
+Lasberg were soon wearied.
+
+Gersdorf, who was familiar with his friend's collection, played the
+part of guide to his betrothed; by no means an easy task, for while
+Molly desired to see and to admire everything, her chief object of
+interest was her Albert. She fluttered about like some gay butterfly
+just escaped from the chrysalis, and was so like a joyous child at
+sight of each new and rare object, that Frau von Lasberg felt it her
+duty to interfere, although she knew well how little such interference
+would avail. She actually barred the young girl's way while Gersdorf
+was talking with Alice.
+
+"My dear Baroness, I really must remind you that there are proprieties
+which a young girl must observe when she is betrothed. She should
+preserve her feminine dignity, and not proclaim to all the world that
+she is quite beside herself with delight. A betrothal is----"
+
+"Something heavenly!" Molly interrupted her. "I should like to know how
+my granduncle behaved; if he longed to dance all day long as I do?"
+
+"One would suppose you still a child, Molly," the old lady said,
+indignantly. "Look at Alice; she too is betrothed, and has been so for
+only a few days."
+
+Molly clasped her hands with an expression of mock horror: "Oh, yes,
+but heaven defend me from a lover like hers!"
+
+"Baroness, you forget yourself!"
+
+"Indeed I cannot help it, madame; but Alice is quite content, and Herr
+Elmhorst is the pink of courtesy. All that one hears is, 'Does this
+please you, my dear Alice?' and, 'Just as you choose, my dear Alice.'
+Always polite, always considerate. But if Albert should treat me with
+such cool deference, his manner always at the freezing-point, I should
+straightway send him back his ring."
+
+Frau von Lasberg heaved a long sigh. It was plainly impossible to
+impress Molly with a sense of decorum, and she held her peace,
+whereupon the girl, forgetting all the old Baroness's admonitions, shot
+off like an arrow to rejoin her lover.
+
+Meanwhile, Elmhorst had entered into conversation with Veit Gronau, who
+had been presented to him as to the rest as Waltenberg's private
+secretary, and who, true to his expressed opinion that the presence of
+ladies was an honour but not a pleasure, held himself aloof from them.
+Of course they talked of the objects about them, and Wolfgang said,
+pointing to the negro and the Malay, who were busy in bringing forward
+for closer inspection various articles indicated by their master, "Herr
+Waltenberg seems to prefer foreigners for servants; and you too, Herr
+Secretary, in spite of your name and your German tongue, appear to me
+more than half a foreigner."
+
+"You are right," Gronau assented. "I have been away from Germany for
+twenty-five years, and never thought to see old Europe again. I met
+Herr Waltenberg in Australia; that black fellow there, Said, we brought
+back from an African tour, and we picked up Djelma only the year before
+last, in Ceylon, which is why he is still so stupid. We lack only a
+pig-tailed Chinaman and a cannibal from the South Seas to make our
+menagerie complete."
+
+"There is no disputing about tastes," Elmhorst said, with a shrug; "but
+I am afraid that Herr Waltenberg has become so entirely estranged from
+his native land in all his habits of life that he will find it
+impossible to live here."
+
+"We have no idea of doing so," Veit replied, with blunt frankness. "How
+under heaven could we ever reconcile ourselves to the dull existence
+led here? We shall leave Germany as soon as possible."
+
+Involuntarily Wolfgang breathed a sigh of relief. "You appear to have
+no special love for your native land," he observed.
+
+"None at all. As Herr Waltenberg says, one must outgrow all national
+prejudices. He delivered me a long sermon upon that text when on the
+ship coming home a bragging American undertook to revile Germany."
+
+"What! you quarrelled with him for so speaking?"
+
+"Not exactly. I only knocked him down," Veit said, coolly. "It did not
+come to a quarrel; he picked himself up and ran to the captain, who
+made himself rather disagreeable, but Herr Waltenberg finally
+interfered, and paid the man for his outraged dignity, and I was quite
+a distinguished person thereafter. Not another word was uttered in
+dispraise of Germany."
+
+"I had a deal of trouble, however, in arranging the affair," said
+Waltenberg, who overheard the last words. "If the man had refused to be
+appeased, we should have had no end of annoyance. You behaved like an
+irritable game-cock, Gronau, and the provocation was not worth it."
+
+"Why, what would you have had me do?" growled Gronau.
+
+"Shrug your shoulders and keep silent. Of what importance is the
+opinion of a stranger? The man had a right to his views, as you had to
+yours."
+
+"You seem indeed to have outgrown all 'national prejudice,' Herr
+Waltenberg," Wolfgang said, with evident irony.
+
+"I certainly consider it an honourable distinction to be as free from
+prejudice as possible."
+
+"But under certain circumstances one neither could nor should be thus
+free. Doubtless you are right, but I should have been in the wrong with
+Herr Gronau; I should have acted as he did."
+
+"Indeed, Herr Elmhorst? Such sentiments from you surprise me."
+
+"Why from _me_?" The tone in which the question was put was sharp and
+cold.
+
+"Because you seem to me perfectly capable of preserving your
+self-control. Your entire personality is indicative of such decision,
+such perfect command of circumstances, that I am convinced you always
+know what you are about. Unfortunately, that is not so with us
+idealists; we ought to learn of you."
+
+The words sounded courteous, but the sting in them made itself felt,
+and Elmhorst was not a man to allow them to pass unresented. His look
+grew dark: "Ah, indeed? You consider yourself an idealist, Herr
+Waltenberg?"
+
+"I do,--or do you count yourself among them?"
+
+"No," Wolfgang said, coldly; "but among those quick to resent an
+insult."
+
+His attitude and manner were so provoking that Waltenberg perceived the
+necessity for moderation, although his nature rebelled against yielding
+to the 'fortune-hunter' who confronted him so proudly. What turn the
+conversation might have taken, however, it is impossible to say, for
+Herr Gersdorf here interrupted it. He had no suspicion of what was
+going on, and turned to Wolfgang with, "I have just heard, Herr
+Elmhorst, that you leave town to-morrow. May I beg you to carry my warm
+remembrances to my cousin Reinsfeld?"
+
+"I will do so with pleasure, Herr Gersdorf. I may tell him of your
+betrothal?"
+
+"Certainly. I shall write to him shortly, and trust we may see him upon
+our wedding-tour."
+
+Waltenberg had turned away, quite conscious that he could not possibly
+provoke a quarrel with his guest, and well pleased that Gersdorf had
+intervened. Veit Gronau, however, seemed suddenly interested.
+
+"Pardon me, gentlemen," said he: "you mentioned a name which I remember
+from the time of my boyhood. Are you speaking of the engineer Benno
+Reinsfeld?"
+
+"No, but of his son," Gersdorf said, in some surprise,--"a young
+physician, and a friend of Herr Elmhorst's."
+
+"And the father?"
+
+"Dead, more than twenty years ago."
+
+Gronau's rugged features worked strangely, and he hastily passed his
+hand across his eyes:
+
+"Ah, yes, I might have known it. When one inquires after twenty-five
+years he finds death has been busy among his friends and comrades. And
+so Benno Reinsfeld is gone! He was the best of us all, and the most
+talented. I suppose his inventive genius never brought him wealth?"
+
+"Had he a gift that way?" asked Gersdorf. "I never heard of it, and it
+was never recognized, for he died a simple engineer. His son has had to
+make his own way in the world, and has become a very clever physician,
+as Herr Elmhorst will tell you."
+
+"An extremely skilful physician," Elmhorst declared; "only too modest.
+He has no capacity for bringing himself and his talent into notice."
+
+"Just like his father," said Gronau. "He always allowed himself to be
+thrust aside and made use of by any one who knew how to do so. God rest
+his soul! he was the kindest, most faithful comrade man ever had!"
+
+Meanwhile, Waltenberg had joined Erna von Thurgau at the other end of
+the room. He had just shown her a rarely beautiful specimen of coral,
+and as he replaced it he said, "Have you been at all interested? I
+should be so glad if my 'treasures,' as you call them, could arouse
+more than a fleeting interest with you; I might then look for some
+indulgence in those grave eyes, in which I seem always to read
+reproach. Confess, Fräulein von Thurgau, that you cannot forgive the
+cosmopolite for becoming so entirely estranged from his home."
+
+"At least I can now make excuses for him," said Erna, smiling. "This
+enchanted domain is fascinatingly bewildering; it is difficult, nay,
+almost impossible, to withstand its spell."
+
+"And yet these are only the mute, dead witnesses of a life
+inexhaustible in beauty and charm. If you could see it all in its home
+where it belongs, you would understand why I cannot exist beneath these
+cold northern skies, why I am so powerfully attracted to lands of
+sunshine. You too would find their charm irresistible."
+
+"Perhaps so. And still I might be possessed in your lands of sunshine
+by intense yearning for the cool mountains of my home. But we will not
+dispute about a question that only a trial could decide, a trial that I
+shall hardly make."
+
+"Why should you not make it?"
+
+"Because such an amount of freedom is not accorded to my sex. We cannot
+wander about the world alone at will as you do."
+
+"Alone!" Ernst repeated, in a low tone. "But you might trust yourself
+to a protector, a guide who would reveal this new world to you, whose
+delight it would be to unlock its pleasures for you. You may visit it
+some day with such a one beside you."
+
+His last words were spoken so as to be audible to Erna alone. She
+looked up at him in surprise, and encountered a glance of such
+unmistakable passion that she changed colour and involuntarily turned
+aside.
+
+"It is very improbable," she said, coldly. "One must have a natural
+inclination for such a life, and I----"
+
+"You are made for it," he eagerly interrupted her,--"you alone among
+hundreds of women. I am sure of it."
+
+"Are you so wonderfully gifted with insight, Herr Waltenberg?" the girl
+asked, calmly. "We meet today for the second time,--surely your
+estimate of the character of a stranger is overbold."
+
+The rebuff was evident; Waltenberg bit his lip. "You are right,
+Fräulein von Thurgau," he replied, "perfectly right. In this world of
+forms and unrealities one may easily be mistaken in an estimate of
+character. There is no intensity of feeling here, and an ardent word
+that rises involuntarily to the lips may well be accounted overbold.
+All here must conform to times and rules. I beg pardon for my
+inadvertence."
+
+He bowed and joined the other ladies. Erna felt relieved by his
+absence; she had received his evident attentions without attaching any
+importance to them, without a suspicion of her uncle's plans. It
+certainly was bold to address her thus in a second interview, but it
+was not offensive, and she--she liked what was bold and unusual,
+inconsistent with form and rule. Why did she so shrink from his
+half-concealed declaration? Why did a kind of terror possess her at the
+thought of ever being obliged to face the question at which he had
+hinted? She could not answer.
+
+Frau von Lasberg now rose to go. In truth, the visit had been greatly
+prolonged, and all took leave. Farewells and courteous expressions of
+pleasure were interchanged, and Ernst Waltenberg took pains to show
+himself to the last the amiable, courteous host. But he hardly
+succeeded in controlling the mood which his conversation with Erna had
+induced. There was a degree of constraint in his manner of taking leave
+of his guests, and he was relieved by their departure. He stood looking
+gloomily after the carriages as they rolled away, and then turned back
+to the deserted rooms.
+
+He was deeply wounded and vexed by the rebuff he had met with. It
+grated upon his impassioned nature like a breath from the icy north
+which he so detested; he retired to his beloved Orient, which here
+surrounded him with its lights and colour. But something of the chill
+seemed to linger here,--everything looked dreary and colourless,--it
+was, after all, but a lifeless image of the reality.
+
+"Mister Gronau, what ails the master?" asked Said, who appeared after a
+while with Djelma in the balconied room to clear away the table. "He
+wants to be alone; he's in a very bad humour."
+
+"Yes, very bad," Djelma added, quick to use the few German words he
+knew.
+
+Veit Gronau had also observed the master's change of mood, but could
+find no explanation for it. However, in his reply to the servants he
+unconsciously hit the nail upon the head. He said, briefly, "It is all
+because he invited ladies. Wherever there are ladies there is always
+sure to be trouble."
+
+"What, always?" asked Said, who seemed hardly to understand.
+
+"Always!" Gronau declared, impressively. "No matter whether they are
+white or brown or black, they always make trouble. And so the only
+thing to do is to keep out of their way. Remember that, you
+scoundrels."
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER IX.
+
+                       THE HERR PRESIDENT SPEAKS.
+
+
+Summer had come; it was only early summer still however, in the
+mountains, for it was the middle of June; but the woods and meadows
+were clothed in fresh green, and only the loftiest peaks wore the
+mantle of snow which was never laid aside. Up there neither spring,
+summer, nor autumn had any existence: winter reigned in eternal, icy
+splendour.
+
+The extensive Alpine valley which three years ago lay undisturbed in
+its solemn, dreary solitude, now showed all the traces of the human
+intellect which was then just invading it with its host of obedient
+forces. Dark openings yawned in the walls of rock, and from the depths
+a narrow path wound upward in serpentine lines,--the iron road to which
+forest and rock had been forced to yield,--while across the Wolkenstein
+chasm the masterpiece of the whole gigantic undertaking, the bridge,
+now wellnigh completed, seemed to hover in air above the dizzy depths.
+
+It had been no easy task to build this railway, and the Wolkenstein
+domain had presented the greatest obstacles to its completion. They
+seemed actually to spring out of the ground at every step; the
+most careful calculations continually turned out to be imperfect,
+well-devised schemes proved ineffectual, unforeseen catastrophes
+occurred, and more than once imperilled the success of the undertaking.
+
+But the man who conducted the road through the Wolkenstein section was
+equal to every difficulty, was daunted by no obstacle, discouraged by
+no catastrophe. He proceeded on his way with his myrmidons, step by
+step subjecting to his sway the rugged and hitherto unquelled nature of
+the Alpine fastnesses.
+
+The railway company was well aware of the force it possessed in its
+superintending engineer, and now extolled the wisdom of its president
+in the choice it had at first opposed. Gradually a power to act almost
+without limits was placed in the hands of the young man, and he knew
+well how to keep and to use it. The engineer-in-chief had long given
+nothing save his name to the undertaking; every project, every
+decision, was the work of his energetic and talented chief of staff,
+and when the young man was betrothed to Nordheim's daughter and became
+the probable heir to millions, all opposition was mute,--everything
+bowed before him.
+
+Every trace of Wolkenstein Court had vanished; it was levelled to the
+ground the year in which its master closed his eyes forever. There was
+no longer any need to regard the feelings of the eccentric old man
+whose heart had been broken by the invasion of his home. On the spot
+where the ancestral abode of the Thurgaus had once stood there was now
+a stately structure, the future railway-station, built just at the
+entrance of the huge bridge. Until the line of railway should be opened
+in the coming spring, the building was occupied by various offices, and
+Superintendent Elmhorst had his rooms in the upper story. It formed, so
+to speak, the head-quarters of the Wolkenstein section, and the centre
+of gravitation of the entire railway.
+
+Wolfgang had established himself here after the manner which had become
+a necessity to him since his salary had been increased. The bright,
+spacious apartments had a most comfortable aspect, the pleasantest
+being his office, with its dark hangings and rugs, its carved oaken
+furniture, and its well-filled bookshelves. The corner window before
+which the writing-table was placed commanded the entire view of the
+great bridge. The bold structure was always before the eyes of its
+architect.
+
+Elmhorst sat at his writing-table talking with Benno Reinsfeld, who had
+just appeared. The young physician was unchanged in person and manner,
+except that he had become rather more unconventional and awkward. Long
+years passed in a retired mountain-village, the laborious nature of the
+practice of a country doctor, and constant intercourse with men for
+whom the forms of society did not exist, had produced their effect.
+
+At present, indeed, the Herr Doctor was in full dress; he wore a black
+coat, which saw the light only on state occasions; unfortunately, its
+cut was that of ten years previous. He certainly did not show in it to
+advantage, it pinched him too much; his gray jacket and felt hat were
+infinitely more comfortable. There was no denying that Reinsfeld looked
+a good deal like a peasant, and he was probably conscious of it
+himself, for he was enduring with a very meek air the reproaches of his
+friend, who shook his head as he looked at him.
+
+"Do you want me to present you to the ladies in that coat?" he said,
+irritably. "Why did you not put on your dress-coat, at least?"
+
+"I have no dress-coat," Benno said, by way of excuse. "There is no use
+for one here, and it would have been a needless expense; but I have had
+my old hat ironed out, and I bought myself a pair of gloves in
+Heilborn."
+
+He produced from his pocket as he spoke a huge pair of gloves,
+intensely yellow of hue, and displayed them with much self-satisfaction
+to his friend, who looked at them in dismay.
+
+"But, good heavens, you are not going to wear those monsters!" he
+cried. "They are a great deal too big for you."
+
+"But they are quite new, and such a fine yellow," Benno rejoined,
+disappointed, for he had reckoned upon some expression of approval of
+his unwonted outlay in the interest of his toilet, having made up his
+mind to such expense only after due consideration.
+
+"You will cut a pretty figure at the Nordheims'," said Elmhorst,
+shrugging his shoulders. "There is positively nothing to be done with
+you."
+
+"Wolf, must I pay this visit?" the doctor asked, in a tone of piteous
+entreaty.
+
+"Yes, Benno, you must. I want you to treat Alice while she is here, for
+her wretched health makes me very anxious. She has had all sorts of
+physicians in town and at Heilborn, but each one's diagnosis is
+different from all the rest, and not one of them has done her any good.
+You know how highly I rate your medical skill, and you will not refuse
+to do me this favour."
+
+"Certainly not, if you desire it; but you know my reasons for wishing
+to avoid any personal intercourse with the president."
+
+"What! that old difference with your father? After all these years, who
+remembers it? Hitherto, in accordance with your wishes, I have not
+mentioned your name, but now when I ask your help for my betrothed
+I am forced to introduce you. Besides, you will not meet my future
+father-in-law, for he was going back to town this morning. Confess,
+Benno, your true reason is that you are so used to practising among
+your peasants that you would if you could avoid intercourse with
+ladies."
+
+Perhaps he was right in this conjecture, for Reinsfeld did not
+contradict him, he only sighed profoundly.
+
+"You will absolutely degenerate in the life you lead," Wolfgang went
+on, impatiently. "Here you have been planted for five years in this
+wretched little mountain-nest with a practice which makes the most
+tremendous demands upon you, and brings you but the poorest
+remuneration, and here you will perhaps stay all your life, only
+because you have not the courage to grasp anything else that offers.
+How can you endure such an existence?"
+
+"My home certainly does present an aspect unlike that of your rooms,"
+said Benno, good-humouredly, as he looked around him. "But you always
+had the tastes of a millionaire, and years ago you determined to be
+one, and you understand how to grasp fortune boldly; no one can deny
+that."
+
+Elmhorst frowned, and replied, in an irritated tone, "What! you too?
+Must I always be assailed by these hints as to Nordheim's wealth, as if
+my importance were entirely due to my betrothal? Am I nothing of myself
+any longer?"
+
+Reinsfeld looked at him in surprise: "What do you mean, Wolf? You know
+that I enjoy your good fortune with all my heart, but you are strangely
+sensitive whenever I allude to it, although you certainly have every
+reason to be proud, for if ever a man achieved a speedy and brilliant
+success, you are that man."
+
+Upon Wolfgang's writing-table stood a photograph of Alice in a
+richly-carved frame. It was a likeness, but a very unflattering one;
+there was little justice done to the delicacy of her features, and the
+eyes were entirely without expression. That slender, overdressed girl
+produced the impression of one of those nervous, superficial creatures
+who are so frequently to be met with in the fashionable world. This
+seemed to be Dr. Reinsfeld's opinion; he looked at his friend and then
+at the picture, remarking, drily, "Your attainment of your goal,
+however, has not made you happy."
+
+Wolfgang turned upon him: "Why not? What do you mean?"
+
+"Come, come, do not be angry again. I cannot help it, you are much
+changed from the Wolfgang of a few months ago. I hear of your
+betrothal, and expect you to return to me beaming with the triumphant
+consciousness of the realization of all your plans, instead of which
+you are now always grave, not to say out of humour, and irritable to a
+degree,--you who used to be so even-tempered. What is the matter with
+you, Wolf? tell me."
+
+"Nothing. Let me alone," was the rather peevish reply; but Benno went
+up to him and laid his hand upon his shoulder:
+
+"If your betrothal had been an affair of the heart I should think
+something there had gone wrong, but----"
+
+"I have no heart; you have told me so often enough," Wolfgang
+interposed, bitterly.
+
+"No, you have nothing but ambition,--absolutely nothing," Reinsfeld
+rejoined, seriously.
+
+Elmhorst made an impatient gesture: "Don't lecture me again, Benno! You
+know we never shall understand each other on that point. You are, and
+always will be----"
+
+"An overstrained idealist who would rather eat dry bread with the
+darling of his heart than drive about in a gorgeous equipage beside a
+grand wife whom he did not love. Yes, I am unpractical in the extreme,
+and since at present I have not bread enough for two, it is fortunate
+that there is no darling of my heart."
+
+"We must go," said Wolfgang, rising; "Alice expects me at twelve
+o'clock. And now do me the favour to look your best. I do not believe
+you know even how to make a bow."
+
+"My patients are glad enough to be cured without one," said Benno,
+defiantly. "And if I do you no credit in your betrothed's society, it
+is your own fault: why do you take me there like a lamb led to the
+slaughter? I suppose Fräulein von Thurgau is there too?"
+
+"She is."
+
+"And has she grown to be a grand lady too?"
+
+"I suppose you would call her so."
+
+These answers were not very reassuring to the poor doctor, who looked
+forward to this visit with positive dread. He did not rebel, however,
+for he was accustomed to yield to his friend. So he took from the table
+his hat, which, in spite of its late ironing, did not belie its years,
+and prepared to draw on the yellow gloves, saying, submissively, "Well,
+then, what must be, must."
+
+Beyond the line of railway, about half a mile from the future station,
+lay the president's new villa. The house, built after the fashion
+common in the mountains, with an overhanging roof and graceful
+galleries, accorded well with its surroundings, while everything within
+was arranged to suit the grand scale upon which Nordheim's mode of life
+was conducted. The views of the finest portions of the mountain-range
+were magnificent, the meadows about the villa had been laid out in
+gardens, and the adjoining forest so cleared as to form a natural park.
+There had been an immense outlay of money that the place might serve
+for a six-weeks' residence in the summer, but Nordheim never took the
+expense into account when he laid his plans, and had given his
+architect _carte blanche_. Elmhorst had, in fact, created a masterpiece
+of beauty in this mountain-retreat, and it was to be his wife's
+property.
+
+Within, all appearance of simplicity vanished. The sunlight came
+through costly coloured glass to fall upon brilliant rugs and hangings,
+while carpeted stairs and corridors led to suites of apartments which,
+if not so splendid as those in the city, quite equalled them in luxury,
+and from every room there was an exquisite distant view.
+
+Hither the president had now brought his family, and Alice was to pass
+the summer months here for the sake of the mountain-air which had been
+prescribed for her. As usual, Nordheim himself had no time to spend in
+relaxation; he stayed only long enough to oversee the work on the
+railway before he was recalled to town by business. He had intended to
+take his departure in the early morning, but several letters had
+arrived to which he was obliged to attend, and this had delayed him for
+a few hours. His carriage was waiting while he himself sought out his
+niece, with whom he wished to speak before leaving for town.
+
+Erna's room was in the upper story; the glass door leading out upon the
+balcony was open, and outside lay Griff comfortably stretched out in
+the sunshine.
+
+The dog was almost the only relic left the girl of her home; but Griff
+she had insisted upon taking with her when she left Wolkenstein Court,
+in spite of the opposition of her uncle and of Frau von Lasberg, who
+could not endure 'the creature.' At the suggestion of leaving it behind
+there had been a scene; Erna had positively refused to go from the
+house unless Griff accompanied her, and Nordheim had yielded at
+last upon condition that the dog was never to be admitted to the
+drawing-room.
+
+This condition had been fulfilled; and, moreover. Griff had grown
+extremely well behaved, and it would now never have occurred to him to
+raise a riot in any room. He was no longer a puppy, but had developed
+into a magnificent animal. There was something lionlike in his
+appearance as he lay with huge, tawny paws stretched out, his large
+black eyes following every movement of his young mistress.
+
+Something special must have occurred to bring the president thus to
+Erna. He was wont to have neither time nor inclination for the joys of
+domesticity; he was absent from his home for weeks and months at a
+time, and when there, was seen by his family only at meal-times. Even
+his relations with his daughter were far from intimate, and with his
+niece he stood on a very formal footing. He lived and moved in the
+world of affairs; everything else was subordinate to his business
+interests.
+
+He entered Erna's room in his travelling-suit, and said, without
+sitting down and as if by the way, "I wanted to tell you that an hour
+ago I had a letter from Waltenberg. He came to Heilborn yesterday,
+intending to spend some weeks there, and will probably pay you a visit
+to-morrow."
+
+The words seemed to be carelessly spoken, but they were accompanied by
+a keen glance at Erna, who received the intelligence with indifference,
+and replied, "Indeed? I will let Alice and Frau von Lasberg know."
+
+"Frau von Lasberg knows it already, and will pay him all requisite
+attention; but I should wish a certain regard accorded him
+from--another quarter. Do you hear, Erna?"
+
+"I was not aware, uncle, that I had seemed regardless of your guest."
+
+"My guest? As if you did not know as well as I what attracts him to
+this house, and what has brought him to Heilborn. He wishes to know his
+fate with certainty, and I cannot blame him for wearying, after being
+trifled with all these months."
+
+"I have never trifled with Herr von Waltenberg," Erna rejoined, coolly.
+"I merely thought it best to maintain a degree of reserve with him,
+since he seems to imagine that he has only to stretch out his hand to
+obtain whatever he may desire."
+
+"Well, we will not dispute about that, for you seem to have pursued
+precisely the right course, with your cool reserve. Men like
+Waltenberg, who make a positive cult of their liberty, and regard all
+family ties as so many fetters, need to be dealt with very carefully.
+Too ready a welcome might have made him shy. What is withheld attracts
+him."
+
+The girl's eyes flashed indignantly: "Such calculation is yours, uncle,
+not mine!"
+
+"No matter, if it is correct," said Nordheim, paying no heed to the
+reproach contained in her words. "I have refrained from interfering
+hitherto because I saw that the affair was progressing as I would have
+it, but now I desire you no longer to avoid a declaration on
+Waltenberg's part. I have no doubt that he will shortly propose to you,
+and your answer----"
+
+"May, perhaps, not accord with his wishes," Erna completed the
+sentence.
+
+The president turned and looked searchingly at his niece: "What does
+that mean? You would not be insane enough to reject him?"
+
+She was silent, but the same obstinacy was legible in her face that had
+characterized the girl of sixteen. Nordheim probably recognized the
+look and what it foreboded, for he frowned darkly.
+
+"Erna, I confidently expect to find no obstacles in the way of my
+serious and well-considered plans. The matter in question is your
+marriage with a man----"
+
+"Whom I do not love," she interrupted him.
+
+Nordheim smiled, half contemptuously, half compassionately: "I supposed
+there was some exaggerated nonsense in the background. Love! What are
+called love-matches always end in disappointment. A marriage should be
+contracted upon a more sensible basis, and Alice sets you an example.
+Do you suppose that she was influenced by any romantic ideas in her
+betrothal, or that they have any weight with Wolfgang?"
+
+"Oh, no; least of all with _him_," Erna said, with evident contempt.
+
+"Which, of course, amounts to a crime in your eyes! Nevertheless I
+confide to him my daughter's future in the conviction that he will be
+to her an excellent husband. I certainly should not have chosen an
+enthusiast for my son-in-law. Waltenberg indeed can allow himself any
+luxury in the way of romance,--his means are ample. He is as eccentric
+as yourself; in fact, you are extremely alike, and I cannot understand
+what objection you can have to him."
+
+"His egotism! He lives only for himself and for what he considers the
+enjoyment of life. He knows neither country nor profession, neither
+duty nor ambition, nor does he choose to know them, because they might
+disturb his enjoyment. Such a man can never live a life of earnest
+endeavour; he has no future, nor can he love a wife, for he loves
+himself alone."
+
+"He offers you his hand, however, and that is the matter to be
+considered at present. If you require in your future husband only
+ambition and energy, you should have married Wolfgang. He _has_ a
+future,--for that I'll go warrant."
+
+Erna shrank from him, and her tone was almost sharp as she exclaimed,
+"Spare me such jests, uncle, I pray you."
+
+"I am not given to jesting; but, by the way, Erna, your relations with
+Wolfgang are very unpleasant, and the manner in which you conduct
+yourselves towards each other is most disagreeable for those about you.
+Let me seriously request you to modify the extreme coldness of your
+manner to him. But to return to the subject of our talk. You seem to
+think that you have but to make your choice among a crowd of suitors of
+one who shall conform to your ideal. I regret being obliged to show you
+your mistake, but the truth is, you have no choice. A girl without
+means will certainly be admired and flattered if she is beautiful, but
+married she will not be, for men are very calculating. This offer is
+the first you have had, and will probably be the only one; moreover, it
+is a more brilliant one than you had any right to expect. There is
+every reason why you should accept it."
+
+His words were not uttered in a tone of well-meant admonition; there
+was something indescribably heartless and offensive in the way in which
+President Nordheim explained to his niece that in spite of her beauty
+she had no claim to be loved and wooed, since she was poor. Erna turned
+pale, and her lip quivered, but her face was by no means expressive of
+docility.
+
+"And if, notwithstanding all this, I do not accept it?" she asked,
+slowly.
+
+"Then you must abide by the consequences. Your position will hardly be
+an enviable one if you remain unmarried. Alice is to be married next
+year, as you know."
+
+"And in the same year I shall be of age--and free!"
+
+"Free!" sneered Nordheim. "How grand it sounds! Have you, then, been
+fettered in chains in my house, where you were received as a daughter?
+or are you longing for your patrimony? It is the merest pittance, and
+you are accustomed to the requirements of a lady."
+
+"I lived with my father in the simplest way," said Erna, bitterly, "and
+we were happy. I have never been so in your house."
+
+The president shrugged his shoulders: "Yes, you are emphatically your
+father's daughter. He too preferred to live in a peasant's hut rather
+than, with his ancient name, to have a career in the world. Well,
+Waltenberg offers you the freedom for which you pine. As his wife you
+can have wealth and position; he will fulfil your every wish, gratify
+your every whim, if you but understand how to manage him. For the last
+time I entreat you to take a rational view of the matter. If you refuse
+to do so, you and I have done with each other. I have no toleration for
+exaggerations, which appear to be hereditary in the Thurgau family."
+
+Erna made no reply, and her uncle seemed to expect none, for he turned
+to go, pausing, however, on the threshold of the door to say, with
+frigid emphasis, "I confidently hope to find you betrothed when I
+return. Farewell!"
+
+He left the room, and a few minutes afterwards his carriage rolled down
+the road.
+
+Erna threw herself into an arm-chair, more agitated than she had cared
+to show to a man so cold,--a man who regarded her marriage as solely a
+business arrangement.
+
+Betrothed! She had a dread of the word, so apt to beguile a maiden's
+ear; and yet she was beloved by this man: the only one who never
+questioned whether she were rich or poor, but asked only to carry her
+from this house, where money was all in all, far away into a world of
+freedom and beauty! Perhaps she might learn to love him, perhaps, in
+spite of all, he was worthy to be loved. Could she not overcome
+herself?
+
+She covered her face with her hands. Suddenly she was aware of a gentle
+touch. Griff had approached unperceived, and was close beside her. He
+laid his huge head in her lap, and looked at her inquiringly out of his
+beautiful, large eyes as if he felt his young mistress's grief. She
+looked up; the dog was the only thing preserved to her from the time of
+her sunny, happy youth among the mountains with her father, whose
+idolized darling she had been. He had long been at peace in the grave,
+his dear old home had vanished from the face of the earth, and his only
+child lived among those who were strangers to her in spite of the ties
+of kinship.
+
+Suddenly the girl sobbed aloud, and as she threw her arms about the
+dog's neck she whispered, "Oh, Griff, if we were only in Wolkenstein
+Court once more! if these strangers had only never come! They brought
+death to your master, and to me what was far worse!"
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER X.
+
+                         A PROFESSIONAL VISIT.
+
+
+The president's carriage was rolling along the mountain-road, the only
+one available until the railway should be opened, when Elmhorst and
+Reinsfeld left the former's rooms and took their way to the villa.
+Elmhorst of course did not wait to be announced,--the servants bowed
+low before the future son-in-law of the house, and he conducted his
+friend to the drawing-room. If the doctor had dreaded the visit
+beforehand, he was now completely crushed by his unaccustomed
+surroundings.
+
+The room, with its luxurious carpets, its curtains admitting only a
+half light, its pale-blue hangings and furniture, seemed to him like
+some fairy realm. There were a few pictures on the walls, and a
+statuette of white marble peeped forth from a group of flowering plants
+that perfumed the air. All here was as fresh and delicate as though it
+had been Elf-land.
+
+Unfortunately, Benno was not accustomed to the society of elves. He
+stumbled over the carpet, dropped his hat, and in stooping to pick it
+up wellnigh overturned a little table, which nothing but Wolfgang's
+dexterity preserved from a fall. He mutely endured the unavoidable
+introduction, made an awkward bow, and when Frau von Lasberg's cold,
+stern face arose upon his vision scanning 'this strange person' with
+evident surprise, he lost all self-possession.
+
+Elmhorst frowned: he had not fancied it would be quite so bad as this;
+still, there was no retreat: the interview had to be gone through with,
+although, to poor Benno's great relief, he made it as short as
+possible. The embarrassed visitor held the recovered hat tightly in the
+hands adorned with the yellow gloves which were far too large, while
+his friend presented him to his betrothed.
+
+"You have promised me, dear Alice, to consult Dr. Reinsfeld, and this
+is he. You know how anxious I am about your health."
+
+The tone in which the words were spoken was anxious and considerate,
+but there was no tenderness in it. Reinsfeld, who had been quite
+crushed by the magnificence of the Baroness, scarcely dared to lift his
+eyes to the young heiress, who, he was sure, must be infinitely
+haughtier and more magnificent. He stood like a victim at the altar,
+when suddenly the gentlest voice in the world addressed him: "I am so
+very glad to see you, Herr Doctor; Wolfgang has told me so much about
+you."
+
+He looked up amazed into a pair of large brown eyes in which there was
+certainly no disdain. His head had been filled with the satin-clad and
+lace-shrouded lady of the photograph, but in her stead he saw a
+delicate little figure in a thin, white morning-gown, her light-brown
+hair twisted in a loose knot, her lovely face pale and weary, but the
+reverse of haughty. He was positively startled, and stammered something
+about 'exceeding pleasure,' and 'great honour,' soon, however, coming
+to a stand-still.
+
+Wolfgang came to his aid with some remark as to the purpose of the
+visit, wishing to afford his friend an opportunity to show himself at
+his best as the skilful physician. But to-day Benno belied his entire
+nature. He asked several questions, but his manner was that of one
+suing for mercy; he stammered, he blushed like a girl, and, worse than
+all, he was conscious of how unbecoming was his behaviour. This robbed
+him of the last remnant of self-possession; he sat gazing at the young
+lady imploringly, as if entreating her forgiveness for annoying her by
+his presence.
+
+Whether it were this same imploring expression or the childlike
+sincerity and gentleness, which, in spite of the young man's
+embarrassment, were evident in the dark-blue eyes lifted to her own,
+that touched Alice, she suddenly felt moved to say, with extreme
+kindness, "You will hardly be able to judge of my health in this first
+visit, Herr Doctor, but be sure that I shall place implicit confidence
+in Wolfgang's friend."
+
+And she held out to him a transparent little hand, which lay like a
+rose-leaf in his own as he said, with far more earnestness than the
+occasion warranted, "Oh, thank you, thank you, Fräulein Nordheim!"
+
+Frau von Lasberg's face plainly showed her doubt of the capacity of a
+physician whose first visit to a patient so overwhelmed him with
+stammering confusion, and who was so profusely grateful for nothing.
+And this man was Elmhorst's friend, and Alice seemed quite content. The
+old lady shook her head, and said, with much reserve, "You are wont to
+be very chary of your confidence, my dear Alice."
+
+"I am all the more pleased that she should make an exception in my
+friend's favour," Wolfgang interposed. "You will not regret it, Alice.
+I assure you, Benno's acquirements and skill will bear comparison with
+those of his most distinguished fellows. I am always remonstrating with
+him for not exercising them in a wider field. He is sacrificing his
+life here in a subordinate position, and only last year he refused a
+most advantageous offer."
+
+"But you know, Wolf----" Reinsfeld attempted to interrupt this praise.
+
+"Yes, I know that a couple of little peasants who were ill so absorbed
+you that you let the opportunity slip."
+
+"Ah, was that the reason?" Alice asked, in an undertone, glancing again
+at the young man, who looked as if he were being accused of some crime.
+
+"The Herr Doctor practises among the peasantry, if I understand
+aright?" said Frau von Lasberg. "Do you really drive up the mountains
+to the secluded cottages scattered here and there?"
+
+"No, madame, I walk," Reinsfeld explained, simply. "I have, it is true,
+been obliged of late years to buy a mountain-pony for extreme
+distances, but I usually walk."
+
+The lady cleared her throat and looked significantly at the engineer,
+who was intrusting his betrothed's health to a doctor of peasants.
+Benno was now entirely out of her good graces. Wolfgang understood her
+look, and smiled rather contemptuously as he said, "Yes, madame, he
+walks; and when he reaches his home after an expedition through snow
+and ice, he works away at a scientific treatise that will one day make
+him famous. But no one must know anything about that. I discovered it
+only by chance."
+
+"Pray, pray, Wolf!" Benno protested, in such embarrassment that
+Elmhorst could not but release him. He observed that his friend had a
+medical visit to pay, and thus allowed him to take his leave. How this
+leave was taken the poor doctor never quite understood; he only knew
+that the delicate white hand was held out to him in token of farewell,
+and that the kindly brown eyes were lifted half compassionately to his
+own. Then Elmhorst took his arm, piloted him past all the flowers and
+statuettes, and then the door was closed between him and the fairy
+realm.
+
+In the antechamber he asked, timidly, "Wolf--did it go off so very
+badly?"
+
+"God knows, it could hardly have been worse," was Elmhorst's irritated
+reply.
+
+"I told you before, I am unused to society," Benno said, piteously.
+
+"But you are a man nearly thirty, and can be resolute enough by the
+bedside of a patient; while to-day you behaved like a school-boy who
+has not learned his task."
+
+Thus he hectored his friend after his usual fashion, and Benno meekly
+submitted. Only when he was entreated earnestly to collect himself and
+be more sensible the next time, did he ask, in a half-frightened,
+half-pleased tone, "May I come again, then?"
+
+Elmhorst fairly lost patience: "Benno, I really do not know what to
+think of you. Have I not begged you to take charge of my betrothed's
+health?"
+
+"But the old lady was much displeased,--I could see that," Reinsfeld
+observed, dejectedly, "and I am afraid that Fräulein Nordheim too
+thinks----" He paused and looked down.
+
+"I do not ask the Baroness Lasberg's permission in my plans for my
+betrothed," Wolfgang said, haughtily. "And my influence with Alice is
+supreme. Since it is my wish, she has accepted you for her physician."
+
+The doctor eyed him askance: "Wolf, you really do not deserve your good
+fortune."
+
+"Why not? Because I take the helm into my own hands thus early? You do
+not understand, Benno. When a man without means, like myself, enters a
+family like Nordheim's, he must choose whether to rule, or to occupy a
+very subordinate position. I prefer to rule."
+
+"You are a monster to talk of ruling that delicate creature!" Benno
+broke out, angrily.
+
+"Of course I did not mean Alice," Wolfgang rejoined, coolly; "her
+nature is extremely gentle, and she is used to yield to the will of
+another. I merely take care that this other shall be myself. You need
+not look at me so angrily; my wife will never find me a tyrant. I know
+she needs the greatest forbearance and care, and she shall always find
+them at my hands."
+
+"Yes, because she brings you a million," Benno muttered, as he turned
+to go. Elmhorst detained him.
+
+"You have not told me your opinion of Alice?"
+
+"At present I have formed none. She seems to be in an extremely nervous
+condition, but I must have more opportunity of observation."
+
+"As much as you please. _Au revoir_."
+
+"Adieu."
+
+They parted, and while Wolfgang returned to his betrothed the doctor
+left the villa. He seemed in haste, for he strode quickly up a
+mountain-path, and did not stay his steps or look back until he had
+reached a distant point.
+
+There, behind those windows with white lace curtains, lay the fairy
+realm, where they were now ridiculing and laughing at the awkward
+fellow who had so plainly, in every word and gesture, shown his
+unfitness for the Nordheim drawing-room. Involuntarily he glanced at
+his gloves, which had seemed to him so extremely elegant an hour
+before, and in a sudden fit of impatience he tore them off and tossed
+the innocent yellow things into the thicket of pines. One fell on the
+ground, but the other was caught upon a bough, where it dangled and
+nodded like a huge sunflower. This irritated its owner still more, and
+he was half minded to send his hat after it, when he bethought himself
+in time that he really could not dispose of his entire wardrobe thus.
+
+"You cannot help it, old fellow!" he said, sadly, looking at his
+venerable beaver. "I am not used to polite society. I wonder whether
+_she_ is laughing too?"
+
+There was no explanation as to whom the 'she' referred to, but
+certainly for a time Dr. Reinsfeld was as miserable a man as could be
+found among the mountains. The consciousness of his want of society
+tact oppressed him terribly.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XI.
+
+                              ON THE ALM.
+
+
+
+Saint John's day!--the people's holiday from legendary times, preceding
+Midsummer day, all redolent with mystery, when hidden treasures rise
+from the depths and allure wondrously, when the slumbering forces of
+magic awaken, and the entire elfin world of the mountains reveals
+itself in its wonder-working power. The people have not forgotten the
+ancient festival of the sun's turning, and legend still throws its veil
+about the sacred midsummer-time, when the sun mounts highest, when the
+earth shows fairest, and warm, fresh life courses throughout nature.
+
+In the country about Wolkenstein this day was one of the grand yearly
+festivals. The inhabitants of the lonely, secluded Alpine valley which
+the railway was to open to the world the ensuing year were devoted to
+their customs and habits, and clung closely to their superstitions.
+Here the Mountain-Sprite still held undisputed sway, and not merely as
+a devastating force of nature with snow-storm and avalanche; for most
+of the people she was enthroned bodily on the veiled summit of the
+Wolkenstein, and the beacon-fires which flamed up everywhere on St.
+John's evening had some hidden connection with the dreaded Spirit of
+the Mountain. Nothing was known here of the pagan significance of the
+bale-fire, nor of Christian legend gathered about it; the people in
+their superstition clung directly to their own mountain-legends, which
+they credited fully.
+
+The clear, mild, June day was near its close; the sun had set; a
+crimson glow still lingered about the loftiest mountain-tops. All the
+other heights were lightly veiled in blue mists, while the valleys lay
+in deep shadow.
+
+High above the forests which clothed the foot of the Wolkenstein, where
+the projecting cliff's of the huge mountain began their rise, there was
+a smooth, green meadow, whereon stood a low hut. It was usually very
+lonely up here, and seldom visited by strangers, since the ascent of
+the Wolkenstein was deemed impossible, but to-day it was enlivened by
+an unwonted stir and bustle. A huge wood-pile had been built upon the
+spacious meadow, many an ancient pine and hemlock having contributed to
+its erection. Gigantic logs of wood, dry branches, old roots, towered
+high in air. The bale-fire on the Wolkenstein was always one of the
+largest, and gleamed far and wide abroad over the country, for was it
+not lighted upon the legendary throne of the entire range, at the very
+feet of the Mountain-Sprite?
+
+Around the pile was assembled a circle of mountaineers, mostly
+shepherds and woodsmen, with girls among them from the neighbouring
+alms, all powerful, sunburned figures, who lived up on the heights in
+sunshine and storm all through the summer, descending into the valley
+only when autumn reigned there. All were in merry mood: there were
+endless shouts and laughter; for people who worked hard day after day,
+and whose monotonous existence was rarely interrupted by any
+relaxation, the old popular festival was a joyous one.
+
+To-day, however, they were not entirely left to themselves; there was a
+little group of spectators who had taken up a position on one side upon
+a low eminence. This was an unaccustomed sight for the mountaineers,
+and under other circumstances would have been an unwelcome one, for on
+such occasions they liked to feel themselves undisputed lords of their
+domain. But the young lady sitting on the mossy stone was no stranger
+among them, nor was the huge lion-like dog at her feet. The two had
+lived among these mountains for years, in old Wolkenstein Court, not a
+stone of which was now standing. True, the wild, joyous child of those
+days had grown to be a grand young lady and lived in the fine Nordheim
+villa, which was nothing short of a fairy castle in their eyes, but the
+Fräulein came among them just as she used to do, and talked with them
+in their patois as of old; no one dreamed of thinking her a stranger.
+
+Moreover, Sepp was with her; he had been ten years in the service of
+Baron Thurgau, and had superintended the affairs of the little estate,
+and the two strangers who had accompanied her did not look at all, with
+their brown faces, like city people. One of them had made Sepp bring
+him directly into the circle of mountaineers, where he was found to
+speak the patois perfectly, and was not one whit behind the rest in
+enjoyment of the fun. The other, who looked a far finer gentleman, with
+black hair and thick black eyebrows, stayed close beside the young
+lady, and had just leaned over her to ask rather anxiously, "Are you
+tired, Fräulein Thurgau? We never stopped once to rest as we came up."
+
+Erna shook her head, smiling: "Oh, no, I have not yet forgotten how to
+climb. I used to go much higher, greatly to Griff's disgust; he
+regularly made a halt here when I clambered up the rocks, and he still
+remembers the place."
+
+"Yes, I saw with admiration how lightly and easily you walked up. I
+fancy you would find the difficulties of travel mere child's play where
+other women could not possibly confront them. I am very proud of being
+your escort upon this bale-fire expedition."
+
+"I should else hardly have been permitted to come. Frau von Lasberg was
+horrified at the idea of a nightly expedition among the mountains, and
+Alice is not strong enough to undertake anything of the kind. Sepp
+indeed long ago offered to accompany me, but he was not thought
+sufficiently trustworthy, although he lived with us for ten years."
+
+There was a shade of bitterness in the words, which did not escape the
+hearer.
+
+"You would not have been permitted?" he asked, surprised. "Do you
+really allow yourself to be governed by others in such matters?"
+
+Erna was silent, knowing well what a scene there had been when she
+expressed a desire to make this expedition. Frau von Lasberg had been
+almost beside herself at so eccentric and unbecoming an idea,--wishing
+to mingle among peasants after nightfall, and to witness their rude
+festivities. But it chanced that Ernst Waltenberg and his secretary
+arrived from Heilborn in the afternoon. He immediately offered to
+escort the young girl, and, as he was already regarded in the Nordheim
+household as Erna's future husband, the privilege was accorded him
+which had been denied to faithful old Sepp. Ernst was about to pursue
+his inquiries, when a stranger approached and said, half shyly, half
+familiarly,--
+
+"Welcome home, Fräulein von Thurgau!"
+
+"Dr. Reinsfeld!" exclaimed Erna, in delighted surprise, offering him
+her hand with the same confidence with which as a child she had treated
+him upon his visits to her father. He seemed at first amazed, but his
+face instantly lit up with pleasure as he grasped the offered hand with
+answering cordiality. In a moment Griff had recognized his old friend,
+and was leaping about him with every mark of delight.
+
+"I did not have a glimpse of you yesterday when you were at our house,"
+said Erna. "I did not know of your visit until you had gone."
+
+"And I did not venture to ask for you; I did not know whether you would
+like to have me claim acquaintance with you."
+
+"Could you entertain such a doubt?"
+
+There was reproach in her tone, but Reinsfeld evidently was not
+depressed by it, and he looked at the girl with sparkling eyes. He
+could see how much more beautiful, how much graver, she had become, but
+she was the same to him as of old, nor did he in her presence feel any
+of the timidity and embarrassment which had made him so awkward on the
+previous day.
+
+"I had such a dread of seeing you a fine lady," he said, simply. "But,
+thank God, you are not that!"
+
+The ejaculation seemed to come so directly from his heart that Erna
+laughed,--the same merry, childlike laugh to which she had for years
+been a stranger.
+
+Waltenberg had at first observed with evident dismay the familiar
+greetings thus exchanged, and the look with which he had scanned
+Reinsfeld was darkly suspicious. Its result, however, could not but be
+satisfactory. This Herr Doctor in jacket and felt hat could hardly be a
+dangerous rival; the very ease and familiarity of his intercourse with
+Erna was the best of warrants that he was merely a friend of her
+childhood. Ernst Waltenberg was quite capable of perceiving this, and
+his manner when Reinsfeld was presented to him was extremely cordial.
+
+"We are but just arrived," said the doctor, after the introduction had
+taken place, "and in all this merry turmoil we did not at first
+perceive you. But where has Wolfgang gone? I brought your future
+relative with me, Fräulein Thurgau. Wolf, where are you?"
+
+His call was quite unnecessary, for Elmhorst was standing fifty paces
+off, looking fixedly at the group. Apparently he had not intended to
+join it; he now slowly approached, and Benno could not but be surprised
+at the formality of the greetings interchanged between the 'future
+relatives.' Wolfgang bowed formally, and Erna's manner seemed to
+indicate that this meeting was anything but agreeable to her.
+
+"I thought you were to be in Oberstein this evening, Herr Elmhorst?"
+said she. "You spoke yesterday of going there."
+
+"I did, and I have been there with Benno, but he persuaded me to come
+up to the alm with him."
+
+"That he may see a veritable bale-fire," Benno interposed. "There is
+one kindled in Oberstein too, but there the entire village, all the
+labourers on the railway, the engineers, and a crowd of guests from
+Heilborn are assembled, and so the fine old custom comes to be only a
+noisy spectacle for strangers. Up here we have the genuine
+unadulterated mountain-life. And there is Sepp! How are you, old
+fellow? Yes, we are here. You would rather we were not to-night, I
+know, and therefore I said not one word in Oberstein of our expedition.
+You must put up with us,--that is, with the Herr Superintendent and the
+stranger gentleman there,--for Fräulein von Thurgau and I belong here."
+
+"Yes, you belong here," said Sepp, solemnly. "You surely ought not to
+be absent."
+
+"I should like to protest against being treated as an entire stranger,"
+said Wolfgang. "I have been living for three years in the mountains."
+
+"But in constant war with them," Waltenberg interposed, half
+ironically. "That would hardly establish your right to feel at home
+among them, it seems to me."
+
+"At most only the right of the conqueror;" Erna said, coldly. "Herr
+Elmhorst upon his arrival here was wont to boast that he would take
+possession of the realm of the Mountain-Sprite and bind it in chains."
+
+"You see, however, Fräulein Thurgau," Wolfgang replied, in the same
+tone, "that it was no empty boast. We _have_ brought her under
+subjection, the haughty ruler of the mountains. She made it difficult
+enough for us, so intrenching herself in her forests and fields that we
+were obliged to contend for every step of our way; but she was
+conquered at last. By the end of autumn the last structures will be
+completed, and next spring our trains will thunder through this entire
+Wolkenstein domain."
+
+"I am sorry for the magnificent valley," said Waltenberg. "All its
+beauty will be lost when steam once takes possession of it and the
+shrill whistle of the locomotive invades the sublime repose of the
+mountains."
+
+Wolfgang shrugged his shoulders: "I am sorry, but such romantic
+considerations cannot have any weight where the question is one of
+furnishing the world with roads for travel."
+
+"The world which belongs to you! Here in Europe you have mastered it
+with steam and iron. We who would find some quiet valley wherein to
+dream undisturbed shall finally be obliged to seek it in some distant
+island in the ocean."
+
+"Assuredly, Herr Waltenberg, if such dreaming seem to you the sole aim
+of existence. For us it is action."
+
+Ernst bit his lip: he saw that Erna was listening, and to be thus
+reproved in her presence was more than he could bear; adopting,
+therefore, the same indifferent, high-bred tone with which he had tried
+to humiliate the 'fortune-hunter' at their first interview, he said,
+"The old dispute, begun in the Herr President's conservatory! I never
+doubted your activity, Herr Elmhorst; you have certainly by its aid
+achieved brilliant results."
+
+Wolfgang involuntarily held himself more erect; he knew what result was
+meant, but he merely smiled contemptuously. Here he was not merely 'the
+future husband of Alice Nordheim' as in society in the capital; here he
+was in his own domain, and with all the proud self-consciousness of a
+man perfectly aware of his talent and of his achievements, he replied,
+"You allude to my work as an engineer? The Wolkenstein bridge is
+indeed my first work, but it will hardly be my last."
+
+Waltenberg was silenced. He had seen the gigantic structure spanning
+the yawning abyss, and he felt that he must give up treating as an
+adventurer the man who had devised it. Though he should aspire ten
+times over to the hand of the millionaire's daughter, there was stuff
+in this Elmhorst, even his antagonist must admit, however unwillingly.
+
+"I have indeed admired the engineer of that magnificent work," he
+replied, after a pause.
+
+"I am greatly flattered by your saying so,--you have seen all the
+finest bridges in the world."
+
+The words sounded courteous, but the glances which the men exchanged
+were like rapiers. Each felt at this moment that something more than
+dislike--that positive hatred divided them.
+
+Hitherto Erna had taken no part in the conversation; she probably
+perceived with whom the victory lay, for her voice betrayed annoyance
+as she interposed at last: "You had better give up contending with Herr
+Elmhorst. He is of iron, like his work, and there is no place in his
+world for romance. You and I belong to quite another one, and the abyss
+between his and ours no bridge can span."
+
+"You and I,--yes!" Ernst repeated quickly, turning to her. All strife
+was forgotten and all hatred dissolved in the joy that sparkled in his
+eyes as he said, almost triumphantly, 'you and I!'
+
+Wolfgang retired so suddenly that Benno looked amazed. The doctor was
+talking with Veit Gronau, who had approached when he heard from Sepp
+the name Reinsfeld, and had introduced himself.
+
+"You cannot possibly remember me," he was saying, "You were a very
+little fellow when I went abroad, so you must believe upon the evidence
+of my face that I was a friend of your father's when he was young. He
+died long ago, I know, but his son will not refuse me the hand which my
+old Benno cannot give me."
+
+"Most certainly not," Benno assured him, pressing the offered hand
+cordially. "And now let me hear how it happens that you have returned
+to Europe."
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XII.
+
+                             THE BALE-FIRE.
+
+
+The last crimson reflection of sunset had long vanished, field and
+forest were covered with dew, and the darkness was softly creeping up
+from the valleys to the heights, while above the snow-peaks began to
+gleam with a silvery lustre,--the herald of the rising moon, which was
+not yet visible.
+
+Then flames began to dart forth from the heaped-up wood on the
+Wolkenstein; at first only fitfully, crackling and smoking, until the
+fire caught the giant logs, and then it leapt aloft wildly with a
+magnificent ruddy glare, hailed by cheers from the circle of men around
+it,--the ancient bale-fire of the mountains.
+
+It was wonderfully picturesque,--the scene to which the growing
+darkness added much in effect,--the flaming altar sending its
+sparks towards heaven, and around it in the red light the crowd of
+brown-visaged mountaineers in joyous motion. They chased and chaffed
+one another, and leaped around the fire, snatching and waving aloft the
+burning brands in unrestrained delight, to which the crackling and
+roaring of the flames added intensity, while above it all the smoke
+rolled and floated in thick clouds, now half veiling and anon revealing
+the scene below.
+
+Erna and Waltenberg had not left their place,--probably preferring to
+keep somewhat aloof from the noisy crowd. At a little distance stood
+Wolfgang with folded arms, apparently lost in contemplation of the
+fantastic spectacle. Probably by chance, he had taken up a position
+where he was almost entirely in the shadow; all the more brilliant did
+the light seem which was thrown upon the little group on the hillock,
+the slender, graceful figure of the girl, the tall, dark form beside
+her, and the shaggy dog lying motionless at their feet, his head
+resting upon his huge paws.
+
+Benno, standing near the fire with Gronau, now and then glanced towards
+them, but that other pair of eyes watched them intently from the gloom,
+and if sometimes their owner resolutely looked away towards the busy,
+happy throng, some mysterious force seemed to compel his gaze to rest
+again upon the pair, who looked as if they already belonged to each
+other.
+
+Erna, who had grown warm from climbing, had taken off her hat and laid
+it upon the mossy stone that served her for a seat, while Waltenberg
+leaned above her, conversing in a low tone. What he said had, perhaps,
+no special significance, but his look sought hers with a passionate
+eagerness which he took no pains to conceal. His eyes could well
+express the emotion which thrilled his whole being. The man whose
+thirst for freedom had so long defied the fetters of love was now
+hopelessly enthralled.
+
+The conversation was carried on in an undertone, but Wolfgang
+distinguished every word; through all the shouting and laughter,
+through all the crackling and hissing of the flames, every syllable
+distinctly fell on his ear, for every nerve was strung in the effort to
+listen, as if for him life and death depended upon what was said.
+
+"Inaccessible do you call the Wolkenstein?" asked Waltenberg. "That
+only means that no one has yet ascended it. It can be subdued, that
+haughty peak."
+
+"Hitherto no one has subdued it, however," Erna replied. "Several have
+ventured up through the rocks to the foot of the topmost cliff, but
+there every one has been stayed; even my father, who was not easily
+daunted by any ascent and pursued the chamois to the highest summits,
+often declared, 'The Wolkenstein peak is inaccessible.'"
+
+Ernst looked up at the peak, now only partially visible, and smiled:
+"Do you know, Fräulein Thurgau, your description tempts me to venture
+the ascent?"
+
+She looked up at him in dismay: "Herr Waltenberg, you would not----?"
+
+"Climb the Wolkenstein peak? At least I shall attempt it."
+
+"Impossible! You are jesting."
+
+"Do you think so? I hope to prove to you that I am in earnest."
+
+"But why? What for?"
+
+"Why does one undertake any adventure? Because the danger excites;
+because it is a victory, a triumph, to achieve the apparently
+impossible."
+
+"And if this triumph should cost you your life? You would not be the
+first victim of the peak. Ask Sepp; he can tell you a sad story."
+
+"Bah! I am no novice in such attempts. I have climbed higher mountains
+than your dreaded Wolkenstein."
+
+His tone betrayed the defiant persistence of a man accustomed to
+danger, apt indeed to seek it. Nordheim was right: he longed only for
+what was withheld from him, and life had thus far withheld from him
+little enough. To climb a mountain-summit which no human foot had
+ever before trod, or to win a beautiful, proud woman who met his
+advances with coy reserve,--either attempt attracted him. He must win,
+subdue,--nothing was impossible.
+
+The wind, which was rising, blew the flames to one side; they flickered
+and leaped, and a shower of sparks fell upon Wolfgang, who hardly
+noticed it. He remained motionless in the ruddy glare, which did not
+reveal his extreme pallor. The entire pile was now one mountain of
+flame, whence huge tongues soared aloft, higher and higher, invading
+the night with a fiery breath. The cool, dewy meadow, the dark forests,
+the steep declivities of the Wolkenstein,--all looked strangely
+transformed in the red, darting light beneath the clouds of smoke
+rolling overhead.
+
+And there was a reflection of the glowing fire in the face of the man
+who endured mutely, with compressed lips, the torture that he would not
+flee. He felt the hot breath of the flames, but he could not tear
+himself from the spot where those low, half-whispered words reached his
+ear.
+
+"Take care. It is the legendary stronghold of our mountains; there is a
+spell upon it. Its ruler permits no human foot to press her throne."
+
+"Until he comes who subdues her. The German legends all end thus. He
+whose courage wins the summit clasps the enchantress in his arms."
+
+"And dies beneath the Mountain-Sprite's icy kiss. Yes, so runs the
+legend."
+
+Waltenberg laughed contemptuously: "Yes, the tale may terrify children
+and simple peasants. Thence comes the inaccessibility of the
+Wolkenstein,--not from the danger, but from superstition! Nevertheless
+I hope to make it mine, that mysterious kiss."
+
+"You will not persist?" Erna interposed, between entreaty and command.
+"Give up so foolhardy an idea!"
+
+"No, no, Fräulein von Thurgau, not even at your command."
+
+"But if I entreat?"
+
+There was an instant's pause; in the brilliant light Wolfgang could
+distinguish every feature in the girl's face turned upward in genuine
+entreaty, and in that of the man who bent over her so close that he
+wellnigh touched her curls. The daring, reckless tone had vanished from
+his voice; it sounded low, but infinitely tender, as he rejoined,
+"_You_ entreat me?"
+
+"Yes--from my heart! Do not persist in such folly. It troubles me."
+
+Ernst smiled, and replied, in a voice strangely gentle for one so
+impatient of control,--
+
+"You shall be obeyed. Sweet as it would be to know, were I in any
+danger, that one human being was anxious on my account, I relinquish my
+project."
+
+The sharp needles of the pine bough about which Wolfgang had clasped
+his hand in a nervous grasp pierced his flesh, but he did not feel
+them. The hill of fire, which was still glowing erect, tottered, some
+of the logs gave way, and the burning pile fell into ruins, crashing
+and crackling, while from the dazzling heap a thousand tongues of flame
+curled along the ground, illuminating now only a comparatively narrow
+circle, while the meadow and the hillock vanished in darkness.
+
+"It was a magnificent sight, was it not?" Benno asked gaily,
+approaching his friend and laying his hand upon the one clasping the
+pine. "But, Wolf, what is the matter with you? You have an attack of
+fever,--you are trembling, and your hand is icy cold."
+
+"There is nothing the matter," said Wolfgang. "I may have taken a
+little cold here in the damp."
+
+"Taken cold on this summer evening? a fellow of your iron constitution?
+You are ill."
+
+But Elmhorst withdrew the hand the doctor would have taken: "Pray do
+not make so much of a slight indisposition; such attacks go as quickly
+as they come. I felt it as we were walking up here."
+
+Benno shook his head; he had not before perceived any symptoms of
+indisposition. "We had better set out upon our way back," he said. "The
+fire is going out, and we have a good mile to walk down the mountain."
+
+"You are right; we are going too," said Waltenberg, approaching. "Sepp
+proposes to take us down by the Vulture Cliff, but that shorter way
+seems slightly perilous."
+
+"It certainly is by moonlight."
+
+"Then we will give it up. I promised Frau von Lasberg to return
+early, and I must keep my word. Gronau can descend with the guide by
+the cliff, since he seems to want to do so. He can meet us on the
+high-road."
+
+The little party set out together, Gronau and Sepp agreeing to meet it
+at an appointed spot in the road below. The meadow with the flickering
+flames soon vanished, and the silence of the mountain-forest replaced
+the shouting and laughter on the height. Silence also fell upon the
+descending group; they were obliged to walk heedfully, for the path,
+although neither steep nor perilous, lay in the shadow of the dense
+pine forest, which hid the moonlight except for a brilliant ray here
+and there. Waltenberg walked close beside Erna; the other two followed.
+Thus descending, they reached the edge of the forest in about half an
+hour and emerged upon the cleared mountainside.
+
+"The heights all around are still flaming," said Waltenberg, pointing
+upward, where, upon the other summits, the fires were yet blazing. "The
+Wolkensteiners lit their pile early. Her Majesty the Mountain-Sprite
+takes precedence, and she seems actually to mean to unveil in honour of
+the night."
+
+He was right. The clouds that during the entire evening had hovered
+about the summit of the Wolkenstein and had veiled its peak were
+beginning to float away.
+
+"I wonder that Gronau and Sepp are not here," Erna remarked. "They
+ought to have been here before us, since they took the shorter path."
+
+"Perhaps they have met with some ghostly hinderance," said Benno,
+laughing. "It is Midsummer Eve, and the mountains are alive with
+fairies and spirits. I'll wager either that they have encountered some
+phantom, or that they are now searching for the treasures which rise
+from hidden depths to the surface on this night in the year. Ah, there
+they are!"
+
+In fact, Sepp made his appearance on the other side of the road, but he
+was alone, and the haste of his approach boded ill.
+
+"What is the matter?" said Waltenberg, going to meet him. "Has anything
+happened? Where is Herr Gronau?"
+
+Sepp pointed in the direction of the Vulture Cliff: "Up there! We have
+had an accident. The gentle man slipped on the rocks, and his foot----"
+
+"There are no bones broken?"
+
+"No, 'tis not so bad as that, for we got down to even ground, but he
+could not go any farther. The gentleman is up there in the forest, and
+cannot move his foot, and I came to ask the Herr Doctor to look after
+him."
+
+"Of course I must look after him," said Reinsfeld, instantly turning to
+go. "Where did you leave him? Far from here?"
+
+"No; only a short quarter of a mile up."
+
+"I will go with you," said Waltenberg, hastily. "I must see after
+Gronau. Pray stay here, Fräulein von Thurgau; you hear it is not far,
+and we shall return immediately."
+
+"Would it not be better that we should all go up together?" asked
+Elmhorst. "My aid might be necessary."
+
+"Oh, a sprained ankle, or even a broken limb, is not dangerous," said
+Benno. "We three can do all that is necessary, even although we should
+be obliged to carry Herr Gronau; and Fräulein von Thurgau cannot be
+left here alone."
+
+"Certainly not; Herr Elmhorst must stay with her," Ernst said,
+decidedly. "We will be as quick as possible, rely upon it, Fräulein von
+Thurgau."
+
+The arrangement was a very natural one; fearless as the young lady
+might be, she could not be left here in the night alone, and Wolfgang,
+almost a member of her family, was, of course, the one to be left to
+take care of her. Nevertheless neither of them seemed pleased. Erna
+objected, and thought it would be better to accompany the doctor. But
+Waltenberg would not hear of it; he hurried away with Reinsfeld and
+Sepp over the meadow, and then all three vanished in the opposite wood.
+
+Those left behind were obliged to accommodate themselves to
+circumstances. They exchanged a few remarks about the accident and its
+possible consequences, and then there was a long silence.
+
+The midsummer night with its deep, mysterious stillness brooded above
+the mountains, but without the darkness of night. The full moon, now
+high in the heavens, bathed everything in its dreamy radiance. In its
+light the fires upon the mountains gleamed but dimly. They no longer
+flamed aloft, but looked like glowing stars fallen from the firmament
+and shining on the heights in clear, quiet beauty. By day there was a
+distant view from this meadow, now the mountain world was veiled in a
+delicate mist that left only certain detached features distinctly
+visible. The rigid lines of the tall summits were softened, the thick
+forests were massed in bluish shadow; below, where yawned the
+Wolkenstein abyss, darkness still reigned, although the moonlight
+already silvered the bridge. It reached from rock to rock, like a
+narrow, shining plank, discernible by keen eyes even at this height.
+
+The Wolkenstein summit alone, close at hand, was defined sharply
+against the clear sky of night. The forests at its feet, the jagged
+outlines of the billowy sea of rocks, and the gigantic proportions of
+the steep wall rising from them,--all were flooded with snowy lustre.
+Around its head there was still a fleecy vapour, which seemed slowly
+melting away in the moonbeams; at times each icy peak would be revealed
+clearly, to half vanish again in a semi-transparent veil. Erna had
+seated herself on the stump of a felled tree on the border of the
+forest. The scene fascinated her, as it did her companion, who was,
+nevertheless, the first to break the long silence.
+
+"Herr Waltenberg could hardly achieve that ascent," he said. "It was
+scarcely necessary to warn him off so seriously; he certainly would
+have turned back at the foot of the rocky wall."
+
+"You heard what we said?" the girl asked, without looking away from the
+Wolkenstein.
+
+"I did. I was standing very near you."
+
+"Then you heard that the attempt was relinquished."
+
+"At _your_ request."
+
+"I was interested that it should be so; there is something distressing
+to me in all aimless foolhardiness."
+
+"In _all_? I think Herr Waltenberg attached another significance to
+your words; and was he not justified in so doing?"
+
+Erna turned and bestowed upon him a glance of disapproval: "Herr
+Elmhorst, you evidently consider yourself as already belonging to our
+family, but I cannot, nevertheless, accord you the right to ask such
+questions."
+
+The rebuff was sufficiently plain. Wolfgang bit his lip.
+
+"Pardon me, Fräulein von Thurgau, if I was indiscreet; but, from the
+remarks of my future father-in-law, I judged the matter to be no longer
+a secret."
+
+"My uncle spoke of it to you? And before his departure?"
+
+"Assuredly. And he also did so three weeks ago, when I was in the
+city."
+
+A dark flush mounted to the girl's cheek. So the president had even
+then confided to his prospective son-in-law his plans for disposing of
+his niece, probably before her personal acquaintance with Waltenberg.
+All the pride of her nature was in revolt as she replied, "I know my
+uncle puts a price upon everything, and why not upon my hand? But in
+this case the decisive word is mine, as both he and you seem to have
+forgotten."
+
+"I?" said Wolfgang, indignantly. "Can you suppose me to have any share
+in his plan?"
+
+She looked at him, with a strange expression which he could not
+unriddle, and there was a shade of scorn in her voice as she replied,
+"No, certainly not in this plan."
+
+"You would do me gross injustice by such a suspicion. Moreover, I have
+no liking for Herr Waltenberg, and I feel sure that, despite all his
+brilliant qualities, he is not fitted to make another human being
+happy."
+
+"That is your opinion," Erna said, coldly. "In such a case all that a
+woman takes into consideration is whether she is beloved without
+calculation or reserve."
+
+"Ought that alone to be decisive? I should suppose there might be a
+question as to whether she herself loves."
+
+The words came slowly and almost with hesitation from his lips, and
+yet his eyes were riveted in breathless eagerness upon the face so
+clearly revealed in the bright moonlight. There was no reply; Erna's
+glance avoided his: her eyes were fixed upon the distant scene. The
+mountain-fires were growing fainter; the largest, upon the Wolkenstein,
+still gleamed with starlike radiance.
+
+Above these the wreathing mist was still floating, and the moonbeams
+called forth from it strange shapes, which, when the eye would have
+seized and held them fast, eluded it and melted away. Slowly, however,
+from among them the topmost peak emerged white and gleaming, the
+inaccessible throne of the Alpine Fay in her garment of eternal ice and
+snow.
+
+Wolfgang approached the young girl and stood close beside her as
+he continued, in an undertone: "I have no right, I know, to ask
+this question, but doubtless you have put it to yourself, and the
+answer----"
+
+A low, angry growl interrupted him. Griff had not forgotten his early
+antipathy for the superintendent; he could not endure to have him
+approach his mistress, and, as if to defend her, thrust himself between
+them. Erna laid her hand caressingly upon the dog's head, and he was
+instantly silent; then she asked, "Why do you hate Ernst Waltenberg?"
+
+"I?" Elmhorst was apparently amazed by this counter-question, which
+found him entirely unprepared to reply.
+
+"Yes. Can you deny that it is so?"
+
+"No," said Wolfgang, with defiant frankness. "I confess it. I hate
+him!"
+
+"You must have some reason for so doing."
+
+"I have a reason. But you must allow me to follow your example and
+withhold the answer to your question."
+
+"I will answer it myself. Because in Ernst Waltenberg you see my future
+husband."
+
+Elmhorst started and looked at her with an expression of dismay,--nay,
+of positive terror: "You--know?"
+
+"Do you suppose a woman cannot feel when she is loved, even though
+every means be resorted to to conceal it from her?" Erna asked, with
+extreme bitterness.
+
+A long, oppressive pause ensued; Wolfgang's eyes were downcast; at last
+he said, in a low, dull voice, "Yes, Erna, I have loved you--for
+years!"
+
+"And you wooed--Alice!"
+
+There was harsh condemnation in her words; he stood silent with bent
+head.
+
+"Because she is rich; because her hand can confer the wealth which I do
+not possess. Nevertheless Alice will not be unhappy; she neither knows
+nor demands happiness in the higher sense of the word, while I should
+be unutterably wretched bound to a man whom I despised."
+
+"Erna!" he exclaimed, in torture.
+
+"Herr Elmhorst?" she rejoined, haughtily.
+
+He accepted the rebuff, and controlled himself by an effort: "Fräulein
+von Thurgau, you have felt yourself obliged to hate me since the hour
+of your father's death, and you have avenged yourself richly for a
+supposed injury. Well, then, I will endure your hate if so it must be,
+but _not_ your contempt. I will not suffer any longer from the cold
+scorn which I always see in your eyes. You well know how to wound with
+it, but I pray you--do not drive me to extremes."
+
+He really looked as if the farthest limit of his self-control were
+reached. The man usually so cool and calculating, of such iron
+resolution, absolutely trembled in the fever of his agitation.
+
+Griff was still pugnacious, following with an angry eye every movement
+of him whom he considered a foe, and who seemed to be threatening his
+young mistress, who, however, took the dog by the collar and held him
+fast.
+
+"Can you compel my esteem?" she asked.
+
+"Yes, by heaven I can and will!" he broke forth. "I compelled respect
+but now from that insolent egotist, who despises money merely because
+he possesses it in abundance, and who parades as romanticism his dreamy
+idle existence. You heard how he was silenced by my reference to my
+work. He does not know what it is to be poor, and to have bare, hard
+reality staring him in the face. But I drained that cup to the dregs in
+my needy youth; life for me possessed no poetry, no ideals. I felt
+within me the power to excel in my profession, and was tied down by
+hard mechanical labour. I had to submit to men my inferiors in
+intellect, and to obey where now I command. The plan of the Wolkenstein
+bridge, now regarded as such a wonder, was rejected again and again
+because I had no patronage, because a poor, unknown man is sure to be
+despised. But, in spite of it all, I determined to rise; not for the
+money's sake, not that I might revel in idle luxury, but that I might
+work with freedom, undeterred by all the petty hinderances, to soar
+above which wealth gives wings. There stands my work!" He pointed to
+the narrow road, which gleamed like silver above the abyss. "Whether
+you hate its designer or not, it must force even you to respect him!"
+
+With like proud, bold self-assertion Wolfgang Elmhorst was wont to
+silence his opponents and to win the victory, but it stood him in no
+stead here. Erna had risen and stood confronting him, the scorn which
+he would not brook still looking from her eyes.
+
+"No!" she said, decidedly. "That work of yours condemns you. The man
+capable of achieving that should have had the courage to depend upon
+himself, and to go forward alone, for he carried his future within him.
+My uncle recognized your talent long before you wooed his daughter; he
+had opened the way for you, and you could have attained your goal even
+without him. But that indeed would have cost time and trouble, and you
+wanted to take fortune by storm."
+
+Wolfgang gazed sadly at the girl's agitated face. "Yes," he said, "I
+did. And I have paid a high price for it; perhaps--too high."
+
+"The price now is your freedom; in future it may possibly be your
+honour."
+
+"Erna! Have a care! Do not insult me!"
+
+"I do not insult you. I only give utterance to what you do not yet
+choose to confess to yourself. Do you imagine that you can with
+impunity pledge yourself to a man like my uncle? You still have
+ambition; he has long been done with it, and now cares only for gain.
+He has, it is true, won millions, and gold flows into his coffers from
+every quarter, but he is not content. The magnitude of his undertakings
+does not affect him, except as it brings him money, and once completely
+in his power he will require you to be the same. You will no longer
+create, you will only accumulate."
+
+Wolfgang looked down gloomily; he knew that she spoke the truth; he had
+long known this side of the president's character, but his pride
+rebelled against the part thus assigned him.
+
+"Do you think me so wanting in energy as to be unable to preserve my
+independence?" he asked. "I have a will, and if necessary can assert
+it, even in my present position."
+
+"Then you will be given an alternative, and you will be obliged to
+submit. You have not chosen the hard, lonely path trodden by so many
+great men who could call nothing their own save their talent and their
+faith in themselves. For me,"--there was a kind of passionate
+inspiration in the girl's eyes,--"I have always imagined that in the
+striving and struggling there must be happiness perhaps even greater
+than that of attainment. To ascend thus from the depths, to be
+conscious that one's power increases with every step forward, with
+every obstacle overcome, and then at last to stand on the free heights
+in the joy of victory won by one's own exertions,--I have had some
+sensation akin to it when I have been climbing a difficult Alpine
+ascent, and not for worlds would I have accepted another's aid."
+
+Carried away by the enthusiasm of the moment, she was again the free,
+unconventional child of the mountains, whom Wolfgang had once found
+amidst the abysses of the Wolkenstein, her curls waving, and quick
+to love as to hate. Together they had then bidden defiance to the
+tempest; in fancy he again heard her joyous, reckless laughter amid the
+hurly-burly, and it seemed to him that he had then been happy,
+supremely happy, as never again since then.
+
+"And could you have loved a man who had risen thus?" he asked at last,
+with suppressed suffering in his tone. "Could you have stood beside him
+in toil and danger, perhaps in defeat? Answer me, Erna,--I entreat
+you!"
+
+Erna shivered; the light in her eyes faded, as she replied, coldly,
+"What need to ask? The question comes too late! One thing I know: the
+man who denied and crushed out his love for the sake of the gold which
+another hand could bestow, who bought his future because he lacked
+courage to create it, I never could have loved,--never!"
+
+She took a long breath, as if with the words she cast aside a burden,
+and turned her back to him. Griff suddenly became restless; he
+perceived the approach of the rest although their advance was as yet
+inaudible; his mistress understood him.
+
+"Are they coming?" she asked, in an undertone. "Let us go to meet them,
+Griff."
+
+She slowly crossed the meadow, where the dew lay heavy and glistening.
+Wolfgang made no attempt to detain her: he stood motionless. The last
+of the mountain-fires had just sunk to ashes; it glimmered aloft for a
+few moments like a faint and fading star and then vanished.
+
+The peak of the Wolkenstein, on the contrary, was plainly visible; the
+mists that had been hovering around it seemed to melt in the moonlight,
+and the ice-crowned summit stood forth distinct and glistening. She had
+unveiled herself, the haughty sovereign of the mountain-range, and sat
+enthroned aloft in her phantom-like beauty, while above her realm
+brooded the silent mystery of the midsummer night, with its ghostly
+hint of buried treasures ascending from hidden depths and awaiting
+discovery,--the ancient, solemn midsummer-eve of St. John.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XIII.
+
+                           AN OUTRAGED WIFE.
+
+
+The Sunday following St. John's day had always been a great holiday in
+Oberstein. The little mountain-village where Dr. Reinsfeld lived had,
+it is true, lost somewhat of its secluded character by the invasion of
+the railway in the vicinity. The labourers on the road frequented it,
+and some of the young engineers had their quarters in the little inn,
+but the place was still very humble in appearance.
+
+The doctor's house was in no contrast to its surroundings; it was a
+small cottage, scantily furnished,--indeed barely provided with the
+necessities of life. The sexton's widow acted as the young physician's
+housekeeper, and her ideas of the duties of her position were primitive
+in the extreme. Only a nature as content and unassuming as Benno's
+could have long endured existence here. His predecessors had never
+remained long, while this was the fifth year that he had passed in this
+place, undaunted by its hardships, and with no present prospect of
+leaving it.
+
+His study was indeed a contrast to the charming, comfortable apartments
+inhabited by Superintendent Elmhorst. The whitewashed walls were
+destitute of decoration save for a couple of portraits of Reinsfeld's
+parents. An old worm-eaten writing-table, with an arm-chair covered
+with leather which had once been black, a very hard sofa with a coarse
+linen cover, and a table and chairs of equal antiquity,--such was the
+furniture, all purchased from the former occupant, of the room in which
+the doctor lived, and laboured, and gave advice, and even, as on the
+present occasion, received visits. His cousin Albert Gersdorf was with
+him.
+
+The lawyer had come from Heilborn the day before, and had found a guest
+already installed here, Veit Gronau, whom he also knew, and who was
+recovering here from the effects of his disaster on the Vulture Cliff.
+The painful sprain from which he was suffering was not serious, but
+prevented his walking. He had been with some difficulty brought as far
+down the mountain as Oberstein, and here Reinsfeld had offered to take
+charge of the patient until the sprain was cured; an offer which had
+been gratefully accepted.
+
+The two cousins had not met for years, and their interchange of letters
+had been infrequent, so that Benno's joyful surprise was natural when
+Gersdorf made his unexpected appearance. He had just persuaded him to
+protract his stay somewhat, and said, delightedly, "So, then, that is
+all arranged: you will stay until the day after to-morrow; that's
+right; and your young wife will have no objection to being left so long
+with her parents in Heilborn."
+
+"Oh, she is extremely content there," Gersdorf explained; but there was
+an unusual gravity in his voice and manner.
+
+The doctor gave him a keen glance: "See here, Albert: when you arrived
+yesterday it struck me that something was wrong. I thought you would
+bring your wife. Surely you have not quarrelled?"
+
+"No, Benno, 'tis not so bad as that. I have simply been forced to make
+my father- and mother-in-law understand that their untitled son-in-law
+is perfectly capable of maintaining his position."
+
+"Aha! 'sits the wind in that corner?' What has happened?"
+
+"Not much. As I told you, we promised to finish our wedding-tour by a
+visit to my wife's parents in Heilborn, where my mother-in-law is
+taking the waters. We found her there in a very exclusive circle,
+which graciously admitted me, although it made me quite sensible that I
+owed the honour to my having married a Baroness Ernsthausen. I showed
+but little appreciation of the amiable reception accorded me, inasmuch
+as I declined joining a picnic arranged for yesterday. Of course this
+provoked much aristocratic indignation; my respected mother-in-law
+declared me a tyrant, maintaining that her friends alone were fit
+associates for her daughter, and at last inducing Molly to be
+obstinate. I told her she was perfectly free to accept the invitation
+for herself, and she did so."
+
+"And went without you?"
+
+"Without me. An hour afterwards I was on my way to see you,--I meant at
+all events to see you before I went back to the city,--leaving behind
+me a brief note explaining my absence."
+
+"It was a great piece of audacity on your part to marry into so
+aristocratic a family," said Benno, shaking his head. "You see marriage
+by no means puts an end to your troubles."
+
+"No, but I was perfectly well aware that I should have to fight my way
+to independence."
+
+"Can you be quite sure of your wife?"
+
+Gersdorf smiled, both at the words and at the grave tone in which they
+were uttered: "Indeed I can. Molly is still a child, it is true,--a
+spoiled child who has never been trained,--but her heart is true as
+steel. Do you suppose I enjoyed leaving the wayward little creature?
+She must learn that a husband's rights are to be respected; if I had
+yielded to my mother-in-law on this occasion there would have been no
+end to her interference, and that I will not tolerate."
+
+It was plain to see that it had not been easy for the young fellow to
+keep his resolution; his eyes turned longingly to the window that
+looked out on the road to Heilborn, while Benno sat lost in admiration
+of his cousin's strength of character. He himself would have made any
+sacrifice to a tyrannical mother-in-law rather than grieve a woman whom
+he loved.
+
+They were interrupted by the entrance of Veit Gronau. He still limped,
+but otherwise seemed quite well, as he deposited a large package on the
+table.
+
+"What have you there?" asked Gersdorf.
+
+"Genuine Turkish tobacco," Gronau replied; "and Herr Waltenberg sends
+his regards and he will come over this afternoon with the ladies from
+Wolkenstein, who wish to see the holiday dance. Said brought the
+message and this tobacco, which I asked Herr Waltenberg to send in pity
+for the doctor, who smokes wretched stuff, begging his pardon. Let me
+fill the pipes; I understand that business."
+
+"That's true," said Benno, laughing. "You and Herr Waltenberg would
+smoke up my entire income in a year. I cannot afford to be fastidious."
+
+Veit, who was entirely at home here, hobbled to a little cupboard,
+whence he took three pipes, which he proceeded to prepare, and the
+three men were soon filling the room with clouds of fragrant smoke.
+
+Suddenly the door opened, and a most unexpected apparition appeared
+upon the threshold, in the person of a young lady in a very elegant
+travelling-dress, a veil wound about her hat, and a handsome
+travelling-bag in her hand. She was about to enter hastily, but paused
+as if petrified by the scene which was presented to her gaze. Gronau in
+all his length of limb lay stretched out on the sofa; the doctor, in
+his shirt-sleeves, was comfortably established in his arm-chair;
+Gersdorf sat near him astride of a chair, while the room was filled
+with a thick but unfortunately transparent cloud of blue tobacco-smoke.
+
+"Herr Doctor," the voice of the old housekeeper was heard to say
+from the corridor behind the stranger, "a young lady has arrived, and
+wants----"
+
+"I want my husband," the young lady interposed, in a resolute tone,
+advancing into the room, where she created a sensation indeed.
+
+Gronau sprang up from the sofa, uttering a cry of pain as he did so,
+for his ankle resented the sudden motion; Benno started up in dismay
+and began looking for his coat, which it seemed impossible to find; and
+Gersdorf emerged from the cloud of smoke, exclaiming, in a tone of
+delighted surprise, "Molly I--is it you?"
+
+"Yes,--it is I!" Frau Gersdorf declared in accents so annihilating that
+one might have supposed her husband had just been detected in the
+commission of a crime, and as she spoke she advanced with extreme
+dignity into the middle of the room, where, unfortunately, the smoke
+interfered with the solemnity of the occasion, for she began to cough
+and seemed almost ready to choke.
+
+Poor Benno was crushed. He had privately exulted when he had learned
+that there was no danger of a visit from his new distinguished
+relative, of whom he stood in such awe that for her reception he would
+have donned his grandest attire, and now here she was, and he in his
+shirt-sleeves! In his confusion he took his pocket-handkerchief and
+tried to flap away the smoke, but, unfortunately, he flapped it
+directly into the young lady's face, at the same time sweeping his
+clay pipe off the table where he had laid it, and overthrowing his
+arm-chair, the leg of which was broken in the fall. At last Gersdorf
+seized him by the arm: "Pray stop, Benno, or you will make things
+worse," he said, kindly. "First of all let me present you to my wife.
+My cousin, Benno Reinsfeld, Molly dear."
+
+Molly bestowed a most ungracious glance upon this man in his
+shirt-sleeves who was presented to her as a relative,--really it was
+exceedingly provoking.
+
+"I regret extremely having disturbed the gentlemen," she said, with a
+withering look at her husband. "My husband informed me that he should
+pay you a visit. Dr. Reinsfeld, but no time was appointed for his
+return."
+
+"Madame," stammered Benno, in great confusion, "it is a great
+honour--and certainly----"
+
+"I am glad to hear it," the lady interrupted him without more ado. "My
+luggage is outside; pray have it brought in. I shall stay here for a
+while."
+
+This was too much; the doctor was in despair. He thought of the bare
+little garret room which was all he had had to offer to his cousin, and
+now here was a Baroness Ernsthausen about to occupy it also! Suddenly
+his wild, wandering glances fell upon the jacket he had been looking
+for so anxiously: it lay on the floor beside him; he snatched it up,
+and vanished into the next room. Gronau, whose distaste for 'the
+ladies' was as decided as it was respectful, hobbled after him, closing
+the door, as he left the room, with a crash that shook the house.
+
+"Have I fallen among savages?" Molly asked, indignant at this
+reception. "One shrieks, another runs away, and the third----!" She
+fairly shuddered at the thought that this third was her husband.
+
+But Gersdorf cared not a whit for the frown upon her pretty face. Now
+that they were alone, he hurried towards her with outstretched arms:
+"And you really came, Molly?"
+
+Molly withdrew from his embrace, retreated a step, and declared
+solemnly, "Albert,--you are a monster!"
+
+"But, Molly----!"
+
+"A monster!" she repeated, with emphasis. "Mamma says so, and she
+thinks I ought to requite you with scorn. That is why I came."
+
+"Ah, indeed, is that why?" said Albert, relieving her of her
+travelling-bag. She allowed this attention, but maintained her
+dignified attitude.
+
+"You have deserted me,--me, your lawful wedded wife,--deserted me
+shamefully, and upon our wedding-tour!"
+
+"Pardon me, my child, you deserted me," Gersdorf protested. "You drove
+off with the picnic-party----"
+
+"For a few hours! And when I returned you were gone,--gone to the
+wilderness,--for this Oberstein is no less,--and now here you sit in
+this detestable tobacco-smoke, smoking and laughing and joking. Don't
+deny it, Albert, you were laughing. I heard your voice plainly from
+outside."
+
+"I certainly was laughing, but that is no crime."
+
+"When your wife was away!" Molly exclaimed, angrily,--"when your
+deeply-injured wife was at that very moment bewailing the fate that has
+fettered her to a heartless husband! Oh, how could you!"
+
+She sobbed aloud, and in her despair threw herself upon the sofa;
+bouncing up again instantly, however, in dismay at its extreme
+hardness.
+
+"Molly," her husband said, seriously, as he approached her, "you knew
+why I wished to avoid those people, and I thought my wife would have
+stood by me. I was very sorry to find myself mistaken."
+
+The reproof went home; Molly cast down her eyes and replied, meekly "I
+care nothing for all those stupid people; but mamma thought I ought not
+to allow myself to be tyrannized over."
+
+"And you complied with your mother's request rather than with mine, and
+preferred to mine the company of strangers."
+
+"You did so too," sobbed Molly; "you drove away without a thought of
+your poor wife consumed with grief and longing!"
+
+Albert put his arm around her caressingly, as he said, tenderly, "And
+were you really unhappy, my little Molly? So was I."
+
+His young wife looked up at him through her tears, and nestled close to
+him: "When were you coming back?" she asked.
+
+"The day after to-morrow, if I could have managed to stay away so
+long."
+
+"And I came to-day. Is not that enough for you?"
+
+"Yes, my darling, quite enough!" said Gersdorf. "And if you choose we
+will return to Heilborn this very day."
+
+"No, we will not," said Molly, resolutely. "I have quarrelled with
+mamma, and with papa too; they did not want me to come. I have brought
+our luggage, and now we will stay here."
+
+"So much the better," said Albert, much relieved. "I went to Heilborn
+solely for your sake, and here we are really in the midst of the
+mountains. I am only afraid that we must try to find some other
+quarters; the doctor's house can hardly hold you with all your trunks."
+
+The little lady turned up her nose as she surveyed the room, where the
+smoke still lingered and the broken pipe and the three-legged chair
+encumbered the floor.
+
+"Yes, this seems a detestable bachelor establishment. You would grow
+careless enough with this cousin of yours, who rushes away like a
+madman if a lady makes her appearance. Has he no manners at all?"
+
+"Poor Benno was so terribly embarrassed," Albert said, by way of
+excuse. "He completely lost his head. Be kind to him, Molly, I pray
+you, for he is the best fellow in the world. And now let me go look
+after your luggage."
+
+He went, and Frau Gersdorf took her seat upon the sofa, with more
+caution than before. In a few moments another door was softly and
+timidly opened, and the master of the house appeared. He had employed
+the time of his absence in arranging his dress, and he now approached
+his guest with much humility. At first she seemed scarcely inclined to
+be as amiable as her husband had entreated her to be; on the contrary,
+she eyed her new cousin with judicial severity.
+
+"Madame," he began, with hesitation, "pray pardon me that, upon your
+unexpected arrival--I was very sorry for it, very sorry----"
+
+"For my arrival?" Molly interrupted him, indignantly.
+
+"God forbid, no!" exclaimed Benno. "I only meant--I wished to observe
+that I am a bachelor."
+
+"Unfortunately," said Molly, still ungraciously. "It is very sad to be
+a bachelor. Why do you not marry?"
+
+"I?" cried Benno, dismayed at the question.
+
+"Certainly; you must marry as soon as possible."
+
+The words sounded so dictatorial that the doctor did not venture to
+contradict them; he merely bowed so profoundly that Frau Molly began to
+feel her irritation evaporate, and she added, in a milder tone,--
+
+"Albert is married and likes it extremely. Do you doubt it?"
+
+"Oh, no, assuredly not," poor Benno hastened to reply; "but I----"
+
+"Well, you, Herr Doctor?" his new relative persisted.
+
+"I am not accustomed to ladies' society, and my manners are very rude,"
+he said, sadly,--"very rude, madame,--and that unfits me for social
+enjoyment."
+
+This confession found favour with Molly. A man who felt his
+deficiencies so profoundly deserved sympathy. She laid aside her air of
+severity and rejoined, kindly,--
+
+"They can easily be improved. Come, sit down, Herr Doctor, and let us
+discuss the matter."
+
+"What! Marriage?" Benno asked, in renewed dismay. This seemed like an
+immediate settlement of his future life, and he was naturally startled.
+
+"Oh, no: only your manners, for the present. You are anxious to learn,
+I can see; all you want is some one to advise and train you. I will do
+it!"
+
+"Oh, madame, how kind you are!" said the doctor, with so touching an
+expression of gratitude that his instructor of eighteen was entirely
+won over.
+
+"I am your cousin, and my name is Molly," she rejoined. "We must call
+each other by our first names; so, Benno, come and sit down by me."
+
+He complied with her invitation rather shyly, but the little lady soon
+put him entirely at his ease. She questioned him closely, and he soon
+grew very confidential; he told her about his awkwardness at the
+Nordheim villa, his consequent mortification, and his desperate but
+fruitless attempts to attain some degree of ease of manner. As he went
+on, all his awkwardness vanished and he showed himself as he was,
+frank, true, intelligent, and kindly. When Gersdorf returned at the end
+of a quarter of an hour, he found his wife and his cousin talking
+together like the best of friends.
+
+"I have had the luggage brought here for the present," he said, "and I
+have sent to know if we can have rooms at the inn."
+
+"Not at all necessary," said Molly; "we can stay here. I am sure Benno
+will make room for us; will you not, Benno?"
+
+"Of course I will," the doctor exclaimed, eagerly. "I shall move out.
+Gronau and I can move into the garret, and you can have the lower
+rooms, Molly. I will go and have it arranged immediately."
+
+He sprang up, and hurried out to do as he said.
+
+"Benno?--Molly? You seem to have made astonishing progress in a few
+minutes!"
+
+"Albert, your cousin is a very superior man," Molly declared. "We must
+befriend the young fellow; it is our duty as his relatives."
+
+Her husband burst out laughing: "The young fellow? Allow me to observe,
+madame, that he is just twelve years your senior."
+
+"I am a married woman," was the dignified reply, "and he,
+unfortunately, is a bachelor. But it is not his fault, and I shall have
+him married as soon as possible."
+
+"Good heavens!" exclaimed Gersdorf, "you have scarcely seen poor Benno,
+and you are already scheming to marry him? I beg you----"
+
+He got no further, for his wife confronted him with an indignant air:
+"'Poor,' do you call him, because he is to be married? You think
+marriage a misfortune, then. Is it because your own is unhappy? Albert,
+what can you mean by such words?"
+
+But Albert only laughed the more; undismayed by his wife's impressive
+manner, he clasped her in his arms, and said, "I mean that there is
+only one little woman in the world who can make her husband as happy as
+I am. Does this explanation content you?"
+
+And Frau Gersdorf was content.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XIV.
+
+                          MIDSUMMER BLESSING.
+
+
+The afternoon sun shone merrily down upon the gay assemblage on the
+green before the inn at Oberstein. Insignificant as the place was, it
+was a gathering-point for the inhabitants of all the scattered hamlets
+and farms in the country round, and all who could had come to the
+festival, which began with the service in church in the morning, while
+the afternoon was given over to the usual holiday enjoyments.
+
+The St. John's dance, which, in accordance with ancient custom, was
+always danced in the open air, had been going on for some time upon the
+improvised dancing-floor in front of the inn. The young peasants, both
+men and maidens, were engaged in it, while their elders were seated at
+small tables with their beer-glasses. The country musicians fiddled
+away unweariedly, and the children played hide-and-seek and ran hither
+and thither among the happy crowd. It was a lively, merry scene, and
+its charm was much enhanced by the picturesque holiday costumes of the
+mountaineers.
+
+The presence of the 'city folk,' who had just appeared, did not in the
+least disturb the festivities, for the young engineers quartered in
+Oberstein joined in the dance, and the two swarthy servants brought by
+the foreign gentleman from Heilborn were objects of admiring wonder for
+the peasants.
+
+Waltenberg and the Nordheim ladies were seated at a table in the little
+garden on one side of the inn, and here Herr Gersdorf and his wife
+joined them. Greatly pleased by this meeting, the entire party was in a
+very merry mood, with the exception of Frau von Lasberg.
+
+She took no pleasure in any peasant festivities, even as a spectator,
+and she had, besides, had a slight headache, so she had resolved to
+decline joining the party. Elmhorst, however, had sent word that it
+would be impossible for him to escort his betrothed on this occasion,
+as there had been some damage caused to the lower portion of the
+railway by a freshet, and he was obliged to drive down to inspect it.
+Upon this the old lady had resolved to sacrifice her comfort to her
+sense of propriety, which would not allow her to leave the two young
+ladies to be escorted only by Waltenberg, who was not as yet Erna's
+declared lover. She drove up the mountain with them, suffering an
+increase of headache in consequence, and now here was Molly, who had
+been in deep disgrace with the old lady since her marriage.
+
+Molly knew this perfectly well, and took no pains to regain the lost
+favour. She expressed an ardent desire to join in the dance, declared
+that the elegant seclusion of the garden was a great bore, and finally
+proposed to mingle with the peasantry; in short, she nearly drove poor
+Frau von Lasberg to desperation.
+
+"And if Benno comes, I shall dance with him although it should make
+Albert jealous," she said, with a glance towards her husband, who was
+standing with Erna and Waltenberg at the picket-fence looking on at the
+merriment on the green. "The poor doctor never has a moment's pleasure;
+just as we were setting out he was called to a patient, fortunately
+here in Oberstein, so he promised to follow us in half an hour. Alice,
+I hear that you are now under Benno's care."
+
+The young lady nodded assent, and Frau von Lasberg remarked,
+condescendingly, "Alice conforms to the wishes of her betrothed, but I
+greatly fear that Herr Elmhorst over-estimates his friend when he
+attaches more value to his diagnosis than to that of our first medical
+authorities. And there is, at all events, great risk in intrusting his
+betrothed to the care of a young physician who, by his own confession,
+has practised almost exclusively among peasants."
+
+"I think Herr Elmhorst perfectly right," Molly declared, with dignity.
+"Our cousin can easily compete with the 'first medical authorities,' I
+assure you, madame."
+
+Baroness Lasberg smiled rather contemptuously: "Ah, excuse me! I really
+forgot that Dr. Reinsfeld is now a relative of yours, my dear
+Baroness."
+
+"Frau Gersdorf, if you please," Molly corrected her. "I am very proud
+of my husband's name, and of my dignity as a married woman."
+
+"So I perceive!" the old lady remarked, with an indignant glance at the
+young wife who so paraded her matrimonial satisfaction, and who,
+nothing daunted, chattered on merrily,--
+
+"What did you think of Benno, Alice? He was perfectly inconsolable for
+his awkwardness on that first visit. Were you really as annoyed by it
+as he thinks you were?"
+
+"Your cousin's deportment was certainly not calculated to inspire
+confidence, Frau Gersdorf," the Baroness remarked, emphasizing the
+plebeian name; but to her immense surprise she here encountered
+opposition from her usually passive charge. Alice raised her head, and
+said, with unwonted decision, "Dr. Reinsfeld made a very agreeable
+impression upon me, and I entirely share Wolfgang's confidence in him."
+
+Molly glanced triumphantly at the old lady, and was about to launch
+forth in praise of her 'relative,' when the man himself made his
+appearance.
+
+To-day Benno was clad in his trim Sunday costume, which differed but
+little from that of the mountaineers of the district, and was generally
+adopted by gentlemen among the mountains. The gray jacket braided with
+green and the dark-green hat with its chamois beard became him
+admirably, setting off his powerful, well-knit frame to the best
+advantage; and here where all around him was familiar he almost lost
+his shyness. He greeted his relatives and Erna cordially, and received
+Waltenberg courteously; even his bow to Frau von Lasberg was quite
+correct. It was only when he turned to Alice that the composure
+hitherto so bravely maintained forsook him; he blushed, and stammered,
+and cast down his eyes. At first he hardly understood what she said to
+him, hearing only the sweet, gentle voice, as kind in its tone
+as it had been before in 'fairy-land.' He partially recovered his
+self-control only when she spoke of her companion. "Poor Baroness
+Lasberg is suffering from a violent headache, and it has been worse
+since she sacrificed herself by driving up here with us. Can you
+suggest a remedy?"
+
+Frau von Lasberg, who was sniffing at her vinaigrette, looked dismayed;
+she had no idea of intrusting her precious health to this peasant
+doctor. Reinsfeld modestly suggested that the pain had been increased
+by the broad sunshine and the noise, and proposed that she should
+retire for an hour to some cool, quiet room in the inn. He hurried away
+to call the hostess, who came immediately and conducted the old lady,
+who really felt quite ill and saw the advisability of taking the rest
+suggested, to a quiet room on the side of the house that looked away
+from the revellers.
+
+"Thank heaven, now we are left to ourselves, and can go to the dance!"
+said Molly, rising to lead the way.
+
+"What! among the peasants?" Alice asked, in alarm.
+
+"In their very midst," the young wife undauntedly replied. "Do not look
+so horrified. You ought to thank God that your duenna has the headache,
+for else she never would have let you go. Benno, offer your arm to
+Fräulein Nordheim."
+
+Benno looked equally horrified at this command; but Molly had taken
+possession of her husband, and Waltenberg had given his arm to Erna, so
+there was nothing for it but to obey.
+
+"Fräulein Nordheim,--will you allow me?" he asked, timidly.
+
+Alice hesitated a moment, but then, either tempted by the gaiety
+outside, or induced by the timid address, she smiled, and took the
+offered arm, to follow the others, who had already left the garden.
+
+The pair walked slowly; the doctor was a rather mute cavalier: he
+hardly spoke, but looked with shy admiration at the young girl beside
+him, who did not, however, seem to him half so unapproachable and
+distinguished as she had been on their first interview. She looked
+graceful and simple in her light-blue muslin and her flower-trimmed
+straw hat; it was just the frame for her face, if only the face were
+not so pale. She was apparently somewhat afraid of the crowd, and when
+loud shouting was heard from the dancing floor she paused, and looked
+up timidly at her escort.
+
+"Are you afraid, Fräulein Nordheim?" he asked. "Then let us go back."
+
+Alice shook her head, and replied, in an undertone, "I am unused to it;
+but I do not believe the people are really rude."
+
+"Indeed they are not!" Benno declared. "There is nothing to fear from
+our Wolkensteiners,--that I can testify, having lived as long as I have
+among them."
+
+"Yes, for five years, Wolfgang tells me. How have you managed it?"
+
+The question was put in a tone of such compassion that Benno smiled:
+"Oh, it is not so terrible as you suppose. It is, to be sure, a lonely
+life, and at times a laborious one, but it has its pleasures."
+
+"Pleasures?" Alice repeated, dubiously, raising her large brown eyes to
+his, which so confused the doctor that he forgot to reply.
+
+Suddenly there was a movement among the crowd: they perceived Reinsfeld
+for the first time,--for on his arrival he had come through the
+inn,--and instantly a circle was formed about him. "The Herr Doctor!
+Our Herr Doctor! Here he is!" resounded from all sides, while twenty,
+thirty heads were bared, and as many brown hands were stretched out to
+the young physician. Old and young thronged about him eager for a word
+or a look or to bid 'God bless' him. There was an outburst of
+enthusiasm at sight of their 'doctor.'
+
+Reinsfeld glanced with some anxiety at his companion,--he feared she
+might be annoyed by these stormy demonstrations; but Alice seemed, on
+the contrary, to enjoy them; she clung rather closer to his arm, but
+she looked unusually happy and interested.
+
+No sooner did the doctor explain that the young lady wished to look on
+at the dance than all began eagerly to arrange a place for her. The
+entire crowd about the doctor accompanied them to the dancing-floor;
+the rows of spectators were ruthlessly parted asunder, a chair was
+brought, and a few moments later Alice was seated in the midst of all
+the joyous tumult of St. John's day, and the sturdy mountaineers formed
+a sort of _garde d'honneur_ on each side of her, taking care that the
+whirling couples did not fly past her close enough to brush the
+Fräulein's skirt. There was a certain rude chivalry in the way in which
+they arranged the place for the companion of their doctor.
+
+"The people seem very fond of you," said Alice. "I did not imagine that
+the peasantry were so devoted to their physician."
+
+"They are not usually," was Reinsfeld's reply. "They are apt to see in
+him only a man who costs them money, and they try not to avail
+themselves of his help. But the relation between the Wolkensteiners and
+myself is exceptional. We have gone through some hard times together,
+and they give me credit for not leaving them in the lurch, and for
+going indiscriminately to every one who needs me, even although the
+poor wretch have only a 'God bless you!' by way of fee. There is a
+great deal of poverty among the people, and it is impossible to think
+only of one's self; at least I have found it so."
+
+"Yes, that I know," Alice interposed, with unusual vivacity. "You did
+not think of yourself when a better position was offered you. Wolfgang
+mentioned that during your visit the other day."
+
+As she referred to it Benno coloured slightly: "Do you really remember
+that remark of his? Yes, Wolf was very much provoked with me at the
+time, and I suppose he was right. The position was undoubtedly a good
+one, in a hospital in one of our large cities, and by a lucky chance I
+was preferred beyond any of my colleagues; but the condition attached
+was that I should report myself at the election, and enter immediately
+upon the duties of my office."
+
+"And you had patients here in the village who were very ill at the
+time?"
+
+"Not only here, but everywhere throughout the district. Diphtheria had
+broken out, and the children brought home contagion from school. One or
+two were lying ill in almost every house, and most of the cases were
+very serious, for the epidemic was particularly virulent,--and just
+when it was at its height the place was offered me! The nearest
+physician lived half a day's journey away, and my distinguished
+colleagues in Heilborn do not come up to the lonely farms through storm
+and snow,--it would cost the people too dear. I delayed my departure
+from day to day, and Wolfgang kept urging me, but I _could_ not go.
+Hansel, come here!"
+
+He beckoned to a boy of about six who had worked his way to the front
+and stood looking on delightedly at the dancers. He was a sturdy little
+fellow, with flaxen hair and a fresh, chubby face. He obeyed the call
+instantly, very proud to be summoned by the doctor, and looked up
+confidingly at the young lady to whom he was presented.
+
+"Look at this fellow, Fräulein Nordheim," Reinsfeld went on; "he does
+not look as if, eight months ago, he lay very nearly dying, does he? He
+is the grandson of old Seppel, who used to be at Wolkenstein Court, and
+he has a little sister who was at the point of death also. Those two
+decided the matter! Just as I had resolved to set out, Sepp came to me
+on a stormy night; the old man cried bitterly, and the mother, a young
+peasant-woman, wailed out, 'Do not go, Herr Doctor! If you leave us the
+boy will die, and the girl too.' I knew better than they did the need
+in which they stood of medical aid, and there were others too who
+needed me sorely. This poor little rogue struggled so with the
+frightful disease, and looked up at me with such beseeching eyes, as if
+I were absolutely the Almighty,--and I stayed. I could not find it in
+my heart to leave the poor little things to suffer just that I might
+feather my own nest. I sent word, to be sure, why I was obliged to
+delay, but the gentlemen in authority in could not wait, of course;
+there were many other applicants, and one of them got the position."
+
+"And you?" Alice asked, gently.
+
+"I? Well, Fräulein Nordheim, I never repented it, for I brought most of
+my little patients through, and since then the Wolkensteiners have been
+willing to go through fire and water to serve me."
+
+Alice made no rejoinder; she looked up for a moment at the man who
+related all this so simply and as if it were quite a matter of course
+that he should relinquish his future, and then she drew little Hansel
+towards her and gently kissed the boy's rosy cheek. There was something
+inexpressibly tender in the act, and Benno's eyes sparkled as he was
+conscious of the silent recognition thus conveyed.
+
+"Well, Benno, are you receiving the homage of the assembled populace?"
+cried Molly, approaching with her husband; and Gersdorf added, with a
+laugh,--
+
+"Yes, it was really a triumphal procession that escorted Fräulein
+Nordheim and yourself to the dancing-floor. Pray allow us some share of
+your popularity."
+
+Waltenberg and Erna soon joined them, and the entire party made
+themselves comfortable in a corner of the dancing-floor. Poor Frau von
+Lasberg little dreamed what were the consequences of her headache.
+Alice, her charge, who had been so carefully shielded from every noise,
+from all undesirable association,--Alice was sitting close beside the
+ear-splitting music of the rural orchestra, in the midst of the shouts
+and whoops of the dancers, whose nail-shod soles stamped out the time
+amid the whirling dust, and, strange to say, she was extremely well
+entertained. There was a faint flush on her pale cheek, her eyes had
+lost their weary expression and beamed with pleasure, and Benno
+Reinsfeld was standing beside her chair, prouder and happier than he
+had ever been in his life before, conducting himself like the very pink
+of courtesy. Verily, it was a day of signs and wonders!
+
+The doctor's popularity, however, had its drawbacks, as was soon to
+appear. Little Hansel had been summoned by his mother with an air of
+mystery from the dancing-floor to be intrusted with an important
+mission. Old Sepp had brought from the Nordheim villa the intelligence
+that Fräulein von Thurgau and the foreign gentleman from Heilborn were
+either already betrothed or were going to be, and that they were only
+waiting for the president's return to have their betrothal publicly
+announced. The young peasant-woman, Seppel's daughter, who had also
+been a servant at Wolkenstein Court until her marriage, and still
+cherished a loyal allegiance to its former mistress, was quite beside
+herself with joy at sight of her beloved Fräulein, to whom she proudly
+presented her two children. Hansel was now to repeat the St. John's
+verse to the betrothed pair, and, accompanied by his sister, to present
+to them the bunch of flowers which obliged those receiving it to dance
+together. The Fräulein knew the old custom and would be delighted to
+comply with it with her 'schatz.' From the fresh bouquet of Alpine
+flowers which decorated the inn parlour the finest were selected, and a
+rehearsal hurriedly took place, in which Hansel had sustained with
+great credit the part which he was now to play in public.
+
+There was a pause in the dancing, and the music was silent as Hansel
+again made his appearance on the floor, one hand full of Alpine
+flowers, while with the other he led along his little sister, who
+carried a nosegay equally large. With much gravity he advanced, as he
+had been instructed to do, towards the group of ladies and gentlemen;
+but the directions given him could not have been sufficiently clear,
+for the two children marched straight up to Alice and the doctor, and
+offered them the flowers, while Hansel began to recite his verse.
+
+"Gracious, Hansel, those are not the right ones!" his mother cried in a
+loud whisper, but Hansel was not to be deterred. For him there was but
+one 'right one,' and that was the Herr Doctor, with the young lady
+beside him. So he went bravely through his verse, and ended with
+emphasis,--
+
+
+                       "Do not refuse it,--
+                          Our offering of flowers,
+                        And midsummer's blessings
+                          Fall on you in showers."
+
+
+Alice, surprised, graciously accepted the bouquet which the little girl
+held out to her, but Benno, who understood the significance of the
+little comedy, was overwhelmed with embarrassment.
+
+"But, my boy,--my little girl, what are you thinking of?" he exclaimed,
+trying to turn the children aside. Hansel, however, stood his ground
+sturdily and thrust his nosegay into the doctor's hand.
+
+"Ah, take his flowers," Alice said, in entire unconsciousness. "What
+does it all mean?"
+
+"It is the ancient St. John's blessing," Erna explained, smiling, "and
+the flowers mean that you positively must dance with the doctor, Alice;
+I am afraid there is no help for it."
+
+"Oh, this is delightful!" Molly cried, clapping her hands. "Of course;
+Benno must dance by all means."
+
+Poor Reinsfeld was in despair, but Waltenberg and Gersdorf laughingly
+insisted, and even Erna, who probably guessed, from the young
+peasant-wife's face, the state of the case, entered into the jest. "You
+need only go once round the floor, Alice," she said. "Comply with the
+old custom; you will offend the people if you refuse their doctor, of
+whom they think so much, the dance to which, in their opinion, he has a
+right. It would be to reject the midsummer blessing which they so
+kindly invoke for you."
+
+Alice did not seem for her part to think the custom a very strange one;
+she merely smiled on perceiving the young physician's intense
+embarrassment, and, turning to him, said, in an undertone,--
+
+"We must comply with their wish, Herr Doctor; do you not think so?"
+
+Poor Benno, who had never danced save at these rural festivals, fairly
+grew giddy at these words.
+
+"Fräulein Nordheim--would you?" he asked.
+
+In reply Alice arose and took his arm. Those standing about, who
+thought it all a matter of course, made room, the music struck up, and
+in another moment the couple were whirling away.
+
+Meanwhile, Frau von Lasberg was feeling much better,--the cool quiet of
+the secluded apartment had really done her good; she came rustling in
+great majesty to the door of the inn, where, to her intense annoyance,
+she found her egress barred by a crowd of people, among whom were
+Gronau with Said and Djelma, and the host and hostess. All were
+stretching their necks to gaze towards the dancing-floor, which could
+be seen very easily from the top of the inn steps, and where something
+remarkable seemed to be going on.
+
+The Baroness was naturally of too refined a nature to share in such
+vulgar curiosity, and she was annoyed that no one seemed to perceive
+her; she turned to Said, who stood near her, and said, authoritatively,
+"Said, stand aside; are the ladies still in the garden?"
+
+"No; on the dancing-floor," Said replied, delighted.
+
+Frau von Lasberg was indignant; she suspected some folly of Molly's,
+that _enfant terrible_: "And they have left Fräulein Nordheim alone?"
+
+"No; the Fräulein is dancing with the doctor!" Said explained, showing
+his white teeth in a grin.
+
+The Baroness shrugged her shoulders at the stupidity of the negro, with
+his broken German; but, involuntarily looking in the direction whither
+he pointed, she saw what almost paralyzed her,--the doctor's athletic
+figure with its arm about the waist of a young lady in a light
+summer-gown and a straw hat trimmed with flowers,--her pupil, Alice
+Nordheim. And they were dancing together! Fräulein Alice Nordheim
+dancing with the peasant doctor!
+
+It was more than Frau von Lasberg's overtaxed nerves could endure. She
+very nearly fainted, and would have fallen had not Said received her in
+his arms, as was of course his duty; but in great embarrassment as to
+what was to be done with his burden, he called out, "Herr Gronau! Herr
+Gronau! I have got a lady!"
+
+"Well, you had better keep her, then," said Veit, who, quite unaware of
+what was going on, stood at some distance and did not even turn his
+head. The host and hostess, however, heard the distressed exclamation
+and hurried to the rescue. There was a vast stir and commotion, and
+Djelma was running off to the dancing-floor, when Gronau detained him:
+"Stop! Where are you going?"
+
+"To bring the doctor." But Veit held him fast.
+
+"Stay where you are!" Veit ordered. "Is the poor doctor never to have
+any pleasure? Let him have his dance out, and then he can restore the
+Frau Baroness."
+
+The crowd about the dancing-floor were quite unconscious of this
+episode, and the couple danced on. Benno's arm encircled the delicate
+waist, and his eyes rested with delight upon the lovely face, no longer
+pale, but tinged by the exercise a rosy pink, that was raised to his
+own, and as he gazed he forgot Oberstein and the entire world.
+Oberstein, however, was hugely delighted with the turn affairs had
+taken, and testified to its pleasure in unmistakable fashion: the
+musicians fiddled away with enthusiasm, the peasant lads and lasses
+shouted, Hansel and his little sister skipped about, keeping time to
+the waltz, and all the Wolkensteiners sang in chorus,--
+
+
+                       "Do not refuse it,--
+                          Our offering of flowers,
+                        And midsummer's blessings
+                          Fall on you in showers."
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XV.
+
+                              A BETROTHAL.
+
+
+Nearly four weeks had gone by, and July was approaching its close, when
+President Nordheim returned to his mountain-villa. Meanwhile, the
+engineer-in-chief, whose ill health had long necessitated his resigning
+his position into Elmhorst's hands in all save the name, had died, and
+there had been but one opinion as to the man who should succeed him;
+the future son-in-law of the president, the engineer of the Wolkenstein
+bridge, was unanimously chosen to fill the vacant post. He was thus at
+the head of the huge undertaking now so near its completion.
+
+Several hours after Nordheim's return he retired with Wolfgang to his
+study, there to discuss the matter, which they had not done hitherto
+save by letter. Both were well content.
+
+"Your election was a mere form," said the president. "There was
+no name save yours mentioned; nevertheless I congratulate you, Herr
+Engineer-in-Chief."
+
+Elmhorst smiled slightly, but with none of that proud
+self-consciousness with which he had formerly achieved his appointment
+as superintendent, and yet that had been only the starting-point of the
+career the goal of which was now attained so brilliantly. A change had
+taken place in him: he looked pale and depressed, and in the keen eyes,
+whose depths had seemed so cold, there glowed from time to time a fire
+which leaped to light, only to flicker unsteadily and then to be as
+quickly extinguished. In conversation, too, he no longer preserved his
+old deliberate composure; in spite of all his self-control the man
+seemed to be consumed by some inward struggle, which did not permit him
+to march forward to gratify his ambition without looking either to the
+right or to the left,--some racking, tormenting struggle barred his
+path.
+
+"Thank you, sir," he replied. "I value highly the proof thus given me
+of the confidence reposed in me, and I confess, besides, that I take
+satisfaction in knowing that the completion of the work to which I have
+given the best that is in me should be connected with my name."
+
+"Do you set such a value on that?" Nordheim asked, indifferently.
+"True, such an ambition is still natural at your age; but you will soon
+outgrow it when loftier interests come to the fore."
+
+"Loftier than the honour that attaches to the creation of a great
+work?"
+
+"More practical interests, I mean,--interests of more decisive
+weight,--and it is precisely of them that I wish to speak with you. You
+know that I have long cherished the desire to retire from the company
+as soon as the railway shall be opened?"
+
+"I do; you mentioned it to me some months ago, and surprised me
+exceedingly. Why should you wish to retire from an undertaking which
+you practically called into existence?"
+
+"Because it no longer seems to me sufficiently profitable," the
+president replied, coolly. "The costs of construction are very
+heavy,--much heavier than I thought; in fact, there was no possibility
+of foreseeing all the difficulties in our way, and then your
+predecessor had such a mania for building with solidity. He sometimes
+drove me to despair with that solidity of his; it was terribly costly."
+
+"Excuse me, sir, but I share that same 'mania,'" Wolfgang declared,
+with some emphasis.
+
+"Of course. Hitherto you have been simply an engineer of the railway,
+and it could make but little difference to you if it cost a few
+millions more or less. But when in future you engage in such
+undertakings as my son-in-law you will think very differently."
+
+"On such points--never!"
+
+"Oh, you must learn to do so. In this case we can specially emphasize
+the admirable quality of the structure when the appraisement is made,
+which will probably be this year. The stockholders must own the
+railway; I have resolved upon that, and have already taken steps to
+have it so arranged. My shares stand for millions where others have
+invested tens of thousands at the most; I can consider myself the
+practical proprietor of the entire concern. Consequently I can impose
+my own conditions, and therefore I am especially glad to have you at
+the head of affairs as engineer-in-chief; we need take no stranger into
+counsel, but can work together."
+
+"I am entirely at your service, sir, as you know; as matters stand, the
+appraisement will be tolerably high."
+
+"I hope so," Nordheim said, slowly and significantly. "Moreover, the
+calculations are for the most part already made. They should be ready
+long beforehand, and they demand the work of a thorough man of
+business. I could not, therefore, call upon you to make them; you have
+enough to do in the conduct of the technical part of the enterprise.
+You will merely be called upon to review and approve the appraisement,
+and in this regard I rely upon you absolutely, Wolfgang. The unbounded
+confidence which you enjoy, as the result of your labours hitherto,
+will make matters very easy for us."
+
+Wolfgang looked somewhat puzzled; it was a matter of course that he
+should do his duty and assist his father-in-law to the best of his
+ability, but there seemed some other meaning hidden behind the
+president's words: they sounded odd. There was no opportunity for
+further explanation, however, for Nordheim looked at his watch and
+arose.
+
+"Four o'clock already; it will soon be dinner-time. Come, Wolfgang, we
+must not keep the ladies waiting."
+
+"You brought Waltenberg with you," Elmhorst said, as he also rose.
+
+"Yes; he met me in Heilborn, and came over with me. His patience seems
+to have been put to a hard test in these last four weeks. I cannot
+understand the man. He is proud and self-willed, even arrogant in a
+certain way, and yet he allows himself to be the victim of a girl's
+caprice. I mean to have a serious talk with my niece. The matter must
+be decided."
+
+Meanwhile, they had passed through the adjoining room and entered the
+drawing-room, where a servant was employed in raising the curtains,
+which had been drawn down on account of the sun. Nordheim asked if the
+ladies were in the garden.
+
+"Only the Baroness Thurgau and Herr Waltenberg," was the reply.
+"Fräulein Nordheim is in her room, where the Herr Doctor is paying her
+a visit."
+
+"Ah, the new physician whom you have discovered," said the president,
+turning to Wolfgang. "One of your early friends, I think you told me.
+He certainly seems to understand the matter, for Alice has changed
+greatly for the better in a short time. I was quite surprised by her
+appearance and her unusual sprightliness; the doctor seems to have
+worked wonders. What is the name of this Oberstein Æsculapius? You
+forgot to mention it in your letters."
+
+Wolfgang had purposely avoided doing so, but he felt no longer called
+upon to pay any regard to what he considered as his friend's whim, and
+he replied, quietly,--
+
+"Dr. Benno Reinsfeld."
+
+Nordheim turned upon him hastily: "Whom did you say?"
+
+"Benno Reinsfeld," Elmhorst repeated, amazed at the tone in which the
+question was put. He had supposed that the president would scarcely
+remember the name, and that he would not take the slightest interest in
+the old associations so foreign now to the millionaire. That they had a
+deep and lasting hold upon him was evident, however: Nordheim's face
+grew ghastly pale, and expressed dismay, and even terror, which also
+showed itself in his voice as he exclaimed, "What! that man in
+Oberstein,--and in my house?"
+
+Wolfgang was about to reply, but at that moment the door opened and
+Benno himself entered. He started slightly upon perceiving the
+president, but paused calmly and bowed. He had just heard from Alice of
+her father's arrival, and was prepared for this encounter.
+
+Nordheim immediately divined who the man was; perhaps he remembered the
+young physician whom he had seen for a moment three years before at
+Wolkenstein Court, without hearing his name, and he was man of the
+world enough to recover himself immediately. With apparent composure he
+greeted the young man whom Wolfgang now presented to him, but his
+impassible features were still ghastly pale.
+
+"Herr Elmhorst wrote me that he had availed himself of your skill on
+behalf of his betrothed," he said, with frigid courtesy, "and I must
+express my thanks to you, Herr Doctor, for your efforts seem to have
+achieved very favourable results; my daughter looks decidedly better.
+Your diagnosis, I hear, differs from that of her former physicians?"
+
+"Fräulein Nordheim seems to me to be suffering from a derangement of
+the nerves," said Benno, modestly, "and I have treated her
+accordingly."
+
+"Indeed? The other gentlemen were tolerably well agreed in pronouncing
+her heart affected."
+
+"I know it, but I do not agree with them, and the result of my
+treatment seems to prove me in the right. I have induced Fräulein
+Nordheim, who has been hitherto forbidden all exercise, to take
+walks and to increase their extent daily, and I have advised some
+mountain-climbing, and that she should spend as much time as possible
+in the open air, since this high atmosphere seems to suit her extremely
+well. Thus far I have cause to be satisfied with her improvement."
+
+"As we all have," the president assented, gazing meanwhile at the young
+physician as if to read his soul. "As I said, I am grateful to you. You
+live in Oberstein, Wolfgang wrote me. Have you been there long?
+
+"Five years, Herr President."
+
+"And you intend to remain?"
+
+"At least until some better position offers."
+
+"There should be no difficulty about that," Nordheim remarked, and then
+went on to converse with the young man, but with a degree of distant
+courtesy that entirely precluded familiar ease. Not a word, not a look
+betrayed any consciousness that the man before him was the son of his
+early friend; in spite of his apparent kindliness, his reserve was also
+apparent.
+
+Benno perceived this clearly, but was not at all surprised by it, for
+he had expected nothing else. He knew that the memories roused by his
+name were far from agreeable to the president, and in his modesty he
+never dreamed that the result of his medical treatment of the daughter
+could influence the father. He never thought of recalling associations
+so entirely ignored by the millionaire, and, as the meeting was an
+annoying one for him, he took his leave as soon as possible.
+
+Nordheim looked after him in silence for a few moments, and then,
+turning to Wolfgang with a frown, he asked, sharply, "How came you to
+make this acquaintance?"
+
+"As I have told you, Reinsfeld is one of my early friends, whom I met
+again here in Oberstein."
+
+"And you have known him for years without ever mentioning his name to
+me?"
+
+"I avoided doing so by Benno's express desire, for your name is as well
+known to him as his to you. You do not wish to be reminded that his
+father was your fellow-student,--I perceived that to-day."
+
+"What do you know about it?" the president asked, angrily. "Did the
+doctor speak to you about it?"
+
+"He did, and informed me that the former friendship had ended in entire
+alienation."
+
+Nordheim leaned his hand as if accidentally upon the back of the chair
+by which he was standing; his face had grown pale again, and his voice
+was rather tremulous as he asked, "Indeed! And what does he know about
+it?"
+
+"Nothing at all! He was a boy at the time, and never learned what
+caused the breach; but he was much too proud to approach you in any
+way, and therefore made me promise to avoid mentioning his name for as
+long as I could."
+
+Involuntarily Nordheim breathed a deep sigh; he made no rejoinder, but
+walked to the window.
+
+"It seems to me that Dr. Reinsfeld was entitled to a more cordial
+reception," Wolfgang began again, evidently hurt by the cool way in
+which his friend had been treated. "Of course I know nothing of what
+occurred formerly----"
+
+"Nor do I wish you to know," the president sharply interrupted him.
+"The affair was of a purely personal character, and one of which I
+alone can judge; but you knew that this Reinsfeld could not be
+agreeable to me, and I cannot understand how you came to introduce him
+into my house and intrust my daughter's health to him. It was an act of
+supererogation which I cannot approve."
+
+He was evidently much irritated by his encounter with Benno, and was
+wreaking his irritation upon his future son-in-law, who was, however,
+nowise inclined to submit to be addressed in a tone which he heard
+today for the first time.
+
+"I regret, sir, that the matter should annoy you," he said, coldly,
+"but there is no question here of supererogation. It is certainly my
+right to call in for my betrothed a physician in whom I have perfect
+confidence, and who, as you yourself must admit, has entirely justified
+my confidence. I could not possibly surmise that an old grudge, dating
+twenty years back, and of which Benno is as innocent as he is ignorant,
+could make you so unjust. Your former friend is long since dead, and
+all unpleasantness should be buried with him."
+
+"I am the only judge of that," Nordheim interrupted him, with a fresh
+access of anger. "Enough. I will not have this man coming to my house.
+I will send him a fee,--of course a very large fee,--and decline
+further visits from him upon any pretext whatsoever. And I also request
+you to discontinue your intercourse with him. I do not approve of it."
+
+The words sounded like a command, but the young engineer-in-chief was
+not the man to submit. His eyes flashed: "I think I have told you, sir,
+that Dr. Reinsfeld is my friend," he said, sternly, "and of course
+there can be no question of giving him up. It would insult him, after
+the pains he has taken with Alice's health, to dismiss him with a fee
+before her cure is complete. And I must beg you also to adopt another
+tone in speaking of him. Benno is a man deserving of the greatest
+regard; beneath an unpretending and even awkward exterior he possesses
+characteristics and talents worthy of all admiration."
+
+"Indeed?" The president laughed scornfully. "I am learning to know you
+to-day, Wolfgang, in an entirely new character,--that of an
+enthusiastic and self-sacrificing friend. I should hardly have thought
+it of you."
+
+"I am at least wont to stand up for my friends, and not to leave them
+in the lurch," was the very decided reply.
+
+"But I repeat that I do not choose to have this man in my house,"
+Nordheim said, dictatorially. "I suppose I am master here."
+
+"Certainly; but in _my_ future house Benno will always be a welcome
+guest, and I shall explain this to him unreservedly, in case I should
+be obliged by your dismissal of him to discuss the matter with him, and
+to--excuse you."
+
+The words left nothing to be desired in the way of emphasis. It was the
+first time that there had been a difference of opinion between the two
+men; hitherto their views and interests had been identical. Wolfgang;
+showed in this first encounter that he was no docile son-in-law, but
+could maintain his ground with entire resolution. He certainly would
+not yield, as the president could clearly see; and probably Nordheim
+had some reason for not pushing him to extremities, for he lowered his
+tone.
+
+"The matter is not worth a dispute," he said, with a shrug. "What, in
+fact, is this Dr. Reinsfeld to me? I would rather not be reminded by
+the sight of him of a disagreeable circumstance,--nothing more. In
+spite of your enthusiastic eulogy, I take the liberty of finding him as
+insignificant as was the incident that caused me to break with his
+father. Let the matter drop, for all I care."
+
+He could not have astounded Wolfgang more than by this unwonted
+acquiescence. This indifference was in direct contrast with his former
+feverish irritability. The young man was silent and appeared satisfied,
+but the ancient grudge had acquired a new significance in his eyes. He
+was now convinced that the cause of it had not been insignificant; a
+man like Nordheim would not have preserved for twenty years the memory
+of a mere bagatelle.
+
+Alice here made her appearance, to the evident relief of her father,
+who made no reference to the physician's visit, but began to talk of
+other things, and Wolfgang also took pains to conceal his annoyance.
+Alice did not perceive anything amiss; she was on her way to the garden
+to look for Erna, and her father, as well as her betrothed, joined her.
+
+The garden of the villa was scarcely in accord with its elevated
+situation, where the usual flowers and ornamental shrubs enjoyed but a
+short summer, and were buried beneath the snow during more than half
+the year. The beds that had been laid out on the former meadow were
+fresh and sunny, but the little pine forest adjoining the garden, and
+extending to the foot of the cliffs, offered a cool, shady retreat from
+the hot sun.
+
+It formed a kind of natural park, to which the moss-grown rocks,
+detached from their mountain-home in some ancient avalanche, and lying
+scattered here and there, lent a romantic charm.
+
+Upon a rustic seat at the base of one of these rocks sat the Baroness
+Thurgau, and before her stood Ernst Waltenberg, but not engaged in calm
+conversation; he had sprung up and planted himself before her as if to
+prevent her escape. He was greatly agitated. "No, no, Fräulein Thurgau,
+you must stay and hear me!" he exclaimed. "You have repeatedly escaped
+me of late when I would fain have uttered what has been upon my lips
+for months. Stay, I entreat! I can endure suspense no longer."
+
+Erna could not but be conscious that he had a right to be heard. She
+made no further attempt to leave him, but the expression of her face
+betrayed her dread of the coming declaration. Neither by word nor by
+look did she give the slightest encouragement to the man who now
+continued, with ever-increasing ardour,--
+
+"I might have ended this uncertainty long ago, but, for the first time
+in my life, I have been and am a very coward. You cannot dream, Erna,
+of the misery you have caused me by your reserve, and avoidance of me!
+When I would have spoken I seemed to read in your eyes a 'no,' and that
+I could not endure."
+
+"Herr Waltenberg, listen to me," the girl said, gently.
+
+"_Herr_ Waltenberg!" he repeated, bitterly. "Have you no other name for
+me? Am I still such a stranger to you that you cannot, for once at
+least, let me hear you call me Ernst? You must have long known that I
+love you with all a man's passion,--that I sue for you as for the
+greatest of all blessings. There was a time when entire freedom was my
+highest ideal of happiness; when I shrank from the thought of any tie
+that could fetter me. All that is gone and forgotten. What is all the
+world to me--what is unfettered freedom--without you? On this broad
+earth I care for you, and for you only!"
+
+He had taken her hand, and she did not withdraw it from his clasp, but
+it lay there cold and passive, and when she raised her eyes to his they
+were veiled with sadness.
+
+"I know that you love me, Ernst," she said, slowly, "and I believe in
+the depth and sincerity of your affection, but I can give you no love
+in return."
+
+He dropped her hand suddenly: "And why not?"
+
+"A strange question to ask. Can love be forced?"
+
+"Ah, yes. A man's boundless, passionate devotion must beget love in
+return--if there is no rival in the way."
+
+Erna shivered, and the colour mounted slowly in her face, but she was
+silent. This change of colour did not escape Waltenberg, who was gazing
+at her with breathless eagerness. His dark face grew pale on a sudden,
+and there was something like a menace in the tone in which he said,
+"Erna, why have you avoided me hitherto? Why do you refuse to return my
+love? Tell me the truth at all hazards. Do you love another?"
+
+A short pause ensued. Erna would fain have refused to reply. How could
+she confess to another that which she shrank from acknowledging even to
+herself? But a glance into the agitated face of the man before her
+decided her.
+
+"I will be entirely frank with you," she said, firmly. "I have loved.
+It was a dream, followed by a bitter wakening."
+
+"Then the man was unworthy of you?"
+
+"He was unworthy of any pure and great affection, and when I learned
+this, I tore my love for him from my heart. I pray you, do not question
+me further. It is gone and buried."
+
+"Ah, he is dead, then?"
+
+There was a degree of savage triumph in the question, and still more
+cruel was the hatred that flashed in his eyes,--hatred for one whom he
+thought dead. Erna saw it, and for an instant a wave of terror
+overwhelmed her. Instinctively she bowed her head as before a
+threatened danger, and before she was conscious that by this gesture
+she confirmed him in his error the involuntary falsehood was told.
+
+Ernst drew a deep breath, and the colour slowly returned to his cheek:
+"Well, then, it is with the dead that I must strive. I will not fear a
+phantom; it must yield when once I clasp you in my arms. Erna, come to
+me!"
+
+She recoiled in dismay from the passion in his words: "What! you still
+persist? When I tell you that I have no love to bestow upon you, does
+not your pride stand you in stead?"
+
+"My pride,--where has it gone?" he broke forth. "Do you suppose that I
+could have gone on wooing you patiently for months without one word of
+encouragement from you, had I been the same Waltenberg who thought he
+needed but to ask of fate to attain his desire? Now I have learned to
+beg. The sight of you threw about me a spell to escape from which I
+struggle in vain. Erna, if you desire it I will resign my wandering
+life, and if you should wish for home in those sunny lands which I so
+long to show you, I will return with you to the cold, gloomy north, and
+for your sake assume the fetters of existence here. You do not know
+what a change you have already wrought in me, how all-powerful is your
+influence over me. Ah, do not be thus cold and impassive as your Alpine
+Fay upon her icy throne! I must win you for my own although your kiss
+were as deadly as that of the phantom of your legend."
+
+His words were prompted by passion, strong to sweep down all obstacles
+in its path; such tones are always intoxicating for a woman's ear, and
+here, moreover, they dropped like soothing balm upon a wound that was
+still bleeding. It had been so humiliating to the girl to know herself
+ignored, resigned, not for the sake of another,--Erna knew well that
+that other was as nought to the man whose ambition was his god, the
+idol to whom she had been sacrificed. And now she was beloved,
+idolized, encompassed by a passionate regard which knew no calculation
+and no bounds. She was desired for herself alone. It was a triumph for
+her pride. And she was assailed, too, by pity,--by the consciousness of
+power to bestow happiness. Everything urged her to utter the consent
+for which she was implored, and yet she was restrained by an invisible
+something, and at this decisive moment another face arose in her
+memory,--a face that had looked so pale in the moonlight as the white
+lips had faltered, 'And could you have loved a man who had risen thus?'
+
+"Erna, ah, do not keep me upon the rack!" Waltenberg exclaimed, with
+feverish impatience. "See! I kneel to implore you!" And he threw
+himself upon his knees before her and pressed her hand to his lips.
+
+As she turned away her eyes as if entreating help, she suddenly
+started, and in a hurried whisper exclaimed, "For heaven's sake, rise,
+Ernst! We are not alone."
+
+He sprang to his feet, and, following the direction of her eyes,
+perceived the president with his daughter and her betrothed just
+emerging in the distance from among the trees.
+
+They had all been witnesses of the scene for a few seconds, but
+Nordheim divined that the decisive word had not been spoken, and that
+his self-willed niece might thwart his plan at the last moment. He
+therefore made haste to render its fulfilment irrevocable, and,
+advancing quickly, exclaimed, with a laugh, "We ask a thousand pardons!
+Nothing was farther from our intention than to intrude, but, since we
+have done so, let me offer you my best wishes, my child, and,
+Waltenberg, I congratulate you from my heart! We are scarcely
+surprised, having seen for some time how matters stood with you, and
+upon my arrival I perceived a betrothal in the air. Come, Alice and
+Wolfgang, congratulate these lovers."
+
+He bestowed a paternal embrace upon his niece, shook Waltenberg warmly
+by the hand, and so overwhelmed the pair with congratulations and good
+wishes that no denial on Erna's part was possible. She passively
+allowed it all,--allowed Alice to embrace her and Ernst to clasp her
+hand in his as his betrothed, only fully recovering her consciousness
+when Wolfgang approached her.
+
+"Let me add my good wishes to the rest, Fräulein von Thurgau," he said.
+His voice was calm, too calm, and his immovable countenance betrayed no
+breath of the tempest raging within him. Only for one instant did his
+eye meet hers, and that instant told her that she was amply revenged
+upon the man who had sacrificed his love to ambition and the love of
+gold. Now that he saw her in the arms of another, he felt how pitiable
+had been his choice, felt that he had bartered away the happiness of
+his life.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XVI.
+
+                              SUSPICIONS.
+
+
+"As I say, Wolf, I do not know what to think of it. I never applied for
+the position. I did not, in fact, know anything about it, and here it
+is offered to me,--to me in this secluded Oberstein at the other end of
+the kingdom. There, read for yourself."
+
+As he spoke, Benno Reinsfeld handed his friend a letter which he had
+received the day before. They were in the doctor's study, and Elmhorst
+also seemed surprised as he read the letter through attentively.
+
+"It certainly is an admirable position," he said. "Neuenfeld is one of
+our largest iron-works,--I know the place by name at least, and the
+working population form a colony there, while you can establish the
+pleasantest relations with the multitude of officials employed in the
+management of the factories. Why, your salary will amount to six times
+your present income. Of course you must accept it. You must not let
+your good fortune slip again."
+
+"But that other time I took infinite trouble to obtain the position. I
+sent in a scientific treatise that got me the preference, and then I
+was dropped, just because I could not come up to time. I have no
+association with Neuenfeld,--I do not know a soul there,--and with such
+advantages to offer there must be at least a dozen applicants for the
+post. How does the management know of the existence of a Dr. Reinsfeld
+in Oberstein?"
+
+Wolfgang looked down thoughtfully, then read over the letter again: "I
+think I can solve the riddle for you," he said at last. "The president
+has had a hand in it."
+
+"The president? Impossible!"
+
+"On the contrary, very probable. He is interested pecuniarily in the
+iron-works, and he put the present director there; his influence
+extends everywhere."
+
+"But he certainly would not exert that influence in my behalf. You
+yourself saw how coldly he received me on the only occasion when I have
+had the honour of meeting him."
+
+"Nor do I think that he has been induced to interfere thus for
+benevolence's sake, but---- Benno, do you really know nothing of the
+cause of the breach between your father and Nordheim? Can you not
+remember some expression, some hint, that would give you a clue to it?"
+
+Benno seemed to reflect, and then shook his head: "No, Wolf; no child
+heeds such things. I only know that afterwards, when I asked after
+'Uncle Nordheim,' my father, with a severity very unlike himself,
+forbade my speaking of him. Soon afterwards my parents died, and in the
+hard struggle that ensued I had too much to do to allow of my reviving
+childish memories. But why do you ask?"
+
+"Because I am now convinced that something very serious occurred then,
+the sting of which is still sharp after twenty years. It caused the
+only difference I have ever had with Herr Nordheim, who visits his
+anger upon you, who are entirely innocent of all offence."
+
+"Possibly; but that would be all the more reason why he should not
+obtain for me a lucrative position."
+
+"It is just what he would do, were there no other means of removing you
+from his vicinity, and I fear that this is the true state of the case.
+He even wished to put a stop to your professional visits to his
+daughter. I did not tell you of it, because I thought it might, with
+justice, offend you, and he apparently changed his mind; but I am quite
+sure that I see his hand in this offer to you, from an entirely
+unexpected quarter, of a position that will keep you confined to a spot
+quite as distant from here as from the capital."
+
+"Why, that would be a positive plot," Reinsfeld interposed,
+incredulously. "Do you really suspect the president of it?"
+
+"Yes," said Elmhorst, coldly. "But, however the case may stand, so
+advantageous a position is not likely to come in your way soon again:
+so accept it by all means."
+
+"Even if it be offered to me from such motives?"
+
+"They are only supposititious; and even were they actual, no one in
+Neuenfeld knows anything of the circumstances; there they merely accept
+the recommendation of an influential man. Perhaps he perceives the
+injustice of visiting an old grudge upon you and wishes to indemnify
+you, since your presence recalls disagreeable memories."
+
+Wolfgang knew well that this could not be so; his talk with the
+president had convinced him that he could be actuated by no sentiments
+of justice or magnanimity, but the young engineer wished to make the
+way easy for his friend, with whose sensitive delicacy he was familiar.
+Under all circumstances it was a piece of good fortune for Reinsfeld to
+be removed from his present obscure position, no matter whose was the
+influence to which he owed the change.
+
+"We will discuss it this evening when you come to me," Elmhorst
+continued, taking his hat from the table. "Now I must go; my conveyance
+is waiting outside; I am driving to the lower railway."
+
+"Wolf," said Benno, with a searching, anxious glance at his friend's
+face, "did you sleep at all last night?"
+
+"No; I had some work to do. That sometimes will happen."
+
+"Sometimes! It has come to be the rule with you. I believe you hardly
+sleep at all."
+
+"Not much, it is true, but there is no help for it. Every structure
+must be finished before the winter sets in. Of course that makes a deal
+of work, and as engineer-in-chief I must see to it all."
+
+"You are overworking yourself perilously. Hardly any other man could do
+as you are doing, and you cannot go on thus for long. How often I have
+told you----"
+
+"The same old story," Wolfgang interrupted him, impatiently. "Let me
+alone, Benno; there is no help for it."
+
+The doctor had, unfortunately, learned from experience that all his
+admonitions on this point would avail nothing, and he shook his head
+anxiously as he escorted his friend to the carriage. He himself was
+unwearied in the performance of his duties, but he knew nothing of the
+feverish state of mind that seeks forgetfulness in labour at whatever
+cost.
+
+In the hall they met Veit Gronau, who had come with Waltenberg from
+Heilborn, and had taken the opportunity to pay a visit to Oberstein.
+The gentlemen bade each other good-day, and then Elmhorst got into his
+carriage, while the two others returned to the study.
+
+"The Herr Engineer-in-Chief was in a great hurry," said Gronau,
+settling himself in the leathern arm-chair, the leg of which had,
+fortunately, been mended. "He scarcely took time to speak to me, and he
+looks very little like a happy lover. He's always as pale and gloomy as
+the marble guest! And yet he surely has reason to be contented with his
+lot."
+
+"Yes, I am anxious about Wolf," Benno declared. "He is not at all like
+himself, and I am afraid the post he so coveted will be his bane. Even
+his iron, constitution cannot stand the strain of feverish activity
+which fills his days and nights. He oversees the entire extent of
+railway, and he never gives himself an instant's rest, in spite of all
+I can say."
+
+"Yes, he is everywhere except with his betrothed," Gronau remarked,
+drily. "The lady seems to be of a remarkably unexacting temperament,
+else she could hardly endure having her lover entirely given over to
+locomotives, and tunnels, and bridges, or to have him declare as soon
+as he appears that he has not a moment to stay. But she takes it all as
+quite a matter of course. 'Tis an odd household, that of the Nordheim
+villa. With two pair of lovers, one would suppose all would go as
+merrily as a marriage-bell, but instead of that they all seem rather
+uncomfortable, not excepting Herr Waltenberg. Said and Djelma are
+always complaining to me of his temper. I explained to them that it was
+all because he was thinking of marrying; that matrimony was sure to
+make mischief; but the rogues persist in thinking it very fine."
+
+"Oh, you are a declared foe to matrimony, as we all know," said
+Reinsfeld, with a fleeting smile. "If Wolfgang is out of sorts,--and
+the responsibilities of his position may well make him so,--his
+betrothed is, in looks and temper, all that could be desired."
+
+"Yes, she is the gayest of all," Gronau assented. "That cure of yours
+is almost a miracle, Herr Doctor. What a poor, pining little plant she
+was, and now she is as fresh and blooming as a rose! Baroness Thurgau
+has grown grave and silent; and as for the two men,--one of them is
+always at the boiling-point, and is as jealous as a Turk, while the
+other is a perfect icicle, and they look at each other as if they would
+like to fly at each other's throats. What affectionate relatives they
+will be!"
+
+Benno suppressed a sigh; the mute hostility between Wolfgang and
+Waltenberg, which was barely concealed beneath the forms of
+conventional courtesy, had not escaped him, but he said nothing.
+
+"I am really sorry for Herr Waltenberg," Veit began again. "He cannot
+live without a sight of his betrothed every twenty-four hours, and he
+drives over from Heilborn daily. She, on the contrary, seems to have
+taken the famous mountain divinity for her model: she sits enthroned
+like the Alpine Sprite, and allows herself to be worshipped, while she
+remains entirely unmoved. Absolutely, doctor, you are the only sensible
+being among them all. You have no thoughts of matrimony,--hold fast to
+that!"
+
+"I certainly am not thinking of it, but of something else, which
+will be scarcely less of a surprise to you,--of going away. Very
+unexpectedly a lucrative position has been offered me."
+
+"Bravo! Accept it at once!"
+
+"I certainly must."
+
+Gronau burst into a laugh: "With what a long face you say that! I
+verily believe it goes to your heart to leave these honest Obersteiners
+who have been wearing you out for five years, to requite you with only
+a 'God reward you!' Just like my dear old Benno! He never would have
+died a poor man if he had understood the world and human nature. There
+he sat for years bothering over an idea which ought to have made
+his fortune, but he never knew how to push his claims, and timid
+requests and modest applications do no good with great capitalists
+and lords of finance. Finally others got before him with his invention,
+which was in the air, as it were, when they began to build
+mountain-railways, but nevertheless he was the first to devise the
+system of mountain-locomotives; all the later inventions are based upon
+his principle."
+
+"My father?" Benno asked, with a puzzled air. "You are mistaken; it is
+the Nordheim system upon which the locomotives of to-day are
+constructed."
+
+"I beg pardon: 'tis the Reinsfeld method," Gronau maintained.
+
+"You are mistaken, I assure you. Wolf told me himself that his future
+father-in-law laid the foundation of his fortunes by the sale of his
+method of constructing mountain-locomotives. It was purchased and used
+by the first mountain-railways. Afterwards, of course, all kinds of
+improvements were added, but the inventor made a goodly profit; they
+paid him a very large price for the patent."
+
+"Paid whom? Nordheim?" Veit shouted.
+
+"The president,--certainly."
+
+"And the engineer-in-chief told you this?"
+
+"He did; we were talking of it a little while ago. Moreover, the thing
+is well known; any engineer can tell you so."
+
+Gronau suddenly sprang up and approached the young physician. "Doctor,"
+he said, slowly and emphatically, "this is either a wretched mistake or
+a scoundrelly trick!"
+
+"Scoundrelly trick?" Benno repeated, startled. "What do you mean?"
+
+"I mean, or rather I know, that this invention was your father's, and
+Nordheim knows it as well as I do. If he has given it out for his
+own----"
+
+"In heaven's name, you would not call----"
+
+"The highly-respected president a scoundrel? Well, that remains to be
+seen. It was, of course, possible for a stranger to have hit upon the
+same invention,--every engineer was occupied with the problem at the
+time,--but Nordheim had his friend's completed plan in his possession,
+studied it thoroughly, praised and admired it; there is no possibility
+of his having happened upon the idea for himself. We must sift the
+matter. Consider, Benno, do you really know nothing of the cause of the
+estrangement of which you have told me?"
+
+"Nothing at all. I have just told Wolfgang so; he asked me the same
+question."
+
+"The engineer-in-chief? What made him do that?"
+
+"He thought he saw the president's hand in the offer that has just been
+made me, and he surmised--but no, no! Not a word more of such a
+shameful suspicion. It is impossible----"
+
+"Much seems impossible to you, doctor; you have preserved the heart of
+a child," Veit said, gravely. "But when a man has seen as much of men
+as I have, he comes to disbelieve in such impossibilities. You are sure
+that Nordheim took out a patent for the mountain-locomotive?"
+
+"Certainly; of that fact I am sure."
+
+"Then he is a thief!" Gronau exclaimed, in a burst of indignation,--"a
+trebly disgraced thief, for he robbed his friend!"
+
+"Hush, hush!" Benno interposed, but fruitlessly: Veit went on to prove
+his accusation.
+
+"Tell me why your father, who was loyalty itself to his friends, should
+have broken with the one who was nearest to him? Why did Nordheim, if
+he were possessed of so inventive a genius, never achieve more than one
+invention? and why did he entirely abandon engineering shortly
+afterwards? Can you answer these questions?"
+
+Reinsfeld was silent; under other circumstances he would have rejected
+all idea of such a suspicion, but the tone of conviction in which the
+terrible accusation was made, his conversation with Wolfgang, the
+mystery of the quarrel which had left so bitter a sting behind it that
+his gentle, amiable father had forbidden the mention of the name of a
+friend once so dear to him,--all this rushed upon his mind, almost
+paralyzing his power of thought.
+
+"We must be sure," Gronau said, resolutely. "Where are your father's
+old papers,--his drawings and sketches? You told me you had preserved
+them all carefully. There must be something to be found among them, and
+if not, I will go myself to the president and question him. I am
+curious to see how he will look. Where are the papers, Benno? Produce
+them; we have no time to lose."
+
+Benno pointed to a small cabinet in a corner of the room. "You will
+find there everything that I possess of my father's," he said, sadly.
+"Here is the key. Look through it; I----"
+
+"I trust you will help me. You are the interested party. Why do you
+hesitate?"
+
+The doctor was hesitating, in fact, but Veit had already opened the
+cabinet, and in a few minutes the rather meagre collection of papers
+belonging to the late engineer was spread out on the table. His old
+friend and comrade looked through them with the utmost care; every
+drawing was closely examined, every leaf turned, but in vain! There was
+nothing that bore any reference to the matter in question,--no sketch,
+no note, no memorandum, nothing that could confirm Gronau's suspicions.
+Benno, who had undertaken the search unwillingly, breathed a sigh of
+relief, while Veit pushed the papers aside in great dissatisfaction.
+
+"Fools that we are! We might have known it! Nordheim never would have
+played his rascally trick had anything existed that could betray him.
+He must have borrowed the plan from his friend upon some pretext and
+then insured himself against discovery. My old Benno was not the one to
+unmask such a fox unless he had been in possession of convincing proof
+of his treachery; and I, the only one cognizant of the truth of the
+case, was off in the wide world no one knew where. But I am here now,
+and I will not rest until the affair is brought to light."
+
+"But why?" Benno asked, gently. "Why rake up the old forgotten quarrel?
+It can do my poor father no good, and should you find the proof you
+speak of, it would be a terrible blow for--the president's family."
+
+Gronau stared at him for a moment speechless, as if he could not
+understand his words; then he burst forth, angrily, "Upon my word this
+is going too far! Any one else would be almost wild with such a
+discovery, would move heaven and earth to find out the truth and to
+brand the guilty, and you would fain restrain me because, forsooth, the
+engineer-in-chief is your friend,--because you are afraid of troubling
+the family of your worst enemy. You are the true son of your father; he
+would have done the very same thing."
+
+He was not quite right in his surmise. Benno had not thought of
+Wolfgang: a very different face had risen in his mind and gazed at him
+with brown eyes filled with troubled questionings, but not for worlds
+would he have revealed what made the confirmation of Gronau's
+suspicions so terrible to him, and why he would rather bury the whole
+affair in oblivion.
+
+Veit Gronau turned away, saying, in a tone expressing discontent and
+pity, "There is nothing to be done with you, Benno. Such unpractical
+sentimentalists are good for nothing in a matter of this kind.
+Fortunately, I am on hand. I am now upon the trail, and, cost what it
+may, I shall pursue it. My old friend shall have in his grave the
+recognition that was denied him while living!"
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XVII.
+
+                         UNFORESEEN OBSTACLES.
+
+
+President Nordheim was seated in his office in the capital, in
+consultation with Herr Gersdorf, for the consignment of the railway to
+the stockholders was now decided upon. Nordheim's resolve to withdraw
+from the company after the completion of the undertaking was regretted,
+but caused no surprise, for the man's restless activity was well known,
+and it was natural that he should have new schemes wherewith to employ
+his capital. The glory was his of having devised and executed a bold
+project which had opened a new highway for the world.
+
+The engineer-in-chief had promised that all building operations should
+be concluded before the beginning of winter, and as soon as they were
+finished the transfer was to be made. It would then be the business of
+the new management to effect the final preparations for the opening of
+the road, which was to take place the ensuing spring. All this had
+been settled for months, and Gersdorf, in his capacity of legal
+representative of the railway company, had had many consultations with
+the president.
+
+"The engineer-in-chief does in fact achieve almost the impossible," he
+said, "but yet I cannot understand how he can have all finished by the
+end of October. The month has begun, and four weeks seems a very short
+time for the completion of what remains to be done."
+
+"If Wolfgang has said the work shall be done, he will keep his word,"
+Nordheim rejoined, in a tone of calm conviction. "In such cases he
+spares neither himself nor his subordinates, and in this instance he is
+also driven by necessity. November brings the snowstorms which are most
+dangerous in the Wolkenstein district; it is very important to have the
+work finished."
+
+"Hitherto autumn has brought us only late summer weather," the lawyer
+observed, as he gathered together some papers scattered on the table.
+"I cannot wonder that your daughter lingers in the mountains and seems
+to have no idea of returning."
+
+"She, with Frau von Lasberg, will probably remain there for some weeks
+yet. The mountain-air has worked miracles for Alice; she is almost
+entirely well, and Dr. Reinsfeld advises her to extend her stay until
+the weather changes. I owe a debt of gratitude to your cousin, and I
+greatly regret that he is to leave Oberstein. I hear he has another
+medical position in prospect in--what is the name of the place?"
+
+"Neuenfeld."
+
+"Right,--Neuenfeld. The name had escaped me. I cannot wonder at the
+young physician for desiring a wider sphere of action; but, as I said,
+we all regret that he is going so far away. Wolfgang in especial will
+miss him much."
+
+The words sounded kindly, as though the president were really grateful
+to his daughter's physician and regretted losing him. Gersdorf, who had
+no reason to suspect his sincerity, was quite impressed.
+
+"Benno writes me that he shall not leave for his new post before the
+end of a couple of weeks," he said. "He stipulated for this delay that
+he might install his successor at Oberstein. Therefore we shall have an
+opportunity of seeing each other again, for I must go to Heilborn next
+week. The suit of the parishes of Oberstein and Unterstein against the
+railway for damage done to their forests in its construction is to be
+decided, and I represent the company of course."
+
+"Then we shall meet there," said Nordheim. "I am going to take a short
+holiday, and then return to town with my family. I have been
+overweighted with business of late, and am sadly in need of rest. I
+shall hope to see you at our villa; you will not forgot to come?"
+
+"Certainly not," said Gersdorf, rising to take leave.
+
+When he had gone the president rang for lights, for it was growing
+dark, and then, seating himself at his writing-table, he became
+absorbed in the papers lying there,--they must have been of a very
+important nature, for he examined them with the greatest care, his face
+expressing intense satisfaction as he did so, until it finally broke
+into a smile.
+
+"Everything arranged," he murmured. "It will be a brilliant
+transaction. The figures are rather boldly combined, it is true, but
+they will do their duty, and as soon as Wolfgang has approved them, and
+affixed his name to the entire estimate, it will be accepted without
+demur. And that man Reinsfeld is fortunately disposed of. I thought he
+could not refuse the bait of such a position. Neuenfeld is far enough
+away, and he can live there comfortably to the end of his days.--What
+is it? I do not wish to be disturbed again this evening."
+
+The last words were spoken to a servant who entered at the moment, and
+who now announced, "Herr Elmhorst has arrived."
+
+"The engineer-in-chief?" Nordheim asked, surprised.
+
+"Arrived a moment ago, Herr President."
+
+Nordheim rose quickly, and was about to go to meet the new-comer,
+but Wolfgang appeared at that moment on the threshold in his
+travelling-dress.
+
+"Have I startled you, sir, by my unexpected arrival?" he asked.
+
+"Rather; you sent me no telegram," the president replied, motioning to
+the servant to withdraw. As soon as the door closed behind him he
+asked, hastily, and evidently disturbed, "What has happened? Anything
+the matter with the railway?"
+
+"No; I left everything in perfect order."
+
+"And Alice is well, I hope?" This last question was far more composedly
+put than had been its predecessor.
+
+"Quite well; you have no cause for anxiety."
+
+"Thank heaven! I was afraid something unfortunate had occurred to
+account for your sudden appearance. What brings you here so
+unexpectedly?"
+
+"A matter of business, which I could not explain in writing," said
+Wolfgang, laying aside his hat. "I preferred to see you personally,
+although I could ill be spared from the railway."
+
+"Well, then, let us talk over your business," replied the president,
+who was always ready to discuss affairs. "We shall be entirely
+undisturbed this evening. But first take some rest. I will give orders
+to have your rooms----"
+
+"Thank you, sir," Elmhorst interrupted him, "but I should like to
+have the business that has brought me here settled at once; it is
+urgent,--at least for me. We are quite alone here?"
+
+"We are; I generally insure myself privacy in my own apartments. But
+for security's sake you can close the door of the next room also."
+
+Wolfgang complied, and then returned. As he advanced into the circle of
+light from the lamp his face looked pale and agitated. His pallor could
+hardly be the effect of fatigue from the long, unbroken ride; there was
+a frown on his brow, and his dark eyes had a stern, almost menacing
+expression.
+
+"Your business must be important," the president observed, as he sat
+down, "or you would hardly have come yourself. Well, then.--But will
+you not be seated?"
+
+The young man paid no heed to the request, but remained standing, with
+his hand resting on the back of a chair, as he began, in an apparently
+calm tone, "You sent me over the estimates and calculations which are
+to serve as the basis of the transfer of the railway to the
+stockholders."
+
+"I did. You remember I told you that I would spare you the details of
+these calculations. You have enough to do in attending to the technical
+conduct of the work. All you have to do is to look over and approve the
+estimates, your word as engineer-in-chief being decisive."
+
+"I am aware of that,--entirely aware of my responsibility in the
+matter, and therefore I wish to put a question to you: Who made these
+estimates?"
+
+Nordheim glanced in surprise at his future son-in-law; the question
+evidently astonished him.
+
+"Who? Why, my clerks and those who understand such matters."
+
+"That is not what I mean, sir. They simply made up the figures from the
+memoranda and calculations furnished them. What I want to know is,
+whose were those memoranda?--who put down the sums which are the basis
+of the estimates? It cannot possibly have been yourself."
+
+"Indeed? And why not, may I ask?"
+
+"Because all the accounts are falsified!" Wolfgang said, coldly but
+very decidedly.
+
+"Falsified? What do you mean?"
+
+"Is it possible that it escaped you?" Elmhorst asked, never taking his
+eyes from the president. "I discovered it at a glance. All the
+buildings are estimated at almost double the cost of their erection,
+and stations are brought into the calculations which do not exist. The
+obstacles and catastrophes that impeded us are reckoned up in an
+incredible fashion, as causing an outlay of hundreds of thousands where
+not half the amount was expended. In short, the whole sum exceeds by
+some millions the actual cost of the undertaking."
+
+Nordheim listened in silence, but with a frown, to this agitated
+explanation, by which, however, he seemed more surprised than offended;
+at last he said, coldly, "Wolfgang, I really do not understand you."
+
+"Nor did I understand your letter requiring me to approve and sign that
+estimate. I thought, and I still think, that there is some mistake, and
+I wanted to ask you personally about it. I trust you can explain it to
+me."
+
+The president shrugged his shoulders, but maintained the same cool,
+composed tone, as he replied, "You are a capital engineer, Wolfgang,
+but that you have no talent for business is quite clear. I hoped we
+should understand each other in this matter without many words, but,
+since that does not seem to be the case, we must come to an
+explanation. Do you suppose that I intend to withdraw from this
+undertaking with loss?"
+
+"With loss? In any case you receive back your capital with interest."
+
+"A transaction that brings in no more than that is to be reckoned as a
+losing one," said Nordheim. "I did not imagine you such a novice in
+business matters as to require to be told this. We have here a chance
+to make a profit,--a considerable profit. The railway, in fact, belongs
+to me. I called it into existence, my capital has been principally
+expended in its construction, the entire risk has been mine. I venture
+to think that you will not dispute my right to dispose of my property
+at any price I think fit."
+
+"If that price is to be gained only by the means you have adopted, I do
+most decidedly dispute the right you speak of. Should the company
+receive the railway under such conditions, its bankruptcy will be
+certain. Even if the road be employed to the fullest extent it cannot
+bring in a sufficient income to indemnify it approximately for the
+amount of loss sustained; the entire enterprise must either go to ruin,
+or fall into the hands of some unprincipled schemer."
+
+"And how does that concern us?" Nordheim asked, calmly.
+
+"How does it concern us?" Elmhorst broke forth, indignantly. "To have
+the work which you devised, to which I have devoted my best energies,
+at the head of which stand our united names, go miserably to ruin or be
+an instrument in the hands of swindlers? It concerns me deeply, as I
+trust I shall be able to show you."
+
+The president arose with an impatient wave of his hand: "Pray spare me
+such bursts of declamation, Wolfgang. They really are out of place in a
+business discussion."
+
+The young man drew himself up; all emotion vanished from his face,
+giving place to an expression of cool contempt, and his voice was every
+whit as cold as the president's own as he replied, "I shall not content
+myself with mere declamation, as you will find, sir. Let me ask once
+for all, calmly and briefly, who furnished the figures upon which the
+estimates you sent me are based?"
+
+"I, myself," was the quiet reply.
+
+"And you expected me to approve them and put my name to them?"
+
+"I expect every thing of my future son-in-law," Nordheim declared, with
+sharp emphasis.
+
+"Then you have misunderstood me. I cannot sign the estimates."
+
+"Wolfgang!" There was an evident menace in Nordheim's tone.
+
+"I will not sign them, I say. I never will lend my name to a
+falsehood."
+
+"You dare to use such language to me?" the president exclaimed,
+angrily.
+
+"What other language could be used if I should sanction estimates which
+I know to be false?" Wolfgang asked, with bitterness. "I am the
+engineer-in-chief, my word is decisive for the company and for the
+stockholders, who are utterly ignorant in the matter. The
+responsibility is mine alone."
+
+"Your word could never be questioned," Nordheim interposed. "I had no
+idea you were such a martinet. You know nothing of business, or you
+would see that I, in my position, could not possibly venture what I do
+were there any danger. The figures are so combined that it is
+impossible to prove an--error from them, and I have explanations
+prepared for every emergency. No one can blame either you or myself."
+
+At this assertion a smile of infinite scorn hovered upon Elmhorst's
+lips: "That was certainly the last thing to occur to me! We do indeed
+misunderstand each other. You fear discovery, I fear the fraud. In
+short, I will have nothing to do with a lie, and if I refuse my
+signature it cannot be told."
+
+The president walked close up to him; he was now much agitated, and his
+voice betrayed extreme irritation: "Your expressions are, to say the
+least, strong. Do you suppose you can dictate to me? Have a care,
+Wolfgang. You are not yet my son-in-law; the knot is not yet tied which
+was to link you to me. I can cut it at the last moment, and you are too
+clever not to know all that you would lose with my daughter's hand."
+
+"That means that you make it a condition?"
+
+"Yes,--your signature! Either that--or----!"
+
+As Nordheim spoke thus explicitly, Wolfgang's eyes were fixed gloomily
+on the ground. He pondered all the consequences of the president's
+'Either that--or----!' he was indeed 'clever enough' to know that
+millions would be lost to him with his betrothed,--the wealth, the
+brilliant future for which he had bartered his happiness. The moment
+had come in which he was required to barter something more, and
+suddenly memory recalled that hour on the Wolkenstein in the moonlit
+midsummer night when this moment had been sadly foretold him: 'The
+price now is your freedom; in future it may perhaps be your honour!'
+
+Nordheim interpreted the young man's silence after his own fashion; he
+laid his hand on Wolfgang's shoulder, and said, in a gentler tone, "Be
+reasonable, Elmhorst. We should both lose by a separation, and it is
+the last thing that I desire; but I can and must require my son-in-law
+to go hand in hand with me, and to make my interests his own. You give
+me your signature, and I will go surety for everything else. We will
+both forget this conversation, and divide the profit, which will make
+you a wealthy, independent man."
+
+"At the price of my honour!" Wolfgang exclaimed, in hot indignation.
+"No, by heaven, it shall never come to that! I ought to have known long
+ago whither your rule of life, your business principles, would lead,
+for since my betrothal to your daughter you have thrown off all
+reserve; but I chose to see and to know nothing, because I was fool
+enough to imagine that, in spite of it all, I could pursue my own path
+and do as I chose. Now I see that there is no halting in the downward
+course, that he who leagues himself with you cannot keep his honour
+unstained. I have been ambitious and reckless--yes. I reckoned upon our
+association in this undertaking as you did, and conceded more to it
+than my conscience could entirely justify, but I never will stoop to
+deceive. If you believed me ready to be a scoundrel for the sake of
+your wealth,--if the future of which I have dreamed is to be purchased
+only at such a price,--let it go. I will have none of it!"
+
+He stood erect, and with flashing eyes hurled his refusal at the
+president. There was something grand and overwhelming in this stormy
+outbreak from the man who thus at last threw off all the fetters of
+petty self-interest which had held him bound so long, whose better
+nature asserted itself and trampled down the alluring temptation. He
+knew that he was resigning the wealth which would make him independent
+of Nordheim's favour; that with it he should be free and unfettered to
+realize all his golden dreams of the future. There had been an instant
+of hesitation, and then he thrust the tempter from him and redeemed his
+honour!
+
+The president stood frowning darkly. He perceived now that he had been
+mistaken in supposing that he should find in the ambitious young
+engineer a willing instrument, a nature as unscrupulous as his own, but
+he had no mind to break entirely with the son-in-law he had chosen. He
+would lose most by the separation; in the first place, all the profit
+which Wolfgang's signature would insure him would be destroyed, and
+moreover, he said to himself, it would be dangerous to make an enemy of
+one so thoroughly acquainted with his schemes. It could not be; a
+breach must be avoided, at least for the present.
+
+"Let us drop this matter for to-day," he said, slowly. "It is too
+important, and we are neither of us in a mood to discuss it calmly. I
+am going to my mountain-villa in a week, and until then you can take
+the affair into consideration. I will not accept your present hasty
+decision."
+
+"You will be obliged to accept it at the end of the week," Wolfgang
+declared. "My answer will be precisely the same then. Let a true
+estimate be made of the cost of the railway, at its highest valuation,
+and I will not refuse to give it my sanction. I never will sign my name
+to the present one. That is my final word. Farewell!"
+
+"You are going back immediately?" Nordheim asked.
+
+"Certainly; the next express leaves in an hour, and the business that
+brought me here is concluded. My presence is indispensable at my post."
+
+He bowed and took his leave, not after the familiar fashion of the
+future son-in-law, but formally, as a stranger, and the president felt
+the significance of his manner.
+
+When Elmhorst reached the spacious vestibule he found there two
+servants awaiting him. His rooms had been prepared for him, and the
+lackeys asked for further orders, but he waved them aside: "Thanks, I
+am going directly back again, and shall not use the rooms."
+
+The men looked surprised. This was indeed a hurried visit. Would not
+Herr Elmhorst have the carriage to drive to the station?
+
+"No; I prefer to walk." As he spoke, Elmhorst once more glanced towards
+the broad staircase leading to the gorgeous apartments in the upper
+story, and then he left the house where for more than six months he had
+been regarded as a son, and upon which he was now turning his back
+forever.
+
+Outside, the October evening was cold and damp; the skies were
+starless, the air was full of mist, and a keen blast heralded the
+approach of winter. Involuntarily Wolfgang drew his travelling-cloak
+closer about his shoulders, as he strode forward at a rapid pace.
+
+It was over! He was perfectly aware of it, and he also clearly
+perceived Nordheim's desire to avoid a sudden breach for fear lest the
+man so lately his confidant should expose him by way of revenge. A
+contemptuous smile curled the young man's lip. Such a fear was quite
+superfluous; any such act was entirely beneath him. His thoughts
+wandered to where they had rarely been of late,--to his betrothed.
+Alice would not suffer if the betrothal were dissolved. She had
+accepted his suit without opposition in compliance with her father's
+wish, and she would bend to his will with the same docility should he
+sever the tie. There had never been any talk of love between them;
+neither would be conscious of loss.
+
+Wolfgang drew a deep breath. He was free again, free to choose; he
+could pursue his proud, lonely path, dependent only upon his own
+courage and capacity, but the voice which had roused him from the
+stupor of egotism and ambition would never again sound in his ears, the
+lovely face would never again smile upon him. That prize belonged to
+another, and, whatever he might achieve in the future, his happiness
+had been bartered away,--lost forever.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+                           A MOUNTAIN RAMBLE.
+
+
+Autumn this year had donned the aspect of a late summer. The days, with
+but few exceptions, were sunny and clear, the air was mild, and the
+mountains stood revealed in all their rarest beauty.
+
+The inmates of the Nordheim villa had prolonged their stay, which had
+been at first arranged for only the summer months, into October. They
+had been induced to do this, first out of consideration for Alice's
+health, and then in accordance with Erna's wish to spend as long a time
+as was possible among her beloved mountains. Since she had been
+betrothed to Waltenberg her position in the household had undergone a
+change; Frau von Lasberg no longer permitted herself to find fault with
+her, and the president was always ready to forestall his niece's
+wishes. Waltenberg himself, who disliked a city life with its
+conventionalities and restraints, was glad to be rid of it, and the
+Baroness alone sighed about the 'endless exile,' and comforted herself
+with the prospect of a winter more than usually gay. Now that Erna was
+also betrothed and that Elmhorst would be in the capital during the
+winter months, after his labours as engineer among the mountains were
+at an end, the Nordheim mansion would surely justify its reputation.
+There would doubtless be a series of entertainments in honour of the
+young couples, and Frau von Lasberg revelled in the contemplation of
+the prominent part it would be hers to play.
+
+Erna and Alice were sitting on the veranda of the villa, and the gay
+chatter heard thence absolutely came from the lips of Alice Nordheim.
+There was not a vestige of the air of indifference with which she used
+to speak formerly. The change that had taken place in her bordered on
+the miraculous: the sickly pallor the weary movements, the fatigued,
+unsympathetic expression, had all vanished; the cheeks were rosy, the
+eyes bright. Whether it were owing to the mountain-air which blew here
+so pure and fresh, or to the treatment of the young physician, the fact
+was that in a few months the girl had blossomed forth like some flower
+which, fading and sickly in the shade, expands into tender beauty in
+the clear, warm sunshine.
+
+"I wonder where Herr Waltenberg is?" she was just saying. "He is
+usually here before this time."
+
+"Ernst wrote me that he should be rather late today, since he meant to
+bring us a surprise from Heilborn," Erna replied. She was seated at her
+drawing, from which she did not look up, nor did she evince the
+slightest interest in the promised surprise.
+
+"'Tis strange that he should write to you so often, when he sees you
+every day," remarked Alice, who was quite unused to such attentions
+from her own lover. "And then he fairly overwhelms you with flowers,
+for which, it seems to me, you are not half grateful enough."
+
+"I am afraid that is Ernst's own fault," was the quiet reply. "He
+spoils me, and I am too ready to be spoiled."
+
+"Yes, there is something exaggerated in his manner of wooing," Alice
+interposed. "His love seems to me like a fire, which burns rather than
+illumines."
+
+"His is an unusual nature," said Erna. "He must not be judged by the
+standard we apply to others. Believe me, Alice, much, nay, everything,
+can be endured in the consciousness that one is supremely and ardently
+beloved."
+
+She laid down her pencil and looked dreamily abroad into space. It
+sounded odd, the word 'endured,' and its significance was not softened
+by so much as the shadow of a smile. Indeed, the expression of gravity
+was deepened in the young girl's face, and in her eyes there was an
+indescribable something which assuredly was not happiness.
+
+In the short pause that ensued, the noise of carriage-wheels became
+audible, and some vehicle drew up in front of the house. Erna shivered
+slightly; she knew who was at hand, although from where she sat the
+road could not be seen. She slowly closed her sketchbook and arose, but
+before she could leave the veranda, a young creature came flying out of
+the drawing-room and clasped her in an enthusiastic embrace, after
+which she turned just as eagerly to Alice.
+
+"Why, Molly, is this you?" both girls exclaimed, in a breath.
+
+It was in fact Frau Gersdorf, rosy, merry, and saucy as ever, and
+behind her appeared Ernst Waltenberg, evidently delighted with the
+success of his surprise.
+
+"Yes, it is really I," the new-comer began. "Albert had a tiresome,
+never-ending suit to attend to in Heilborn, and of course I came with
+him. The poor fellow's hard work must be made as tolerable as possible
+for him, so I always go with him upon these expeditions. I verily
+believe that if he should take it into his head to climb Mount Blanc,
+or the Himalayas, I should scramble up after him. Thank God, there are
+no cases to try up there, so there is no chance of his undertaking the
+ascents. And how are you all here? You have absolutely vanished from
+the capital. But there's no need to ask; Alice looks fresh as a rose,
+and Erna is planning her wedding-tour, I hear. Where is it to be? To
+the South Sea or the North Pole? I should advise the South Sea,--the
+climate is milder."
+
+She paused to take breath, and without waiting for a reply threw
+herself into an arm-chair and declared that she was too tired to say a
+single word.
+
+After the first exchange of greetings Ernst approached his betrothed
+and handed her a bouquet of costly foreign flowers, rich in colour and
+exhaling an overpowering fragrance.
+
+"Did I not keep my promise?" he said, pointing to Molly. "I planned
+this surprise with Albert yesterday afternoon, knowing I should surely
+be welcome so accompanied."
+
+"But that you always are," said Erna, taking the flowers from him with
+thanks.
+
+"Always?" he repeated. "Really always? Some times I doubt it."
+
+"Do not say that, Ernst."
+
+His eyes, filled with a passionate entreaty, met her reproachful
+glance, as together they walked down the veranda steps into the garden.
+"Are you a little glad when I come?" he went on, in a low tone. "I
+sometimes imagine you dread my approach and shrink from my embrace, and
+more than once I have fancied I could detect a sigh of relief when I
+left you."
+
+"Yes, you watch every look of mine, every breath that I draw, and
+convert it all into pain, both for yourself and for me," Erna said,
+gravely. "Your passionate surveillance torments me; how will it be when
+we are married?"
+
+"Ah, then I shall be calm," he said, with a sigh. "Then I shall know
+you for my own, my very own; no other will have any right to intrude
+between us, and then perhaps I may teach you to love me; hitherto I
+have tried in vain. That you can love I know. You loved--him!"
+
+She hastily withdrew the hand she had left in his: "Ernst, you promised
+me----"
+
+"Not to speak of that. Yes, I promised, but I did not know how hard it
+is to fight against a memory, to war with a mere phantom. Would that it
+were flesh and blood, that I might battle with it to the death!"
+
+His eyes flashed with the mortal hatred that had gleamed in them when
+he had learned that Erna had loved another. She turned pale, as she
+laid her hand soothingly upon his arm.
+
+"Ernst," she said, gently, "why torment yourself thus perpetually? You
+suffer terribly; I see it, and bitterly do I repent my confession. Have
+I no power to make you calmer and happier?"
+
+Her tone disarmed him at once; he took her hand, and kissed it eagerly:
+"Your power over me is boundless when you look and speak thus. Forgive
+me for paining you; indeed it shall not happen again."
+
+The promise had been made a hundred times before, and broken as often.
+Erna smiled, but she was still pale as they walked back to the house.
+
+"A scene from Othello seems to be going on there," said Molly, who,
+notwithstanding her great fatigue, had been chattering incessantly, and
+observing the lovers the while. "Ernst Waltenberg is perilously like
+that monster of a Moor. I believe he would make nothing of a murder if
+his jealousy were excited. It is to be hoped that Erna will put a
+little common sense into him when they are married; there is very
+little of it in his love for her at present. I told him about all sorts
+of interesting things that are going on in the capital, as we were
+driving over, but he never listened to one of them; he kept his eyes
+fixed upon the villa, and rushed out of the barouche the instant it
+stopped before the door. Ah! now he is kissing her hand and humbly
+begging her pardon. Albert never did that, even while we were
+betrothed; on the contrary, I was always the one to be forgiven! Albert
+is not sentimentally inclined, nor is your betrothed, Alice. Is your
+engineer not coming to-day?"
+
+"I hardly think he will be here," said Alice, allowed for the first
+time to interpose a word. "Wolfgang has so much to do; he could only be
+here for a few moments yesterday. The responsibilities of his position
+are very great."
+
+It sounded composed, too much so for a betrothed maiden who could not
+but feel herself neglected. Alice knew nothing as yet of what had taken
+place between her father and her lover a week before in the capital.
+Wolfgang had refrained from mentioning it even to his friend Reinsfeld;
+he wished to leave the president, whose arrival was shortly expected,
+to contrive a pretext for the final rupture. Meanwhile, he saw Alice as
+seldom as possible, availing himself of the plea of work, which had
+sufficed him hitherto.
+
+Frau von Lasberg now made her appearance on the veranda, and greeted
+Molly with great dignity and little cordiality. The young Frau was to
+remain until the next day, when her husband was to call for her, and
+they were to pay a visit at Benno's in Oberstein. Molly played the part
+of a hurricane in the quiet and elegant household at the villa; from
+the moment of her arrival all formality was scattered to the winds. Her
+clear, silvery laughter was heard everywhere; she chatted with Alice,
+she teased Erna, she disputed with Waltenberg about Oriental customs of
+which she knew absolutely nothing, provoking beyond measure the old
+Baroness, and withal fairly beaming with happiness and merriment.
+
+Thus the day wore on to noon, and the golden autumn sunlight tempted
+all into the open air. Waltenberg proposed a walk up one of the
+neighbouring heights, and all assented; even Alice, who a few months
+previously had been debarred from all such enjoyments, was ready to
+join the party, while Frau von Lasberg was, of course, obliged to
+remain at home. The little company walked leisurely up the gradual
+ascent, through the sunlit, fragrant forest, until they reached the
+foot of a rocky cliff, where the path became steep and stony.
+
+"You must stop here, Alice," said Erna. "The last part of the way is
+too steep and rough; you must be careful not to overtask your strength.
+Do you think you are equal to it, Molly?"
+
+"I am equal to anything," declared Molly, half offended at the
+question. "Do you suppose that Herr Waltenberg and yourself are the
+only mountaineers? I can outclimb either of you."
+
+Waltenberg smiled rather derisively at this audacious statement,
+casting a significant glance the while at the speaker's little
+high-heeled boots. "There is no danger in this ascent," he said: "the
+path is made quite easy with steps and hand-rails here and there. But
+then an accident is always possible, as my secretary found to his cost
+on the Vulture Cliff. He was lucky to escape with only a sprained
+ankle."
+
+"Oh, that immensely tall Herr Gronau!" exclaimed Molly. "What has
+become of him? I did not catch even a glimpse of him in Heilborn."
+
+"He asked for leave of absence for a few weeks, but I am now expecting
+him back again," replied Ernst, who had, in fact, been rather puzzled
+by Veit's long absence. He knew that his secretary had no relatives
+left in Germany, and he could not understand his sudden journey. Gronau
+had not even told him where he was going.
+
+Alice agreed to await the return of the party; and whilst the others
+pursued their way to the summit of the height, she seated herself on a
+mossy bit of rock at the foot of the ascent. The spot was a peaceful
+little nook in the forest depths which no autumnal blast seemed as yet
+to have touched. The dark pines and the soft moss had preserved their
+fresh green, and the noonday sun had dispelled the mists which were so
+apt to linger here and there among the trees. It was as sunny and warm
+as on a day in spring.
+
+Alice had been sitting alone about ten minutes, when she perceived at a
+little distance the familiar figure of Dr. Reinsfeld striding along
+among the trees. He was coming from a patient at one of the
+mountain-cottages, and was so lost in thought that he emerged upon the
+little clearing without perceiving the young girl until she called to
+him: "Herr Doctor, are you really going to hurry past without even a
+look for your patient?"
+
+Benno started at the sound of her voice, and paused in surprise: "You
+here, Fräulein Nordheim, and entirely alone?"
+
+"Oh, I am not so unprotected as you suppose. Herr Waltenberg, with Erna
+and Molly, has just left me. I only stayed behind----"
+
+"Because you are tired?" was the anxious question.
+
+She shook her head, smiling: "Oh, no; I only wanted to husband my
+strength for the walk back, in accordance with your orders. You see how
+obedient I am."
+
+She moved slightly aside, and seemed to expect that the doctor would
+take his seat beside her. He hesitated for a few seconds, and then
+accepted her unspoken invitation, and sat down upon the mossy
+resting-place. They were no longer strangers to each other; in the last
+few months they had seen and talked with each other almost daily.
+
+Alice went on conversing cheerfully. There was an innocent delight in
+her gaiety, the delight of a freshly-aroused vitality asserting itself,
+still half timidly, after years of depressing ill health. No one could
+be more childlike and simple-minded than this young heiress, who was so
+little adapted to fill the position assigned her by her father's
+millions. Here, resting upon her mossy seat, free from all the
+splendour and pomp which fatigued her, with the golden sunlight playing
+upon the soft blond hair and the delicately-tinted face, there was an
+indescribable refinement and charm in her appearance.
+
+The young physician, on the other hand, was unusually grave and silent;
+he forced himself to smile and to reply gaily now and then, but the
+effort he made was perceptible. Alice observed it at last, and she too
+became more silent, until after a long pause, which Reinsfeld made no
+attempt to interrupt, she asked, "Herr Doctor, what is the matter?"
+
+"With me?" Benno started. "Oh, nothing,--nothing at all."
+
+"I am afraid that is not quite true. You looked very grave and sad as
+you were striding along so hurriedly, and it is not the first time I
+have seen you so. For weeks I have fancied that something has been
+depressing and troubling you, although you take great pains to conceal
+it. Will you not tell me what it is?"
+
+The girl's voice was so entreatingly sweet, and her brown eyes looked
+with so sympathetic a glance of inquiry into those of the young
+physician, that it was hard to withstand her, and yet Nordheim's
+daughter ought to be the last to learn the cause of Reinsfeld's mood.
+She had indeed seen aright; Benno had been suffering for weeks under
+the burden of the suspicion which Gronau had implanted in his soul.
+Nothing indeed had as yet been discovered to confirm it, but Reinsfeld
+divined that Veit's sudden departure and prolonged absence were
+connected with some clue which was being followed up. He hastily
+collected himself, and replied, "I find it hard to leave Oberstein.
+Fatiguing as my practice has been sometimes, and much as I have longed
+for a more extended sphere of activity, I feel now how attached I have
+become to the people whose joys and sorrows I have shared for years,
+and to the mountains where I have had my home. I leave so much behind
+me that it is hard to go away."
+
+His eyes were cast down as he spoke the last words, or he would have
+become aware of the instant change in the girl's face. She turned pale
+and her look of innocent gaiety vanished, while the wild-flowers that
+she had plucked on her way up the height dropped upon the moss at her
+feet. "Is your departure so near at hand?" she asked, gently.
+
+"It is indeed; I am only waiting for my successor to arrive, and he is
+expected in a week."
+
+"And then you go--forever?"
+
+"Yes,--forever!"
+
+Question and answer sounded sad enough, and a silence ensued. Alice
+stooped and picked up her scattered flowers, beginning to arrange them
+mechanically. She knew, of course, of the doctor's acceptance of his
+new position, but it had not occurred to her that he would leave before
+her own departure, beyond which her thoughts had not strayed. She had
+been so happy in the mountains, had resigned herself entirely to the
+enjoyment of the present, without a thought that it could come to an
+end, and now she was reminded how near at hand was this end.
+
+"I may go without anxiety," Benno began again. "The health of my
+district at present leaves nothing to be desired, and you, Fräulein
+Nordheim, need me no longer. Only be careful for some time to come, and
+I think I can guarantee your entire recovery. I am very glad to have
+been able to keep my promise to my friend and to restore him his
+betrothed well and happy."
+
+"If indeed it makes much difference to him," Alice said, in a low tone.
+
+Reinsf----eld looked amazed: "Fräulein Nordheim?"
+
+"Do you imagine, then, that Wolfgang cares for me? I do not think he
+does."
+
+There was no bitterness in her words; they were only sad, and the eyes
+which Alice raised to the young physician were as sad.
+
+"You do not believe in Wolfgang's love?" he asked, dismayed. "But why,
+then, should he have----" He broke off in the middle of his sentence,
+knowing well enough that love had borne no share in his friend's
+wooing. He remembered only too distinctly how the young engineer had
+coldly determined to win for a wife the president's daughter, and the
+contemptuous shrug with which he had repudiated the idea of sentiment
+in the affair. It was a speculation,--nothing else.
+
+"I have no fault to find with Wolfgang, none at all," Alice went on.
+"He is always most attentive, and so anxious about me, but I feel
+nevertheless how little I am to him, and I can see how his thoughts
+wander whenever he is with me. Formerly I scarcely perceived this, and
+if I did perceive it, it did not hurt me. I was always so weary; I had
+no pleasure in life,--it was one long illness for me. But when health
+began to relieve me of the oppression that had weighed down soul and
+body, I saw, and understood. Wolfgang loves his calling, the future to
+which he aspires, his great work, the Wolkenstein bridge, of which he
+is so proud. He never will love me!"
+
+Benno for a moment could find no reply to these words, which both
+startled and amazed him, from the girl whom he had supposed entirely
+indifferent in this matter, and who now thus clearly defined the true
+state of affairs.
+
+"Wolf's is not an ardent nature," he said at last, slowly. "With him
+ambition outweighs sentiment; it was his character as a boy, and it is
+far more evident in the man."
+
+Alice shook her head: "Herr Gersdorf's nature is cool and calm, and yet
+how he loves Molly! Awhile ago Ernst Waltenberg cared for nothing save
+untrammelled freedom, and see how love has transformed him! Frau
+Lasberg, to be sure, says such sentiment is the merest nonsense which
+hardly outlives the honey-moon, that there is no such thing as the
+enduring affection of a romantic girl's imagination, and that a woman,
+if she is wise and hopes for happiness in marriage, must banish all
+such ideas from her mind. She may be right, but such wisdom is terribly
+depressing. Do you share it, Herr Doctor?"
+
+"No!" said Reinsfeld, with so decided an emphasis that Alice looked up
+at him in surprise and with a sad smile.
+
+"Then we are both dreamers and fools, whom sensible people would
+despise."
+
+"Thank God that it is so!" Benno broke forth. "Never let 'such
+sentiment' be snatched from you, Fräulein Nordheim; it is all that can
+make life happy or even worth the living. Wolf has always prophesied
+that I should never come to good, or make myself a fine position in the
+world. So be it. I do not care! I am happier than he with all his
+wisdom and his schemes. He takes no real pleasure in anything,--sees
+nothing anywhere save bare, forlorn reality, transfigured by no ray of
+inspiration. I have had a hard life. When my parents died I was knocked
+about the world, with scant favour from any one, and sometimes, as a
+student, was hard put to it for bread to eat; even now I possess merely
+the necessaries of life; but I would not exchange lots with my friend
+for all his brilliant future."
+
+He was carried away by his emotion, and did not perceive how his words
+accused Wolfgang; nor did Alice appear to take note of it, for she
+looked up with sparkling eyes at the young physician, wont to be so
+quiet and calm, who seemed for the moment transfigured. Usually shy and
+reserved; as is the case with all introspective natures, when once the
+barrier of reserve was overleaped he forgot that any such had ever
+existed, and went on, with what was almost passionate ardour, "When the
+sum of our lives is reckoned up, the gain may after all be mine. I
+question whether Wolfgang would not give all the results he has
+achieved for one draught from the fountain which flows inexhaustibly
+for me. We poor, ridiculed dreamers are, after all, the only happy
+human beings, for in spite of all experience we can love with all our
+hearts, can hope, and trust, and have faith in truth and goodness. And
+whatever of disappointment this world may have in store for us, nothing
+can deprive us of the belief in something higher. We attain heights to
+which others cannot soar; wings to reach it are worth all their vaunted
+worldly wisdom!"
+
+Alice listened in breathless silence to these words, the like of which
+she had never heard beneath her father's roof, but which nevertheless
+she comprehended at once with the instinct of a warm young heart
+thirsting for love and happiness. She did not dream that the
+consciousness of the man who spoke thus in eager defence of faith in
+all that is best in humanity was burdened with the knowledge of the
+bitterest failure in the faith and honour of her own father.
+
+"You are right!" she exclaimed, holding out both hands to him as in
+gratitude. "This faith is the highest, the only happiness in life, and
+we will not allow it to be snatched from us."
+
+"The only happiness?" Benno repeated, while, scarcely knowing what he
+did, he clasped and held fast the hands held out to him. "No, Fräulein
+Nordheim, other joys also await you. Wolfgang's is a noble nature in
+spite of his ambition; in time you will learn to understand each other,
+and then he will make you truly happy, or he is utterly unworthy of
+you. I"--here his voice grew slightly unsteady--"I shall often hear
+from him and of his married life,--we are faithful correspondents,--and
+sometimes, perhaps, you will allow me to recall myself to your memory."
+
+Alice made no reply; her eyes filled with tears. Unable to conceal the
+first profound grief in her young life, at Benno's last words she hid
+her face in her hands and sobbed uncontrollably.
+
+For Benno this moment was one of intoxicating delight and of intense
+pain. Another man might perhaps have forgotten all else in the rapture
+of the revelation thus made, but for him Alice was sacred as the
+betrothed of his friend; not for the world would he have uttered one of
+the thousand expressions of love that rose to his lips. He slowly
+retreated a few paces, and said, almost inaudibly, "It is well that I
+am to go to Neuenfeld. I have long known how it was with me!"
+
+Neither of the pair had any idea that they were overheard. Just as the
+doctor had clasped the young girl's hands in his, the shrubbery at the
+foot of the rock had parted, and Molly, who had intended in jest to
+startle Alice by her sudden appearance, noiselessly emerged. Her merry
+face assumed, however, an expression of extreme surprise upon finding
+her friend, whom she had supposed alone, in Benno's society, and in
+such evident agitation.
+
+Among the praiseworthy qualities of Frau Gersdorf might be reckoned
+intense curiosity. She was instantly eager to know how this interesting
+interview would terminate. She therefore retreated unperceived, as
+noiselessly as she had appeared, and, hid among the bushes, overheard
+all that ensued, until Waltenberg's and Erna's approaching footsteps
+became audible as they descended the rocky pathway.
+
+Fortunately, the little lady was not lacking in presence of mind, and,
+moreover, since she had before her own marriage peremptorily claimed
+Alice's services as guardian angel, she felt called upon now to requite
+her after the same manner. So she retreated still farther into the
+shrubbery, and then called out aloud to the approaching couple that
+she had easily outstripped them. The result was all that could be
+desired, and when some minutes later the three new-comers reached the
+mountain-meadow, Alice was sitting as they had left her, and Benno,
+grave and silent, was standing beside her. Molly was, of course,
+immensely surprised at finding her cousin Benno, of whom she
+straightway took possession. She was resolved to extort a confession
+from him as soon as they should be alone, and from Alice also,--as
+guardian angel she had a right to their unreserved confidence.
+
+The little party took its way homewards, and Benno was plied by his
+young relative with questions, to which he replied absently and
+mechanically, while his eyes sought the slender, delicate figure
+walking silently beside Erna; he had not waited until to-day to know
+that she was dearer to him than aught else on earth.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XIX.
+
+                                NEMESIS.
+
+
+The president made his appearance at the appointed time; until the
+opening of the railway he was obliged to drive over from Heilborn, and
+he brought with him Herr Gersdorf, who was to come for his wife. The
+engineer-in-chief was 'accidentally' absent at a distant post, and
+could not receive his future father-in-law as usual. Nordheim knew what
+this meant,--he no longer reckoned upon Wolfgang's compliance,--but he
+also knew that matters must come to a final explanation.
+
+Molly immediately after dinner invited her husband to walk with her in
+the grove at the foot of the garden, that she might open her heart to
+him; but when she would have told her secret she prefaced the
+revelation by so many mysterious hints, such oracular sentences, that
+Gersdorf grew uneasy.
+
+"My dear child, pray tell me outright what has happened," he begged
+her. "I noticed nothing whatever unusual upon my arrival; what have you
+to tell me?"
+
+"A secret, Albert," she replied, with much solemnity,--"a profound
+secret, which I adjure you not to reveal. Incredible things have been
+happening,--here and at Oberstein."
+
+"At Oberstein? Has Benno anything to do with them?"
+
+"Yes!" And here Frau Gersdorf made a long, artistic pause, to give due
+effect to what was to follow. Then she said, in a tone of the deepest
+tragedy, "Benno--loves Alice Nordheim."
+
+Unfortunately, the revelation did not produce the desired effect; the
+lawyer merely shook his head, and observed, with exasperating
+indifference, "Poor fellow! It is well that he is going to Neuenfeld,
+where he will soon get such nonsense out of his head."
+
+"Nonsense, do you call it?" Molly exclaimed, indignantly. "And you
+suppose it can be easily got rid of? You probably could have done so if
+you had not married me, Albert, for you are a heartless monster!"
+
+"But an excellent husband," Gersdorf, who was quite used to such tragic
+outbursts from his wife, asserted with philosophic serenity. "Moreover,
+the case was not similar. I knew that in spite of obstacles I could win
+you, and then I was sure of your love."
+
+"And so is Benno. Alice loves him also," Molly explained, gratified to
+perceive that her husband took this announcement much more seriously.
+He listened in thoughtful silence, while, after her usual lively
+fashion, she told of the scene on the mountain-meadow, of her
+concealment among the trees, and of her extremely vigorous efforts to
+smooth matters, as she expressed it.
+
+"An hour later I had Benno alone by himself," she continued. "At first
+he would not confess,--not a word; but I should like to see any one
+conceal from me what I have resolved to find out. Finally I said to
+him, frankly, 'Benno, you are in love, desperately in love,' and then
+he denied it no longer, but said, with a sigh, 'Yes, and hopelessly
+so!' He was in despair, poor fellow, but I told him to take courage,
+for I would undertake to arrange the affair."
+
+"That must, of course, have consoled him greatly," the lawyer
+interposed.
+
+"No; on the contrary, he would not hear of it. Benno's
+conscientiousness is positively something frightful. Alice was the
+betrothed of his friend,--he could not even allow his thoughts to dwell
+upon her,--never would he see her again, but if possible he would start
+for Neuenfeld to-morrow, and a deal more of such nonsense. He forbade
+me to speak to Alice. Of course, as soon as his back was turned, I went
+to her and extorted a confession from her too. In short, they love each
+other dearly, intensely, inexpressibly. So there is nothing for them to
+do but to be married!"
+
+"Indeed?" said her husband, rather surprised by this conclusion.
+"You seem to have quite forgotten that Alice is betrothed to the
+engineer-in-chief."
+
+Frau Molly turned up her little nose contemptuously; that betrothal
+never had found favour in her eyes, and at present she was inclined to
+make short work of it.
+
+"Alice never loved that Wolfgang Elmhorst," she asserted, with
+decision. "She said yes because her father told her to, because she had
+not the energy then to say no, and he--well, what he wanted was a
+wealthy wife."
+
+"A very good reason, as you must admit, for disinclination to
+relinquish her."
+
+"I told you just now, Albert, that I was going myself to undertake the
+adjustment of the affair," Frau Molly declared, with dignity. "I shall
+see Elmhorst, and appeal to his generosity, representing to him that
+unless he wishes to make two people wretched he must withdraw. He will
+be touched and softened, he will bring the lovers together, and----"
+
+"There will be a most romantic scene," Albert concluded her sentence.
+"No, that is just what he will _not_ do. You little know the
+engineer-in-chief if you credit him with such sensibility. He is not
+the man to withdraw from a connection that insures him the future
+possession of millions, and he will soon console himself for lack of
+affection in his wife. And what do you suppose Nordheim will say to
+your romance?"
+
+"The president?" Molly asked, dejectedly. In the contemplation of her
+scheme in which she played the part of beneficent fairy, joining the
+hands of the lovers with all the emotion befitting the occasion, she
+had quite forgotten that Alice had a father whose word might be
+decisive in this matter.
+
+"Yes, President Nordheim, who brought about this betrothal, and who
+will hardly consent to dissolve it, and to bestow his daughter's hand
+upon a young country doctor, who, with all his courage and capacity,
+has nothing to give in return. No, Molly, the affair is perfectly
+hopeless, and Benno is quite right to resign all hope. Even if Alice
+really loves him, she has promised her hand to Wolfgang, and neither he
+nor her father will release her. There is no help for it, they must
+both submit."
+
+He might have gone on thus forever without convincing his wife. She
+knew what her own obstinacy had effected in uniting her with her lover,
+and she would not see why Alice could not persist in the same manner.
+She listened, indeed, attentively, and then cut short any further
+remarks from her husband by declaring, dictatorially,--
+
+"You do not understand it at all, Albert! They love each other. Then
+they ought to marry; and marry they shall!"
+
+What could Gersdorf say to refute such logic as this?
+
+Meanwhile, Alice Nordheim was in her father's study, which she rarely
+entered, and which she must have sought now for some important purpose,
+for she looked pale and agitated, and as she stood leaning against the
+window-frame, seemed to be undergoing an inward struggle; yet there was
+nothing in prospect save an interview between the father and daughter.
+There was, to be sure, nothing of confidence or intimacy in the
+relation existing between them. Nordheim, who had surrounded his
+daughter with all the luxury and splendour that wealth could procure,
+took, in fact, very little interest in her, as Alice had always felt,
+but in her docile compliance with whatever her father desired, there
+had never been any collision between them.
+
+For the first time this was otherwise; she was about to go to her
+father with a confession, which must, she knew, provoke his wrath, and
+she trembled at the thought, although her resolution never wavered.
+
+All at once the president's step was heard in the next room, and his
+voice said, "Herr Waltenberg's secretary? Certainly. Show him in!"
+
+Alice stood hesitating for a moment; her father, who did not suspect
+her presence here, was not alone, and, agitated as she was, she could
+not confront a stranger. Probably the man brought some message from
+Waltenberg, and his business would shortly be despatched. The young
+girl, therefore, slipped into her father's bedroom, which adjoined his
+office, and the door of which remained ajar. Nordheim immediately
+entered the room she had left, and was shortly joined there by his
+visitor.
+
+The president received him with affable ease. He knew that Ernst in his
+travels had picked up somewhere an individual who, ostensibly his
+secretary, played the part of his confidential friend, but he took
+further interest in the matter. He either had not heard or had not
+heeded his name; at all events, he did not recognize his former friend.
+Twenty-five years are long in passing, and such a life as Gronau's had
+been is a great disguiser. This man with his brown, deeply-furrowed
+face and gray hair had nothing in his appearance to recall the fresh,
+merry youth who had gone out into the world to seek his fortune.
+
+"You are Herr Waltenberg's secretary?" It was thus that Nordheim opened
+the conversation.
+
+"Yes, Herr President."
+
+Nordheim started at the sound of the voice, which aroused dim memories
+within him. He directed a keen glance towards the stranger, and,
+motioning to him to be seated, he went on:
+
+"I suppose we shall not see him to-day? Have you a message from him?
+Your name, if you please."
+
+"Veit Gronau," was the reply, as the speaker calmly seated himself.
+
+The president looked extremely surprised; he examined the
+weather-beaten features of his former friend, but the memories thus
+unexpectedly awakened seemed far from agreeable, and he was apparently
+not inclined to admit that there had ever existed any friendship
+between himself and his visitor. His manner distinctly indicated the
+inferior position which he chose to assign to his friend's secretary.
+
+"We are not, then, entire strangers to each other," he remarked. "I was
+acquainted in my youth with a Veit Gronau----"
+
+"The same who has the honour of waiting upon you at present," Gronau
+concluded the sentence.
+
+"It gives me pleasure to hear it." The pleasure was but coldly
+expressed. "And how have you thriven in the mean while? Well, it would
+seem, your position with Herr Waltenberg must be a very agreeable one."
+
+"I have every reason to be contented. I have hardly reached your
+heights, Herr President, but one must not expect too much."
+
+"True, true. Human destinies are very various."
+
+"And when men undertake to control them, it all depends upon who can
+best steer his own boat."
+
+The remark displeased the president as being too familiar; he desired
+no intimacy with his former comrade, so he said, evasively,--
+
+"But we are straying from the object of your visit. Herr Waltenberg
+sends you to----?"
+
+"No," Gronau replied, drily.
+
+Nordheim looked at him in surprise: "You do not bring me a message from
+him?"
+
+"No, Herr President. I have just returned from a journey, and have not
+yet seen Herr Waltenberg. I announced myself in my capacity of his
+secretary in order to make sure of your receiving me. I come about an
+affair of my own."
+
+At this disclosure the president became several degrees colder and more
+formal, for he suspected some favour to be asked; yet the man seated so
+calmly before him, looking at him with so searching an expression in
+his clear, keen eyes, did not look like a suppliant; there was
+something of defiance in his bearing which impressed Nordheim
+disagreeably.
+
+"Go on, then," he said, with perceptible condescension. "All relations
+between us are far in the past, nevertheless----"
+
+"Yes, they date from five-and-twenty years ago," Gronau interrupted
+him. "And yet it is precisely of what then occurred that I wish to
+speak,--to pray you to inform me what has become of our--excuse me--of
+my former friend, Benno Reinsfeld?"
+
+The question was so sudden and unexpected that Nordheim was silenced
+for a moment, but he was too entirely accustomed to self-control to be
+long disconcerted by such surprises. One suspicious glance he shot at
+his questioner, and then, with a shrug, he replied, coldly,--
+
+"You really demand too much of my memory, Herr Gronau. I cannot
+possibly call to mind all the acquaintances of my youth, and in this
+instance I do not even remember the name you mention."
+
+"Indeed? Then let me assist your memory, Herr President. I allude to
+the inventor of the first mountain-railway locomotive,--the engineer,
+Benno Reinsfeld."
+
+The men looked each other in the eye, and instantly the president knew
+that there was nothing accidental in his visitor's presence, that he
+was confronting a foe, and that the words which sounded so innocent
+barely disguised a menace. He must next know whether the man appearing
+thus after years of exile were really dangerous, or whether this were
+merely an attempt to extort money from his possible fears. Nordheim
+seemed inclined to the latter belief, for he said, frigidly, "You must
+be falsely informed, _I_ invented the first mountain-locomotive, as is
+shown by my patent."
+
+Gronau suddenly rose, his dark face flushed still darker. He had
+devised a regular scheme of action, arranged in his mind how he should
+attack his opponent and drive him into a corner, until not a chance of
+escape was left him, but at such audacious falsehood all his prudent
+plans fell to pieces, and honest indignation got the upper hand of him.
+
+"You dare to tell me that to my face!" he burst out, angrily. "To me,
+who was present when Benno showed us his invention, and explained it,
+and you admired it, and praised him! Does your memory play you false
+there also?"
+
+The president calmly reached for the bell-rope: "Will you leave the
+house, Herr Gronau, or must I call the servants? I am not inclined to
+submit to insult beneath my own roof."
+
+"I advise you to let the bell alone," Gronau burst forth, furiously.
+"Take your choice, whether what I have to say shall be said to you
+alone, or to all the world. Refuse to listen,--I can find a hearing
+everywhere else."
+
+The threat was not without effect; Nordheim slowly withdrew his hand.
+He saw that it would not be easy to deal with this resolute, determined
+man, and that it would be best not to provoke him further, but his
+voice was still impassive as he said, "Well, then, what have you to say
+to me?"
+
+Veit Gronau stepped up to his former comrade, and his eyes flashed:
+"That you are a scoundrel, Nordheim, neither more nor less!"
+
+The president started, but in an instant burst out, "What! you dare?"
+
+"Oh, yes; and I dare far more, for this is not a matter to be hushed up
+easily. Poor Benno, indeed, neither could nor would defend himself; he
+bowed his head beneath the stroke, and suffered more, I fancy, from the
+consciousness of the treachery of a friend than from the treachery
+itself. Had I been here at the time you would not have got off with
+your booty so easily. Don't trouble yourself to look indignant. 'Tis of
+no use with mc. I know you, and we are alone; no need for play-acting.
+You had better make up your mind what answer to make when I accuse you
+in public."
+
+In his excitement his voice rang out clear and distinct. Nordheim made
+no further attempt to check his words, but he must have felt quite
+secure, for he never for an instant lost his bearing of calm
+superiority.
+
+"What answer to make?" he said, with a shrug. "Where are your proofs?"
+
+Gronau laughed bitterly: "I thought you would ask that. Therefore I did
+not come instantly to you when I heard the sorry tale from poor Benno's
+son in Oberstein. I have spent three weeks in following up traces. I
+have been in the capital, in Benno's last place of residence,--even in
+the town where we were all three born."
+
+"And are they found,--these proofs of yours?" The question was
+pronounced in a tone of extreme contempt.
+
+"No, nothing; that is, that could convict you. You insured yourself
+well against discovery, and Reinsfeld meanwhile delayed applying for a
+patent for his invention because he did not consider it yet complete.
+That was the time when I left home and you accepted a position in the
+capital. Poor Benno worked away at his invention and perfected it,
+building many a castle in the air the while, until one fine day he
+heard that his invention had been bought and patented; but the patent
+and the money were both in the pocket of his best friend, of whom they
+made a millionaire."
+
+"And this is the precious tale you mean to relate to the world?" the
+president sneered. "Do you actually believe that the assertion of an
+adventurer like yourself could ruin a man of my standing? Why, you
+yourself admit the absence of proof."
+
+"Of all direct proof; but what I have learned is quite enough to make
+the ground hot beneath your feet. Reinsfeld himself made an effort to
+recover his rights; of course he was unsuccessful, although he found
+credence here and there. Then he lost courage and gave up all hope. But
+the matter was talked of; you were forced to defend yourself against
+suspicion, and now you have as an antagonist not poor, inexperienced
+Benno, but myself. Look to yourself in this encounter. I have sworn to
+indemnify the son of my friend as far as is possible for the wrong done
+to his father, and I am wont to keep my word, whether for good or for
+evil. As an 'adventurer' I have nothing to lose, and I shall proceed
+against you ruthlessly and resolutely; I shall forge weapons against
+you out of all that I have lately learned, and shall publish to the
+world the suspicion, the knowledge of which was formerly confined to a
+very narrow circle. We shall see whether the truth can die away unheard
+when an honest man is ready to vindicate it with his very life."
+
+There was an iron determination in his words and manner, and Nordheim
+was quite able to measure the power of this antagonist. He seemed
+engaged in a mental conflict for a minute or two, and then he asked, in
+a low tone, "What is your price?"
+
+Gronau's lip quivered with a contemptuous smile: "Ah, you are ready to
+barter, then?"
+
+"It may come to that. I do not deny that such a scandal as you threaten
+to raise would be very disagreeable to me, although I am far from
+perceiving any danger in it. If you should propose reasonable
+conditions I might, perhaps, bring myself to make a sacrifice.
+Therefore, what do you ask?"
+
+"Very little for a man of your stamp. Pay to Benno's son, young Dr.
+Reinsfeld, the entire sum which you formerly received for the patent.
+It is his lawful inheritance, and would be wealth to him in his present
+circumstances. Moreover, you must confess the truth to him,--privately,
+for all I care,--and give to the dead his due, at least in his son's
+eyes. This done, I will answer for it that the matter shall be
+immediately dropped."
+
+"Your first condition I accept," Nordheim replied, as though he were
+settling some business transaction, "but not the second. You must
+content yourselves with the money, which, indeed, will amount to a
+considerable sum. I suppose you will go shares in it."
+
+"Is that your opinion?" Gronau asked, scornfully. "But how indeed
+should you know anything of honest, unselfish friendship? Benno
+Reinsfeld does not even know that I have come to you, or of the
+conditions I propose, and I shall have trouble enough, God knows, to
+induce him to accept what is lawfully his, and his only. I should
+consider it a disgrace to touch a penny of it. But enough of this. Will
+you accept both conditions?"
+
+"No; only the first."
+
+"I will retract nothing. I must have both the money and the
+confession."
+
+"Which will place me completely in your power? Never!"
+
+"Good! Then we have done with each other. If you wish for war you shall
+have war!"
+
+Gronau turned and walked towards the door; the president made as if he
+would have detained him, then apparently changed his mind, and in
+another moment it was too late: the door had closed behind Veit.
+
+When Nordheim was alone, he began to pace the room rapidly to and fro.
+Now when there were no witnesses present it was evident that the
+interview had nowise left him as indifferent as he had feigned to be.
+There was a deep furrow in his brow, and in his face anger and anxiety
+strove for the mastery; gradually he began to be calmer, and at last he
+paused and said, half aloud, "'Tis folly to allow this to discompose me
+thus. He has no proof. I deny everything."
+
+He turned towards his writing-table, when suddenly he stood rooted
+to the spot, and a low cry escaped his lips. The door of his
+sleeping-apartment had opened noiselessly, and upon the threshold stood
+Alice, ashy pale, both hands clasped against her breast, and her large
+eyes riveted upon her father, who recoiled from her as from some
+spectre.
+
+"You here?" he said, harshly. "How did you come here? Have you heard
+anything of what has been said?"
+
+"Yes,--I heard everything," the young girl replied, scarce audibly.
+
+Then for the first time Nordheim changed colour. His daughter present
+at that interview! But the next moment he had collected himself; it
+surely could not be difficult to divest of all suspicion the mind of
+this innocent, inexperienced girl who had always yielded so readily to
+his authority. "It certainly was not meant for your ears," he said,
+with asperity. "I really cannot understand your playing the part of
+eavesdropper when you must have heard that a purely business matter was
+under discussion. You have now been witness to an attempt to blackmail
+your father,--an attempt which I ought perhaps to have repulsed more
+decidedly. But such audacious liars have the best men at a
+disadvantage. The world is ever too ready to credit a falsehood, and
+where a man is, like myself, engaged in great undertakings, demanding
+principally the entire confidence of the public, he cannot afford to
+expose himself to the faintest suspicion. It is better to be rid of
+such fellows as this man, who live by blackmail, at the expense of a
+sum of money;----but you understand nothing of it all! Go to your room,
+and pray do not visit mine in secret again."
+
+His words did not produce the desired effect: Alice stood motionless.
+She made no reply; she did not stir; and her silence seemed to irritate
+the president still further.
+
+"Do you not hear me?" he said. "I wish to be alone, and I require that
+no word of what you have heard should pass your lips. Now go!"
+
+Instead of obeying, Alice slowly approached him, and said, in a
+strange, nervous tone, "Papa, I have something to say to you."
+
+"About what? Not this attempt at blackmail, I trust? I have explained
+to you how matters stand, and you will hardly give credence to that
+scoundrel."
+
+"That man was no scoundrel," the young girl replied, in the same
+strange tone.
+
+"Indeed?" the president burst forth. "And what am I, then, in your
+eyes?"
+
+No answer, only the same rigid distressed look riveted upon her
+father's face. There was no longer any question in it, but a
+condemnation, and Nordheim could not bear it. He had confronted his
+accuser with a brazen brow, before his child's eyes his own sought the
+ground.
+
+Alice caught her breath; at first her voice failed her, but it gained
+in firmness as she went on:
+
+"I came here to make a confession, papa, to tell you something that
+might have angered you. I do not care to speak of it now. I have only
+one question to ask you: Are you going to afford--Dr. Reinsfeld the
+satisfaction required of you?"
+
+"Not at all, I shall abide by my last words."
+
+"Then I shall give it to him in your stead."
+
+"Alice, are you bereft of your senses?" the president, now really
+alarmed, exclaimed; but she went on, undeterred:
+
+"He does not indeed need your confession, for he knows the truth; he
+must have long known it. Now I know why he changed so suddenly, why he
+often looked at me so sadly, and never would betray what troubled him.
+He knows everything. And yet he has shown me nothing save kindness and
+compassion, has used every effort to restore me to health,--me, the
+daughter of the man who----" She could not finish the sentence.
+
+Nordheim made no further attempt to appear indignant, for he saw that
+Alice was not to be imposed upon, and he also saw that he must give up
+the attempt to control her by severity. She had foolishly resolved upon
+what might ruin him; her silence must be secured at all hazards.
+
+"I, too, am convinced that Dr. Reinsfeld has nothing to do with the
+matter," he said, more calmly; "that he is sufficiently wise to see the
+folly of such threats. As for your silly purpose to speak of them to
+him, I am sure you are not in earnest. What is the affair to you?"
+
+The young girl stood erect, and her face took on an indescribably stern
+expression quite foreign to it: "It ought indeed to be much more to
+you, papa! You knew that Dr. Reinsfeld dwelt near us, that he laboured
+night and day, in absolute poverty, and you never even tried to make
+good to him the wrong done to his father. Life and mankind have been so
+cruel to him: he was thrust out into the world in his childhood; as a
+student he lacked every means of support, while you won millions with
+that money, built palaces, and lived in luxury. At least do what Gronau
+asks, papa. You must,--or I shall attempt it myself."
+
+"Alice!" Nordheim exclaimed, between anger and utter amazement at
+finding his daughter, the gentle, docile creature who had never before
+ventured to contradict him, now laying down the law for him. "Have you
+no idea of the meaning of the affair? Would you deliver up your father
+to his worst enemy, who----"
+
+"Benno Reinsfeld is not your enemy," Alice interrupted him. "If he
+were, he would long since have made use of the secret to extort from
+you something quite different from that demanded by Gronau,--for--he
+loves me!"
+
+"Reinsfeld--loves you?"
+
+"Yes,--I know it, although he has never told me so. I am betrothed to
+another, and he, who could obtain from you what he chose by threats, is
+going from here without one demand, without even a word with you,
+because he would fain spare me the terrible knowledge, which,
+nevertheless, is now mine. You do not dream of the extent of this man's
+magnanimity. I now know it all!"
+
+The president stood speechless; he was not prepared for this turn of
+affairs, for it required no great amount of perspicacity to perceive
+that Benno's love was returned. The girl's passionate indignation spoke
+plainly enough, and if Reinsfeld really knew the story of the past--and
+that he did so seemed beyond a doubt--there was in fact but one
+explanation of his reserve and his silence in a matter so nearly
+concerning him. He had relinquished the advantage which his knowledge
+gave him that she whom he loved might be saved from disgrace. There was
+nothing therefore to apprehend from him; the father of the girl whom he
+loved was secure from his revenge, and perhaps he might induce Gronau
+also to be silent.
+
+"This is an astounding piece of news!" Nordheim said, slowly, after a
+short pause, during which he had watched his daughter narrowly. "And I
+hear it rather late. You spoke just now of a confession. What had you
+to tell me?"
+
+Alice cast down her eyes, and a burning blush replaced the pallor of
+her cheek: "That I do not love Wolfgang, nor does he love me," she
+answered, in a low tone. "I did not know it at first myself, but it has
+become clear to me within the last few days."
+
+She confidently expected a burst of anger from her father, but nothing
+of the kind ensued; on the contrary, his voice was quite changed, as he
+said, in an unusually gentle tone, "Why have you no confidence in me,
+Alice? I would not force my only daughter to contract a marriage in
+which her heart had no share; but this must be well considered and
+reflected upon. For the present I only ask that you will not be
+overhasty in your resolves, but will leave it to me to find a solution
+of the difficulty. Trust your father, my child; you shall have no cause
+for dissatisfaction with him."
+
+He stooped to press a paternal kiss upon her forehead, but she shrank
+away from the caress with an evident expression of dislike.
+
+"What does this mean?" Nordheim asked, with a frown. "Are you afraid of
+me? Do you not believe me?"
+
+She raised her eyes to his with the same hard, accusing look in them,
+and her voice, usually so gentle, was inexorably stern, as she replied,
+"No, papa; I believe neither in your love nor in your kindness. I shall
+never believe you again,--never!"
+
+Nordheim bit his lip and turned away, mutely motioning to her to leave
+the room. As mutely she obeyed.
+
+She had rightly divined that the president never for a moment
+entertained the idea of a marriage between his daughter and the young
+physician, although he had no scruples in hinting at such a possibility
+in order to avert for the moment a threatening danger. But he had
+miscalculated his daughter's insight; the young, inexperienced girl had
+seen through his device, and, man of iron though he was, he could not
+endure it. He had preserved his composure in presence of Wolfgang's
+haughty indignation and of Gronau's threats. His anger had been
+aroused, and at most he had experienced a vague dread. Now for the
+first time in his life he felt the sting of shame. Even although the
+danger menacing him should be averted, he could not away with the
+consciousness that he was judged and condemned by his only child.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XX.
+
+                       BLASTS AND COUNTERBLASTS.
+
+
+The construction of the railway was pushed forward with feverish haste.
+In fact, it was no easy task to have the work completed at the promised
+time; but Nordheim was right in declaring that the engineer-in-chief
+would spare neither himself nor his subordinates. Elmhorst spurred on
+his workmen to incredible exertions; he was present everywhere,
+superintending and directing, giving to his staff of engineers an
+example of unwearied devotion to duty that inspired their emulation.
+Under his leadership their capacity for work seemed doubled, and he
+actually attained his end. The numerous structures on the line of
+mountain-railway were now all but finished, and the last touches were
+being put to the Wolkenstein bridge.
+
+Wolfgang had just returned from his day's expedition. He had dismissed
+his vehicle in Oberstein, that he might pursue the rest of his way on
+foot, and now he was standing upon a cliff above the Wolkenstein abyss,
+watching the workmen, swarming like busy ants upon the trestles and
+framework of the bridge. A few days more would witness the completion
+of the work, which already excited universal admiration, and which in
+the course of a year or two would arouse the wonder of thousands; but
+he who had created it stood gazing at it as gloomily as if all pleasure
+in his creation had departed.
+
+He had evaded for to-day an interview with the president, testifying by
+his absence to his adhesion to his refusal; but some explanation was
+unavoidable. That the breach between them was final both knew; Nordheim
+was scarcely the man to accept for his son-in-law one who had so
+frankly and contemptuously defied him, and from whom he could expect in
+future no support in his schemes. The question was now how the
+separation was to be made, since the interests of each required that it
+should take place as quietly as possible. This was all that was to be
+arranged, and this was to be settled on the morrow.
+
+The sound of a horse's hoofs close at hand roused Elmhorst from his
+reflections, and turning he perceived Erna von Thurgau upon one of the
+rough ponies purchased for use among the mountains. She drew rein,
+evidently surprised, as she recognized the engineer-in-chief.
+
+"Back already, Herr Elmhorst? We thought your expedition would take up
+an entire day."
+
+"I finished my inspection sooner than I anticipated. But you cannot
+ride on for a few moments, Fräulein von Thurgau: they are blasting just
+below there; it will be all over, however, in ten minutes."
+
+The young lady had already perceived the obstacle; the road leading
+down the descent and past the bridge was temporarily barricaded, while
+beyond a number of workmen were busied in blasting a large fragment of
+rock.
+
+"I am in no hurry," she said, indifferently, "and, besides, I must wait
+for Herr Waltenberg, who begged me to ride on while he spoke with Herr
+Gronau, whom he met just now quite unexpectedly. I do not wish to be
+too far in advance of him."
+
+She let her bridle hang loose, and seemed to bestow all her attention
+upon the workmen. The previous night had brought an entire change
+in the weather,--a cold rain had obscured all the sunny, fragrant
+beauty of the landscape. The skies hung dark and gray above the earth,
+the mountains were veiled in mist, and the wind whistled in the
+forests,--autumn had come in a single night.
+
+"We shall see you this evening, Herr Elmhorst?" Erna asked, after a
+silence of several minutes.
+
+"I regret extremely that I cannot possibly come. I shall be very much
+occupied this evening."
+
+It was the old pretext to which he had so often had recourse; but it no
+longer found credence. Erna said, with evident significance, "You are
+probably not aware that my uncle arrived this forenoon?"
+
+"Oh, yes, I know it, and have excused my absence to him; I shall see
+him to-morrow."
+
+"But Alice does not seem well. She will not, it is true, admit any
+indisposition, nor will she allow Dr. Reinsfeld to be summoned, but she
+looked so pale and ill awhile ago when she came out of her father's
+room, that I was quite alarmed."
+
+She seemed to expect an answer, but Elmhorst continued to gaze towards
+the bridge in silence.
+
+"Surely you ought to forsake your work for to-day and see after your
+betrothed."
+
+"I have no longer the right to call Fräulein Nordheim my betrothed,"
+Wolfgang said, coldly.
+
+"Herr Elmhorst!"
+
+"Yes, Fräulein von Thurgau. Differences of opinion have arisen between
+the president and myself of so decided a character that any adjustment
+is impossible. We have both withdrawn from the intended connection."
+
+"And Alice?"
+
+"She knows nothing of it as yet, at least through me. Possibly her
+father may have acquainted her with the matter; in any case, she will
+submit to his decision."
+
+The words testified clearly to the nature of the strange alliance,
+which had in fact existed only between Nordheim and his intended
+son-in-law. Alice had been betrothed since the interests of both men
+required that so it should be, and now when these interests no longer
+existed the betrothal was dissolved without even referring the matter
+to her; it was taken for granted that she would submit. Erna too seemed
+to have no doubt upon the subject, but she changed colour at the
+unexpected intelligence. "It has come, then, to this," she said,
+softly.
+
+"Yes, it has come to this. I was asked to pay a price far too high for
+me or----, and I made my choice."
+
+"I knew how you would choose!" the girl exclaimed, eagerly. "I never
+doubted it!"
+
+"Ah, you did me that justice, then!" Wolfgang said, with undisguised
+bitterness. "I hardly expected it of you."
+
+She made no reply, but there was reproach in her eyes; at last she
+said, with hesitation, "And---what now?"
+
+"Now I stand just where I did a year ago. The path which you once
+pointed out to me with such enthusiasm lies open before me, and I shall
+pursue it, but alone,--entirely alone."
+
+Erna shivered slightly at his last words, but apparently she did not
+choose to understand them; she interposed, hastily, "A man like
+yourself is not alone. He has his talents and his future, and the
+future before you is so grand and----"
+
+"And as dreary and sunless as that mountain-world," he completed her
+sentence, pointing to the autumnal, cloudy landscape. "But I have no
+right to complain. It came to meet me once, happiness, brilliant and
+sunlit, and I turned my back upon it to attain another goal. Then it
+spread its wings and departed, soaring to unattainable heights; and
+although I would give my very life for it, it never will come back to
+me. Those who trifle with it lose it forever."
+
+There was dull, aching misery in his voice as he made this confession,
+but Erna had no word of reply for him, and no glance for the eyes
+seeking her own. Pale and rigid, she gazed abroad into the misty
+distance. Yes, he knew now where for him lay rest and happiness,--now,
+when it was too late!
+
+Wolfgang laid his hand upon the horse's mane: "Erna, one question
+before we part. After my final interview with your uncle to-morrow I
+shall, of course, not enter his house again, and you are going far away
+with your husband. Do you look for happiness at his side?"
+
+"At least I hope to confer happiness."
+
+"And you?"
+
+"Herr Elmhorst----"
+
+"Ah, you need not repulse me so sternly! No self-interest lurks behind
+my question. My sentence I listened to from your lips on that moonlit
+night upon the Wolkenstein. Even were you free I should be hopeless,
+for you never could forgive my wooing of another."
+
+"No,--never!" The words were harsh in their decision.
+
+"I know it, and hence these last words of warning. Ernst Waltenberg is
+not the man to make such a woman as yourself happy. His love is rooted
+in the egotism that is the basis of his entire nature. He never will
+ask himself whether he may not be torturing by his jealous passion the
+woman whom he loves, and how will you endure constant companionship
+with a man to whom all the lofty ideals which are to you inspiration
+are but dead ideas? At last I have learned to know--dearly as the
+knowledge has been purchased--that there is something loftier and
+better than the self which once bounded my horizon. He never will learn
+this!"
+
+Erna's lips quivered; she had long known it far better than any one
+could tell her. But what availed such knowledge? For her also it was
+too late.
+
+"You are speaking of my betrothed, Herr Elmhorst," she said, in a tone
+of reproof,--"and to me. Not another word of the kind, I entreat!"
+
+Wolfgang bowed and retired: "You are right, Fräulein von Thurgau; but
+they were farewell words, and as such may be forgiven."
+
+She inclined her head in assent, and was about to turn away, when
+Waltenberg appeared on the edge of the forest, urging his horse towards
+the pair. He and the engineer-in-chief exchanged the coldly courteous
+greetings habitual to them in what had become their almost daily
+intercourse. They spoke of the weather, and of the president's
+arrival,--Ernst being now first aware of the barricade in the road.
+
+"The men are unconscionably dilatory about their blasting," said
+Wolfgang, glad to find an opportunity to cut short the interview. "I
+will go and hasten them; you shall not have to wait long."
+
+He hurried down the slope, but something seemed to be amiss with the
+blasting, and the engineer who was directing the proceedings came
+forward to explain matters to his chief. Wolfgang shrugged his
+shoulders impatiently and passed on into the midst of the workmen,
+apparently to examine the work himself.
+
+Meanwhile, Waltenberg stayed with his betrothed, who asked him, "You
+spoke with Gronau, then?"
+
+"Yes, and I took no pains to conceal my surprise at finding him here,
+since he had not been to see me in Heilborn, or informed me of his
+return. In reply he begged me to see him this evening: he has something
+to tell me, which he says concerns me in a certain sense. I am really
+curious to know what it is. He is not wont to be oracularly mysterious.
+Look, Erna, how dark and threatening the sky is above the Wolkenstein.
+Will that storm not overtake us?"
+
+"Hardly to-day," said Erna, with a glance towards the veiled
+mountain-top. "To-morrow perhaps, or the day after. In spite of our
+fine autumn, the tempests which our poor mountaineers so dread seem to
+be setting in earlier than usual. We had a forerunner of them last
+night."
+
+"There must be something more than fable in the magic power of your
+Alpine Fay," Ernst said, half in jest. "That cloudy peak, which is well
+named, for it scarcely ever unveils, has actually cast a spell around
+me. It allures and attracts me with a mysterious, wellnigh irresistible
+charm, tempting me to lift the veil of the haughty Ice-Queen, and to
+snatch from her the kiss hitherto denied to mortals. If one should try
+that precipice on this side----"
+
+"Ernst, you promised me to give up all such ideas forever," Erna
+interposed.
+
+"And I will keep my word. I promised you on St. John's eve."
+
+"On St. John's eve," the girl repeated, softly, dreamily.
+
+"Do you remember that evening when I yielded to your request? I had
+resolved firmly upon an ascent of the Wolkenstein, but my resolution
+vanished before the entreaty in your eyes,--your words. Would you
+really have been distressed had I then disobeyed you?"
+
+"But, Ernst, what a question!"
+
+"It would not have been incumbent upon you then to be so; I was not
+then your declared lover." There was again the old tormenting jealousy
+in his voice. "You would probably have been distressed about Sepp or
+Gronau if either of them had undertaken the ascent. I mean that
+trembling anxiety which only assails one where one dearly loved is
+concerned,--a dread before which all else pales and vanishes,--the
+distress which would drive me blindly to encounter any danger if I knew
+you exposed to it. I suppose you know nothing of that?"
+
+"Why conjure up such fancies?" Erna said, half impatiently. "I have
+your promise, and therefore no ground for distress. Why dwell upon an
+'if'----?"
+
+A crash as of thunder interrupted her. Below them earth and stones were
+hurled into the air, and the huge mass of rock, split into three
+fragments, fell apart with a dull thud, while on the instant a terrific
+commotion arose. The assembled labourers rushed away from the bridge
+towards the spot where the engineer-in-chief with his subordinate
+officer had been standing an instant before. It was impossible to see
+what had occurred; all that was to be perceived was a close group of
+men, whence cries of alarm and dismay were heard.
+
+But above them all there rang out such a shriek as is the utterance of
+an agony of despair, and Ernst, turning, saw his betrothed, erect in
+her saddle, every vestige of colour fled from her face, gazing towards
+the spot where the catastrophe had occurred.
+
+"Erna!" he exclaimed. She did not hear him, but gave her horse the
+rein. The brute, terrified by the noise, shied and would not go
+forward. A merciless cut with the whip forced it to obey, and the next
+instant horse and rider were speeding down the slope towards the group
+of men.
+
+It parted at Erna's stormy approach; some of the labourers, who thought
+the horse had become unmanageable from fright, seized it by the bridle
+and stopped it. Erna seemed hardly aware of it; in mortal terror her
+eyes sought only--Wolfgang! and on the instant she perceived him
+standing quite unhurt in the midst of the throng.
+
+He too had seen her as she broke through the crowd; he had recognized
+the look that sought him out,--had heard the deep-drawn sigh of relief
+when she found him uninjured,--and from his eyes there shot a ray of
+passionate ecstasy. His mortal peril had revealed her secret,--she did
+love him, then!
+
+"Your fear was unfounded; the engineer-in-chief is unharmed," said
+Ernst Waltenberg, who had followed his betrothed and had paused just
+outside the throng. His voice sounded unnatural, his face was strangely
+pale, and in the dark eyes now riveted upon Erna and Wolfgang there
+gleamed an evil fire. Erna shivered, and Wolfgang turned hastily. It
+needed but a glance to tell him that he was confronting a deadly foe;
+yet appearances must be preserved in view of all these stranger eyes.
+
+"The affair might have turned out badly," he said, with forced
+composure. "The blast was tardy at first, and then took place before we
+could get well away from it. Two of the men are wounded; I am glad to
+know, only slightly. The rest of us escaped almost by a miracle."
+
+"But you are bleeding, Herr Elmhorst," said one of the engineers,
+pointing to Wolfgang's forehead, where two or three trickling drops of
+blood were visible. The young man pressed his pocket-handkerchief upon
+the wound, of which he had not before been aware.
+
+"It is not worth mentioning; one of the stones must have grazed my
+forehead. Have the wounds of those men bandaged immediately. Fräulein
+von Thurgau, I regret that the accident should have frightened you----"
+
+"It frightened my horse, at least," Erna interposed, with ready
+presence of mind. "It shied and ran; I could not control it."
+
+The fiction was a plausible one and gained instant credence from the
+bystanders, explaining as it did the sudden appearance of the young
+lady and her evident terror and emotion. It was fortunate that the
+frightened animal had been brought under control in time.
+
+There were two men, however, who were not thus deceived,--Wolfgang, to
+whom those few instants of alarm had revealed a certainty which came,
+indeed, too late, but which he would not for worlds have relinquished,
+and Ernst, who still maintained his place, closely observing the pair.
+There was a contemptuous emphasis in his voice as he remarked,--
+
+"We have been fortunately spared another catastrophe. Have you
+recovered from your alarm, Erna?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Then we will continue our ride. _Au revoir_, Herr Elmhorst."
+
+Wolfgang bowed formally, perfectly comprehending the significance of
+that '_Au revoir_;' then he turned to see after the wounds of the two
+men, which were in fact very slight, as was his own. A fragment of
+stone had, as he said, merely grazed his forehead. The entire
+occurrence seemed to have ended very fortunately.
+
+But this was only seeming, as might have been clearly seen in
+Waltenberg's countenance. He rode beside his betrothed in silence,
+without even turning towards her; this went on for a quarter of an
+hour, until Erna could bear it no longer.
+
+"Ernst," she said, softly.
+
+"Beg pardon?"
+
+"Let us turn back. The skies are more threatening, and we can take the
+mountain-road home."
+
+"As you please."
+
+They turned their horses into another road, and again complete silence
+ensued. Erna was only too conscious that she had betrayed herself, but
+she could have borne the wildest outburst of jealousy from her
+betrothed rather than this gloomy silence, which was terrible. She did
+not indeed fear for herself, but she saw that an explanation was
+inevitable so soon as they should reach the house.
+
+Her expectations were, however, disappointed, for at the door of the
+villa, after Ernst had helped her to dismount, he got on his horse
+again.
+
+"You are going?" she asked, surprised.
+
+"Yes. I need the open air this afternoon."
+
+"Do not go, Ernst. I wanted to ask you----"
+
+"Good-bye!" he interrupted her, curtly; and before she could make any
+further attempt to detain him he was gone, leaving her a prey to a
+vague anxiety in her ignorance of his intentions.
+
+When Waltenberg reached the forest he checked his horse's speed and
+rode on slowly beneath the dark pines, through the tops of which the
+wind was whistling. He needed no further explanation; he knew
+everything now,--everything! But in the midst of the tempest raging
+within him he was aware of a savage satisfaction: the phantom which had
+tortured him for so long had finally taken on flesh and blood. Now he
+could assail and destroy it!
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XXI.
+
+                              A CHALLENGE.
+
+
+It was evening; Elmhorst was in his office with Dr. Reinsfeld, who had
+arrived half an hour previously, and from the air of both men it was
+evident that the subject of their conversation was a grave one. Benno
+seemed especially agitated.
+
+"So matters stand at present," he concluded, after a long explanation.
+"Gronau came directly to me after his interview with the president, and
+all my efforts to deter him from his purpose are vain. I begged him to
+remember that it would cost him his position with Waltenberg, who never
+could tolerate such an assault upon the fair fame of the uncle and
+guardian of his betrothed, and that he had no positive proof; that
+Nordheim would do all that lay in his power to brand him as a liar
+and slanderer. It was of no use. He reproached me bitterly with
+cowardice,--with indifference to my father's memory. God knows, he was
+wrong there; but--I cannot bring forward the accusation!"
+
+"Wolfgang had listened in silence, a contemptuous smile hovering about
+his lips. It was high time indeed to break off all association with
+that man; never for an instant did he doubt the truth of Gronau's
+suspicions.
+
+"I thank you for your frankness, Benno," he said. "It would have been
+perfectly excusable if you had never taken me into consideration, but
+had acted only as your father's son. I know how great is the regard you
+thus show me."
+
+Benno cast down his eyes; he was conscious that these thanks were
+undeserved. It was not to spare his friend that he would have buried
+that discovery in oblivion.
+
+"You understand that I cannot possibly move in the affair," he
+rejoined. "I must leave it to you to speak with your future
+father-in-law----"
+
+"No," Wolfgang coldly interrupted him.
+
+Reinsfeld gazed at him in surprise. "You will not?
+
+"No, Benno; Grouau has openly declared war to him, as you tell me,
+therefore he is fully prepared; and, moreover, my relations with him
+are no longer what they were. We are parted once for all."
+
+The doctor's amazement was inexpressible: "Parted? And your betrothal
+with Fräulein Alice----"
+
+"Is at an end. I cannot give you a detailed explanation of the matter.
+Nordheim has shown himself to me also,--as what you now know him to be.
+He endeavoured to impose upon me conditions entirely inconsistent, in
+my opinion, with my honour; therefore I was obliged to retire."
+
+Reinsfeld still stared at him, bewildered; he could not understand how
+the man who had once staked everything upon this connection could speak
+thus composedly of his shattered hopes.
+
+"And Alice is free?" he managed to ask at last.
+
+"Yes. But what is the matter with you? What is it?"
+
+Benno had started up in extreme agitation: "Wolf, you never loved your
+betrothed. I am sure of it, or you could not speak so coldly and calmly
+of losing her. You do not even know what you are losing, for you never
+appreciated what you possessed."
+
+There was so passionate a reproach in his words that they betrayed
+everything. Elmhorst was startled, and gazed at the doctor half
+incredulously: "What does this mean? Benno, can it be--what? do you
+love Alice?"
+
+The young physician's honest blue eyes sparkled as he looked into those
+of his friend: "No need to reproach me with it, Wolf. I have never
+spoken a word to your betrothed that you might not have heard, and when
+I saw how impossible it was to struggle against my love, I made up my
+mind to depart. Do you suppose I would ever have accepted the position
+in Neuenfeld, which I more than suspected was the result of the
+president's influence, if any other way out of the difficulty had been
+possible? There was nothing else to do if I wished to leave Oberstein."
+
+The most conflicting sensations were pictured on Wolfgang's features as
+he listened. True, he had never loved his betrothed, but Benno's
+confession touched him very strangely, and there was something akin to
+bitterness in his voice as he said, "Well, I am no longer an obstacle
+in your way, and if you have any hope that your love is returned----"
+
+"It would be vain!" Reinsfeld interposed. "You know now what happened
+between our fathers, enough to separate me from Alice forever."
+
+"Perhaps so, constituted as you are. Another man, on the contrary,
+might use it to force from Nordheim a consent which he assuredly would
+otherwise refuse. That you never could be induced to do."
+
+"No, never!" Benno said, sadly. "I am going to Neuenfeld, and I shall
+in all probability never see Alice again."
+
+They were interrupted by the announcement that Herr Waltenberg wished
+to speak with the engineer-in-chief. Elmhorst instantly arose, and
+Reinsfeld prepared to leave. "Good-night, Wolf," he said, cordially
+extending his hand. "Nothing can sever our friendship; we must always
+be what we have always been to each other,--eh?"
+
+Wolfgang warmly returned the pressure of the hand thus given:
+"Good-night, Benno. I shall see you to-morrow."
+
+He went with him to the door of the room, just as Waltenberg made his
+appearance; a few words were exchanged among the young men, and then
+Reinsfeld departed, and the two were left alone.
+
+Ernst seemed to have regained his self-control during his lonely ride
+of two hours; his manner, at least, was cold and collected, although
+there was still a gleam in his eyes that boded no good.
+
+"I hope I do not interrupt you, Herr Elmhorst?" he said, slowly
+approaching the young engineer.
+
+"No, Herr Waltenberg; I expected you," was the reply.
+
+"So much the better; there is no need, then, of any preface to what I
+am come to say. No, thank you!" he interrupted himself, as Elmhorst
+offered him a chair. "Between us formal courtesy is superfluous. I need
+not tell you why I am here. Our interpretation of the scene of this
+afternoon differed from that of the strangers then present, and I have
+a few words to say to you with regard to it."
+
+"I am quite at your service."
+
+Ernst folded his arms, and there was a trace of contempt in his voice
+as he continued: "I am, as you know, betrothed to Baroness von Thurgau,
+and I am not inclined to allow in my betrothed so intense an interest
+in the peril of another man. But that is a matter between herself and
+myself. What I desire to know at present is how far you are implicated
+in this interest. Do you love Fräulein von Thurgau?"
+
+The question sounded like a threat, but Wolfgang's answer came
+instantly and simply: "Yes."
+
+A flash of deadly hatred shot from Ernst Waltenberg's eyes, and yet
+this confession told him nothing new. He knew from Erna herself that
+she had loved another, but he had fancied that he should have to seek
+that other in the grave, among the shades. Here he stood living before
+him, the man who could sacrifice an Erna to wretched mammon; a man
+incapable of a pure, exalted affection, and who yet held his head as
+haughtily erect as if there were no reason why he should bow before any
+on earth. This irritated Ernst still more.
+
+"And this love does not probably date from to-day or from yesterday? As
+far as I know, you have frequented the house of the president for
+years,--before I returned from Europe, before Baroness von Thurgau was
+betrothed."
+
+"I regret being obliged to refuse to give you any satisfaction on these
+points," Wolfgang replied, as frigidly as before. "I am quite ready to
+answer any question you have a right to put. I refuse to submit to a
+cross-examination."
+
+"I can well believe it," Waltenberg declared, with a bitter laugh. "You
+would fare but ill in such an examination,--as the betrothed of Alice
+Nordheim."
+
+Elmhorst bit his lip,--the shot found a joint in his armour, but he
+recovered himself in an instant:
+
+"First of all, Herr Waltenberg, I must request you to change your tone,
+if this conversation is to be prolonged. I will tolerate no insults,
+least of all, as you well know, from yourself."
+
+"I am not to blame if the truth insults you," Ernst retorted,
+arrogantly. "Contradict my words, and I will retract them. Until you
+do, you must allow me to entertain my own opinion with regard to a man
+who loves, or pretends to love, a woman while he woos and wins a
+wealthy heiress. You cannot possibly ask esteem for such a paltr----"
+
+"Enough!" Wolfgang cut short his words. "No need of abuse to attain
+your end. I am perfectly aware of why you are here, and I will not balk
+you. But such words as you are using I forbid. I am in my own house."
+
+He confronted his antagonist erect and very pale. Something in the man
+commanded respect, even as he thus repelled the imputation which his
+conduct had ostensibly deserved. Ernst could not but feel that his
+rival bore himself with dignity, hard as it was to admit it.
+
+"You adopt a lofty tone," said Waltenberg, with a sneer. "'Tis a pity
+your betrothed is not here; in her presence there might not be so much
+conscious rectitude in your manner."
+
+"I am no longer betrothed," Wolfgang coldly declared.
+
+Waltenberg retreated a step in extreme amazement.
+
+"What--what do you mean?"
+
+"I simply inform you of a fact to show you that the cause for the
+imputation with which you would insult me exists no longer, for _I_ was
+the one to withdraw from the engagement."
+
+"When? For what reason?" The questions were put hurriedly.
+
+"On these points I owe you no explanation."
+
+"I am not so sure of that, for here, as it seems to me, you are
+reckoning upon my magnanimity. You are mistaken. I never will release
+Erna; and she herself, as I know, will never ask her release at my
+hands. She does not make a promise to-day to break it to-morrow, and
+she is far too proud to give herself to a man who preferred wealth to
+her love."
+
+"Pray cease your attempts to use the old weapon: it has lost its
+point," Elmhorst said, sternly. "Born and bred in the very lap of
+luxury as you were, ignorant of all self-denial, what can you know of
+the struggles and efforts of one longing to rise, consumed by ambition
+to win recognition for himself, to attain a great goal? I yielded to
+temptation, yes; but I have delivered my soul now, and can bid defiance
+to your boasted virtue. You too would have succumbed if life had denied
+you fortune and happiness,--you first of all,--and it may be you would
+not have fought your way free as I have, for, by heaven! the struggle
+is no easy one."
+
+There was such convincing truth in his words that Ernst was silent. He
+to whom luxury was a necessity of existence could hardly have withstood
+temptation; but because he could not help the conviction that this was
+so, did he all the more detest the man who had come off conqueror in
+the fiercest of all battles,--the conflict with self.
+
+"And now go, and hold your betrothed to her promise," Wolfgang went on,
+still more bitterly. "She will not break it, nor will she forgive me
+for what has been. There you are right. I have paid for my wrong-doing
+with my happiness. Force Erna to bestow upon you her hand; her love you
+cannot gain, for that belongs to me,--to me alone!"
+
+"Ah, you dare----!" Ernst began, furiously, but paused before the cold,
+proud triumph in the eyes that met his own.
+
+"Well? upon what ground now would you quarrel with me? That I love your
+betrothed is hardly an insult; that I am beloved you cannot pardon. I
+never knew it myself before to-day."
+
+Waltenberg looked as if he would fain have flown at the throat
+of the man who thus uttered what could not be gainsaid; in a voice
+half stifled by passion be rejoined, "Then you can easily conceive
+that I shall hardly consent to share the love of my betrothed with
+another,--with a living rival at least."
+
+Elmhorst shrugged his shoulders: "Is this a challenge?"
+
+"Yes, and the affair had best be concluded as soon as possible. I will
+send Herr Gronau to you to-morrow to make the necessary arrangements,
+and I hope you will agree that to-morrow shall decide----"
+
+"Not at all," Elmhorst interrupted him. "I shall have no time
+to-morrow, nor the day after."
+
+"No time for an affair of honour?"
+
+"No, Herr Waltenberg. In fact, I have no great opinion of these affairs
+of honour which consist in trying to put an end as quickly as possible
+to a man whom one hates. But there are cases in which one must be false
+to his convictions rather than incur the imputation of cowardice. So I
+am ready. But we workingmen have an honour of our own apart from that
+cherished as such by the favoured idlers of society, and mine demands
+that I should not expose myself to the possibility of being shot before
+the task which I have undertaken to fulfil has been accomplished. In
+eight or ten days the Wolkenstein bridge will be finished,--I shall
+then have completed my task; I shall have seen my work accomplished.
+Then I shall be at your disposal, but not an hour sooner. Until then
+you will be obliged to curb your impatience."
+
+There was an almost contemptuous deliberation in the manner in which
+all this was stated to the man to whom it was scarcely intelligible.
+Waltenberg had never worked, never devised anything that he loved and
+would fain see completed; he had never done aught save follow the
+impulse of the whim of the moment. Now this impulse incited him to the
+destruction of his enemy or to his own ruin,--he did not stop to ask
+which; but to be obliged to wait for days, to stay his thirst for
+revenge,--the thing seemed an impossibility.
+
+"And if I do not accept this condition?" he asked, sharply.
+
+"Then I do not accept your challenge. The choice is yours."
+
+Ernst clinched his fist in suppressed fury; but he saw that he must
+submit: it was his antagonist's right to require this delay.
+
+"So be it, then!" he said, controlling himself by an effort. "In from
+eight to ten days. I rely upon your word."
+
+"You will find me ready."
+
+A formal, hostile bow was given on both sides, and Ernst left the room,
+while Elmhorst slowly walked to the window.
+
+Outside, the moon, visible now and then among the clouds, cast an
+uncertain light over the landscape. For a moment it emerged clearly,
+and in its rays was revealed the bridge, the bold structure which had
+promised its creator so proud a future. And out into the same light
+strode the man who had sworn his death,--whose hand was sure when
+a foe was to be removed from his path. Wolfgang made no effort at
+self-deception: he bade farewell to his dreams for the future, as he
+had already bidden farewell to his happiness.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XXII.
+
+                          AN UNEXPECTED VISIT.
+
+
+Dr. Reinsfeld sat in his room, writing diligently. So much had to be
+arranged and prepared for his successor, who was to arrive in the
+course of the next week, and who was to buy the house and furniture.
+The young physician's belongings were not very valuable, nevertheless
+he looked about him upon his poor possessions with a sad, yearning
+expression. Here he had been so happy, and so miserable!
+
+A carriage drove up and stopped before his door. Benno looked up from
+his writing to see who his visitor might be, and then hurried to the
+door, in surprise, as he recognized the graceful figure of Frau
+Gersdorf about to alight. This distinguished relative, whose
+acquaintance he had formerly dreaded to make, had come to be his
+cherished little friend, whose interest in his unhappy love was
+intense. He had been obliged to discourage this interest of hers, but
+he was nevertheless grateful for it.
+
+He went out with a welcome upon his lips to open the carriage door, but
+started, dismayed, for beside his young cousin sat a shyly shrinking
+figure,--Alice Nordheim.
+
+"Yes, I am not alone," said Molly, highly delighted by the effect of
+her surprise. "We have been out driving, and did not wish to pass
+through Oberstein without seeing you. Well, Benno, are you not glad we
+stopped?"
+
+Reinsfeld stood dumfounded. Driving in this cold rainy weather? Why had
+Alice come? And why did she tremble so as he helped her out of the
+carriage, seeming afraid to look at him? He could not utter a word; but
+indeed there was no need that he should, for Frau Gersdorf gave no one
+any chance to speak. She chattered on until they were in Benno's study,
+and then she began afresh:
+
+"And so here we are. You wanted to come, Alice, and now you look as if
+you would like to run away. Why? I may surely call upon my cousin if I
+please, and you are with me, chaperoned by a married woman, so your
+duenna can make no possible objection. And you need not be in the least
+embarrassed, children. I know everything,--I grasp the entire
+situation, and it is very natural that you should wish to talk to each
+other. So now begin!"
+
+She seated herself in the arm-chair which the doctor had just left, and
+prepared with great solemnity to assist at the interview. But a long
+pause ensued,--neither Alice nor Benno spoke,--and, after some minutes
+of silence, Molly began to be tired.
+
+"I dare say you would rather talk without listeners," she remarked.
+"Good! I will go into the next room, and see that no one interrupts
+you."
+
+Without waiting for a reply, she suited the action to the word, and
+left the room for the one adjoining, by the closed door of which she
+placed herself as sentinel.
+
+But Molly had forgotten the other door of the study, which led through
+a small vestibule out into the garden, and she was quite unconscious
+that through the garden Veit Gronau was just now approaching the house,
+leaving Said and Djelma to await him at the garden gate.
+
+Ernst Waltenberg had not returned to Heilborn on the previous evening,
+although he had promised to meet his secretary there. Early this
+morning a messenger from him had brought Gronau the intelligence that
+he had taken up his abode for a few days in the little inn at
+Oberstein, and that the two servants were to be sent to him with all
+that was necessary for his comfort. This had been done, and Veit had
+accompanied them. Driving up the steep mountain-road had been very
+difficult, wherefore all three had preferred to walk the last part of
+the way, leaving the vehicle to bring the luggage.
+
+The foot-path which thay pursued led directly past the doctor's
+garden. Gronau walked up the little enclosure and opened the familiar
+back-door. His last interview with Benno had been a stormy one,--he had
+bitterly reproached the young physician with his indifference,--and his
+kindly nature would not long allow him to cherish any unkind feeling.
+He came now partly to apologize, and partly in hope of finding the
+doctor more in sympathy with his wishes. As the Nordheim carriage was
+standing before the front entrance of the house, he had no suspicion of
+the visit which Benno was receiving, else he would have fled in dismay.
+
+Meanwhile, Frau Gersdorf maintained her guard with unwearied,
+devotion,--a devotion all the more disinterested since the stout oaken
+door effectually deadened the voices of the pair she had left. Their
+conversation, moreover, was far from what she had hoped would ensue.
+
+Benno, after waiting in vain for Alice to break the silence, said,
+gently,--
+
+"And you really wished to come hither, Fräulein Nordheim,--really?"
+
+"Yes, Herr Doctor," was the low, trembling reply.
+
+Reinsfeld knew not what to think. Lately Alice's intercourse with him
+had been perfectly easy and familiar. True, since their last interview
+in the forest, her ease of manner had vanished, but that could not
+explain this alteration in her. She stood pale and trembling before
+him, seeming actually afraid of him, for she retreated timidly when he
+would have approached her.
+
+"You are afraid--of me?" he asked, reproachfully.
+
+She shook her head: "No, not of you, but of what I have to tell you. It
+is so terrible."
+
+Reinsfeld was still puzzled for a moment, and then suddenly the truth
+flashed upon him.
+
+"Good God! You do not know----?"
+
+He paused, for, for the first time, Alice looked up at him with eyes
+filled with such misery, such despair, that all other reply was
+needless. He hastily went up to her and took her hand.
+
+"How could it be? Who could have been so cruel, so dastardly, as to
+distress you with _that_?"
+
+"No one!" the girl said, with an evident effort, "By chance--I
+overheard a conversation between my father and Herr Gronau----"
+
+"You cannot believe I had any share in it!" Benno hastily interposed.
+"I did all that I could to restrain Gronau; I refused to give him my
+sanction."
+
+"I know it,--and for my sake!"
+
+"Yes, for your sake, Alice. What can you fear from me? There was no
+need that you should come hither to entreat my silence."
+
+"I did not come for that," Alice said, softly. "I wanted to ask your
+pardon--your forgiveness for----"
+
+Her voice was lost in a burst of sobs; suddenly she felt herself
+clasped in Benno's arms. She was no longer Wolfgang's betrothed; he was
+no traitor to his friend; he might for once clasp his love in his arms,
+while she wept convulsively upon his breast.
+
+Just at this moment Veit Gronau opened the side-door, and paused in
+dismay upon the threshold. He would have been less amazed if the skies
+had fallen than he was by the sight that met his eyes. Unfortunately,
+he did not possess Frau Gersdorf's diplomatic talent for noiselessly
+disappearing and pretending not to have observed anything; on the
+contrary, his surprise expressed itself in a long-drawn "A--h!"
+
+The lovers started in terror. Alice in great confusion extricated
+herself from Benno's embrace, and the doctor lost all his presence of
+mind, while the intruder maintained his stand upon the threshold, and
+in his dismay never thought of stirring. At last the young girl fled
+into the next room to Molly, while Benno, with a frown, approached his
+unbidden guest: "This is an unexpected visit, Herr Gronau, a surprise
+indeed."
+
+His tone was unusually sharp, but Gronau did not seem to notice it. He
+entered the room, and, with an air of extreme satisfaction, said, "This
+is quite another affair,--quite another affair."
+
+"What of it?" Benno exclaimed, impatiently; but Veit tapped him
+cordially on the shoulder:
+
+"Why did you not tell me this? Now I understand why you would not
+accuse Nordheim. You were quite right, quite right."
+
+"Nor will I suffer any one else to do so," Reinsfeld declared, his
+irritation only aggravated by Gronau's genial tone. "I deny any one's
+right to meddle in my affairs; understand me, Herr Gronau."
+
+"I have no idea of doing anything of the kind," said Gronau, quietly.
+"'Tis well that I have said nothing to Herr Waltenberg as yet. Of
+course the matter must be kept quiet among ourselves. You have been far
+wiser than I, Herr Doctor. How could you bear my scolding so patiently?
+I never gave you credit for such cleverness."
+
+"Can you suppose me capable of sordid calculation?" Benno exclaimed,
+angrily. "I love Alice Nordheim."
+
+"So I saw just now," Veit observed, "And she seemed very willing.
+Bravo! Now we shall go to work with the Herr President very
+differently. We shall say not a word about the stolen invention, but
+shall simply ask for his daughter's hand, and his millions will
+naturally follow it. 'Tis a fact, Benno, that you have shown a vast
+amount of cleverness. Your arrangement of the matter would satisfy even
+your father in his grave."
+
+"That is your view," Benno declared, sadly. "Alice's and mine is very
+different. What you saw was only a farewell forever."
+
+At this intelligence, Veit looked as if he had suddenly received a box
+on the ear.
+
+"Farewell? Forever? Doctor, I verily believe you are out of your
+senses."
+
+The young physician was wont to be all patience and gentleness, but at
+this interference with his most sacred emotions he lost his temper so
+thoroughly that he tried to be rude.
+
+"Herr Gronau, let me reiterate my request that you will no longer
+meddle in my affairs. Do you suppose that I can ever call by the name
+of father a man who so injured my father? You understand nothing of any
+refinement of sentiment."
+
+"No, I suppose not; but all the more do I comprehend what is practical,
+and this matter is as simple as possible. You possess a means of
+forcing Nordheim to consent to your marriage with his daughter, whom
+you love. Use it and marry her. Anything else is nonsense, and that's
+an end of it!"
+
+"My opinion precisely," said a voice from the doorway, and Frau
+Gersdorf, having heard the last words, advanced into the room and took
+part with aplomb in the conversation.
+
+"Herr Gronau is perfectly right. The matter is as plain and simple as
+possible," she repeated. "All you have to do, Benno, is to marry Alice,
+and there's an end of it."
+
+Poor Reinsfeld thus assailed on both sides might well tremble for his
+'refinement of sentiment.' He made up his mind to a final effort, and
+declared,--
+
+"But I will not. I am the one, and the only one, to decide here!"
+
+"A pretty lover you are!" exclaimed Gronau raising his hands to heaven
+in despair.
+
+Molly, however, took a much more practical view of the case, and
+attacked Benno's obstinacy from the other side.
+
+"Benno!" she said, reproachfully, "there sits poor Alice in the next
+room crying her very heart out. Will you not try at least to comfort
+her?"
+
+This was perfectly successful. Benno hesitated for a moment, but only
+for a moment, then he rushed into the next room.
+
+"There! he will not come back for some time," said Molly, closing the
+door behind him. "Now we can take the affair in hand, Herr Gronau."
+
+But this was too much for Veit Gronau's declared distrust of womankind.
+Charming as was this new ally, her very presence reminded him of how
+false to his avowed principles he was in thus standing godfather to a
+love-affair. He suddenly remembered his attendant spirits still waiting
+at the garden gate, and with a hurried and awkward apology he took his
+leave, while Frau Gersdorf, with much self-satisfaction, seated herself
+in the doctor's study to await the close of the interview in the next
+room, and to reflect upon the vicissitudes that beset the path in life
+of a self-constituted guardian angel.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+                            A JEALOUS LOVER.
+
+
+For three days there had been raging in the Wolkenstein district a
+storm which even in this mountain-region was held to be unprecedented
+in violence. The keen blasts of November set in several weeks earlier
+this year and were unusual in their fury. In addition, the rain poured
+down day and night; in certain valleys there had been rain-spouts which
+had deluged the fields, and had so swollen streams and brooks that they
+had burst all bounds, overflowed their banks, and made travel
+impossible. Communication with Heilborn was interrupted, intercourse
+between neighbouring hamlets and villages was maintained with
+difficulty, and the danger increased from hour to hour.
+
+In the Nordheim villa preparations had been made for a return to the
+capital, but any such intention had to be given up, since travel was
+not to be thought of in this weather. All regretted the impossibility,
+and longed to be gone, for the entire household was oppressed as by
+some gloomy spell.
+
+Alice pleaded indisposition, and had not left her room for several
+days, availing herself of this pretext to avoid meeting her father,
+whom she had dreaded since their last interview; but the president's
+mind was filled with far other anxieties. He probably never noticed his
+child's avoidance of him, nor was he aware of the strained relations
+existing of late between Erna and her betrothed.
+
+The good fortune which had befriended him hitherto during his life
+seemed all at once to be forsaking him; it was as if some hostile power
+were at work, frustrating all his efforts, confusing all his schemes,
+and confounding all his expectations.
+
+The boldly-conceived plan, the success of which was to gain him
+millions, was shattered, and its ruin came from a quarter whence he had
+never looked for it. The man whom he thought indissolubly bound to
+himself and to his interests withdrew from his plans at the decisive
+moment, and made their execution impossible. Nordheim knew perfectly
+well that if the engineer-in-chief, his future son-in-law, refused to
+approve the estimates as they had been made out, it would be impossible
+to present them to the company. The scheme was naught since Elmhorst
+refused his aid, opposing a frigid refusal to all efforts to persuade
+him. There had been a brief, stern interview between the two men, and
+it had set the seal upon their estrangement.
+
+Then Wolfgang had spent an hour with his betrothed. What had passed at
+this interview no one was told, not even the girl's father. Alice, with
+unwonted decision, refused to speak of it, but the parting had surely
+not been unkindly, for when Elmhorst left the house, not to enter it
+again, Alice had waved him a farewell from the window more cordial than
+any she had ever vouchsafed him while they were betrothed, and he had
+responded with equal cordiality.
+
+Nordheim was not a man to bear with equanimity the ruin of schemes
+which he had spent years in developing, and to his vexation on that
+score was added annoyance at Gronau's threats, which he had at first
+underestimated. He regretted that he had not attempted at least to
+conciliate the former friend, whose restless energy he had been
+familiar with of old. It had been a mistake to make an enemy of him, a
+mistake which might have serious consequences.
+
+For the moment it was, however, all thrown into the background in view
+of a threatened loss which dwarfed all other anxiety in the president's
+mind. The mountain-railway, which should have been completed in a few
+days, was in great peril from the freshets. From all quarters came
+terrifying reports,--one piece of bad news followed another. The injury
+done was already serious; if the storm should continue and the water
+mount higher it might be incalculable, and Nordheim was implicated
+pecuniarily to an extent which could not but be very grave even to a
+man of his vast wealth.
+
+Erna and Molly, whose departure had been perforce postponed, were in
+the drawing-room. The lawsuit which had brought Gersdorf to Heilborn
+had been decided by a compromise, the arrangement of which detained the
+lawyer a few days longer. His wife was at first delighted, for in her
+capacity of guardian angel she considered her presence in the Nordheim
+household as absolutely necessary, although, to her great
+disappointment, she was obliged to admit that she had nothing here to
+protect.
+
+The engineer-in-chief had retired; his betrothal with Alice was
+dissolved, as all the family now knew, and Alice obstinately refused to
+open her heart to her friend. Benno was just as impracticable, seeming
+to persist in his idea of a separation, and, worse than all, no human
+being required any advice or counsel from Frau Doctor Gersdorf, who was
+naturally indignant at such base insensibility.
+
+"That is my reward for my philanthropy," she said, very much out of
+humour. "Here I sit, as upon a desert island in the midst of the ocean,
+cut off from all the world, separated from my husband, in danger of
+being swept away at any moment by a deluge. Albert may be obliged to
+rescue my corpse from the raging element and return to town an
+inconsolable widower. I wonder if he will marry again? It would be
+horrible. I should turn in my grave. But then men are capable of
+anything."
+
+Erna, standing at the window looking out at the storm and rain, hardly
+heard this chatter; her thoughts were elsewhere.
+
+"We are not in any peril here, Molly," she said at last. "The house is
+perfectly safe, standing as high as it does, but I am afraid matters
+look serious in Oberstein and on the railway."
+
+"Oh, the engineer-in-chief will take care of that," Molly declared,
+confidently. "We hear from all sides of his heroic conduct, how he
+accomplishes the impossible. We never did this Elmhorst justice. He
+released Alice although he resigned millions by so doing, and now he is
+exerting himself to the utmost to preserve the railway for your uncle,
+although they separated in anger. Confess, Erna, that you were
+prejudiced against him."
+
+"Yes--I was," Erna replied, softly.
+
+"There comes your betrothed!" exclaimed Molly, joining Erna at the
+window. "How odd he looks! The water is actually pouring from his
+waterproof; he has ridden over from Oberstein in this storm. I think he
+would really go through fire and water for one hour with you. But
+marriage puts an end to all that, my child; trust the experience of a
+wife of four months. My lord and master sits calmly with his manuscript
+in Heilborn and waits until the weather is clear enough to come to me.
+Your romantic Ernst appears, indeed, to be made of different stuff. But
+what is the matter with him? For three days he has been glooming about
+like a thunder-cloud, never taking his eyes off you when you are in the
+room. It is positively terrible to see you together. Nothing will
+persuade me that there has not something occurred between you. Do be
+frank with me, Erna; open your heart to me. I am as silent as the
+grave."
+
+She clasped her hands upon her breast in asseveration of her
+trustworthiness, but Erna, instead of throwing herself into her arms
+and confessing, returned the greeting of her betrothed as he alighted
+from his horse, and then said, evasively, "You are quite mistaken,
+Molly; nothing has happened,--nothing at all."
+
+Frau Gersdorf turned away provoked: no one seemed in the least need of
+a guardian angel; these people had a very stupid way of managing their
+affairs themselves. The little lady could not understand it, and she
+rustled out of the room decidedly out of humour.
+
+Scarcely was she gone when Waltenberg entered. He had laid aside his
+hat and cloak, but nevertheless his dress showed traces of the storm,
+against which no cloak was a protection. He greeted his betrothed with
+his usual chivalric courtesy, but there was something chilling in his
+air which was strangely contradicted by the glow in his dark eyes.
+Molly was right: he was indeed like some thunder-cloud, whose depths
+threaten ominously.
+
+Erna went to meet him in evident embarrassment; she had learned to
+dread this icy calm.
+
+"Well, how is all going on outside?" she said. "You come directly from
+Oberstein?"
+
+"Yes, but I had to take a roundabout way, for the mountain-road is
+under water. Oberstein itself looks tolerably secure, but the villagers
+have entirely lost their heads, and are running about bewailing
+themselves incessantly. Dr. Reinsfeld is doing all that he can to bring
+them to reason, and Gronau is giving him all possible support, but the
+people are behaving like lunatics because they think their paltry
+belongings are in peril.
+
+"Those paltry belongings, however, are all that they have in the
+world," the girl interposed. "Their own lives and those of their
+families depend upon them."
+
+Ernst shrugged his shoulders indifferently: "I suppose so; but what is
+that in comparison with the tremendous loss sustained by the railway?
+As I entered the house just now tidings of fresh disasters were brought
+to the president. Nothing but ill news from all quarters. Everything
+seems to be imperilled."
+
+"But they are working away desperately; can it be entirely in vain?"
+
+"Yes, the engineer-in-chief is waging desperate warfare against the
+elements," Ernst said, with a kind of savage satisfaction. "He is
+defending his beloved creation to the death, but against such
+catastrophes no mortal power avails. The water is steadily rising, the
+dikes are giving way, and the bridges on the lower portion of the road
+are already carried off. All nature seems in revolt."
+
+Erna was silent. She went again to the window, and looked out into the
+mist, which made any distant view impossible. Even the stretch of
+railway in the vicinity of the villa was invisible, while the roaring
+of the waters was distinctly audible. Below there Wolfgang was doing
+battle at the head of his men, fighting, perhaps, in vain.
+
+"The Wolkenstein bridge stands firm, at all events," Waltenberg
+continued. "Herr Elmhorst ought to be satisfied with that, and not
+expose himself so foolishly, as he does at every opportunity. He is no
+coward, it must be admitted, but it is folly to risk his life to save
+every dike that is threatened. He does wonders at the head of his
+engineers and labourers, who follow his lead blindly. They had better
+take care, or he will drag them with him to destruction."
+
+There was a cold, calculating cruelty in his way of speaking to his
+betrothed of the peril threatening the life of the man whom he knew she
+loved. She turned and gave him a sad, reproachful glance: "Ernst!"
+
+"Beg pardon?" he asked, without heeding her glance.
+
+"Why do you avoid the frank explanation which I have so often tried to
+give you? Do you not wish for it?"
+
+"No, I do not desire it. Let us be silent about it."
+
+"Because you know that your silence torments me more than any
+reproaches, and because it gives you pleasure to torment me."
+
+The girl's eyes flashed, but her passionate outbreak was met with icy
+coolness: "How you misapprehend me! I wish to spare you a painful
+explanation."
+
+"And why? I do not feel guilty. I will neither deny nor conceal
+anything----"
+
+"No more than you did at our betrothal!" he interposed, severely. "You
+were very frank then--about everything save the name. You intentionally
+left me in error,--an error for which I was originally accountable."
+
+"I feared----"
+
+"For him--of course! I perfectly understand that. But reassure
+yourself. I am not particular as to time; I can wait."
+
+Erna shuddered at his strange, significant words: "Wait--for what? For
+God's sake tell me what you mean!"
+
+His smile was cold and cruel as he replied, "How timid you have grown!
+You used to be braver; but in fact there is one thing which can inspire
+you with absolutely senseless terror, as I have seen."
+
+"And for this one thing you force me to do penance daily! It is an
+ignoble revenge, Ernst. I will refuse you no answer, no confession,
+that you ask for: only tell me, have you spoken with Wolfgang Elmhorst
+since that day?"
+
+A full minute passed before Ernst replied, during which he studied her
+every feature intently. "Yes," he said slowly, at last.
+
+"And what passed between you?" Her voice trembled with suppressed
+anxiety, though she tried hard to control it.
+
+"Excuse me, that is a matter between Herr Elmhorst and myself. But you
+need not distress yourself: I found Herr Elmhorst quite ready to
+forestall my wishes, and we parted, understanding each other
+perfectly."
+
+He emphasized every word ironically, and his irony drove Erna to the
+last extremity. Hitherto she had mutely endured everything lest she
+should irritate him still more against Wolfgang. She knew that he would
+fain be revenged upon him; but now, thoroughly roused, she said,
+indignantly, "Take care, Ernst; do not go too far. You may repent it. I
+am not yet your wife; I can still release myself----"
+
+She did not finish her sentence, for Waltenberg's grasp upon her wrist
+was like steel, as he muttered, "Try it; the day that you sever the tie
+between us is the last of his life."
+
+Erna grew pale: his face told her more than his threat. Now that he had
+dropped the mask of coolness and irony there was in his expression
+something tiger-like, and the evil fire in his eyes made her shudder.
+She knew he would suit his deeds to his words.
+
+"You are horrible!" she said, below her breath. "I--submit!"
+
+"I knew it," he said, with a laugh. "My arguments are convincing."
+
+He slowly released her hand, for Molly, having got over her fit of the
+sulks, entered the room, curious to know how all was faring in
+Oberstein, what her cousin Benno was doing, and how it looked along the
+railway; she had, as usual, a thousand questions to ask.
+
+Waltenberg replied courteously; he had instantly recovered his
+self-possession, and one would never have suspected the tiger-like
+nature that he had betrayed a moment before.
+
+"If it would give you pleasure, and you are not afraid of the rain, we
+might ride down," he said, after a detailed description of the freshet.
+
+"Pleasure!" cried Molly, who with all her waywardness was truly
+tender-hearted. "How can you use the word in view of such misery?"
+
+"True," Ernst replied, with a shrug, "a single man can avail nothing;
+but I assure you the spectacle is extremely interesting."
+
+Erna uttered no word of reproof, but this utter selfishness inspired
+her with horror. Down below there, hundreds were expending their utmost
+force to preserve a bold creation upon which they had laboured for
+years; enormous sums of money were at stake, and, moreover, the poor
+mountaineers were threatened with the loss of their little all. Ernst
+had not one word of compassion or of sympathy in view of this calamity;
+he regarded it all as a very interesting spectacle, and if he
+experienced any other sensation, it was satisfaction that the work of
+his enemy was menaced with ruin.
+
+And this man would force her to spend an entire, long life at his side;
+she must belong to him body and soul; and should she rebel and try to
+break the chain which she had almost involuntarily allowed to be thrown
+around her in a moment of surprise, he threatened her with the death of
+him whom she loved, and thus disarmed her. He had found a menace before
+which all defiance, all opposition, vanished.
+
+The president's voice was heard in the next room giving orders in an
+agitated tone, and the next moment he appeared, very pale, and
+evidently retaining his composure only by a great effort. According to
+the latest intelligence, the worst was to be apprehended; he wanted to
+go down himself and see how matters stood with the railway. Waltenberg
+immediately declared his intention of accompanying him; and, turning to
+his betrothed, he asked, as quietly as if nothing special had passed
+between them, "Will you not come too, Erna? We shall ride to those
+places that are in the greatest peril. I know you are not afraid."
+
+Erna hesitated for a few seconds, and then hastily consented. She must
+see what was going on; she could not wait and watch here, looking out
+into the driving mist which veiled everything, and only hearing reports
+from the scene of disaster. They were going to the places in the
+greatest peril; Wolfgang would be there. She should at least see him!
+
+Molly, who did not understand how any one could venture out in such
+weather, looked after them, shaking her head, as they rode away. Even
+the president was on horseback, for in the present condition of
+the roads the mountain conveyances were quite useless; the stout
+mountain-ponies had much ado to get over the ground through the thick
+mud. The little party rode on in oppressive silence; now and then
+Waltenberg made a brief remark, which was scarcely heeded. They took
+their way first to the Wolkenstein bridge.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+                             THE AVALANCHE.
+
+
+The Wolkenstein had shrouded its crest more closely than ever: heavy
+clouds were encamped about its peak and floated around its cliffs; wild
+glacial torrents were rushing down from its ice-fields, and blasts of
+wind raged over it day and night. The Alpine Fay was extending her
+sceptre over her domain; the savage queen of the mountains was revealed
+in all her terrific might, in all her terrible majesty.
+
+The autumnal tempests had often been disastrous: more than once they
+had brought freshets and avalanches; many a village, many a lonely
+mountain-range, had suffered; but such a catastrophe as this had not
+occurred in the memory of man. Strangely enough, the hamlets were
+comparatively spared; the storms and floods threatened the railway,
+which, following the course of the stream, traversed the entire
+Wolkenstein district, and with its myriad bridges and structures
+offered many a point for attack.
+
+The engineer-in-chief had, with his accustomed foresight and energy,
+adopted precautionary measures from the first. The entire force of
+labourers was called out to protect the railway; the engineers were at
+their posts day and night. Elmhorst seemed to be everywhere at once. He
+flew from one threatened spot to another, exhorting, commanding,
+inspiring courage, and exposing himself recklessly to danger. His
+example fired the rest: all that mortal energy could do was done; but
+human strength is vain in a conflict with the unfettered elements.
+
+For three days and nights the rain had been pouring in torrents; the
+countless veins of water, wont to trickle harmlessly and in silver
+clearness from the heights, rushed in cataracts down into the valley;
+the brooks were swollen rivers, breaking through the forests, and
+tearing away with them huge rocks and uprooted pines, all hurrying
+towards the mountain-stream, whose waters steadily rose, and dashed
+their foaming, tumbling waves against the railway-dikes. They could no
+longer resist the savage onslaught, and at last they were flooded here
+and torn down there,--the wet, soggy ground gave way everywhere and
+carried with it woodwork and masonry. The bridges too could no longer
+resist; one after another succumbed to the assault of the waves, the
+force of which it was vain to try to stem. In consequence of the
+pouring rain, both ground and rock gave way; one of the stations was
+entirely destroyed, and the others were much injured. The raging wind
+increased tenfold all danger and the difficulty for the labourers. Had
+the engineer-in-chief not been at their head, the people must have
+given up in despair, and have merely looked on at the destruction they
+thought themselves powerless to prevent.
+
+But Wolfgang Elmhorst fought the battle to the bitter end. Step by
+step, as he had once conquered this domain, he now defended it. He
+would not succumb, would not give over his work to ruin; but whilst he
+was thus putting forth all the energies of his nature in saving it from
+destruction there rang in his ears incessantly the last words of old
+Baron von Thurgau: 'Have a care of our mountains, lest, when you are so
+arrogantly interfering with them, they rush down upon you and shatter
+all your bridges and structures like reeds. I should like to stand by
+and see the accursed work a heap of ruins!'
+
+The gloomy prophecy seemed near its fulfilment, after all these years.
+Forests and rocks had been penetrated, streams turned aside, and the
+spacious mountain-realm bound in the iron fetters that were to make it
+subservient to human purposes. Men had boasted that they had subdued
+and chained the Alpine Fay, and now just as their work was drawing to a
+close she had arisen from her cloudy throne and angrily protested. She
+was descending in storm and destruction, and before her breath all the
+proud structures of man's devising were crumbling to ruin. No courage,
+no energy, no desperate struggle, availed; the savage elemental Force
+hurled to destruction in the space of a few days all that which it had
+cost human ingenuity years of toil to effect, laughing to scorn those
+who had dreamed of subduing it.
+
+The Wolkenstein bridge, it is true, stood secure and firm when
+everything else was being swept away. Even the white, seething foam
+tossed aloft by the dashing river did not reach it, suspended as it was
+at a dizzy height above the abyss. And all the blasts of heaven raged
+in vain against the iron ribs of the huge structure. It rested upon its
+rocky foundations, as if built to bid defiance to destruction for all
+eternity.
+
+The station which served as a temporary habitation for the
+engineer-in-chief had since the beginning of the storm been the
+head-quarters where all reports were received and whence all orders
+were issued. This portion of the railway had been hitherto thought
+secure, for at this place it crossed one of the narrow, deep valleys,
+passed over the Wolkenstein bridge, and then on the lofty steep cliffs
+turned again to the mountain-river, which just here made a large curve.
+The freshet which was so destructive to the lower stretch of railway
+could not reach this upper portion. But now glacial torrents had broken
+loose from the Wolkenstein, and the masses of mud and fragments of rock
+which they brought with them extended even to the bridge. The danger
+here must have been imminent, for Elmhorst himself was on the spot
+directing the labourers.
+
+In the prevailing confusion and hurry the arrival of the president and
+his companions was hardly noticed; one or two of the engineers,
+however, came towards them and confirmed the latest reports. In spite
+of the storm, the work went on with feverish persistence, crowds of
+labourers were busy near the bridge and also near the station, while
+the rain poured down in torrents and the wind howled so fiercely that
+it was often impossible to hear the shouted directions of the
+engineers.
+
+Nordheim alighted from his horse and approached Elmhorst, who left his
+post and came to meet him. Both had believed that the interview in
+which the tie between them had been dissolved would be a final one, but
+they now saw and talked with each other daily, scarcely conscious, in
+the magnitude of the disaster that had befallen the railway, of any
+embarrassment in their relations. They knew best what there was to lose
+here, and a community of interest still united them closely.
+
+"You are here on the upper stretch?" the president asked, anxiously.
+"And the lower----"
+
+"Must be given up!" Wolfgang completed the sentence. "It was impossible
+to secure it any longer. The dikes are broken through, the bridges
+carried away. I have left only a few of the men to protect the
+stations, and have concentrated all my available force here. We must
+control these cataracts at all hazards."
+
+Nordheim's uncertain glance sought first the bridge, and then the
+station, where a number of men were busy: "What are they doing there?
+You are having the house cleared out?"'
+
+"I am having the books and papers, the plans and drawings, carried to a
+place of security, for there is danger of an avalanche from the
+Wolkenstein; we have had one or two warnings."
+
+"That too!" the president muttered, in despair; then, turning suddenly,
+as a thought struck him, "Good God! you do not think the bridge----?"
+
+"No," said Wolfgang, drawing a deep breath. "The enclosed forest
+protects the abyss, and the bridge with it; no avalanche can break that
+down. I foresaw and provided for this danger when I planned it."
+
+"It would be fearful," Nordheim groaned. "The injury even now is
+incalculable. Should the bridge go all is lost!"
+
+The frown on Elmhorst's brow deepened at this outburst of despair.
+
+"Control yourself!" he said, in a low tone, but with emphasis. "We are
+observed; every one is looking at us. We must set an example of courage
+and hope, or the people will lose heart."
+
+"Hope!" the president repeated, catching at the word as a drowning man
+clutches a straw. "Have you really any hope?"
+
+"No; but I shall fight to the last."
+
+Nordheim looked the speaker in the face. His pale, stern features gave
+no hint of the tempest raging within, and yet for him everything was at
+stake. After the fading of his dreams of wealth and power, his work was
+all that was left to him upon which to build a future if he lived, and
+to be at least his enduring monument if he should fall by Waltenberg's
+hand. It was now imperilled. And yet he stood erect and struggled on,
+while the president was the image of impotent despair. What did he care
+if others observed his hopelessness? What was it to him that an example
+of courage was expected from a man in his position? He thought only of
+the gigantic losses which the catastrophe would cause him,--losses
+which might ruin him.
+
+"I must return to my post," said Wolfgang. "If you stay, choose
+carefully the spot where you stand. Stones and earth are continually
+sliding down: we have had several accidents already."
+
+He turned again towards the bridge, and then first noticed that
+Nordheim had not come alone. For a moment he paused, and his glance
+sought Erna. He divined what had brought her hither; he knew that she
+feared for him, but he made no attempt to approach her, for at her side
+was the man to whom she belonged, who, mute and inexorable as fate
+itself, considered her absolutely his property. Waltenberg marked the
+anxious glance of distress which followed Wolfgang as he returned to
+his men and took up his stand on a threatened dam, and, as if by
+accident, he put his hand upon the bridle of the other horse and held
+it fast.
+
+Suddenly behind the pair Gronau's tall figure appeared; muddy and
+drenched, but entirely at his ease, he slowly approached. "Here we
+are," he said, with a bow. "We come directly from Oberstein, but we
+swam rather than walked."
+
+"We?" asked Ernst. "Is Dr. Reinsfeld with you?"
+
+"Yes; we succeeded at last in bringing the Obersteiners to their senses
+and in convincing them that their home was not in danger this time. It
+was a hard piece of work, and we were scarcely through with it when a
+messenger arrived from the engineer-in-chief to ask the doctor to come
+and see after some men who had been accidentally injured. The good
+doctor, of course, ran his fastest, and I ran too, for I thought
+another pair of stout arms might not come amiss, and it was well I did
+so. I have established myself in the house there as hospital nurse, and
+have just come for an instant to let you know I am here, for my hands
+are quite full."
+
+"There have been accidents, then. I hope nothing serious?" Erna asked,
+eagerly.
+
+Gronau shrugged his shoulders; "One of the men was carried away by a
+cataract and fished out in a mangled condition; the doctor is afraid he
+cannot pull him through; and another was struck on the head by a
+fragment of falling rock; his case too is serious; the others are only
+slightly injured."
+
+"If Dr. Reinsfeld needs help I am ready to do all I can," the young
+girl declared, turning her horse as if to go to the house Grouau had
+pointed out.
+
+"Thanks, Fräulein von Thurgau, we can get along very well by
+ourselves," Veit replied, while Waltenberg looked at his betrothed in
+surprise.
+
+"What, Erna, you? There are others to do that work. Gronau is helping
+the doctor. Why so superfluously heroic?"
+
+"Because I cannot endure to stand idly and unsympathetically by while
+every one else is toiling to the very death!"
+
+There was a stern reproof in her words, but Ernst did not seem to
+understand it: "No, you certainly are not unsympathetic, you are
+actually trembling with emotion," he observed. "But, in fact, the men
+are using their utmost exertions in spite of the danger that
+continually threatens them."
+
+"Because the engineer-in-chief is always foremost in peril," Veit
+continued the sentence. "If he were not everywhere, showing them an
+example of scorn of all danger, they would waver and hesitate; but such
+a leader inspires even the timid. There he stands in the very centre of
+that dam which the water may carry away at any moment, and issues his
+orders as if he could control the entire mountain-realm. For three days
+now he has been battling with this accursed Alpine fiend, who seems
+positively mad with fury, and I verily believe he will get the upper
+hand of her. But I must go back to the doctor. Good-bye."
+
+He went, and the president, who just then returned to his companions,
+saw him as he vanished within-doors. He shuddered involuntarily; the
+appearance of this man was one more evil omen,--it reminded him that a
+danger menaced him which had nothing to do with the present peril,
+already terrible enough.
+
+His short conversation with Wolfgang had deprived Nordheim of the last
+gleam of hope. If the upper stretch of railway were destroyed, what
+would remain of all the buildings, the erection of which had absorbed
+millions, and which he could not possibly restore? He had from the
+beginning owned the chief part of the railway stock, and of late, in
+view of the enormous profit he hoped to gain upon his retirement, he
+had greatly increased the number of his shares, so that the tremendous
+loss would be his almost alone. He knew that his property, invested in
+many other speculations, could not stand such a blow, and if Gronau
+should make good his threat and accuse him publicly, all was lost. The
+millionaire secure in his position might perhaps have defied him, the
+half-ruined speculator would be overwhelmed; Nordheim knew the world in
+which he had lived so long.
+
+Neither his energy nor his presence of mind stood him in stead now. The
+man who had for so long been the spoiled darling of Fortune, for whom
+everything had turned to gain, could not understand how she could
+suddenly prove thus false to him. He had always been a bold, clever man
+of business, but he had no force of character; in misfortune he was
+pitiably cast down. In dull, dumb despair he stood gazing at the men,
+at whose head the engineer-in-chief had again placed himself.
+
+Wolfgang seemed to be everywhere; one moment he was standing on the
+most imperilled part of the dam, anon he breasted the tempest in the
+centre of the bridge, and then he hurried to the station-house to issue
+his orders thence. He was dripping from head to foot,--the water was
+trickling from his hair, from his clothes; he did not seem to feel it,
+or to be in need of either rest or refreshment, and yet nothing but the
+most fearful tension of mind and body sustained him in the conflict
+which had now been going on for three times four-and-twenty hours.
+These were hours when Wolfgang Elmhorst might have forced even his
+bitterest enemies to respect and admire him.
+
+And his mortal enemy was thus forced, but none the less did his hatred
+and jealousy burn fiercely. Waltenberg was familiar with danger,--he
+had often invoked it and dallied with it recklessly,--but there was
+something far beyond dalliance in the unconquerable energy with which
+Elmhorst thus devoted himself to duty. He knew that his was a forlorn
+hope; half of his work was already destroyed, he could not save the
+rest, and yet he worked on, seeming determined to die rather than
+yield.
+
+And as he thus struggled, Ernst Waltenberg on horseback looked on at
+'the very interesting spectacle,' but was conscious of the part he had
+condemned himself to play. He had invited Erna to ride with him to the
+scene of disaster; the same calculating cruelty which had tormented her
+by silence had dictated the proposal. He knew she would accede to it,
+since it would give her an opportunity to see Wolfgang again, and she
+should see him in the midst of the danger to which he so recklessly
+exposed himself, she should tremble in mortal distress, and yet never
+betray by a change of feature the anguish of her soul. Elmhorst was
+right: this man's love was mere selfishness. What was it to him that
+the woman he loved was tortured and in agony, if but his savage thirst
+for revenge were allayed? Erna should suffer as he suffered; he would
+be as pitiless to her as fate had been to himself.
+
+But he underestimated the fearless nature of his betrothed when he
+thought that she would merely tremble at this danger. Her eyes were
+indeed riveted on Wolfgang in breathless anxiety, but they flashed with
+passionate admiration, with proud satisfaction, on beholding how he
+bore himself in the conflict, how he gazed into the terrible
+countenance of the Alpine Fay and strove with her to the death. In this
+mortal struggle he was for her all hero, her whole soul went out to
+meet him. Every shadow which had formerly obscured his image in her
+heart was dispersed in this light; he stood before her, as he had
+confronted Nordheim, free from all shackles in the triumph of his own
+true nature.
+
+Ernst was thus obliged to feel the shaft which he had shot so cruelly
+rebound upon himself. He had meant to show Erna the danger of the man
+whom she loved; he had shown her only his heroism. To be sure, he stood
+guard over her, determined to prevent a meeting, but he could not
+prevent the mute language of their eyes, the glances that sought and
+found each other in spite of distance and separation, of tempest and
+destruction, and in this language they told each other everything.
+Wolfgang felt that at this moment the barriers which his wooing of
+Alice had erected between himself and his love were levelled, and in
+the midst of the hopelessness of his efforts there gleamed upon him a
+ray of light, like the gleam of sunset indeed, but all-inspiring.
+
+It seemed in fact as if the success of the work of salvation depended
+upon the presence of this man. The most dangerous of the torrents which
+rushed wildly against the railway-dike had been successfully turned
+aside, Elmhorst having diverted its course to a deep cut in the rocks,
+whence it fell harmlessly into the Wolkenstein abyss, carrying with it
+the masses of earth and stones which had been so destructive. The most
+imminent danger was averted, and for the moment the tempest seemed to
+subside. The rain ceased, the wind became less violent, and it began to
+look brighter about the Wolkenstein.
+
+There was a few minutes' pause in the work. The president and
+Waltenberg, who also had alighted, walked along the bridge, where some
+of the workmen were gathered, to observe the diverted torrent foaming
+in the abyss. Everything looked more hopeful.
+
+The engineer-in-chief, however, stood on one side apart from the rest.
+He did not hear the cheerful exclamations of the men, but, leaning
+forward, seemed to listen intently to a sound muttering on high through
+the air, like the distant roll of thunder; his eyes were fixed upon the
+crest of the Wolkenstein, and suddenly his face took on a death-like
+pallor.
+
+"Away from the bridge!" he shouted to the rest. "Save yourselves! Run
+for your lives!"
+
+His last words were drowned in a dull rumble that grew to a crash as of
+thunder, but his cry of warning had been heard. The people scattered
+hastily; they felt the approach of something terrible,--there was no
+time to understand what it was; they deserted the bridge as quickly as
+possible.
+
+Nordheim and Waltenberg were carried away by the rush, and the former
+reached firm land, but Ernst stumbled and fell while yet on the bridge.
+Past him and over him the others ran wildly; in the selfishness of
+mortal terror every one thought only of his own safety, while
+Waltenberg, stunned by his fall, lay on the ground quite unable to rise
+for the space of a minute, when seconds were precious.
+
+Suddenly he felt a strong arm grasp him and lift him from the ground,
+then bear him onward, to release him only when the stout trunk of a
+tree was reached, around which he could clasp his own arms to hold
+himself upright.
+
+Then came the wind, howling and roaring like a hurricane,--a blast to
+which all that had gone before during the last three days had been but
+as the sighing of a breeze,--and everything in its path was prostrated
+or carried away. This was the herald of the Alpine Sprite, preparing a
+way for her; and now she herself descended from her cloud-veiled
+throne. A roar as of a thousand peals of thunder filled the air,
+echoing from every height, from every abyss, as if the entire
+mountain-realm were crashing to fragments; the rocks seemed to tremble,
+the earth to rock, as this terrible something, white and phantom-like,
+thundered past. It lasted for a minute, and then there was silence,--a
+silence as of death.
+
+The avalanche had torn its way from the peak of the mountain directly
+into the abyss, and destruction marked its course. The extensive,
+protecting, enclosed forest at the foot of the cliffs had vanished, and
+where it had stood there was a desolate, dreary waste. The course of
+the stream was blockaded; the chasm was half filled with jagged masses
+of ice, from among which projected trunks of trees and huge fragments
+of stone, and where the bridge had thrown its bold arch from rock to
+rock now yawned sheer emptiness. Two of the huge shafts were still
+standing, the rest were partly or entirely torn down, and about them
+hung some of the iron ribs, bent and snapped like reeds; all the rest
+lay below in the abyss. She had avenged herself, the savage Alpine Fay.
+Crushed and splintered at her feet lay the proud creation of man.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XXV.
+
+                            NOT ALL DESPAIR.
+
+
+A scene of indescribable confusion followed upon the catastrophe. At
+first no one fully grasped what had occurred, and when at last it
+became clear, all rushed to the rescue. The warning shout of the
+engineer-in-chief had indeed averted the worst,--at the instant of its
+destruction no one had been upon the bridge; but some of the men lay
+senseless, thrown to the ground by the concussion of the air, others
+had been more or less injured by flying stones and bits of ice; no one,
+however, at first seemed mortally hurt, and all who were able were
+intent upon aid. There were shouts and cries, and a running to and fro
+in wild confusion. Very few preserved their presence of mind, and these
+few could not make themselves heard.
+
+One group, however, assembled about a severely wounded man, was quiet
+enough, and in a few moments this group became a centre of attraction.
+Engineers and workmen crowded around with faces of dismay, a whisper
+ran from lip to lip, "The president? Nordheim himself? For God's sake
+bring the doctor!"
+
+It was indeed President Nordheim who lay here bleeding and unconscious.
+He had reached what he thought a place of safety, when one of the heavy
+iron stanchions of the bridge, torn from its place, had felled him to
+the earth. Erna and Waltenberg were busied about him, and all were
+doing what they could to restore him to consciousness, when the circle
+opened to admit the engineer-in-chief and Dr. Reinsfeld.
+
+Benno was rather paler than usual, but perfectly calm, as he knelt down
+and began to examine the injury. The pain of this examination seemed to
+rouse Nordheim; with a groan he opened his eyes, and gazed into the
+countenance of the man bending over him. He did not recognize him, but
+probably fancied he saw his early friend, whom the son closely
+resembled, for with an unmistakable expression of horror and a
+convulsive movement he tried to rise and to push aside the helping
+hand. With another agonized groan he sank back, the blood gushing from
+his mouth.
+
+The by-standers observed only the signs of physical pain. Benno alone
+divined the truth; he bent still lower, and as he gently put his hand
+beneath the sufferer's head he said, softly, "Do not reject my help. It
+is given you freely, from my heart!"
+
+Nordheim was unable to speak, and the effort he had made exhausted him;
+again he became unconscious. The young physician examined with all
+possible gentleness the injury in the breast, and then turned with a
+very grave face to Waltenberg and Elmhorst.
+
+"You have no hope?" the latter asked, in an undertone.
+
+"No, nothing can avail here. We must try to get him home; he may reach
+the house alive if he is carried with extreme caution. Fräulein von
+Thurgau, will you kindly go first and prepare his daughter, that the
+shock may not be too great? We must not conceal from her that her
+father is dying; he cannot possibly live until to-morrow."
+
+Then he gave the necessary directions. A litter was hastily
+constructed, and the wounded man was laid upon it with infinite care.
+Stout arms were ready to aid, and the sad procession slowly took its
+way towards the villa. Erna preceded it, and Reinsfeld, promising to
+follow immediately, turned his attention to the other wounded men who
+required his skill, although none of them were mortally injured.
+
+"Waltenberg too stayed behind. He paused, hesitating and seeming
+engaged in an inward struggle, but when he saw the engineer-in-chief
+walk towards the Wolkenstein chasm he followed, and overtook him.
+
+"Herr Elmhorst!"
+
+Wolfgang turned; his face was unnaturally calm, and there was a hard
+ring in his voice as he said, "You come to remind me of my promise? I
+am at your service at any hour; my duties are at an end."
+
+Ernst had entertained no such intention; he made a gesture of dissent:
+"I think neither of us is in the mood to pursue our quarrel at present.
+I am sure that you, at least, are not fit for it."
+
+Elmhorst passed his hand across his brow; now when the terrible tension
+of his nerves had relaxed he first perceived how utterly exhausted he
+was.
+
+"You are probably right," he said, with the same rigid, unnatural look.
+"It comes from overwork. I have not slept for three nights; but a
+couple of hours' rest will restore me entirely, and, as I said, I am at
+your service."
+
+Ernst silently gazed into the face of the man who had just lost his
+all; this forced calm did not mislead him. A reply was upon his lips,
+but he suppressed it, and his glance wandered to the spot where he had
+been thrown down in his flight. Just there one of the columns had
+fallen, and the iron part of it was buried deep in the earth. There he
+would have lain crushed and mangled but for the hand which had rescued
+him from destruction; perhaps he was not as unconscious as he seemed of
+whose the hand was.
+
+"I must go and see how the president is," he said, hurriedly. "Dr.
+Reinsfeld has promised to stay with us to-night, and we will send you
+word of what happens."
+
+"Thanks," said Wolfgang, seeming both to hear and to speak merely
+mechanically: his thoughts were elsewhere; and when Waltenberg turned
+away, he slowly walked on to the place where the Wolkenstein bridge had
+stood.
+
+The night that ensued was a terrible one for the family and household
+at the villa. Its master lay struggling with death, which seemed slow
+to come in the midst of such agony. Incapable of motion or of speech,
+but entirely conscious, he knew that the son of the former friend whom
+he had deceived and betrayed, condemning him to a life of poverty and
+hardship, while he himself enjoyed wealth and distinction as the fruits
+of his treachery, was unwearied in his efforts to minister to him, to
+soothe the death-bed from which he could not dismiss the dark
+messenger. Nothing could be more ready and unselfish than the aid
+afforded by Benno, and this very forgetfulness of self awakened the
+dying man's most pungent remorse. Face to face with death falsehood and
+deceit vanished, truth alone showed its inexorable countenance, and the
+effect was annihilating. The agonized struggle lasted, it is true, but
+for a single night, but in that time were compressed the torture of a
+lifetime and the penance of a lifetime.
+
+When day at last dawned in mist and clouds, struggle and agony were at
+an end, and it was Benno Reinsfeld's hand that closed the dying man's
+eyes. Then he gently raised from her knees Alice, who was sobbing
+beside her father's body, and led her away. He spoke no word of love or
+hope to her,--it would have seemed like desecration to him in such a
+moment,--but the way in which he put his arm around her and supported
+her showed plainly that he now claimed his right, and that nothing
+could part them more. He never could have been a son to the man who had
+so wronged his father, but that would now be spared him if Alice should
+become his wife; the wealth also which had been the fruit of treachery
+had mainly vanished. All barriers between the lovers had fallen.
+
+Erna also, when all was over, retired to her room. Alice did not need
+her: she had a better comforter beside her.
+
+The girl sat pale and worn at the window, looking out into the gray,
+misty morning. Alien as her uncle had seemed to her, harshly as she had
+often judged him, the suffering of his last hours had obliterated every
+thought of him in her mind save that it was her mother's brother who
+lay dying.
+
+Her thoughts now, however, were not with the dead, but with the living,
+with him who was perhaps standing in the dim dawn beside the ruins of
+his work. She knew what it had been to him, and felt the blow with him.
+Erna would have given her life to be able to stand beside him now with
+words of consolation and encouragement, and instead she must know him
+alone in his despair. She paid no heed to Griff, who had crept up to
+her and laid his head in her lap with sorrowful sympathy in his brown
+eyes; she gazed out fixedly into the rolling mist.
+
+The door opened softly; Waltenberg entered and slowly approached his
+betrothed, who, sunk in a revery, did not perceive him until he stood
+beside her and uttered her name.
+
+When Waltenberg thus addressed her she started with an involuntary
+expression of terror and dislike, which did not escape him; his smile
+was bitterly sad.
+
+"Are you so afraid of me? You must endure the intrusion, however, for I
+have something to say to you."
+
+"Now? at this moment, when death has just crossed our threshold?"
+
+"Precisely now; if I wait I may--lose courage to speak."
+
+The words sounded so strange that Erna looked up, surprised. Her eyes
+encountered his, but did not find there the gleam which had so
+terrified her of late. In his dark look there glowed somewhat which was
+neither all love nor all hatred,--perhaps a combination of both,--she
+could not tell.
+
+"Go on, then," she said, wearily. "I will listen."
+
+He paused and looked fixedly at her, and at last said, with slow
+emphasis, "I come to bid you farewell."
+
+"You are going? Now, before my uncle has been laid to rest?"
+
+"Yes,--and never to return! You mistake me, Erna. This is no farewell
+for days or weeks; it means that we are parting forever."
+
+"Parting?" The girl looked at him incredulously, only half
+comprehending his words; they came upon her too suddenly for her to
+grasp all their meaning.
+
+"You evidently have no belief in my magnanimity," Ernst said, harshly.
+"It is true that yesterday I could more easily have annihilated you
+both, you and your Wolfgang, than have given you back your troth. That
+is over. He has taught me how to subdue an enemy. Do you think I do not
+know whose hand it was that snatched me from a terrible death
+yesterday? Without its aid I should have been crushed at the entrance
+of the bridge. You saw it,--I know that,--and will only the more
+worship your hero, whom you watched yesterday with an enthusiasm that
+transfigured you. This deed of his exalts him to an ideal hero in your
+eyes. What am I in them?"
+
+"Yes, I saw it," Erna said, looking down, "but I did not think you
+recognized him, stunned as you were, and in the general confusion."
+
+"A mortal enemy is always recognized, even while he is saving one's
+life. I tried to thank him yesterday, just after the catastrophe, but I
+could not bring my lips to frame words of gratitude to that man; they
+would have choked me. Let him hear them from you. Tell him that I
+revoke my challenge, and that I release him from his promise, as I
+release you from yours. Now we are quits,--more than quits: I give him
+what is tenfold dearer to me than the life he saved for me."
+
+Erna had grown very pale in the certainty of what she had long
+suspected: "You challenged him? That was the meaning of your
+interview?"
+
+"Do you suppose that I could have borne to know him happy in your
+arms?" Waltenberg asked. "But for what happened yesterday I would have
+shot him down like a dog; and he promised to be at my service as soon
+as the Wolkenstein bridge was completed. Fate has released him from his
+promise."
+
+The bitterness in his tone no longer affected Erna; she heard only the
+anguish in his voice, felt only what the renunciation was costing his
+passionate nature. In gentle entreaty she laid her hand upon his arm:
+"Ernst, trust me, I know the full extent of the sacrifice you are
+making for me. You have loved me intensely----"
+
+"Yes, and I was fool enough to fancy that passion such as mine _must_
+force you to love in return. I thought that if I carried you to another
+quarter of the globe, and put an ocean between you and Wolfgang
+Elmhorst, you would learn to forget, and to turn to the husband beside
+you. I have learned my error. I never could have torn that love from
+your heart; if I had killed him you would have loved him dead. Now, in
+his misery, your whole soul flies out to him. Go to him. I am no longer
+in your way. You are free!"
+
+"Let us go together," Erna entreated, earnestly. "Offer him your hand
+in amity; you can, for you are now the generous one, the benefactor. It
+is you whom we have to thank."
+
+He thrust aside her hand: "No, I never will meet that man again. If I
+should see him I could not answer for myself, all the fiends within me
+would break loose once more. You cannot dream what it has cost me to
+conjure them down; let them rest."
+
+Erna did not venture to repeat her request; she comprehended that so
+passionate a nature might renounce, but could not forgive. She bowed
+her head in mute acquiescence.
+
+"Farewell!" said Ernst, still in the harsh, hostile tone which had
+characterized him throughout the interview. "Forget me. It will be easy
+at his side."
+
+She looked up to him; her eyes filled with tears: "I never shall forget
+you, Ernst, never! But I shall always remember sadly that you left me
+in bitterness and hatred."
+
+"In hatred?" he exclaimed, with an outburst of passion, and suddenly
+Erna felt herself clasped in his arms, pressed to his heart, while his
+kisses were rained upon her hair, her brow, with the same wild
+intensity of tenderness which she had so dreaded and which had always
+failed to arouse in her the least return of his affection. This time
+there was in his caress something of the madness of despair. He tore
+himself away and was gone. The short, stormy dream of the love of his
+life was over forever!
+
+Meanwhile, the day had fairly appeared. The rain had ceased in the
+night, and the wind was not so violent,--the wild uproar of nature had
+begun to subside.
+
+The work of the previous day still went on, however, although, since
+the Wolkenstein bridge was gone, there was little more to save. This
+last blow had been the heaviest, although the entire railway had been
+incalculably injured; very few of the numerous bridges and structures
+were not in need of repairs, and, in view of the general destruction,
+the completion of the undertaking seemed impossible. Its author lay
+dead in his house, and the intended transfer of the railway to the
+company was of course impossible. How and when, if ever, others would
+come forward to carry out his schemes time alone could show.
+
+Such were probably the thoughts occurring to the mind of the man
+standing alone on the brink of the Wolkenstein chasm and gazing down at
+the ruin below him. The autumn morning was very cold; in the valleys
+and depths wreaths of gray mist were curling, long trains of clouds
+hovered about the mountains, and a gloomy sky looked down upon the wet,
+sodden earth, which bore melancholy traces of the turmoil of the
+previous day. Uprooted and broken trees, fragments of rock, mud, and
+heaps of stones were everywhere to be seen, and in many a spot the
+traces could be perceived of the gallant struggle of man in his fight
+with the elements. The roar of the cataract was not so threatening as
+it had been, but it still filled the air as the water dashed from the
+height, and the wind had not yet left the dripping storm-tossed forests
+in peace.
+
+In the Wolkenstein chasm alone there was a silence as of the grave. A
+gigantic glacier seemed to rest in its depths, its rigid whiteness
+broken by a chaotic mass of rock and earth. The avalanche which had
+begun on the crest of the Wolkenstein must have increased fearfully on
+its way, for it had prostrated the entire enclosed forest, hitherto
+regarded as a sure protection; pines a century old had been snapped
+like straws and had dragged with them into the abyss a portion of the
+mountain-side. And then the entire mass of ice and snow, of rocks and
+trunks of trees, its force augmented tenfold by the velocity of its
+fall, had hurled itself against the bridge and crushed it. No human
+structure could withstand such an onslaught.
+
+It was some consolation to know this, but Wolfgang Elmhorst seemed to
+find no comfort in such reflections. He gazed dully down into the icy
+grave where all his schemes and hopes were lying, perhaps never to rise
+again. In the beginning, when the railway had first been planned, there
+had been objections made to the Wolkenstein bridge because of the cost
+of its erection. It had been proposed to avoid the chasm and to carry
+the line of railway by another less expensive but roundabout road.
+Nordheim, however, who was attracted by the boldness of the scheme,
+contrived to overbear all opposition and to have his own way. In future
+there could be no thought, since economy would be especially necessary,
+of rebuilding the bridge, which, moreover, must be condemned as
+impossible, since it had fallen a prey to the elements just when it was
+about to astonish and delight all who beheld it, and to bring
+reputation and fame to its deviser.
+
+Suddenly a large, lion-like dog came careering over the sodden ground,
+testifying by huge leaps to his delight at being released from his long
+confinement in-doors. He paused close beside Elmhorst, and began, after
+his custom with the engineer-in-chief, to show his teeth, when for the
+first time his show of dislike was arrested,--something else attracted
+his attention. Wise dog that he was, he perceived what had occurred. He
+grew restless, stretched his head far over the edge of the abyss, then
+looked towards the other side, finally turning his intelligent dark
+eyes upon the engineer-in-chief as if to ask what it all meant.
+
+Hitherto Wolfgang had preserved his composure, at least externally, but
+he broke down at the dog's mute inquiry. He covered his eyes with his
+hand, and a tear, the first he had shed since boyhood, rolled down his
+cheek.
+
+On a sudden he heard his name uttered in a voice not unfamiliar to him,
+but in a tone such as had never before fallen upon his ear: "Wolfgang!"
+
+He turned, dashed aside the treacherous witness from his cheek, and,
+entirely self-possessed once more, approached the slender figure,
+enveloped in a dark wrap, and standing at a little distance, as though
+afraid to venture nearer.
+
+"You here, Erna? After the terrible night that you have passed?"
+
+"Yes, it was terrible!" the girl said, with a deep-drawn sigh. "You
+have heard that my uncle is dead?"
+
+"I heard it two hours ago. I no longer had the right to watch beside
+his death-bed; moreover, the sight of me would only have distressed
+him, so I kept away. How does Alice bear it?"
+
+"For the moment she seems stunned, but Dr. Reinsfeld is with her."
+
+"Then she will recover from the blow. They love each other, and with
+the one who is loved best in the world beside you even the worst trials
+can be borne."
+
+Erna made no reply, but she slowly approached and stood beside him. He
+looked at her, and his sad face grew still darker: "I know why you are
+here. You would fain speak some word of sympathy, of consolation to me.
+But why? Your dying father's curse has borne fruit: the destruction of
+the ancestral home of the Thurgaus is avenged, and I think even the
+Freiherr would be content."
+
+"Can you really attach such importance to words which were the result
+of anger,--of the agitation preceding a sudden death?" Erna asked,
+reproachfully. "Since when have you been superstitious?"
+
+"Since faith in my own power has lain buried there. Leave me to myself,
+Erna. What comfort can I take in the sympathy which you offer as an
+alms, to express which you must have stolen secretly away, and for
+which you may have to suffer from Herr Waltenberg's reproaches? I need
+no sympathy, not even from you." In the irritability of misery he
+turned away and looked up at the Wolkenstein, the crest of which loomed
+white and shadowy through the clouds. It alone seemed striving to
+unveil, while a thick mist obscured all the surrounding mountain-tops.
+
+"I do not come secretly, nor to offer you an alms," Erna said, in a
+voice which she tried vainly to steady. "Ernst knows that I have come
+to you, and he sends a message by me."
+
+"Ernst Waltenberg--to me?"
+
+"To you, Wolfgang! He bids me tell you that he releases you from your
+promise, and recalls his challenge."
+
+Elmhorst frowned darkly, as he rejoined, "Has he told _you_ of all
+that? Very considerate on his part! Such matters are generally
+discussed among men exclusively. But, although I accepted his
+conditions, I do not accept his magnanimity,--least of all at present."
+
+"And yet you first set him the example of magnanimity. No need to deny
+it. He knows as well as I do whose hand snatched him from destruction
+on this very spot."
+
+"I leave no one to die if it is in my power to save his life, even if
+he be my worst enemy," Wolfgang said, coldly. "At such moments one
+obeys the instincts of humanity, never stopping to consider, and I
+refuse to accept his gratitude. I pray you say this to Herr Waltenberg,
+since he has chosen you, Fräulein von Thurgau, for his messenger."
+
+"Can you really treat his messenger thus harshly?" The girl's voice was
+low and gentle and her large dark-blue eyes were strangely bright as
+she looked at the man who could no longer control the anguish of his
+soul.
+
+"Why torture me with such looks and tones?" he cried, passionately.
+"You belong to another----"
+
+"Whom you misunderstand as I did. I know now how immense is the
+sacrifice he makes for me, for I know how great was his love for me,
+when, with this love in his heart, he could give me back my freedom and
+bid me farewell forever."
+
+Wolfgang, half stunned at the unexpected announcement, could only be
+conscious that through the black night of his hopeless despair a
+dazzling ray of light was darting, heralding the dawn of new life
+and energy. "You are free, Erna?" he broke forth. "And now--now you
+come----"
+
+"To you. It is so heavy a burden,--this misery that you are bearing
+alone. I claim my share."
+
+The words were spoken with earnest simplicity, as if they were mere
+words of course; but Elmhorst changed colour and his look was downcast.
+He was undergoing a hard struggle with his pride, which felt such
+devotion at such a moment to be a humiliation.
+
+"No, no, not yet!" he murmured, with an attempt to turn away. "Let me
+recover my courage,--my self-possession. I cannot accept your
+sacrifice. It weighs me down to the earth."
+
+"Wolf!"--the old pet name of his boyhood, which he had heard from
+none save Benno since that time, came soft and low from the girl's
+lips,--"Wolf, you need me most now! You need a love to encourage and
+nerve you; never heed the promptings of false pride. You once asked me
+if I could have stayed beside you on the lonely, rough path leading to
+success. I come to bring you your answer. You shall not pursue it
+alone; I will stay beside you through struggle and labour, through
+hardship and peril. If you have lost faith in your power and your
+future, I believe in them most firmly. I believe wholly in you!"
+
+She looked up at him with a beaming, triumphant smile. All his
+hesitation vanished: he opened his arms and clasped his love to his
+heart.
+
+Griff meanwhile looked on at this development of affairs in extreme
+amazement and evident dissatisfaction. He did not quite comprehend it
+all, but thus much was clear,--he must give up all thoughts in future
+of growling and showing his teeth at the engineer-in-chief, who was
+holding his young mistress in his arms and kissing her, and Griff was
+much annoyed. He preferred meanwhile to maintain an expectant attitude,
+and so he lay down and kept a constant watch upon the pair.
+
+The mists were still floating about the Wolkenstein, but its peak was
+every minute emerging more clearly. It did not now unveil as in the
+dreamy moonlight of the mysteriously lovely midsummer-eve; it stood
+forth white, icy, and phantom-like; above it the heavens heavy with
+rain, about it storm and clouds, and at its feet the desolation which
+itself had wrought. And yet from that very desolation there had sprung
+forth the purest, truest happiness,--happiness grown to life amid
+tempests and storms.
+
+Wolfgang released his love from his embrace and stood erect, all trace
+of despair vanished from his face and figure. It had come back to
+him,--the joy which he had thought flown forever, and with it had
+returned the old courage, the old inexhaustible energy.
+
+"You are right, my darling!" he exclaimed. "I will not doubt, nor
+hesitate. I will conquer her yet, that evil Force up there. She has
+destroyed my work. I will create it afresh!"
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+                      THE KISS OF THE ALPINE FAY.
+
+
+The Nordheim villa was silent and deserted. The president's remains had
+been transported to the capital and buried thence, and the entire
+household had removed thither.
+
+The engineer-in-chief also was in the capital, to consult with the
+company which was part owner of the railway, and to arrange the affairs
+of the deceased president,--a difficult task, which he had voluntarily
+undertaken, being justified in the eyes of the world in so doing, since
+the dissolution of his betrothal to Alice had not yet been made public.
+The time given to mourning must pass before any such announcement could
+be made, and then Alice would no longer need his aid. At present it was
+above all desirable to avert the gossip and curiosity sure to ensue
+upon the catastrophe which had caused the president's sudden death, and
+which had greatly diminished his wealth. A strong arm was needed to
+save what remained.
+
+Ernst Waltenberg was still in Heilborn. Since the day when he had
+bidden farewell to his betrothed he had held aloof from the Wolkenstein
+district, but something appeared to retain him in its vicinity. The
+late autumn had set in with unusual severity, and the popular
+watering-place was, of course, quite empty but for the foreign
+gentleman, with his secretary and servants, who did not as yet talk of
+departure.
+
+Veit Gronau was pacing to and fro the drawing-room of the comfortable
+cottage which Waltenberg occupied, his face filled with anxiety,
+and glancing from time to time towards the closed door of the next
+room,--Ernst's study.
+
+"If I could only tell what to make of it all!" he muttered. "He locks
+himself in there day after day, and it is a week now since he set foot
+in the open air; he who for years has passed two or three hours in the
+saddle daily. If I could but get at Reinsfeld; but with his usual
+conscientiousness he has gone to Neuenfeld, and will not leave it until
+his first term of office has expired, when it is to be hoped a
+successor will have been provided for the post. There will surely be
+enough of the Nordheim millions left to insure him an easy existence
+when he marries his betrothed, and he would have been far wiser to
+remain near her now. Here you are at last, Said. What does Herr
+Waltenberg say?"
+
+"The master begs Herr Gronau to dine without him," the negro replied.
+
+"This will never do!" exclaimed Veit; but as he walked towards the door
+of the next room with some vague intention of forcing it, it opened,
+and Waltenberg himself appeared.
+
+"You here yet, Gronau?" he said, with a slight frown. "I begged you to
+dine without me."
+
+"I am like yourself, Herr Waltenberg. I have no appetite."
+
+"Then, Said, have the table cleared. Go!"
+
+Said obeyed, but Gronau, although he saw plainly that he too was
+dismissed, obstinately maintained his post.
+
+Ernst had gone to the window, whence there was an extended view of the
+distant range of mountains. During the entire week that had elapsed
+since the avalanche had occurred the weather had not cleared; it had
+been dull and stormy, and the mountains, day after day, were veiled.
+To-day, for the first time, they showed themselves clearly.
+
+"It is clearing up--at last!" Ernst said, more to himself than to his
+companion, who shook his head dubiously.
+
+"It will not last long. Fine weather never does when the outlines of
+the mountains are so distinct and the crests seem so near."
+
+Ernst did not at once reply,--he stood gazing steadily at the blue
+distance; but after two or three minutes he said, "I want to drive to
+Oberstein to-morrow; order the carriage, if you please."
+
+Gronau looked at him, surprised: "To Oberstein? Do you intend making an
+excursion?"
+
+"Yes; I wish to ascend the Wolkenstein."
+
+"You mean to the cliffs."
+
+"No, to the summit."
+
+"Now? At this season? It is impossible, Herr Waltenberg. You know the
+summit has always been inaccessible."
+
+"That is the very reason why it attracts me. I have stayed on here to
+make the ascent, but I could do nothing in the weather we have had. Get
+me a couple of competent guides----"
+
+"There are none such to be had for the ascent you speak of," Gronau
+gravely interrupted him.
+
+"Why not? Because of that old nurse's tale? Offer the men a large sum
+of money; 'tis a sure cure for superstition."
+
+"Possibly; but it might well fail here, for the old nurse's tale has a
+background of indubitable reality, as we have seen. The avalanche and
+the ruin it wrought are too fresh in the memory of the mountaineers."
+
+"Yes, it wrought ruin indeed," Ernst said, dreamily, still gazing
+towards the mountains.
+
+"And therefore let the Wolkenstein alone for the present," Veit
+entreated. "This clearing up of the skies is not going to last, I
+assure you. We cannot undertake the feat now."
+
+Ernst shrugged his shoulders: "I did not ask you to go with me. Stay at
+home if you are afraid, Gronau."
+
+Veit's brown face showed irritation, but he controlled himself: "We
+have surely shared enough of adventure together, Herr Waltenberg, to
+set your mind at rest with regard to my timidity. I will go with you to
+the extent of what is possible; you, I fear, mean to go farther, and
+your mood is not one to enable you to encounter danger coolly."
+
+"You are mistaken; my mood is excellent, and I ara going to make this
+ascent, with or without guides; if needs must I will go alone."
+
+Gronau was familiar with this tone, and knew that there was nothing to
+be done in opposition to it; nevertheless he made one last attempt. He
+supposed that there would be an outbreak, but he determined to speak:
+"Remember your promise. You promised Baroness Thurgau to avoid the
+Wolkenstein."
+
+Ernst started: his change of colour, the flash of menace in his eyes,
+betrayed how he suffered by the touch upon his bleeding wound; but in a
+moment he had shrouded himself in a frigid composure that forbade all
+further discussion.
+
+"The circumstances under which I made that promise no longer exist.
+Moreover, I must entreat that all allusion to them in my presence be
+avoided for the future."
+
+He went to his room, turning upon the threshold to say, "At eight
+o'clock to-morrow morning you will have the carriage ready for a drive
+to Oberstein."
+
+                           *   *   *   *   *
+
+Upon a snow-field in face of the peak of the Wolkenstein a small group
+of bold mountain-climbers were assembled, who had undertaken the
+ascent, and had actually accomplished the greater part of it,--the two
+guides, muscular, weather-beaten mountaineers, and Veit Gronau.
+They were provided with ropes, axes, and every accessory of a
+mountain-ascent, and were evidently taking a prolonged rest here.
+
+They had left Oberstein on the previous day and had climbed to the
+borders of the limitless waste of rocks, where was a hut, in which they
+had taken shelter for the night, and then with the first dawn of
+morning they had attacked the cliff hitherto pronounced inaccessible.
+With persistent pains, with indescribable exertions, and with reckless
+contempt of the danger that threatened them at every step, they had
+scaled it. It had been ascended for the first time!
+
+This consciousness, however, was the only reward of their success, for
+the weather, which had hitherto been tolerably clear, had changed
+within an hour or two. Thick mist filled the valleys, obscuring the
+outlook, and the crests only of the surrounding mountains were visible.
+The peak of the Wolkenstein, itself a mighty pyramid of ice rising
+sheer above them, was gradually disappearing. Gronau's field-glass was
+directed steadily to this pyramid, and the two guides exchanged a few
+monosyllabic remarks, while their grave faces showed their anxiety.
+
+"I can see nothing more," said Veit, at last, taking the glass from his
+eyes. "The peak is veiled in mist; nothing can be distinguished any
+longer."
+
+"That mist is snow," said one of the guides, an elderly man with
+grizzled hair. "I told the gentleman it was coming, but he would not
+listen to me."
+
+"Yes, it was madness to attempt the ascent under such circumstances,"
+Gronau muttered. "I should have thought we had done enough in
+surmounting this cliff. It was a terrific piece of climbing; few will
+ever venture to follow us, and it never has been done before."
+
+Meanwhile, the younger guide had kept a sharp lookout in all
+directions; he now approached and said, "We can wait no longer, Herr;
+we must return."
+
+"Without Herr Waltenberg? Upon no account!" Gronau declared.
+
+The man shrugged his shoulders: "Only as far as the snow-barrow, where
+we can find shelter beneath the rocks, if it comes to the worst. Up
+here we could never stand against the snow, and we must descend the
+worst part of the cliff before it comes, or not one of us will get down
+alive. We agreed to wait for the gentleman at the snow-barrow."
+
+Such had, in fact, been the agreement when Waltenberg separated from
+the party. The guides who had been prevailed upon to undertake the
+expedition by the offer of three times their usual fee had brought the
+two strangers successfully to the top of the cliff. Here they had
+positively refused to go farther, not because their courage failed
+them,--the summit lying directly before them was probably less
+dangerous to climb than the steep, almost perpendicular cliff they had
+already scaled,--but the experienced mountaineers well knew what those
+grayish-white clouds foreboded which were beginning to assemble, at
+first as light as hovering mist. They begged for an immediate return,
+and Gronau seconded their entreaties, but in vain.
+
+Ernst saw directly before him the summit he had so longed to attain,
+and no warning, no entreaty, availed to alter his determination to
+proceed. He insisted upon the completion of his daring attempt with all
+the obstinacy of a nature that held cheaply his own life, as well as
+the lives of others. The threatening skies did not move him, and the
+refusal of the guides to accompany him only roused his antagonism. With
+a sneer at their caution when the goal was all but attained he left
+them.
+
+Gronau had kept his word; he had gone with him to the extent of what
+was possible, but when that was reached, when the risk was madness,--a
+provoking of fate,--he had remained behind, and yet he was regretting
+that he had done so. The climber had been visible for a while as he
+toiled upward, until near the summit all trace of him through the
+field-glass had been lost, because of the mists which gathered quickly
+and heavily.
+
+"We must go down," the elder guide said, resolutely. "If the gentleman
+comes back he will find us beside the snow-barrow. We shall do him no
+good by staying here, and we risk our lives by losing time."
+
+Gronau saw the justice of the man's words, and shut up his glass with a
+sigh.
+
+                           *   *   *   *   *
+
+The wavering masses of mist grew thicker and darker; they floated
+upward from all the valleys, sailed forth from every cleft, and veiled
+forests and peaks in their damp mantle. The precipices of the
+Wolkenstein, the sheer gigantic stretch of its rocky walls, vanished in
+the rolling fog,--the ice-pyramid of its peak alone stood forth clear
+and distinct.
+
+And aloft upon this summit stood the man who had persisted and had
+accomplished what had been deemed impossible. His dress bore traces of
+his fearful toil, his hands were bleeding from the jagged points of ice
+by which he had held to swing himself up, but he stood where no human
+foot save his own had ever trod. He had dared to ascend the cloudy
+throne of the Alpine Fay, to lift her veil and to look the sovereign of
+this icy realm in the face.
+
+And her face was beautiful! But its beauty was wild and phantom-like:
+there was in it no trace of earth, and it dazzled with a painful
+splendour the eyes of the undaunted adventurer. Around him and below
+him was naught save ice and snow,--rigid white glaciers riven and
+billowy but gleaming with fairylike brilliancy. The crevasses gave back
+here the greenish hue of spring and there the deep blue of ocean, and
+the dazzling white of the jagged, snow-covered crests reflected a
+thousand prismatic dyes, while above it all arched a sky of such clear
+azure that it was as if it would fain pour forth all its fulness of
+light upon the old legendary throne of the mountains, the crystal
+palace of the Alpine Fay.
+
+Ernst drew deep, long breaths: for the first time in many days the
+weight that had so burdened his spirit vanished; the world, with its
+loves and hates, its struggles and conflicts, lay far below him; it
+disappeared in the misty sea that filled the valleys and buried beneath
+it meadows and forest and the habitations of men. The mountain-peaks
+alone emerged, like islands in a measureless ocean. Here appeared a
+couple of dark crests of rock, there a peak of dazzling snow, and there
+a distant range. But they all looked unreal, bodiless, floating and
+sailing upon the flood which heaved and undulated as it slowly rose
+higher and higher. Over it brooded the silence of death: life was
+extinct in this realm of eternal ice.
+
+And yet a warm, passionate human heart was throbbing in this waste,
+fain to flee from the world and its woe, seeking forgetfulness here,
+but bringing its woe with it. So long as danger strained every nerve,
+so long as there was a goal to be attained, the haunting misery of his
+soul had been stilled. The old magic draught which Ernst had so often
+quaffed had not lost its charm; danger and enjoyment indissolubly
+linked, the spell of magnificent nature, and the unfettered freedom
+again his own, were all-powerful to stir him. Again he felt the
+intoxicating force of the draught, and in the midst of this icy waste
+he was seized with a burning longing for those lands of sunshine and
+light where only he had been truly at home. There he could forget and
+recover,--there he could again live and be happy.
+
+The misty sea rose higher and higher; slowly, noiselessly, but
+steadily, one peak after another vanished beneath the gray, mysterious
+flood, which, like a deluge, swallowed up everything belonging to
+earth. The ice-pyramid of the Wolkenstein alone still stood forth, but
+its gleaming splendour had vanished with the vanished sunlight.
+
+The solitary dreamer suddenly shuddered as if from the chill of an icy
+breath. He looked up; the blue above him had faded: he saw only white
+mist, which began to veil everything near at hand.
+
+Ernst had been abundantly warned by the guides: he knew this sign; with
+danger the tension of his nerves returned; it was high time to retrace
+his steps. He began the descent, slowly, cautiously, testing every step
+as he had done in climbing up, but the mist barred his way everywhere
+and chilled him to the bone. Nevertheless, he pursued his downward path
+steadily, the traces of his ascent in the snow guiding him; at last,
+however, he was forced to search for them, and more than once he lost
+them. The effects of his over-exertion began also to assert themselves.
+
+His breath came short and in gasps, the moisture stood out upon his
+forehead, and his sight grew uncertain. Conscious of this, he roused
+himself to greater efforts. He had challenged the danger, he would not
+succumb to it, the old nurse's tale should not come true, and his force
+of will was again victorious. He traversed the terrible path for the
+second time, and panting, gasping, half frozen, half dead from fatigue,
+he finally reached the foot of the pyramid, and stood upon the glacier
+summit of the cliff.
+
+The hardest part of his task was over. True, there was still the sheer
+descent of the cliff to achieve, but steps had been hewn in the ice by
+the ascending party, and ropes had been left at the worst places to
+help in the descent. Ernst knew that he should find these aids; in
+spite of the fog, they would guide him to the snow-barrow, where his
+companions awaited him.
+
+Then forth from the mist it hovered white and glistening, like
+fluttering veils softly touching cheek and brow in a gentle
+caress,--the snow had begun to fall. And in a few minutes the caressing
+touch was transformed to an oppressive, stifling embrace which it was
+vain to try to escape. Ernst staggered forward, then turned back, but
+the icy arms were everywhere: they robbed him of breath and froze the
+blood in his veins. One short, desperate struggle, and they held him in
+an indissoluble clasp,--he sank on the ground.
+
+But with the struggle the distress too ceased. How delicious to fall
+asleep thus, so mortally weary that dream and reality mingled and
+melted into each other! Again he was standing on the summit in the
+sunlight, beholding the palace of ice in all its enchanted splendour,
+and gazing into the unveiled countenance of the Alpine Fay, whose
+pallid beauty no mortal might look upon and live. Yet her face was not
+that of a stranger. He knew those features, and the fathomless blue of
+the eyes that beamed and smiled upon him as never before. The image of
+the woman whom he had loved so wildly, so inexpressibly, did not leave
+him even upon the threshold of death, but stole softly upon the last
+gleams of his consciousness.
+
+Then the sea of mist slowly rose higher and higher until all else was
+overwhelmed; the beloved face alone still showed faint and dreamlike
+through the gray veil, till finally it too faded, and the dreamer was
+borne onward by this sea of mist stretching endless and shoreless out
+into the immeasurable distance,--on into eternity.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+                          MIDSUMMER EVE AGAIN.
+
+
+Almost three years had passed since the terrible avalanche wrought
+such ruin, and glorious sunshine made glad the hearts of the
+mountaineers on the day preceding Midsummer-eve,--the day of the
+festival celebrating throughout the Wolkenstein district the opening of
+the new mountain-railway. All the villages on the line of travel, now
+promoted to the dignity of railway-stations, were gaily decked with
+green wreaths and fluttering flags, and crowds of mountaineers in their
+Sunday costumes had come from far and near among the mountains to
+behold with curiosity and wonder the arrival of the first train. The
+iron road, at last completed, was to bring prosperity to their secluded
+valleys.
+
+At first, when the terrible catastrophe still struck terror to the
+minds of all who heard of it, there had been a doubt as to whether the
+upper stretch of the railway, that passing through the Wolkenstein
+district, could ever be completed. Consultations with the company had
+gone on for months, until finally the energy and persistence of the
+engineer-in-chief had been victorious: the work had been taken up once
+more, and it was now happily concluded.
+
+Station Oberstein, situated near the village itself, at the end of the
+Wolkenstein bridge, was especially conspicuous in its decorations. The
+train, bringing the engineer-in-chief and his wife, with the directors
+of the road, and a number of invited guests, was to make a stop here,
+and a particularly grand reception had been devised. The crowds from
+the country around were greater here than elsewhere, and cannon were to
+be fired from a neighbouring height.
+
+In the midst of the gay multitude Veit Gronau's tall figure was
+conspicuous. He looked more tanned and weather-beaten than ever, but
+otherwise was unchanged. Ernst Waltenberg had provided generously in
+his will for his former secretary; he was free to live as he chose, but
+the old love of a wandering life had driven him forth into the world
+again, and after nearly three years' of absence he had returned for
+another glimpse of his European home.
+
+"And so Dr. Reinsfeld is to give a grand dinner in his villa to the
+directors," he said to himself, as he stood on the railway-platform
+looking out for the train. "I am really curious to see how my good
+Benno conducts himself as a millionaire. Probably he is quite
+uncomfortable; but he will have to get used to it, for Gersdorf wrote
+to me that a million had been rescued out of the wreck of Nordheim's
+colossal fortune."
+
+"There it comes!" The shout interrupted his reflections; the crowd
+pressed forward eagerly and stretched their necks to see the first
+train, which came gliding from the depths upon the narrow iron road. It
+vanished for a few moments in the tunnel below Oberstein, and then,
+appearing once more, rolled smoothly onward, the smoke from the
+gaily-decorated locomotive floating backward like a pennon. Anon it
+thundered over the bridge, and was greeted at the Oberstein station by
+a burst of music, by loud shouts of welcome, and by the cannon-shots
+from the height, wakening the echoes from all the mountains around.
+
+The train was emptied at the station, but almost half an hour elapsed
+before the party could drive to the villa, for first of all the glory
+of the road, the Wolkenstein bridge, had to be inspected. The bold,
+gigantic structure had arisen from ruin; as proudly as before it
+spanned the chasm from rock to rock. Below it in the giddy depths
+rushed the stream with all its old impetuosity, and above it the
+Wolkenstein reared its mighty crest aloft, wearing to-day a light crown
+of clouds. But upon the declivity, where before had stood the enclosed
+forest, there was now a broad, solid wall of masonry, a sure protection
+against any repetition of the former disaster.
+
+The engineer-in-chief, with his young wife on his arm, acted as guide
+to the inspecting party. Of course he was the hero of the day, and was
+overwhelmed on all sides by congratulations and expressions of
+admiration. He received them gravely, seeming but little elated by
+them.
+
+Erna, on the other hand, was beaming with happiness and gratified
+pride; her eyes sparkled as she listened to all that was said to her
+husband, and she had a kindly word and a friendly greeting for all who
+pressed forward to welcome her.
+
+The pair were obliged to do the honours of the new road without the aid
+of Dr. Reinsfeld, who, as husband of the late president's heiress, was
+a very important personage on this occasion, but quite averse to
+performing his duties as such. He no longer wore the antique coat and
+saffron-coloured gloves in which he had made acquaintance with the
+invalid Alice; his attire was faultless, but nevertheless it was easy
+to see that his task for the day was held by him to be very difficult
+of performance. He confined himself to bowing and shaking hands,
+keeping as much as possible in the background, when suddenly a familiar
+voice accosted him: "Does Dr. Reinsfeld do me the honour to remember
+me?"
+
+"Veit Gronau!" exclaimed the doctor, delightedly, offering his hand.
+"Then you received our invitation in time. But why did you not let us
+know you had arrived, so that you might have come in the train with
+us?"
+
+"I came by the way of Heilborn, and was just in time to receive you. I
+congratulate you, Benno, upon your share in this occasion."
+
+"Yes,--a dinner for eighty people," sighed Benno. "Wolfgang thought it
+would be suitable for me to give a dinner to the party, and when Wolf
+takes a thing into his head one had best submit."
+
+"He certainly was right this time," Gronau said, laughing. "As
+principal stockholder and director of the company you were bound to do
+something for the opening of the railway."
+
+"If I only did not have to talk to everybody!" the poor doctor
+lamented. "And worse than all, I ought, he says, to make an
+after-dinner speech. I cannot. Wolfgang built the railway, let him make
+the speeches. He did, to be sure, speak to-day before we set out, and
+it was charming; every one was delighted,--his wife most of all. Does
+she not look exquisitely lovely?"
+
+Veit nodded, but his face grew grave as he looked across at Erna. That
+beauty had driven another man to his death; Ernst Waltenberg would have
+given his hope of heaven for such a look as she was bestowing upon her
+husband at that moment. Gronau turned from such thoughts to ask after
+the health of Frau Reinsfeld.
+
+"Oh, Alice is as blooming as a rose, and you must see our daughter."
+Benno's face glowed as he spoke of his wife and child. "You knew
+of----"
+
+"Of your little one? Yes, you wrote me. I suppose you confine your
+practice entirely to your family now?"
+
+"On the contrary, I have more patients than ever," the doctor declared.
+"When we are here in summer of course I attend all my old friends; and
+since I can now supply the poorer ones with all that they need----"
+
+"Why, of course the honest Wolkensteiners continue to work you to
+death," Gronau finished the sentence. "But I must no longer detain you
+from your guests."
+
+"Oh, stay; pray stay!" Benno exclaimed, with a comical look of alarm.
+"I am so comfortable here in the corner with you, and if you go I shall
+be obliged to talk to some of these celebrities, to whom I positively
+have nothing whatever to say."
+
+Gronau laughed and stayed, but it was of no avail. Gersdorf, with Frau
+Molly upon his arm, made his appearance, and Elmhorst came hurrying
+towards them to carry off the luckless host, since the distinguished
+party were getting into the carriages to drive to the villa, where
+Alice was waiting to receive them. She was still a delicate creature in
+appearance, although in perfect health, and she had never lost a
+certain maidenly shyness of manner which was her great charm. The
+dignity of the household was admirably maintained by Frau von Lasberg,
+who had never left her former pupil.
+
+The entertainment to-day left nothing to be desired. Poor Benno finally
+made his speech; of course he all but broke down in it, but it was
+fortunately just at the end, and Wolfgang at the critical moment signed
+to the musicians to strike up.
+
+An hour afterwards the guests departed, conducted to the station by
+Elmhorst and his wife, who were, however, to return to pass several
+days with Reinsfeld and Alice at the villa.
+
+Benno betook himself to the nursery, where the young mother was seated
+beside the cradle of their little daughter. He carried in his hand a
+bunch of Alpine roses: "It is Midsummer-eve, Alice; I had to bring you
+the wonted bouquet."
+
+"Did you really remember it in all the confusion of the day?" the young
+mother asked, with a smile.
+
+One never forgets a prophecy of happiness, least of all when it has
+been fulfilled. He handed her the flowers with,--
+
+
+                       "Do not refuse it,--
+                          Our offering of flowers,
+                        And midsummer's blessings
+                          Fall on you in showers."
+
+
+                           *   *   *   *   *
+
+Evening had fallen when the engineer-in-chief and his wife stood on the
+platform of the Oberstein station, watching the departing train as it
+vanished in the tunnel beyond the bridge. "I have sent away the
+carriage, Erna," said Wolfgang. "I thought we would walk back, the
+evening is so fine, and we have not been alone once before to-day."
+
+"And what a delightful day it has been!" said Erna, as she put her arm
+through her husband's. "Only you were so grave, Wolf, in the midst of
+your triumph, and you are so still."
+
+He smiled, but his voice was grave as he replied, "I could not but
+remember how dearly the triumph has been bought, as only you and I can
+know. You have been my sole confidante, my only refuge, inspiring me
+with courage and ability when all sorts of petty intrigue nearly drove
+me insane. If you had not been beside me I could not have persevered."
+
+"Yes, nothing could have been more trying for a nature like yours than
+to be so thwarted and harassed on all sides as you have been; but you
+have come off conqueror at last."
+
+"And Benno has been such a help in placing everything in my hands as
+soon as he was Alice's husband. I never can forget it of him."
+
+"But he owes you more than he can repay," Erna interposed. "Think of
+how you worked for Alice after my uncle's death. They owe it to you
+that they are still wealthy."
+
+As she spoke, the departed train, having passed through the tunnel, was
+visible like a black thread winding among the distant mountains, which
+softly echoed back the whistle of the locomotive through the quiet
+evening air. Wolfgang paused and drew a deep breath:
+
+"Now she is quelled, the evil Force above there. She has given me
+trouble enough. Look, Erna, the last clouds are floating off from the
+throne of your Alpine Fay. She seems to unveil completely only on
+Midsummer-eve."
+
+A shadow passed across Erna's happy face, and there were tears in her
+eyes as she said, looking up at the Wolkenstein, "One other conquered
+her, but he had to pay with his life the price of his victory."
+
+"Rather of a foolhardy attempt that could benefit no one." Elmhorst's
+voice sounded harsh. "He risked his life, and found what he sought. Can
+you never forget him, Erna?"
+
+She shook her head: "Do not be unjust. Wolf, nor jealous of the dead.
+You know well whom I have always loved. But it is impossible for you
+with your practical energy of character to comprehend a nature like
+Ernst's."
+
+"Possibly; we were too diametrically antagonistic to be just to each
+other. But no more of him to-day, Erna; your memory and your thoughts
+to-day belong to me. The first height is surmounted; with the
+completion of the Wolkenstein railway a sure foundation is laid for my
+future. But the path was a difficult one."
+
+"And yet it was delightful, in spite of cliffs and chasms," Erna
+declared. "Was I not right, Wolf? It is so fine to ascend from below,
+to feel your strength increase with every step onward, with every
+obstacle overcome, and at last to stand above on the height, conscious
+of victory, as you are now!"
+
+"And with my best beloved beside me," Elmhorst added, with passionate
+tenderness. "You came to me in the darkest hour of my life, when
+everything about me was crumbling to ruin, and with you my lost fortune
+returned to me. Now I can hold it fast and pursue my way to loftier
+goals."
+
+The night fell slowly, the sacred old Midsummer night with its breath
+of mystery. It was not filled as on that other night with dreamy
+moonlight, but a clear starlit sky arched above the mountains, which
+began to glow here and there with the beacon-fires,--the largest, as of
+old, kindled upon the slope of the Wolkenstein. It flashed abroad over
+the realm of the Alpine Fay,--her conquered realm, into which human
+will had broken a pathway in spite of all her terrors, and in which it
+had come off victorious in a strife with the blind fury of the
+elements. The work was finished,--the iron road wound secure among the
+mountains, the huge bridge spanned the dizzy chasm, and the
+Wolkenstein, unveiled, looked down upon it all. One brilliant star
+gleamed just above its peak upon the brow of the Alpine Fay.
+
+
+
+                               FOOTNOTE:
+
+[Footnote 1: "Cloud-stone."]
+
+
+
+                                THE END.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Alpine Fay, by 
+Elisabeth Buerstenbinder (AKA E. Werner)
+
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+<title>The Alpine Fay: A Romance.</title>
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+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Alpine Fay, by 
+Elisabeth Buerstenbinder (AKA E. Werner)
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Alpine Fay
+       A Romance
+
+Author: Elisabeth Buerstenbinder (AKA E. Werner)
+
+Translator: Mrs. A. L. Wister
+
+Release Date: February 9, 2011 [EBook #35229]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ALPINE FAY ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Charles Bowen, from page scans provided by the Web Archive
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<p class="hang1">Transcriber's Note:<br>
+
+1. Page scan source: http://www.archive.org/details/alpinefayromance00wern<br>
+<br>
+2. The diphthong oe is represented by [oe].</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h1><span class="sc">The Alpine Fay</span></h1>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h3>A ROMANCE</h3>
+<br>
+<br>
+
+<h4>FROM THE GERMAN</h4>
+<h5>OF</h5>
+<h3>E. WERNER</h3>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h5>BY</h5>
+<h4>MRS. A. L. WISTER</h4>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h4><span class="sc2">PHILADELPHIA</span><br>
+J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY<br>
+1908.</h4>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<hr class="W20">
+
+<h5>Copyright, 1889, by <span class="sc">J. B. Lippincott Company</span>.</h5>
+
+<hr class="W20">
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>CONTENTS.</h2>
+<br>
+<table style="width:80%; margin-left:10%">
+<colgroup><col style="width:15%; text-align:right"><col style="width:85%"></colgroup>
+<tr>
+<td><span class="sc2">CHAPTER</span></td>
+<td></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td>I.--</td>
+<td><a name="div1Ref_01" href="#div1_01">A Mountain Home</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td>II.--</td>
+<td><a name="div1Ref_02" href="#div1_02">A Morning Call</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td>III.--</td>
+<td><a name="div1Ref_03" href="#div1_03">Explanatory</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td>IV.--</td>
+<td><a name="div1Ref_04" href="#div1_04">The Last Thurgau</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td>V.--</td>
+<td><a name="div1Ref_05" href="#div1_05">The Lover and the Suitor</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td>VI.--</td>
+<td><a name="div1Ref_06" href="#div1_06">At President Nordheim's</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td>VII.--</td>
+<td><a name="div1Ref_07" href="#div1_07">A New Scheme</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td>VIII.--</td>
+<td><a name="div1Ref_08" href="#div1_08">Another Clime</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td>IX.--</td>
+<td><a name="div1Ref_09" href="#div1_09">The Herr President Speaks</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td>X.--</td>
+<td><a name="div1Ref_10" href="#div1_10">A Professional Visit</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td>XI.--</td>
+<td><a name="div1Ref_11" href="#div1_11">On the Alm</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td>XII.--</td>
+<td><a name="div1Ref_12" href="#div1_12">The Bale-Fire</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td>XIII.--</td>
+<td><a name="div1Ref_13" href="#div1_13">An Outraged Wife</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td>XIV.--</td>
+<td><a name="div1Ref_14" href="#div1_14">Midsummer Blessing</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td>XV.--</td>
+<td><a name="div1Ref_15" href="#div1_15">A Betrothal</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td>XVI.--</td>
+<td><a name="div1Ref_16" href="#div1_16">Suspicions</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td>XVII.--</td>
+<td><a name="div1Ref_17" href="#div1_17">Unforeseen Obstacles</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td>XVIII.--</td>
+<td><a name="div1Ref_18" href="#div1_18">A Mountain Ramble</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td>XIX.--</td>
+<td><a name="div1Ref_19" href="#div1_19">Nemesis</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td>XX.--</td>
+<td><a name="div1Ref_20" href="#div1_20">Blasts and Counterblasts</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td>XXI.--</td>
+<td><a name="div1Ref_21" href="#div1_21">A Challenge</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td>XXII.--</td>
+<td><a name="div1Ref_22" href="#div1_22">An Unexpected Visit</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td>XXIII.--</td>
+<td><a name="div1Ref_23" href="#div1_23">A Jealous Lover</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td>XXIV.--</td>
+<td><a name="div1Ref_24" href="#div1_24">The Avalanche</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td>XXV.--</td>
+<td><a name="div1Ref_25" href="#div1_25">Not all Despair</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td>XXVI.--</td>
+<td><a name="div1Ref_26" href="#div1_26">The Kiss of the Alpine Fay</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td>XXVII.--</td>
+<td><a name="div1Ref_27" href="#div1_27">Midsummer-Eve again</a></td>
+</tr></table>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h1>THE ALPINE FAY.</h1>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>CHAPTER I.</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1_01" href="#div1Ref_01">A MOUNTAIN-HOME.</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+<p class="normal">High above the snow-crowned summits of the mountains gleamed a
+rainbow.
+The storm had passed; there was still a low mutter of thunder in the
+ravines, and masses of clouds lay encamped about the mountainsides, but
+the skies were once more clear, the loftiest peaks were unveiling, and
+dark forests and green slopes were beginning slowly to emerge from the
+sea of cloud and mist.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The extensive Alpine valley through which rushed a considerable stream
+lay far in the depths of the mountain-range, so secluded and lonely
+that it might have been entirely shut off from the world and its
+turmoil; and yet the world had found the way to it. The quiet
+mountain-road, usually deserted save for an occasional wagon or a
+strolling pedestrian, was all astir with bustle and life. Everywhere
+were to be seen groups of engineers and labourers; everywhere
+measuring, surveying, and planning were going on; the railway, in a
+couple of years, was to stretch its iron arms forth into this mountain
+seclusion, and preparations were already making for its course.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Some way up the mountain-road, on the brink of a hollow whose rocky
+sides fell away in a steep descent, lay a dwelling-house, which at
+first sight did not appear to differ much from others scattered here
+and there among the mountains; a near view, however, soon made plain
+that it was no peasant's abode situated thus on the spacious green
+slope. The house had firmly-cemented walls of blocks of stone, and low
+but broad doors and windows; two semicircular projections, the pointed
+roofs of which gave them the air of small towers, lent it a stately
+appearance, and above the entrance there was artistically carved in the
+stone a scutcheon.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was one of those old baronial mansions, yet to be found here and
+there among the mountains, simple and rude, half suggesting a peasant
+abode, gray and weather-worn, but stoutly resisting the decay to which
+many a proud castle had fallen a victim. The ascending slope of the
+mountain formed a picturesque background, and high above a huge peak
+reared its rocky crest, crowned with snow, lonely and proud.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The interior of the house accorded with its outside. Through a vaulted
+hall, with a stone floor, a low spacious room was reached which
+occupied nearly the entire width of the building. The wainscot, brown
+with age, the gigantic tiled stove, the high-backed chairs, and the
+heavily-carved oaken cupboards were all plain and simple and showed
+marks of long years of use. The windows were wide open, affording a
+magnificent view of the mountains, but the two gentlemen sitting at the
+table were too earnestly engaged in conversation to pay any heed to the
+beauties which each moment revealed more fully.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">One of them, a man fifty years of age, was a giant in stature, with a
+broad chest and powerful limbs. Not a thread of silver as yet streaked
+his thick hair and fair, full beard; his tanned face beamed with the
+life and health that characterized his entire figure. His companion was
+of perhaps the same age, but his spare figure, his sharp features, and
+his gray hair made him appear much older. His face and the high
+forehead, already deeply lined, spoke of restless striving and
+scheming, as well as of the energy necessary for them; there was in his
+expression a degree of arrogance which was far from prepossessing, and
+his air and speech conveyed an impression of self-confidence, as of a
+man accustomed to rule those about him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;So pray listen to reason, Thurgau,&quot; he said, in a tone in which
+impatience was audible. &quot;Your opposition will do you no good. In any
+case you will be forced to relinquish your estate.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I, forced!&quot; exclaimed Thurgau, angrily. &quot;We'll see about that. While I
+live, not a stone of Wolkenstein shall be touched.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But it is directly in the way. The big bridge starts from here, and
+the line of railway goes directly through your property.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Then alter your cursed line of railway! Carry it where you choose,
+over the top of the Wolkenstein, for all I care, but let my house
+alone. No need to talk, Nordheim; I persist in my 'no.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Nordheim smiled, half compassionately, half sarcastically: &quot;You seem to
+have entirely forgotten in your seclusion how to deal with the world
+and its requirements. Do you actually imagine that an undertaking like
+ours can be put a stop to, just because the Freiherr von Thurgau
+chooses to refuse us a few square rods of his land? If you persist,
+nothing is left us save to have recourse to our right of compulsion.
+You know that we have long been empowered to use it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Oho, I have rights too!&quot; exclaimed the Freiherr, bringing his fist
+down heavily upon the table. &quot;I have protested, and shall continue to
+protest, while I live. Wolkenstein Court shall be left untouched,
+though the entire railway company with the Herr President Nordheim at
+their head should band themselves against me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But if you are offered double its value----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;If I were offered a hundred times its value, it would be all the same.
+I do not bargain for the last of my inheritance. Wolkenstein Court
+shall not be touched, and there's an end of it!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;This is your old obstinacy which has so often stood in your way in
+life,&quot; said the president with irritation. &quot;I might have foreseen it;
+it is far from agreeable to have my own brother-in-law force to extreme
+measures the company of which I am president.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;That is why you condescended to come up here yourself, for the first
+time for years,&quot; Thurgau said, with a sneer.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I wanted to try to talk you into a reasonable state of mind, since my
+letters were of no avail. You surely know how entirely my time is taken
+up.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, yes, heaven knows it is! Nothing would induce me to run the
+perpetual race which you call life. What good do you get out of your
+millions and your incredible successes? Now here, now there, you are
+always on the wing, always burdened down with business and
+responsibility. There's where you get the wrinkles on your forehead and
+your gray hair. Look at me!&quot; He sat upright and stretched his huge
+limbs. &quot;I am a full year older than you!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Very true; but then it is not given to every man to live up here with
+the marmots and shoot chamois. You resigned from the army ten years
+ago, although your ancient name would have insured you a brilliant
+career.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Because the service did not suit me. It never did suit the Thurgaus.
+You think that is what has brought them down in the world? I can see
+you do by your sneer. Well, there is not, it is true, much of the old
+splendour left, but I have at least a roof over my head, and the soil
+beneath my feet is my own; here no one has a right to order me
+about and control me, least of all your cursed railway. No offence,
+brother-in-law, we will not quarrel over the matter, and neither has a
+right to reproach the other, for if I am obstinate you are domineering.
+You hector your precious company until they are almost blind and deaf,
+and if one of them dares to contradict you he is simply tossed aside
+neck and crop.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What do you know about it?&quot; asked Nordheim, piqued by the last words.
+&quot;As a rule, you trouble yourself very little about our affairs.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;True, but I was talking awhile ago with a couple of engineers who were
+up here surveying, and who, of course, had no idea of the relationship
+between us; they scolded away at a great rate about you and your
+tyranny, and favouritism. Oh, I heard a deal that was extremely
+interesting.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The president shrugged his shoulders with an air of indifference: &quot;My
+appointment of the superintendent for this district was probably
+distasteful to the gentlemen. They certainly threatened an open revolt
+because I advanced to be their superior officer a young man of
+seven-and-twenty who has more in his head than all the rest of them put
+together.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But they maintain that he is a fellow who would shun no means, so it
+might promote his advancement,&quot; Thurgau said, bluntly. &quot;You, as
+president of the company, had nothing to do with the appointment,--the
+engineer-in-chief alone has the right to appoint his staff.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Officially it is so, and I do not often bring my influence to bear in
+his department; when I do so I expect due deference to be paid to my
+wishes. Enough, Elmhorst is superintendent and will remain so. If it
+does not suit the gentlemen they can resign their posts; their opinion
+is of very little consequence.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In his words there was all the arrogant self-assertion of a man
+accustomed to have his own way, regardless of consequences. Thurgau was
+about to reply, but at the moment the door opened, or rather was flung
+wide, and a something made up of drenched clothes and floating curls
+flew past the president and eagerly embraced the Freiherr; a second
+something, equally wet and very shaggy, followed, and also rushed
+towards the master of the house, springing upon him with loud and
+joyful barks of recognition. The noisy and unexpected intrusion was
+almost an attack, but Thurgau must have been used to such onslaughts,
+for he showed no impatience at the damp caresses thus bestowed upon
+him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Here I am, papa!&quot; cried a clear girlish voice, &quot;wet as a nixie; we
+were up on the Wolkenstein all through the storm; just see how we look,
+Griff and I!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, it is plain that you come directly from the clouds,&quot; Thurgau
+said, laughing. &quot;But do you not see, Erna, that we have a visitor? Do
+you recognize him?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Erna turned about; she had not perceived the president, who had risen
+and stepped aside upon her entrance, and for a few seconds she seemed
+uncertain as to his identity, but she finally exclaimed, delightedly,
+&quot;Uncle Nordheim!&quot; and hurried towards him. He, however, put out his
+hands and stood on the defensive.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Pray, pray, my child; you are dripping at every step. You are a
+veritable water-witch. For heaven's sake do not let the dog come near
+me! Would you expose me to a rain-storm here in the room?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Erna laughed, and, taking the dog by the collar, drew him away. Griff
+showed a decided desire to cultivate an acquaintance with the visitor,
+which in his dripping condition would hardly have been agreeable. In
+fact, his young mistress did not look much better; the mountain-shoes
+which shod her little feet very clumsily, her skirt of some dark
+woollen stuff, kilted high, and her little black beaver hat, were all
+dripping wet. She seemed to care very little about it, however, as she
+tossed her hat upon a chair and stroked back her damp curls.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The girl resembled her father very slightly; her blue eyes and fair
+hair she had inherited from him, but otherwise there existed not the
+smallest likeness between the Freiherr's giant proportions and
+good-humoured but rather expressionless features and the girl of
+sixteen, who, lithe and slender as a gazelle, revealed, in spite of her
+stormy entrance, an unconscious grace in every movement. Her face was
+rosy with the freshness of youth; it could not be called beautiful, at
+least not yet: the features were still too childish and undeveloped,
+and there was an expression bordering on waywardness about the small
+mouth. Her eyes, it is true, were beautiful, reminding one in their
+blue depths of the colour of the mountain-lakes. Her hair, confined
+neither by ribbon nor by net, and dishevelled by the wind, hung about
+her shoulders in thick masses of curls. She certainly did not look as
+if she belonged in a drawing-room, she was rather the personification
+of a fresh spring rain.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Are you afraid of a few rain-drops, Uncle Nordheim?&quot; she asked. &quot;What
+would have become of you in the rain-spout to which we were exposed
+just now? I did not mind it much, but my companion----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Why, I should have thought Griff's shaggy hide accustomed to such
+drenchings,&quot; the Freiherr interposed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Griff? Oh, I had left him as usual at the sennerin's hut; he cannot
+climb, and from there one must rival the chamois. I mean the stranger
+whom I met on the way. He had strayed from the path, and could not find
+his way down in the mist; if I had not met him, he would be on the
+Wolkenstein at this moment.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, these city men,&quot; said Thurgau,--&quot;they come up here with huge
+mountain-staffs, and in brand-new travelling-suits, and behave as if
+our Alpine peaks were mere child's play; but at the first shower they
+creep into a rift in the rocks and catch cold. I suppose the fine
+fellow was in a terrible fright when the storm came up?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Erna shook her head, but a frown appeared on her forehead.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No, he was not afraid; he stayed beside me with entire composure while
+the lightning and rain were at their worst, and in our descent he
+showed himself courageous, although it was evident he was quite unused
+to that sort of thing. But he is an odious creature. He laughed when I
+told him of the mountain-sprite who sends the avalanches down into the
+valley every winter, and when I grew angry he observed, with much
+condescension, 'True, this is the atmosphere for superstition; I had
+forgotten that.' I wished the mountain-sprite would roll an avalanche
+down upon his head on the spot, and I told him so.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You said that to a stranger whom you had met for the first time?&quot;
+asked the president, who had hitherto listened in silence, with an air
+of surprise.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Erna tossed her head: &quot;Of course I did! We could not endure him, could
+we, Griff? You growled at him when he reached the sennerin's hut with
+me, and you were right,--good dog! But now I really must change my wet
+clothes; Uncle Nordheim will else catch cold from merely having me near
+him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She hurried off as quickly as she had come; Griff tried to follow her,
+but the door was shut in his face, and so he decided upon another
+course. He shook from his shaggy hide a shower of drops in every
+direction, and lay down at his master's feet.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Nordheim took out his pocket-handkerchief and ostentatiously brushed
+with it his black coat, although not a drop had reached it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Forgive me, brother-in-law; I must say that the way in which you allow
+your daughter to grow up is inexcusable.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What?&quot; asked Thurgau, apparently extremely surprised that any one
+could possibly find anything to object to in his child. &quot;What is the
+matter with the girl?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Everything, I should say, that could be the matter with a Fräulein von
+Thurgau. What a scene we have just witnessed! And you allow her to
+wander about the mountains alone for hours, making acquaintance with
+any tourist she may chance to meet.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Pshaw! she is but a child!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;At sixteen? It was a great misfortune for her to lose her mother so
+early, and since then you have positively let her run wild. Of course
+when a young girl grows up under such circumstances, without
+instruction, without education----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You are mistaken,&quot; the Freiherr interrupted him. &quot;When I removed to
+Wolkenstein Court, after the death of my wife, I brought with me a
+tutor, the old magister, who died last spring. Erna had instruction
+from him, and <i>I</i> have brought her up. She is just what I wished her to
+be; we have no use up here for such a delicate hot-house plant as your
+Alice. My girl is healthy in body and mind; she has grown up free as a
+bird of the air, and she shall stay so. If you call that running wild,
+so be it, for aught I care! My child suits me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Perhaps so, but you will not always be the sole ruling force in her
+life. If Erna should marry----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Mar--ry?&quot; Thurgau repeated in dismay.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Certainly, you must expect her to have lovers, sooner or later.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The fellow who dares to present himself as such shall have a lesson
+from me that he'll remember!&quot; roared the Freiherr in a rage.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You bid fair to be an amiable father-in-law,&quot; said Nordheim, dryly. &quot;I
+should suppose it was a girl's destiny to marry. Do you imagine I shall
+require my Alice to remain unmarried because she is my only daughter?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;That is very different,&quot; said Thurgau, slowly, &quot;a very different
+thing. You may love your daughter,--you probably do love her,--but you
+could give her to some one else with a light heart. I have nothing on
+God's earth save my child; she is all that is left to me, and I will
+not give her up at any price. Only let the gentlemen to whom you allude
+come here as suitors; I will send them home again after a fashion that
+shall make them forget the way hither.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The president's smile was that of the cold compassion bestowed upon the
+folly of a child.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;If you continue faithful to your educational theories you will have no
+cause to fear,&quot; he said, rising. &quot;One thing more: Alice arrives at
+Heilborn to-morrow morning, where I shall await her; the physician has
+ordered her the baths there, and the mountain-air.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No human being could ever get well and strong in that elegant and
+tiresome haunt of fashion,&quot; Thurgau declared, contemptuously. &quot;You
+ought to send the girl up here, where she would have the mountain-air
+at first hand.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Nordheim's glance wandered about the apartment, and rested with an
+unmistakable expression upon the sleeping Griff; finally he looked at
+his brother-in-law: &quot;You are very kind, but we must adhere to the
+physician's prescriptions. Shall we not see you in the course of a day
+or two?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Of course; Heilborn is hardly two miles away,&quot; said the Freiherr, who
+failed to perceive the cold, forced nature of his brother-in-law's
+invitation. &quot;I shall certainly come over and bring Erna.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He rose to conduct his guest to his conveyance; the difference of
+opinion to which he had just given such striking expression was in his
+eyes no obstacle to their friendly relations as kinsmen, and he bade
+his brother-in-law farewell with all the frank cordiality native to
+him. Erna too came fluttering down-stairs like a bird, and all three
+went out of the house together.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The mountain-wagon which had brought the president to Wolkenstein Court
+a couple of hours previously--not without some difficulty in the
+absence of any good road--drove into the court-yard, and at the same
+moment a young man made his appearance beneath the gate-way and
+approached the master of the house.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Good-day, doctor,&quot; cried the Freiherr in his jovial tones, whilst
+Erna, with the ease and freedom of a child, offered the new-comer her
+hand. Turning to his brother-in-law, Thurgau added: &quot;This is our
+Æsculapius and physician-in-ordinary. You ought to put your Alice under
+his care; the man understands his business.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Nordheim, who had observed with evident displeasure his niece's
+familiar greeting of the young doctor, touched his hat carelessly, and
+scarcely honoured the stranger, whose bow was somewhat awkward, with a
+glance. He shook hands with his brother-in-law, kissed Erna on the
+forehead, and got into the vehicle, which immediately rolled away.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Now come in, Dr. Reinsfeld,&quot; said the Freiherr, who did not apparently
+regret this departure. &quot;But it occurs to me that you do not know my
+brother-in-law,--the gentleman who has just driven off.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;President Nordheim,--I am aware,&quot; replied Reinsfeld, looking after the
+vehicle, which was vanishing at a turn in the road.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Extraordinary,&quot; muttered Thurgau. &quot;Everybody knows him, and yet he has
+not been here for years. It is exactly as if some potentate were
+driving through the mountains.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He went into the house; the young physician hesitated a moment before
+following him, and looked round for Erna; but she was standing on the
+low wall that encircled the court-yard, looking after the conveyance as
+with some difficulty it drove down the mountain.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Dr. Reinsfeld was about twenty-seven years old; he did not possess the
+Freiherr's gigantic proportions, but his figure was fine, and
+powerfully knit. He certainly was not handsome, rather the contrary,
+but there was an undeniable charm in the honest, trustful gaze of his
+blue eyes and in his face, which carried written on its brow kindness
+of heart. The young man's manners and bearing, it is true, betrayed
+entire unfamiliarity with the forms of society, and there was much
+to be desired in his attire. His gray mountain-jacket and his old
+beaver hat had seen many a day of tempest and rain, and his heavy
+mountain-shoes, their soles well studded with nails, showed abundant
+traces of the muddy mountain-paths. They bore testimony to the fact
+that the doctor did not possess even a mountain-pony for his visits to
+his patients,--he went on foot wherever duty called him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Well, how are you, Herr Baron?&quot; he asked when the two men were seated
+opposite each other in the room. &quot;All right again? No recurrence of the
+last attack?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;All right,&quot; said Thurgau, with a laugh. &quot;I cannot understand why you
+should make so much of a little dizzy turn. Such a constitution as mine
+does not give gentlemen of your profession much to do.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;We must not make too light of the matter. At your years you must be
+prudent,&quot; said the young physician. &quot;I hope nothing will come of it, if
+you only follow my advice,--avoid all excitement, and diet yourself to
+a degree. I wrote it all down for you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, you did, but I shall not pay it any attention,&quot; the Freiherr
+said, pleasantly, leaning back in his arm-chair.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But, Herr von Thurgau----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Let me alone, doctor! The life that you prescribe for me would be no
+life at all. I take care of myself! I, accustomed as I am to follow a
+chamois to the topmost peak of our mountains without any heed of the
+sun's heat or the winter's snow,--always the first if there is any
+peril to be encountered,--I give up hunting, drink water, and avoid all
+agitation like a nervous old maid! Nonsense! I've no idea of anything
+of the kind.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I did not conceal from you the grave nature of your attack, nor that
+it might have dangerous consequences.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I don't care! Man cannot balk his destiny, and I never was made for
+such a pitiable existence as you would have me lead. I prefer a quick,
+happy death.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Reinsfeld looked thoughtful, and said, in an undertone, &quot;In fact, you
+are right. Baron, but----&quot; He got no further, for Thurgau burst into a
+loud laugh.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Now, that's what I call a conscientious physician! When his patient
+declares that he cares not a snap for his prescriptions, he says 'you
+are right!' Yes, I am right; you see it yourself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The doctor would have protested against this interpretation of his
+words, but Thurgau only laughed more loudly, and Erna made her
+appearance with Griff, her inseparable companion.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Uncle Nordheim is safe across the bridge, although it was half
+flooded,&quot; she said. &quot;The engineers all rushed to his assistance and
+helped to draw the carriage across, after which they drew up in line on
+each side and bowed profoundly.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She mimicked comically the reverential demeanour of the officials, but
+the Freiherr shrugged his shoulders impatiently.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Fine fellows those! They abuse my brother-in-law in every way behind
+his back, but as soon as he comes in sight they bow down to the ground.
+No wonder the man is arrogant.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Papa,&quot; said Erna, who had been standing beside her father's chair, and
+who now put her arm around his neck, &quot;I do not think Uncle Nordheim
+likes me: he was so cold and formal.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;That is his way,&quot; said Thurgau, drawing her towards him. &quot;But he has a
+great deal of fault to find with you, you romp.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;With Fräulein Erna?&quot; asked Reinsfeld, with as much astonishment and
+indignation in look and tone as if the matter in question had been high
+treason.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes; she ought to conduct herself like a Fräulein von Thurgau. Oh,
+yes, child, awhile ago he offered to have you come to him to be trained
+for society with his Alice by all sorts of governesses! What do you say
+to such an arrangement?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I do not want to go to my uncle, papa. I will never go away from you.
+I mean to stay at Wolkenstein Court as long as I live.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I knew it!&quot; said the Freiherr, triumphantly. &quot;And they insist that you
+will marry some day,--go off with a perfect stranger and leave your
+father alone in his old age! We know better, eh, Erna? We two belong
+together and we will stay together.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He stroked his child's curls with a tenderness pathetic in the bluff,
+stalwart man, and Erna nestled close to him with passionate ardour. It
+was plain to see that they belonged together; each was devoted to the
+other, heart and soul.</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>CHAPTER II.</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1_02" href="#div1Ref_02">A MORNING CALL.</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Well, Herr Superintendent, you are at your post already? It
+is one of
+difficulty and responsibility, especially for a man of your years, but
+I hope nevertheless that you are quite competent to fulfil its duties.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The young man to whom President Nordheim addressed these words bowed
+respectfully, but in no wise humbly, as he replied, &quot;I am perfectly
+aware that I must show myself worthy of the distinction which I owe
+principally to your influence in my behalf, Herr President.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, there was much against you,&quot; said Nordheim. &quot;First of all, your
+youth, which was regarded as an obstacle by those in authority, the
+rather that older and more experienced applicants look upon their
+rejection as an offence, and finally there was a decided opposition to
+my interference in your favour. I need not tell you that you must take
+all these things into account; they will make your position far from an
+easy one.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am prepared for that,&quot; Elmhorst replied, quietly, &quot;and I shall not
+yield a jot to the hostility of my fellow-workers. I have hitherto,
+Herr President, had no opportunity to express my gratitude to you save
+by words; I trust I shall be able to show it by deeds at some future
+time.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">His answer seemed to please the president, and, far more graciously
+than was his wont, he signed to his favourite to sit down,--for such
+Elmhorst was already considered in circles that were quite conscious of
+the value of the president's preference.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The young superintendent-engineer, who, upon this official visit, wore,
+of course, the livery of the company, was extremely attractive in
+appearance, tall and slender, with regular, decided features, to which
+a complexion browned by the sun, and a dark beard and moustache, lent a
+manly air. Thick brown hair was parted above a broad brow which
+betokened keen intelligence, and the eyes would have been extremely
+fine had they not been so cold and grave in expression. They might
+observe keenly, and perhaps flash with pride and energy, but they could
+hardly light up with enthusiasm, or glow with the warmer impulses of
+the heart; there was no youthful fire in their dark depths. The man's
+manner was simple and calm, perfectly respectful to his superior, but
+without a shadow of servility.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am not quite satisfied with what I see here,&quot; Nordheim began again.
+&quot;The men are taking a great deal of time for the preliminary work, and
+I doubt if we can begin the construction next year; there is no display
+of eagerness or energy. I begin to fear that we have made a mistake in
+putting ourselves into the hands of this engineer-in-chief.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;He is considered a first-class authority,&quot; Elmhorst interposed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;True, but he has grown old, physically and mentally, and such a work
+as this demands the full vigor of manhood,--a famous name is not all
+that is required. The undertaking depends greatly upon the conductors
+of the individual sections, and your section is one of the most
+important on the entire line.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The most important, I think. We have every possible natural obstacle
+to overcome here; I am afraid we shall not always succeed, even with
+the most exact calculations.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;My opinion precisely; the post requires a man capable of calculating
+upon the unforeseen, and ready in an emergency to lend a hand himself.
+I therefore nominated you, and carried through your appointment, in
+spite of all opposition; it is for you to justify my confidence in
+you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I will justify it,&quot; was the decided reply. &quot;You shall not find
+yourself mistaken in me, Herr President.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am seldom deceived in men,&quot; said Nordheim, with a searching glance
+at the young man's countenance, &quot;and of your technical capacity you
+have given proof sufficient. Your plan for bridging over the
+Wolkenstein chasm shows genius.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Herr President----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No need to disclaim my praise, I am usually very chary of it; as a
+former engineer I can judge of such matters, and I repeat, your plan
+shows genius.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And yet for a long time it was not only not accepted, it was entirely
+disregarded,&quot; said Elmhorst, with some bitterness. &quot;Had I not conceived
+the happy idea of requesting a personal interview with you, at which I
+explained my plans to you, they never would have been accorded the
+slightest notice.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Possibly not; talent out at elbows, with difficulty finds a hearing;
+'tis the way of the world, and one from which I, myself, suffered in my
+youth. But one conquers in the end, and you come off conqueror with
+your present position. I shall know how to maintain you in it if you do
+your duty. The rest is your own affair.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He rose, and waved his hand in token of dismissal. Elmhorst also rose,
+but lingered a moment; &quot;May I make a request?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Certainly; what is it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;A few weeks ago I had the honour in the city of seeing Fräulein Alice
+Nordheim, and of being hastily presented to her as she was getting into
+the carriage with you. She is now, I hear, in Heilborn,--may I be
+permitted to inquire personally after her health?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Nordheim was startled, and scanned the bold petitioner keenly. He was
+wont to have none save business relations with his officials, and was
+considered very exclusive in his choice of associates, and here was
+this young man, only a simple engineer a short time previously, asking
+a favour which signified neither more nor less than the <i>entrée</i> of the
+house of the all-powerful president. It seemed to him a little strong;
+he frowned and said in a very cold tone, &quot;Your request is a rather bold
+one, Herr--Elmhorst.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I know it, but Fortune favours the bold.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The words might have offended another patron, but not the man to whom
+they were spoken. Influential millionaire as he was, Nordheim had
+enough of flattery and servility, and despised both from the bottom of
+his soul. This quiet self-possession, not a whit destroyed by his
+presence, impressed him; he felt it was something akin to his own
+nature. 'Fortune favours the bold!' It had been his own maxim by which
+he had mounted the social ladder, and this Elmhorst looked as if he
+never would be content with remaining on its lower rounds. The frown
+vanished from his brow, but his eyes remained fixed upon the young
+engineer's face as if to read his very soul,--his most secret thoughts.
+After a pause of a few seconds he said, slowly, &quot;We will admit the
+proverb to be right this time. Come!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In Elmhorst's eyes there was a flash of triumph; he bowed low, and
+followed Nordheim through several rooms to the other wing of the house.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Nordheim was occupying one of the most beautiful and elegant villas in
+the fashionable spa. Half hidden by the green shade of the shrubberies,
+it enjoyed a charming prospect of the mountain-range, and its interior
+was wanting in none of the luxuries to which spoiled and wealthy guests
+are accustomed. In the drawing-room the glass door alone was open, the
+jalousies were closed to keep out the glare of sunlight, and in the
+cool, darkened room sat two ladies.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The elder, who held a book, and was apparently reading, was no longer
+young. Her dress, from the lace cap covering her gray hair to the hem
+of her dark silk gown, was scrupulously neat, and she sat up stiff and
+cool and elegant, an embodiment of the rules of etiquette. The younger,
+a girl of sixteen at most, a delicate, pale, frail creature, was
+sitting, or rather reclining, in a large arm-chair. Her head was
+supported by a silken cushion, and her hands were crossed idly and
+languidly in the lap of her white, lace-trimmed morning-gown. Her face,
+although hardly beautiful, was pleasing, but it wore a weary, apathetic
+expression which made it lifeless when, as at present, the eyes were
+half closed and the young lady seemed to be dozing.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Herr Wolfgang Elmhorst,&quot; said the president, introducing his
+companion. &quot;I believe he is not quite a stranger to you, Alice. Frau
+Baroness Lasberg.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Alice slowly opened her eyes, large brown eyes, which, however, shared
+the apathetic expression of her other features. There was not the
+slightest interest in her glance, and she seemed to remember neither
+the name nor the person of the young man. Frau von Lasberg, on the
+other hand, looked surprised. Only Wolfgang Elmhorst and nothing more?
+Gentlemen without rank or title were not wont to be admitted to the
+Nordheim circle; there surely must be something extraordinary about
+this young man, since the president himself introduced him.
+Nevertheless his courteous bow was acknowledged with frigid formality.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I cannot expect Fräulein Nordheim to remember me,&quot; said Wolfgang,
+advancing. &quot;Our meeting was a very transient one; I am all the more
+grateful to the Herr President for his introduction to-day. But I fear
+Fräulein Nordheim is ill?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Only rather fatigued from her journey,&quot; the president made answer in
+his daughter's stead. &quot;How are you to-day, Alice?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I feel wretched, papa,&quot; the young lady replied in a gentle voice, but
+one quite devoid of expression.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The heat of the sun in the narrow valley is insufferable,&quot; Frau von
+Lasberg observed. &quot;This sultry atmosphere always has an unfavourable
+effect upon Alice; I fear she will not be able to bear it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The physicians have ordered her to Heilborn, and we must await the
+result,&quot; said Nordheim, in a tone that was impatient rather than
+tender. Alice said not a word; her strength seemed exhausted by her
+short reply to her father's inquiry, and she left it to Frau von
+Lasberg and her father to continue the conversation.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Elmhorst's share in it was at first a very modest one, but gradually
+and almost imperceptibly he took the lead, and he certainly understood
+the art of conversation. His remarks were not commonplaces about the
+weather and every-day occurrences; he talked of things which might have
+been thought foreign to the interest of the ladies,--things which had
+to do with the railway enterprise among the mountains. He described the
+Wolkenstein, its stupendous proportions, its heights which dominated
+the entire mountain-range, the yawning abyss which the bridge was to
+span, the rushing mountain-stream, and the iron road which was to wind
+through cliffs and forests above streams and chasms. His were no dry
+descriptions, no technical explanations,--he unrolled a brilliant
+picture of the gigantic undertaking before his listeners, and he
+succeeded in enthralling them. Frau von Lasberg became some degrees
+less cool and formal; she even asked a few questions, expressing her
+interest in the matter, and Alice, although she persisted in her
+silence, evidently listened, and sometimes bestowed a half-surprised
+glance upon the speaker.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The president seemed equally surprised by the conversational talent of
+his <i>protégé</i>, with whom, hitherto, he had talked about official and
+technical matters only. He knew that the young man had been bred in
+moderate circumstances, and that he was unused to 'society' so called,
+and here he was in this drawing-room conversing with these ladies as if
+he had been accustomed to such intercourse all his life. And there was
+an entire absence in his manner of anything like forwardness; he knew
+perfectly well how to keep within the bounds assigned by good breeding
+for a first visit.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In the midst of their conversation a servant appeared, and with a
+rather embarrassed air announced, &quot;A gentleman calling himself Baron
+Thurgau wishes----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, wishes to speak to his illustrious brother-in-law,&quot; a loud, angry
+voice interrupted him, as he was thrust aside by a powerful arm.
+&quot;Thunder and lightning, what sort of a household have you got here,
+Nordheim? I believe the Emperor of China is more easy of access than
+you are! We had to break through three outposts, and even then the
+betagged and betasselled pack would have denied us admittance. You have
+brought an entire suite with you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Alice had started in terror at the sound of the stentorian voice, and
+Frau von Lasberg rose slowly and solemnly in mute indignation, seeming
+to ask by her looks the meaning of this intrusion. The president too
+did not appear to approve of this mode of announcement; but he
+collected himself immediately and advanced to meet his brother-in-law,
+who was followed by his daughter.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Probably you did not at first mention your name,&quot; he said, &quot;or such a
+mistake could not have occurred. The servants do not yet know you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Well, there would have been no harm in admitting any simple, honest
+man to your presence,&quot; Thurgau growled, still red with irritation. &quot;But
+that is not the fashion here, apparently; it was only when I added the
+'Baron' that they condescended to admit us.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The servant's error was undeniably excusable, for the Freiherr wore his
+usual mountaineer's garb, and Erna hardly looked like a young Baroness,
+although she had not donned her storm-costume to-day. She wore a simple
+gown of some dark stuff, rather more suitable for a mountain ramble
+than for paying visits, and as simple a straw hat tied over her curls,
+which were, however, confined to-day in a silken net, against which
+they evidently rebelled. She seemed to resent their reception even more
+than did her father, for she stood beside him with a frown and a
+haughty curl of the lip, gloomily scanning those present. Behind the
+pair appeared the inevitable Griff, who had shown his teeth angrily
+when the servant attempted to shut him out of the room, and who
+maintained his place in the unshaken conviction that he belonged
+wherever his mistress was.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The president would have tried to smooth matters, but Thurgau, whose
+wrath was wont to evaporate as quickly as it was aroused, did not allow
+him to speak. &quot;There is Alice!&quot; he exclaimed. &quot;God bless you, child,
+I'm glad to see you again! But, my poor girl, how you look! not a drop
+of blood in your cheeks. Why, this is pitiful!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Amid such flattering remarks he approached the young lady to bestow
+upon her what he considered a tender embrace; but Frau von Lasberg
+interposed between Alice and himself with, &quot;I beg of you!&quot; uttered in a
+sharp tone, as if to shield the girl from an assault.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Come, come, I shall do my niece no harm,&quot; Thurgau said, with renewed
+vexation. &quot;You need not protect her from me as you would a lamb from a
+wolf. Whom have I the honour of addressing?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am the Baroness Lasberg!&quot; the lady explained, with due emphasis upon
+the title. Her whole manner expressed frigid reserve, but it availed
+her nothing here. The Freiherr cordially clasped one of the hands she
+had extended to ward him off, and shook it until it ached again.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Extremely happy, madame, extremely so. My name you have heard, and
+this is my daughter. Come, Erna, why do you stand there so silent? Are
+you not going to speak to Alice?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Erna approached slowly, a frown still on her brow, but it vanished
+entirely at sight of her young cousin lying so weary and pale among her
+cushions; suddenly with all her wonted eagerness she threw her arms
+round Alice's neck and cried out, &quot;Poor Alice, I am so sorry you are
+ill!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Alice accepted the caress without returning it; but when the blooming,
+rosy face nestled close to her colourless cheek, when a pair of fresh
+lips pressed her own, and the warm, tender tones fell on her ear,
+something akin to a smile appeared upon her apathetic features and she
+replied, softly, &quot;I am not ill, only tired.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Pray, Baroness, be less demonstrative,&quot; Frau von Lasberg said, coldly.
+&quot;Alice must be very gently treated; her nerves are extremely
+sensitive.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What? Nerves?&quot; said Thurgau. &quot;That's a complaint of the city folks.
+With us at Wolkenstein Court there are no such things. You ought to
+come with Alice to us, madame; I'll promise you that in three weeks
+neither of you will have a single nerve.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I can readily believe it,&quot; the lady replied, with an indignant glance.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Come, Thurgau, let us leave the children to make acquaintance with
+each other; they have not seen each other for years,&quot; said Nordheim,
+who, although quite used to his brother-in-law's rough manner, was
+annoyed by it in the present company. He would have led the way to the
+next room, but Elmhorst, who during this domestic scene had
+considerately withdrawn to the recess of a window, now advanced, as if
+about to take his leave, whereupon the president, of course, presented
+him to his relative.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Thurgau immediately remembered the name which he had heard mentioned in
+no flattering fashion by the comrades of the young superintendent,
+whose attractive exterior seemed only to confirm the Freiherr in his
+mistrust of him. Erna too had turned towards the stranger; she suddenly
+started and retreated a step.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;This is not the first time that I have had the honour of meeting the
+Baroness Thurgau,&quot; said Elmhorst, bowing courteously. &quot;She was kind
+enough to act as my guide when I had lost my way among the cliffs of
+the Wolkenstein. Her name, indeed, I hear to-day for the first time.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Ah, indeed. So this was the stranger whom you met?&quot; growled Thurgau,
+not greatly edified, it would seem, by this encounter.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I trust the Baroness was not alone?&quot; Frau von Lasberg inquired, in a
+tone which betrayed her horror at such a possibility.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Of course I was alone!&quot; Erna exclaimed, perceiving the reproach in the
+lady's words, and flaming up indignantly. &quot;I always walk alone in the
+mountains, with only Griff for a companion. Be quiet, Griff! Lie down!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Elmhorst had tried to stroke the beautiful animal, but his advances had
+been met with an angry growl. At the sound of his mistress's voice,
+however, the dog was instantly silent and lay down obediently at her
+feet.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The dog is not cross, I hope?&quot; Nordheim asked, with evident annoyance.
+&quot;If he is, I must really entreat----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Griff is never cross,&quot; Erna interposed almost angrily. &quot;He never hurts
+any one, and always lets strangers pat him, but he does not like this
+gentleman at all, and----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Baroness--I beg of you!&quot; murmured Frau von Lasberg, with difficulty
+maintaining her formal demeanour. Elmhorst, however, acknowledged
+Erna's words with a low bow.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am excessively mortified to have fallen into disgrace with Herr
+Griff, and, as I fear, with his mistress also,&quot; he declared, &quot;but it
+really is not my fault. Allow me, ladies, to bid you good-morning.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He approached Alice, beside whom Frau von Lasberg was standing guard,
+as if to protect her from all contact with these savages who had
+suddenly burst into the drawing-room, and who could not, unfortunately,
+be turned out, because, setting aside the relationship, they were Baron
+and Baroness born.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On the other hand, this young man with the bourgeois name conducted
+himself like a gentleman. His voice was gentle and sympathetic as he
+expressed the hope that Fräulein Nordheim would recover her health in
+the air of Heilborn; he courteously kissed the hand of the elder lady
+when she graciously extended it to him, and then he turned to the
+president to take leave of him also, when a most unexpected
+interruption occurred.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Outside on the balcony, which overhung the garden and was half filled
+with blossoming shrubs, appeared a kitten, which had probably found its
+way thither from the garden. It approached the open glass door with
+innocent curiosity, and, unfortunately, came within the range of
+Griff's vision. The dog, in his hereditary hostility to the tribe of
+cats, started up, barking violently, almost overturned Frau von
+Lasberg, shot past Alice, frightening her terribly, and out upon the
+balcony, where a wild chase began. The terrified kitten tore hither and
+thither with lightning-like rapidity without finding any outlet of
+escape and with its persecutor in close pursuit; the glass panes of the
+door rattled, the flower-pots were overturned and smashed, and amidst
+the confusion were heard the Freiherr's shrill whistle and Erna's voice
+of command. The dog, young, not fully broken, and eager for the chase,
+did not obey,--the hurly-burly was frightful.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At last the kitten succeeded in jumping upon the balustrade of the
+balcony and thence down into the garden. But Griff would not let his
+prey escape him thus; he leaped after it, overturning as he did so the
+only flower-pot as yet uninjured, and immediately afterwards there was
+a terrific barking in the garden, mingled with a child's scream of
+terror.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">All this happened in less than two minutes, and when Thurgau
+hurried out on the balcony to establish peace it was already too
+late. Meanwhile, the drawing-room was a scene of indescribable
+confusion,--Alice had a nervous attack, and lay with her eyes closed in
+Frau von Lasberg's arms; Elmhorst, with quick presence of mind, had
+picked up a cologne-bottle and was sprinkling with its contents the
+fainting girl's temples and forehead, while the president, scowling,
+pulled the bell to summon the servants. In the midst of all this the
+two gentlemen and Frau von Lasberg witnessed a spectacle which almost
+took away their breath. The young Baroness, the Freifräulein von
+Thurgau, suddenly stood upon the balustrade of the balcony, but only
+for an instant, before she sprang down into the garden.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">This was too much! Frau von Lasberg dropped Alice out of her arms and
+sank into the nearest armchair. Elmhorst found himself necessitated to
+come to her relief also with cologne, which he sprinkled impartially to
+the right and to the left.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Below in the garden Erna's interference was very necessary. The child
+whose screams had caused her to spring from the balcony was a little
+boy, and he held his kitten clasped in his arms, while before him stood
+the huge dog, barking loudly, without, however, touching the little
+fellow. The child was in extreme terror, and went on screaming until
+Erna seized the dog by the collar and dragged him away.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Baron Thurgau, meanwhile, stood quietly on the balcony observing the
+course of affairs. He knew that the child would not be hurt, for Griff
+was not at all vicious. When Erna returned to the house with the
+culprit, now completely subdued, while the child unharmed ran off with
+his kitten, the Freiherr turned and called out in stentorian tones to
+his brother-in-law in the drawing-room, &quot;There! did I not tell you,
+Nordheim, that my Erna was a grand girl?&quot;</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>CHAPTER III.</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1_03" href="#div1Ref_03">EXPLANATORY.</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+<p class="normal">President Nordheim belonged to the class of men who owe their
+success
+to themselves. The son of a petty official, with no means of his own,
+he had educated himself as an engineer, and had lived in very narrow
+circumstances until he suddenly appeared before the public with a
+technical invention which attracted the attention of the entire
+profession. The first mountain-railway had just been projected, and the
+young, obscure engineer had devised a locomotive which could drag the
+trains up the heights. The invention was as clever as it was practical;
+it instantly distanced all competing devices, and was adopted by the
+company, which finally purchased the patent from the inventor at a
+price which then seemed a fortune to him, and which certainly laid the
+foundation of his future wealth, for he took rank immediately among men
+of enterprise.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Contrary to expectation, however, Nordheim did not pursue the path in
+which he had made so brilliant a <i>début</i>; strangely enough, he seemed
+to lose interest in it, and adopted another, although kindred, career.
+He undertook the formation and the financial conduct of a large
+building association, of which in a few years he made an enormous
+success, meanwhile increasing his own property tenfold.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Other projects were the consequence of this first undertaking, and with
+the increase of his means the magnitude of his schemes increased, and
+it became clear that this was the field for the exercise of his
+talents. He was not a man to ponder and pore for years over technical
+details,--he needed to plunge into the life of the age, to venture and
+contrive, making all possible interests subservient to his success, and
+developing in all directions his great talent for organization.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In his restless activity he never failed to select the right man for
+the right place; he overcame all obstacles, sought and found sources of
+help everywhere, and fortune stood his energy in stead. The enterprises
+of which Nordheim was the head were sure to succeed, and while he
+himself became a millionaire, his influence in all circles with which
+he had any connection was incalculable.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The president's wife had died a few years since,--a loss which was not
+especially felt by him, for his marriage had not been a very happy one.
+He had married when he was a simple engineer, and his quiet,
+unpretending wife had not known how to accommodate herself to his
+growing fortunes and to play the part of <i>grande dame</i> to her husband's
+satisfaction. Then too the son which she bore him, and whom he had
+hoped to make the heir of his schemes, died when an infant. Alice was
+born some years afterwards, a delicate, sickly child, for whose life
+the greatest anxiety was always felt, and whose phlegmatic temperament
+was antagonistic to the vivid energy of her father's nature. She was
+his only daughter, his future heiress, and as such he surrounded her
+with every luxury that wealth could procure, but she made no part of
+his life, and he was glad to intrust her education and herself to the
+Baroness Lasberg.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Nordheim's only sister, who had lived beneath his roof, had bestowed
+her hand upon the Freiherr von Thurgau, then a captain in the army. Her
+brother, who had just achieved his first successes, would have
+preferred another suitor to the last scion of an impoverished noble
+family, who possessed nothing save his sword and a small estate high up
+among the mountains, but, since the couple loved each other tenderly
+and there was no objection to be made to Thurgau personally, the
+brother's consent was not withheld.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The young people lived very modestly, but in the enjoyment of a
+domestic happiness quite lacking in Nordheim's wealthy household, and
+their only child, the little Erna, grew up in the broad sunshine of
+love and content. Unfortunately, Thurgau lost his wife after six years
+of married life, and, sensitive as he was, the unexpected blow so
+crushed him that he determined to leave the army, and to retire from
+the world entirely. Nordheim, whose restless ambition could not
+comprehend such a resolve, combated it most earnestly, but in vain; his
+brother-in-law resisted him with all the obstinacy of his nature. He
+quitted the service in which he had attained the rank of major, and
+retired with his daughter to Wolkenstein Court, the modest income from
+which, joined to his pension, sufficing for his simple needs.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Since then there had been a certain amount of estrangement between the
+brothers-in-law; the mediating influence of the wife and sister was
+lacking, and in addition their homes were very wide apart. They saw
+each other rarely, and letters were interchanged still more rarely
+until the construction of the mountain-railway and the necessity for
+purchasing Thurgau's estate brought about a meeting.</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>CHAPTER IV.</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1_04" href="#div1Ref_04">THE LAST THURGAU.</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+<p class="normal">About a week had passed since the visit to Heilborn, when Dr.
+Reinsfeld
+again took his way to Wolkenstein Court, but on this occasion he was
+not alone, for beside him walked Superintendent Elmhorst.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I never should have dreamed, Wolfgang, that fate would bring us
+together again here,&quot; said the young physician, gaily. &quot;When we parted
+two years ago, you jeered at me for going into 'the wilderness,' as you
+were pleased to express yourself, and now you have sought it yourself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;To bring cultivation to this wilderness,&quot; Wolfgang continued the
+sentence. &quot;You indeed seem very comfortable here; you have fairly taken
+root in the miserable mountain-village where I discovered you, Benno; I
+am working here for my future.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I should think you might be contented with your present.&quot; Benno
+observed. &quot;A superintendent-engineer at twenty-seven,--it would be hard
+to surpass that. Between ourselves, your comrades are furious at
+your appointment. Take care, Wolf, or you will find yourself in a
+wasps'-nest.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Do you imagine I fear to be stung? I know all you say is true, and I
+have already given the gentlemen to understand that I am not inclined
+to tolerate obstacles thrown in my way, and that they must pay me the
+respect due to a superior. If they want war, they shall have it!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, you were always pugnacious; I never could endure to be
+perpetually upon a war-footing with those about me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I know it; you are the same peace-loving old Benno that you always
+were, who never could say a cross word to anyone, and who consequently
+was maltreated by his beloved fellow-beings whenever an opportunity
+offered. How often have I told you that you never could get on in the
+world so! and to get on in the world is what we all desire.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You certainly are striding on in seven-league boots,&quot; said Reinsfeld,
+dryly. &quot;You are the acknowledged favourite, they say, of the omnipotent
+President Nordheim. I saw him again lately at Wolkenstein Court.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Saw him again? Did you know him before?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Certainly, in my boyhood. He and my father were friends and
+fellow-students; Nordheim used to come to our house daily; I have sat
+upon his knee often enough when he spent the evening with us.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Indeed? Well, I hope you reminded him of it when you met him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No; Baron Thurgau did not mention my name----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And of course you did not do so either,&quot; said Wolfgang, laughing.
+&quot;Just like you! Chance brings you into contact with an influential man
+whose mere word would procure you an advantageous position, and you
+never even tell him your name! I shall repair your omission; the first
+time I see the president I shall tell him----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Pray do no such thing. Wolf,&quot; Benno interrupted him. &quot;You had better
+say nothing about it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And why not?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Because--the man has risen to such a height in life that he might not
+like to be reminded of the time when he was a simple engineer.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You do him injustice. He is proud of his humble origin, as all clever
+men are, and he could not fail to be pleased to be reminded of an early
+friend.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Reinsfeld gently shook his head. &quot;I am afraid the memory would be a
+painful one. Something happened later,--I never knew what,--I was a boy
+at the time; but I know that the breach was complete. Nordheim never
+came again to our house, and my father avoided even the mention of his
+name; they were entirely estranged.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Then of course you could not reckon upon his favour,&quot; said Elmhorst,
+in a disappointed tone. &quot;The president seems to me to be one who never
+forgives a supposed offence.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, they say he has grown extremely haughty and domineering. I wonder
+that you can get along with him. You are not a man to cringe.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;That is precisely why he likes me. I leave cringing and fawning to
+servile souls who may perhaps thus procure some subordinate position.
+Whoever wishes really to rise must hold his head erect and keep his
+eyes fixed upon the goal above him, or he will continue to crawl on the
+ground.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I suppose your goal is a couple of millions,&quot; Benno said, ironically.
+&quot;You never were very modest in your plans for the future. What do you
+wish to be? The president of your company?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Perhaps so at some future time; for the present only his son-in-law.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I thought there was something of the kind in your mind!&quot; exclaimed
+Benno, bursting into a laugh. &quot;Of course you are sure to be right,
+Wolf; but why not rather pluck down yonder sun from the sky? It would
+be quite as easy.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Do you fancy I am in jest?&quot; asked Wolfgang, coolly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, I do take that liberty, for you cannot be serious in aspiring to
+the daughter of a man whose wealth and consequence are almost
+proverbial. Nordheim's heiress may choose among any number of Freiherrs
+and Counts, if indeed she does not prefer a millionaire.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Then all the Freiherrs and Counts must be outdone,&quot; said the young
+engineer, calmly, &quot;and that is what I propose to do.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Dr. Reinsfeld suddenly paused and looked at his friend with some
+anxiety; he even made a slight movement as if to feel his pulse.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Then you are either a little off your head or in love,&quot; he remarked,
+with decision. &quot;For a lover nothing is impossible, and this visit to
+Heilborn seems to be fraught with destiny for you. My poor boy, this is
+very sad.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;In love?&quot; Wolfgang repeated, a smile of ineffable contempt curling his
+lip. &quot;No, Benno, you know I never have either time or inclination to
+think of love, and now less than ever. But do not look so shocked, as
+if I were talking high treason. I give you my word that Alice Nordheim,
+if she marries me, shall never repent it. She shall have the most
+attentive and considerate of husbands.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Indeed you must forgive me for finding all this calculation most
+sordid,&quot; the young physician burst forth indignantly. &quot;You are young
+and gifted; you have attained a position for which hundreds would envy
+you, and which relieves you from all care; the future lies open before
+you, and all you think of is the pursuit of a wealthy wife. For shame,
+Wolfgang!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;My dear Benno, you do not understand,&quot; Wolfgang declared, enduring his
+friend's reproof with great serenity. &quot;You idealists never comprehend
+that we must take into account human nature and the world. You will, of
+course, marry for love, spend your life slaving laboriously in some
+obscure country town to procure bread for your wife and children, and
+at last sink noiselessly into the grave with the edifying consciousness
+that you have been true to your ideal. I am of another stripe,--I
+demand of life everything or nothing.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Well, then, in heaven's name win it by your own exertions!&quot; exclaimed
+Benno, growing every moment more and more indignant. &quot;Your grand model,
+President Nordheim, did it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;He certainly did, but it took him more than twenty years. We are now
+slowly and laboriously plodding up this mountain-road in the sweat of
+our brows. Look at that winged fellow there!&quot; He pointed to a huge bird
+of prey circling above the abyss. &quot;His wings will carry him in a few
+minutes to the summit of the Wolkenstein. Yes, it must be fine to stand
+up there and see the whole world at his feet, and to be near the sun. I
+do not choose to wait for it until I am old and gray. I wish to mount
+<i>now</i> and, rely upon it, I shall dare the flight sooner or later.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He drew himself up to his full height; his dark eyes flashed, his fine
+features were instinct with energy and ambition. The man impressed you
+as capable of venturing a flight of which others would not even dream.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was a sudden rustling among the larches on the side of the road,
+and Griff came bounding down from above, and leaped about the young
+physician in expectation of the wonted caress. His mistress also
+appeared on the height, following the course which the dog had taken,
+springing down over stones and roots of trees, directly through the
+underbrush, until at last, with glowing cheeks, she reached the road.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Frau von Lasberg would certainly have found some satisfaction in the
+manner in which the greeting of the Herr Superintendent was returned,
+with all the cool dignity becoming a Baroness Thurgau, while a
+contemptuous glance was cast at the elegance of the young man's
+costume.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Elmhorst wore to-day an easy, loose suit bearing some similitude to the
+dress of a mountaineer, and very like that of his friend, but it became
+him admirably; he looked like some distinguished tourist making an
+expedition with his guide. Dr. Reinsfeld with his negligent carriage
+certainly showed to disadvantage beside that tall, slender figure; his
+gray jacket and his hat were decidedly weather-worn, but that evidently
+gave him no concern. His eyes sparkled with pleasure at sight of the
+young girl, who greeted him with her wonted cordial familiarity.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You are coming to us, Herr Doctor, are you not?&quot; she asked.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Of course, Fräulein Erna; are you all well?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Papa was not well this morning, but he has nevertheless gone shooting.
+I have been to meet him with Griff, but we could not find him; he must
+have taken another way home.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She joined the two gentlemen, who now left the mountain-road and took
+the somewhat steep path leading to Wolkenstein Court. Griff seemed
+scarcely reconciled to the presence of the young engineer: he greeted
+him with a growl and showed his teeth.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What is the matter with Griff?&quot; Reinsfeld asked. &quot;He is usually kindly
+and good-humoured with everybody.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;He does not seem to include me in his universal philanthropy,&quot; said
+Elmhorst, with a shrug. &quot;He has made me several such declarations of
+war, and his good humour cannot always be depended upon; bestirred up a
+terrible uproar in Heilborn, in the Herr President's drawing-room,
+where Fräulein von Thurgau achieved a deed of positive heroism in
+comforting a little child whom the dog had nearly frightened to death.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And, meanwhile, Herr Elmhorst applied himself to the succour of the
+fainting ladies,&quot; Erna said, ironically. &quot;Upon my return to the
+drawing-room I observed his courteous attentions to both Alice and Frau
+von Lasberg,--how impartially he deluged both with cologne. Oh, it was
+diverting in the extreme!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She laughed merrily. For an instant Elmhorst compressed his lips with
+an angry glance at the girl, but the next he rejoined politely: &quot;You
+took such instant possession of the heroic part in the drama, Fräulein
+von Thurgau, that nothing was left for me but my insignificant <i>rôle</i>.
+You cannot accuse me of timidity after meeting me upon the Wolkenstein,
+although in my entire ignorance of the locality I did not reach the
+summit.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And you never will reach it,&quot; Reinsfeld interposed. &quot;The summit is
+inaccessible; even the boldest mountaineers are checked by those
+perpendicular walls, and more than one foolhardy climber has forfeited
+his life in the attempt to ascend them.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Does the mountain-sprite guard her throne so jealously?&quot; Elmhorst
+asked, laughing. &quot;She seems to be a most energetic lady, tossing about
+avalanches as if they were snowballs, and requiring as many human
+sacrifices yearly as any heathen goddess.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He looked up to the Wolkenstein,<a name="div2Ref_01" href="#div2_01"><sup>[1]</sup></a> which justified its title: while
+all the other mountain-summits were defined clearly against the sky,
+its top was hidden in white mists.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You ought not to jest about it, Wolfgang,&quot; said the young physician,
+with some irritation. &quot;You have never yet spent an autumn and winter
+here, and you do not know her, our wild mountain-sprite, the fearful
+elemental force of the Alps, which only too frequently menaces the
+lives and the dwellings of the poor mountaineers. She is feared, not
+without reason, here in her realm; but you seem to have become quite
+familiar with the legend.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Fräulein von Thurgau had the kindness to make me acquainted with the
+stern dame,&quot; said Wolfgang. &quot;She did indeed receive us very
+ungraciously on the threshold of her palace, with a furious storm, and
+I was not allowed the privilege of a personal introduction.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Take care,--you might have to pay dearly for the favour!&quot; exclaimed
+Erna, irritated by his sarcasm. Elmhorst's mocking smile was certainly
+provoking.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Fräulein von Thurgau, you must not expect from me any consideration
+for mountain-sprites. I am here for the express purpose of waging war
+against them. The industries of the nineteenth century have nothing in
+common with the fear of ghosts. Pray do not look so indignant. Our
+railway is not going over the Wolkenstein, and your mountain-sprite
+will remain seated upon her throne undisturbed. Of course she cannot
+but behold thence how we take possession of her realm and girdle it
+with our chains. But I have not the remotest intention of interfering
+with your faith. At <i>your</i> age it is quite comprehensible.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He could not have irritated his youthful antagonist more deeply than by
+these words, which so distinctly assigned her a place among children.
+They were the most insulting that could be addressed to the girl of
+sixteen, and they had their effect. Erna stood erect, as angry and
+determined as if she herself had been threatened with fetters; her eyes
+flashed as she exclaimed, with all the wayward defiance of a child, &quot;I
+wish the mountain-sprite would descend upon her wings of storm from the
+Wolkenstein and show you her face,--you would not ask to see it again!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">With this she turned and flew, rather than ran, across the meadow, with
+Griff after her. The slender figure, its curls unbound again to-day,
+vanished in a few minutes within the house. Wolfgang paused and looked
+after her; the sarcastic smile still hovered upon his lips, but there
+was a sharp tone in his voice.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What is Baron Thurgau thinking of, to let his daughter grow up so? She
+would be quite impossible in civilized surroundings; she is barely
+tolerable in this mountain wilderness.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, she has grown up wild and free as an Alpine rose,&quot; said Benno,
+whose eyes were still fixed upon the door behind which Erna had
+disappeared. Elmhorst turned suddenly and looked keenly at his friend.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You are actually poetical! Are you touched there?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I?&quot; asked Benno, surprised, almost dismayed. &quot;What are you thinking
+of?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I only thought it strange to have you season your speech with
+imagery,--it is not your way. Moreover, your 'Alpine rose' is an
+extremely wayward, spoiled child; you will have to educate her first.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The words were not uttered as an innocent jest; they had a harsh,
+sarcastic flavour, and apparently offended the young physician, who
+replied, irritably, &quot;No more of this, Wolf! Rather tell me what takes
+you to Wolkenstein Court. You wish to speak with the Freiherr?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes; but our interview can hardly be an agreeable one. You know that
+we need the estate for our line of railway; it was refused us, and we
+had to fall back upon our right of compulsion. The obstinate old Baron
+was not content: he protested again and again, and refused to allow a
+survey to be made upon his soil. The man positively fancies that his
+'no' will avail him. Of course his protest was laid upon the table, and
+since the time of probation granted him has expired and we are in
+possession, I am to inform him that the preliminary work is about to
+begin.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Reinsfeld had listened in silence with an extremely grave expression,
+and his voice showed some anxiety as he said, &quot;Wolf, let me beg you not
+to go about this business with your usual luck of consideration. The
+Freiherr is really not responsible on this head. I have taken pains
+again and again to explain to him that his opposition must be
+fruitless, but he is thoroughly convinced that no one either can or
+will take from him his inheritance. He is attached to it with every
+fibre of his heart, and if he really must relinquish it, I am afraid it
+will go nigh to kill him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Not at all! He will yield like a reasonable man as soon as he sees the
+unavoidable necessity. I certainly shall be duly considerate, since he
+is the president's brother-in-law; otherwise I should not have come
+hither to-day, but have set the engineers to work. Nordheim wishes that
+everything should be done to spare the old man's feelings, and so I
+have undertaken the affair myself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;There will be a scene,&quot; said Benno, &quot;Baron Thurgau is the best man in
+the world, but incredibly passionate and violent when he thinks his
+rights infringed upon. You do not know him yet.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You mistake; I have the honour of knowing him, and his primitive
+characteristics. He gave me an opportunity of observing them at
+Heilborn, and I am prepared to-day to meet with the roughest usage. But
+you are right; the man is irresponsible in matters of grave importance,
+and I shall treat him accordingly.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">They had now reached the house, which they entered. Thurgau had just
+come in; his gun still lay on the table, and beside it a couple of
+moor-fowl, the result of his morning's sport. Erna had probably advised
+him of the coming visitors, for he showed no surprise at sight of the
+young superintendent.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Well, doctor,&quot; he called out to Reinsfeld, with a laugh, &quot;you are just
+in time to see how disobedient I have been. There lie my betrayers!&quot; He
+pointed to his gun and the trophies of his chase.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Your looks would have informed me,&quot; Reinsfeld replied, with a glance
+at the Freiherr's crimson, heated face. &quot;Moreover, you were not well
+this morning, I hear.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He would have felt Thurgau's pulse, but the hand was withdrawn: &quot;Time
+enough for that after a while; you bring me a guest.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I have taken the liberty of calling upon you, Herr von Thurgau,&quot; said
+Wolfgang, approaching; &quot;and if I am not unwelcome----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;As a man you are certainly welcome, as a superintendent-engineer you
+are not,&quot; the Freiherr declared, after his blunt fashion. &quot;I am glad to
+see you, but not a word of your cursed railway, I entreat, or, in spite
+of the duties of hospitality, I shall turn you out of doors.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He placed a chair for his guest and took his own accustomed seat.
+Elmhorst saw at a glance how difficult his errand would be; he felt as
+a tiresome burden the consideration he was compelled by circumstances
+to pay, but the burden must be shouldered, and so he began at first in
+a jesting tone.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am aware of what a fierce foe you are to our enterprise. My office
+is the worst of recommendations in your eyes; therefore I did not
+venture to come alone, but brought my friend with me as a protection.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Dr. Reinsfeld is a friend of yours?&quot; asked Thurgau, in whose
+estimation the young official seemed suddenly to rise.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;A friend of my boyhood; we were at the same school, and afterwards
+studied at the same university, although our professions differed. I
+hunted up Benno as soon as I came here, and I trust we shall always be
+good comrades.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, we all lived here very pleasantly so long as we were by
+ourselves,&quot; the Freiherr said, aggressively. &quot;When you came here with
+your cursed railway the worry began, and when the shrieking and
+whistling begin there will be an end of comfort and quiet.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Now, papa, you are transgressing your own rule and talking of the
+railway,&quot; Erna cried, laughing. &quot;But you must come with me, Herr
+Doctor. I want to show you what my cousin Alice has sent me from
+Heilborn; it is charming.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">With the eager impatience of a child, who cannot wait to display its
+treasures, she carried off the young physician into the next room, thus
+giving the Herr Superintendent fresh occasion to disapprove of her
+education, or rather of the want of it. On this point he quite agreed
+with Frau Lasberg. What sort of way was this to behave towards a young
+man, were he even ten times a physician and the friend of the family!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Benno as he followed her glanced anxiously at the two left behind; he
+knew what topic would now be discussed, but he relied upon his friend's
+talent for diplomacy, and, moreover, the door was left open. If the
+tempest raged too fiercely, he might interfere.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, yes, the matter cannot be avoided,&quot; the Freiherr growled, and
+Elmhorst, glad to come to business, took up his words.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You are quite right, Herr Baron, it will not be ignored, and on peril
+of your fulfilling your threat and really turning me out of doors, I
+must present myself to you as the agent of the railway company
+intrusted with imparting to you certain information. The measurements
+and surveys upon the Wolkenstein estate cannot possibly be delayed any
+longer, and the engineers will go to work here in the course of a few
+days.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;They will do no such thing!&quot; Thurgau exclaimed, angrily. &quot;How often
+must I repeat that I will not allow anything of the kind upon my
+property!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Upon your property? The estate is no longer your property,&quot; said
+Elmhorst, calmly. &quot;The company bought it months ago, and the
+purchase-money has been lying ready ever since. That business was
+finished long ago.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Nothing has been finished!&quot; shouted the Freiherr, his irritation
+increasing. &quot;Do you imagine I care a button for judgments that outrage
+all justice, and which your company procured God only knows by what
+rascality? Do you suppose I am going to leave my house and home to make
+way for your locomotives? Not one step will I stir, and if----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Pray do not excite yourself thus, Herr von Thurgau,&quot; Wolfgang
+interrupted him. &quot;At present there is no idea of driving you away,--it
+is only that the preliminary surveys must be begun; the house itself
+will remain entirely at your disposal until next spring.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Very kind of you!&quot; Thurgau laughed, bitterly. &quot;Till next spring! And
+what then?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Then, of course, it must go.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Freiherr was about to burst forth again, but there was something in
+the young man's cool composure that forced him to control himself. He
+made an effort to do so, but his colour deepened and his breath was
+short and laboured, as he said, roughly,--</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Does that seem to you a matter 'of course'? But what can you know of
+the devotion a man feels for his inheritance? You belong, like my
+brother-in-law, to the century of steam. He builds himself three--four
+palaces, each more gorgeous than its predecessor, and in none of them
+is he at home. He lives in them one day and sells them the next, as the
+whim takes him. Wolkenstein Court has been the home of the Thurgaus for
+two centuries, and shall remain so until the last Thurgau closes his
+eyes, rely----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He broke off in the midst of his sentence, and, as if suddenly attacked
+by vertigo, grasped the table, but it was only for a few seconds;
+angry, as it were, at the unwonted weakness, he stood erect again and
+went on with ever-increasing bitterness: &quot;We have lost all else; we did
+not understand how to bargain and to hoard, and gradually all has
+vanished save the old nest where stood the cradle of our line; to that
+we have held fast through ruin and disaster. We would sooner have
+starved than have relinquished it. And now comes your railway, and
+threatens to raze my house to the ground, to trample upon rights
+hundreds of years old, and to take from me what is mine by the law of
+justice and of God! Only try it! I say no,--and again no. It is my last
+word.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He did indeed look ready to make good his refusal with his life, and
+another man might either have been silent or have postponed further
+discussion. But Wolfgang had no idea of anything of the kind; he had
+undertaken to bring the matter to a conclusion, and he persisted.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Those mountains outside,&quot; he said, gravely, &quot;have been standing longer
+than Wolkenstein Court, and the forests are more firmly rooted in the
+soil than are you in your home, and yet they must yield. I am afraid
+Herr von Thurgau, that you have no conception of the gigantic nature of
+our undertaking, of the means at its disposal, and of the obstacles it
+must overcome. We penetrate rocks and forests, divert rivers from their
+course, and bridge across abysses. Whatever is in our path must give
+way. We come off victorious in our battle with the elements. Ask
+yourself if the will of one man can bar our progress.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A pause of a few seconds ensued. Thurgau made no reply; his furious
+anger seemed dissipated by the invincible composure of his opponent,
+who confronted him with perfect respect and an entire adherence to
+courtesy. But his clear voice had an inexorable tone, and the look
+which encountered that of the Freiherr with such cold resolve seemed to
+cast a spell upon Thurgau. He had hitherto shown himself entirely
+impervious to all persuasion, all explanation; he had, with all the
+obstinacy of his character, intrenched himself behind his rights, as
+impregnable, in his estimation, as the mountains themselves. To-day for
+the first time it occurred to him that his antagonism might be
+shattered, that he might be forced to succumb to a power that had laid
+its iron grasp thus upon the mountains. He leaned heavily upon the
+table again and struggled for breath, while speech seemed denied him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You may rest assured that we shall proceed with all possible regard
+for you,&quot; Wolfgang began again. &quot;The preliminary work which we are
+about to undertake will scarcely disturb you, and during the winter you
+will be entirely unmolested; the construction of the road will not
+begin until the spring, and then, of course----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I must yield, you think,&quot; Thurgau interposed, hoarsely.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, you <i>must</i>, Herr Baron,&quot; said Elmhorst, coldly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The fateful word, the truth of which instantly sank into his
+consciousness, robbed the Freiherr of the last remnant of composure; he
+rebelled against it with a violence that was almost terrifying, and
+that might well have caused a doubt as to his mental balance.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But I will not,--will not, I tell you!&quot; he gasped, almost beside
+himself &quot;Let rocks and mountains make way before you, <i>I</i> will not
+yield. Have a care of our mountains, lest, when you are so arrogantly
+interfering with them, they rush down upon you and shatter all your
+bridges and structures like reeds. I should like to stand by and see
+the accursed work a heap of ruins; I should like----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He did not finish his sentence, but convulsively clutched at his
+breast; his last word died away in a kind of groan, and on the instant
+the mighty frame fell prostrate as if struck by lightning.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Good God!&quot; exclaimed Dr. Reinsfeld, who had appeared at the door of
+the next room just as the last sentences were being uttered, and who
+now hurried in. But Erna was before him; she first reached her father,
+and threw herself down beside him with a cry of terror.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Do not be distressed, Fräulein Erna,&quot; said the young physician, gently
+pushing her aside, while with Elmhorst's help he raised the unconscious
+man and laid him on the sofa. &quot;It is a fainting-fit,--an attack of
+vertigo such as the Herr Baron had a few weeks ago. He will recover
+from this too.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The young girl had followed him, and stood beside him with her hands
+convulsively clasped and her eyes riveted upon the face of the speaker.
+Perhaps she saw there something that contradicted the consoling words.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No, no!&quot; she gasped. &quot;You are deceiving me; this is something else!
+Papa! papa! it is I. Do you not know your Erna?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Benno made no rejoinder, but tore open Thurgau's coat; Elmhorst would
+have helped him, but Erna thrust away his hand with violence.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Do not touch him!&quot; she exclaimed, in half-stifled accents. &quot;You have
+killed him, you have brought ruin to our household. Leave him! I will
+not let you even touch his hand!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wolfgang involuntarily recoiled and looked in dismay that was almost
+terror at the girl, who at this moment was no longer a child. She had
+thrown herself before her father with outspread arms as if to shield
+and defend him, and her eyes flashed with savage hatred as though she
+were confronting a mortal foe.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Go, Wolfgang,&quot; Reinsfeld said in a low tone, as he led him away. &quot;The
+poor child in her anguish is unjust, and, moreover, you must not stay.
+The Baron may possibly recover consciousness, and if so he must not see
+you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;May recover?&quot; Elmhorst repeated. &quot;Do you fear----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The worst! Go, and send old Vroni here; she must be somewhere in the
+house. Wait outside, and I will bring you tidings as soon as possible.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">With these whispered words he conducted his friend to the door.
+Wolfgang silently obeyed; he sent into the room the old maid-servant,
+whom he found in the hall, and then went out into the open air, but
+there was a dark cloud on his brow. Who could have foreseen such an
+issue!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A quarter of an hour might have elapsed, when Benno Reinsfeld again
+made his appearance. He was very pale, and his eyes, usually so clear,
+were suffused.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Well?&quot; Wolfgang asked, quickly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It is all over!&quot; the young physician replied in an undertone. &quot;A
+stroke of apoplexy, undoubtedly mortal. I saw that at once.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wolfgang was apparently unprepared for this reply; his lips quivered as
+he said in a strained voice, &quot;The affair is intensely painful, Benno,
+although I am not in the least to blame. I went to work with the
+greatest caution. The president must be informed.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Certainly; he is the only near relative, so far as I know. I shall
+stay with the poor child, who is suffering intensely. Will you
+undertake to send a messenger to Heilborn?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I will drive over myself to inform Nordheim. Farewell.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Farewell,&quot; said Benno, as he returned to the house.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wolfgang turned to go, but suddenly paused and walked slowly to the
+window, which was half open.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Within the room Erna was on her knees, with her hands clasped about her
+father's body. The passionate man who had been standing here but one
+short quarter of an hour ago in full vigour, obstinately resisting a
+necessity, now lay motionless, all unconscious of the despairing tears
+of his orphan child. Fate had decreed that his words should be true;
+Wolkenstein Court had remained in the possession of the ancient race
+whose cradle it had been until the last Thurgau had closed his eyes
+forever.</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>CHAPTER V.</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1_05" href="#div1Ref_05">THE LOVER AND THE SUITOR.</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+<p class="normal">The house which President Nordheim occupied in the capital
+bore
+abundant testimony in its princely magnificence to the wealth of its
+possessor. It reared its palatial proportions in the most fashionable
+quarter of the city, and had been built by one of the first architects
+of the day; there was lavish splendour in its interior arrangements,
+and a throng of obsequious lackeys was always at hand; in short,
+nothing was wanting that could minister to the luxurious life of its
+inmates.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At the head of the household the Baroness Lasberg had held sway for
+years. Widowed and without means, she had been quite willing to accept
+such a position in the establishment of the wealthy parvenu to whom she
+had been recommended by some one of her highborn relatives. Here she
+was perfectly free to rule as she pleased, for Nordheim, with all his
+strength of will, could not but regard it as a great convenience to
+have a lady of undoubted birth and breeding control his servants,
+receive his guests, and supply the place of mother to his daughter and
+niece. For three years Erna von Thurgau had now been living beneath the
+roof of her uncle, who was also her guardian, and who had taken her to
+his home immediately after the death of her father.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The president was in his study, talking with a gentleman seated
+opposite him, one of the first lawyers in the city and the legal
+adviser of the railway company of which Nordheim was president. He
+seemed also to belong among the intimates of the household, for the
+conversation was conducted upon a footing of familiarity, although it
+concerned chiefly business matters.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You ought to discuss this with Elmhorst personally,&quot; said the
+president. &quot;He can give you every information upon the subject.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Is he here?&quot; asked the lawyer, in some surprise.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;He has been here since yesterday, and will probably stay for a week.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am glad to hear it; our city seems to possess special attractions
+for the Herr Superintendent; he is often here, it seems to me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;He certainly is, and in accordance with my wishes. I desire to be more
+exactly informed with regard to certain matters than is possible by
+letter. Moreover, Elmhorst never leaves his post unless he is certain
+that he can be spared; of that you may be sure, Herr Gersdorf.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Herr Gersdorf, a man of about forty, very fine-looking, with a grave,
+intellectual face, seemed to think his words had been misunderstood,
+for he smiled rather ironically as he rejoined, &quot;I certainly do not
+doubt Herr Elmhorst's zeal in the performance of duty. We all know he
+would be more apt to do too much than too little. The company may
+congratulate itself upon having secured in its service so much energy
+and ability.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It certainly is not owing to the company that it is so,&quot; said
+Nordheim, with a shrug. &quot;I had to contest the matter with energy when I
+insisted upon his nomination, and his position was at first made so
+difficult for him, that any other man would have resigned it. He met
+with determined hostility on all sides.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But he very soon overcame it,&quot; said Gersdorf, dryly. &quot;I remember the
+storm that raged among his fellow-officials when he assumed authority
+over them, but they gradually quieted down. The Herr Superintendent is
+a man of unusual force of character, and has contrived to gather all
+the reins into his own hand in the course of the last three years. It
+is pretty well known now that he will tolerate no one as his superior
+or even equal in authority, save only the engineer-in-chief, who is now
+entirely upon his side.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I do not blame him for his ambition,&quot; the president said, coolly.
+&quot;Whoever wishes to rise must force his way. My judgment did not play me
+false when it induced me to confirm in so important an office, in spite
+of all opposition, a man so young. The engineer-in-chief was prejudiced
+against him, and only yielded reluctantly. Now he is glad to have so
+capable a support; and as for the Wolkenstein bridge,--Elmhorst's own
+work,--he may well take first rank upon its merits.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The bridge promises to be a masterpiece indeed,&quot; Gersdorf assented. &quot;A
+magnificently bold structure; it will doubtless be the finest thing in
+the entire line of railway. So you wish me to speak with the
+superintendent himself; shall I find him at his usual hotel?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No, at present you will find him here. I have invited him to stay with
+us this time.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Ah, indeed?&quot; Gersdorf smiled. He knew that officials of Elmhorst's
+rank were sometimes obliged to await Nordheim's pleasure for hours in
+his antechamber; this young man had been invited to be a guest beneath
+his roof. Still more wonderful stories were told of his liking for
+Elmhorst, who had been his favourite from the first.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">For the present, however, the lawyer let the matter drop, contenting
+himself with remarking that he would see Herr Elmhorst shortly. He had
+other and more important affairs in his head apparently, for he took
+his leave of the president rather absently, and seemed in no hurry to
+seek out the young engineer; the card which he gave to the servant in
+the hall was for the ladies of the house, whom he asked to see.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The reception-rooms were in the second story, where Frau von Lasberg
+was enthroned in the drawing-room in all her wonted state. Alice was
+seated near her, very little changed by the past three years. She was
+still the same frail, pale creature, with a weary, listless expression
+on her regular features,--a hot-house plant to be guarded closely from
+every draught of air, an object of unceasing care and solicitude for
+all around her. Her health seemed to be more firmly established, but
+there was not a gleam of the freshness or enthusiasm of youth in her
+colourless face.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was no want of them, however, to be detected in the young lady
+seated beside the Baroness Lasberg, a graceful little figure in a most
+becoming walking-suit of dark blue trimmed with fur. A charming, rosy
+face looked out from beneath her blue velvet hat; the eyes were dark,
+and sparkling with mischief, and a profusion of little black curls
+showed above them. She laughed and talked incessantly with all the
+vivacity of her eighteen years.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Such a pity that Erna is out!&quot; she exclaimed. &quot;I had something very
+important to discuss with her. Not a syllable of it shall you hear,
+Alice; it is to be a surprise for your birthday. I hope we are to have
+dancing at your ball?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I hardly think so,&quot; said Alice, indifferently. &quot;This is March, you
+know.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But the middle of winter, nevertheless. It snowed only this morning,
+and dancing is always delightful.&quot; As she spoke, her little feet moved
+as if ready for an instant proof of her preference. Frau von Lasberg
+looked at them with disapprobation, and remarked, coldly,--</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I believe you have danced a great deal this winter, Baroness Molly.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Not nearly enough,&quot; the little Baroness declared. &quot;How I pity poor
+Alice for being forbidden to dance! It is good to enjoy one's youth;
+when you're married there's an end of it. 'Marry and worry,' our old
+nurse used to say, and then burst into tears and talk of her dear
+departed. A mournful maxim. Do you believe in it, Alice?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Alice bestows no thought upon such matters,&quot; the old lady observed,
+severely. &quot;I must frankly confess to you, my dear Molly, that this
+topic seems to me quite unbecoming.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Oh!&quot; exclaimed Molly &quot;do you consider marriage unbecoming, then,
+madame?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;With consent and approval of parents, and a due regard for every
+consideration,--no.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But it is just then that it is most tiresome!&quot; the young lady
+asserted, rousing even Alice from her indifference.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But, Molly!&quot; she said, reproachfully.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Baroness Ernsthausen is jesting, of course,&quot; said Frau von Lasberg,
+with an annihilating glance. &quot;But even in jest such talk is extremely
+reprehensible. A young lady cannot be too guarded in her expressions
+and conduct. Society is, unfortunately, too ready to gossip.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Her words had, perhaps, some concealed significance, for Molly's lips
+quivered as if longing to laugh, but she replied with the most innocent
+air in the world,--</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You are perfectly right, madame. Just think, last summer everybody at
+Heilborn was gossiping about the frequent visits of Superintendent
+Elmhorst. He came almost every week----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;To see the Herr President,&quot; the old lady interposed. &quot;Herr Elmhorst
+had made the plans and drawings for the new villa in the mountains and
+was himself superintending its construction; frequent consultations
+were unavoidable.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, everybody knew that, but still they gossiped. They talked about
+Herr Elmhorst's baskets of flowers and other attentions, and they
+said----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I must really beg you, Baroness, to spare us further details,&quot; Frau
+von Lasberg interposed, rising in indignant majesty. The inconsiderate
+young lady would probably have received a much longer reprimand had not
+a servant announced that the carriage was waiting. Frau von Lasberg
+turned to Alice: &quot;I must go to the meeting of the Ladies' Union, my
+child, and of course you cannot drive out in this rough weather.
+Moreover, you seem to be rather out of sorts; I fear----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A very significant glance completed her sentence, and testified to her
+earnest desire for the visitor's speedy departure, but quite in vain.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I will stay with Alice and amuse her,&quot; Molly declared, with amiable
+readiness. &quot;You can go without any anxiety, madame.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Madame compressed her lips in mild despair, but she knew from
+experience that there was no getting rid of this <i>enfant terrible</i> if
+she had taken it into her head to stay; therefore she kissed Alice's
+forehead, inclined her head to her young friend, and made a dignified
+exit.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Scarcely had the door closed after her when Molly danced about like an
+india-rubber ball with, &quot;Thank God, she has gone, high and mighty old
+duenna that she is! I have something to tell you, Alice, something
+immensely important,--that is, I wanted to confide it to Erna, but,
+unfortunately, she is not here, and so you must help me,--you must! or
+you will blast forever the happiness of two human beings!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Who? I?&quot; asked Alice, who at such a tremendous appeal could not but
+open her eyes.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, you; but you know nothing yet. I must explain everything
+to you, and there goes twelve o'clock, and Albert will be here in a
+moment,--Herr Gersdorf, I mean. The fact is, he loves me, and I love
+him, and of course we want to marry each other, but my father and
+mother will not consent because he is not noble. Good heavens, Alice,
+do not look so surprised! I learned to know him in your house, and it
+was in your conservatory that he proposed to me a week ago, when that
+famous violinist was playing in the music-room and all the other people
+were listening.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But----&quot; Alice tried to interpose, but without avail; the little
+Baroness went on, pouring out the story of her love and her woes.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Do not interrupt me; I have told you nothing yet. When we went home
+that evening I told my father and mother that I was betrothed, and that
+Albert was coming the next day to ask their consent. Oh, what a row
+there was! Papa was indignant, mamma was outraged, and my granduncle
+fairly snorted with rage. He is a hugely-important person, my
+granduncle, because he is so very rich, and we shall have his money.
+But he must die first, and he has no idea of dying, which is very bad
+for us, papa says, for we have nothing; papa never makes out with his
+salary, and my granduncle, while he lives, never will give us a penny.
+There, now you understand!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No, I do not understand at all,&quot; said Alice, fairly stupefied by this
+overwhelming stream of confidence. &quot;What has your granduncle to do with
+it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Molly wrung her hands in despair at this lack of comprehension: &quot;Alice,
+I entreat you not to be so stupid! I tell you they actually passed
+sentence upon me. Mamma said she was threatened with spasms at the mere
+thought of my ever being called Frau Gersdorf; papa insisted that I
+must not throw myself away, because at some future time I should be a
+great match, at which my granduncle made a wry face, not much edified
+by this reference to the heirship, and then he went on to make a
+greater row than any one else about the <i>mésalliance</i>. He enumerated
+all our ancestors, who would one and all turn in their graves. What do
+I care for that? let the old fellows turn as much as they like; it will
+be a change for them in their tiresome old ancestral vault.
+Unfortunately, I took the liberty of saying so, and then the storm
+burst upon me from all three sides at once. My granduncle raised his
+hand and made a vow, and then I made one too. I stood up before him,
+so,&quot;--she stamped her foot on the carpet,--&quot;and vowed that never, never
+would I forsake my Albert!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The little Baroness was forced to stop for a moment to take breath, and
+she availed herself of this involuntary pause to run to the window,
+whence came the sound of a carriage rolling away; then flying back
+again, she exclaimed, &quot;She has gone,--the duenna. Thank God, we are rid
+of her! She suspects something; I knew it by the remarks with which she
+favoured me this morning! But she has gone for the present; her meeting
+will last for at least two hours. I reckoned upon that when I laid my
+plans. You must know, Alice, that I have been strictly forbidden either
+to speak or to write to Albert; of course I wrote to him immediately,
+and I must speak with him besides. So I made an appointment with him
+here in your drawing-room, and you must be the guardian angel of our
+love.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Alice did not appear greatly charmed by the part thus assigned her. She
+had listened to the entire story in a way which positively outraged the
+eager Molly, without any 'ah's' or 'oh's,' and in mute astonishment
+that such things could be. A betrothal without, and even against, the
+consent of parents was something quite outside of the young lady's
+power of comprehension. Frau von Lasberg's training did not admit of
+such ideas. So she sat upright, and said, with a degree of decision,
+&quot;No, that would not be proper.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What would not be proper? your being a guardian angel?&quot; Molly
+exclaimed, indignantly. &quot;Are you going to betray my confidence? Do you
+wish to drive us to despair and death? For we shall die, both of us, if
+we are parted. Can you answer it to your conscience?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Fortunately, there was no time to settle this question of conscience,
+for Herr Gersdorf was announced, and there was a distressing moment of
+hesitation. Alice really seemed inclined to declare that she was ill
+and could not receive the visitor, but Molly, in dread of some such
+disaster, advanced and said aloud and quite dictatorially, &quot;Show Herr
+Gersdorf in.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The servant vanished, and with a sigh Alice sank back again in her
+arm-chair. She had done her best, and had tried to resist, but since
+the words were thus taken out of her mouth she was not called upon for
+further effort, but must let the affair take its course.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Herr Gersdorf entered, and Molly flew to meet him, ready to be clasped
+in his arms, instead of which he kissed her hand respectfully, and,
+still retaining it in his clasp, approached the young mistress of the
+house.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;First of all, Fräulein Nordheim, I must ask your forgiveness for the
+extraordinary demands which my betrothed has made upon your friendship.
+You probably know that, after her consent to be my wife, I wished
+immediately to procure that of her parents, but Baron Ernsthausen has
+refused to see me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And he locked <i>me</i> up,&quot; Molly interpolated, &quot;for the entire forenoon.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I then wrote to the Baron,&quot; Gersdorf continued, &quot;and made my proposal
+in due form, but received in return a cold refusal without any
+statement of his reasons therefor. Baron Ernsthausen wrote me----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;A perfectly odious letter,&quot; Molly again interposed, &quot;but my granduncle
+dictated it. I know he did, for I listened at the keyhole!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;At all events it was a refusal; but, since Molly has freely accorded
+me her heart and hand, I shall assuredly assert my rights, and
+therefore I believed myself justified in availing myself of this
+opportunity of seeing my betrothed, although without the knowledge of
+her parents. Once more I entreat your forgiveness, Fräulein Nordheim.
+Be sure that we shall not abuse your kindness.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It all sounded so frank, so cordial and manly, that Alice began to find
+the matter far more natural, and in a few words signified her
+acquiescence. She could not indeed comprehend how this grave, reserved
+man, who seemed absorbed in the duties of his profession, had fallen in
+love with Molly, who was like nothing but quicksilver, nor that his
+love was returned, but there was no longer any doubt of the fact.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You need not listen, Alice,&quot; Molly said, consolingly. &quot;Take a book and
+read, or if you really do not feel quite well, lay your head back and
+go to sleep. We shall not mind it in the least, only do not let us be
+interrupted.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">With which she led the way to the recess of a window half shut off from
+the room by Turkish curtains looped aside. Here the conversation of the
+lovers was at first carried on in whispers, but the vivacious little
+Baroness soon manifested her eagerness by louder tones, so that at last
+Alice could not choose but hear. She had taken up a book, but it
+dropped in her lap as the terrible word 'elopement' fell on her ear.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;There is no other way,&quot; Molly said, as dictatorially as when she had
+ordered the servant to admit her lover. &quot;You must carry me off, and it
+must be the day after to-morrow at half-past twelve. My granduncle
+leaves for his castle at that time, and my father and mother go with
+him to the railway-station; they always make so much of him. Meanwhile,
+we can slip off conveniently. We'll travel as far as Gretna Green,
+wherever that is,--I have read that there are no tiresome preliminaries
+to be gone through with there,--and we can return as man and wife. Then
+all my dead ancestors may stand on their heads, and so may my
+granduncle, for that matter, if I may only belong to you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">This entire scheme was advanced in a tone of assured conviction, but it
+did not meet with the expected approval; Gersdorf said, gravely and
+decidedly,--</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No, Molly, that will not do.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Not? Why not?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Because there are laws and injunctions which expressly forbid such
+romantic excursions. Your fanciful little brain has no conception as
+yet of life and its duties; but I know them, and it would ill become
+me, whose vocation it is to defend the law, to trample it underfoot.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What do I care for laws and injunctions?&quot; said Molly, deeply offended
+by this cool rejection of her romantic scheme. &quot;How can you talk of
+such prosaic things when our love is at stake? What are we to do if
+papa and mamma persist in saying no?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;First of all we must wait until your granduncle has really gone home.
+There is nothing to be done with that stiff old aristocrat; in his eyes
+I, as a man without a title, am perfectly unfitted to woo a Baroness
+Ernsthausen. As soon as his influence is no longer present in your
+household I shall surely have an interview with your father, and shall
+try to overcome his prejudice; it will be no easy task, but we must
+have patience and wait.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The little Baroness was thunderstruck at this declaration, this utter
+ruin of all her air-built castles. Instead of the romantic flight and
+secret marriage of which she had dreamed, here was her lover
+counselling patience and prudence; instead of bearing her off in his
+arms, he talked as if he were ready to institute legal proceedings for
+her possession. It was altogether too much, and she burst out angrily,
+&quot;You had better declare at once that you do not care for me, after all;
+that you have not the courage to win me. You talked very differently
+before we were betrothed. But I give you back your troth; I will part
+from you forever; I----&quot; Here she began to sob. &quot;I will marry some man
+with no end of ancestors whom my granduncle approves of, but I shall
+die of grief, and before the year is out I shall be in my grave.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Molly!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Let go my hand!&quot; But he held it fast.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Molly, look at me! Do you seriously doubt my love?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">This was the tender tone which Molly remembered only too well,--the
+tone in which the words had been spoken that evening in the fragrant,
+dim conservatory, to which she had listened with a throbbing heart and
+glowing cheeks. She stopped sobbing and looked up through her tears at
+her lover as he bent above her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Darling Molly, have you no confidence in me? You have given yourself
+to me, and I shall keep you for my own in spite of all opposition. Be
+sure I shall not let my happiness be snatched from me, although some
+time may pass before I can carry home my little wife.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It sounded so fervent, so faithful, that Molly's tears ceased to flow;
+her head leaned gently on her lover's shoulder, and a smile played
+about her lips, as she asked, half archly, half distrustfully, &quot;But,
+Albert, we surely shall not have to wait until you are as old as my
+granduncle?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No, not nearly so long, my darling,&quot; Albert replied, kissing away a
+tear from the long lashes, &quot;for then, wayward child that you are, ready
+to fly off if I do not obey your will on the instant, you would have
+nothing to say to me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Oh, yes, I should, however old you were!&quot; exclaimed Molly. &quot;I love you
+so dearly, Albert!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Again the voices sank to whispers, and the close of the conversation
+was inaudible. In about five minutes the lovers advanced again into the
+drawing-room, just in time to meet the Herr Superintendent Elmhorst,
+who, as the guest of the house, entered unannounced.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wolfgang had gained much in personal appearance during the last three
+years; his features had grown more decided and manly, his bearing was
+prouder and more resolute. The young man who when we saw him last had
+but just placed his foot on the first round of the ladder, which he was
+determined to ascend, had now learned to mount and to command, but in
+spite of the consciousness of power, which was revealed in his entire
+air, there was nothing the least offensive in his demeanour; he seemed
+to be one whose superiority of nature had involuntarily asserted
+itself.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He had brought with him a bunch of lovely flowers, which he presented
+with a few courteous words to the young mistress of the house. There
+was no need of an introduction to Gersdorf, who had often seen him, and
+Molly had made his acquaintance at Heilborn, where she had passed the
+preceding summer. There was some general conversation, but Gersdorf
+took his leave shortly, and ten minutes afterwards Molly too departed.
+She would have been glad to stay, to pour out her heart to Alice, but
+this Herr Elmhorst did not seem at all inclined to go; indeed, in spite
+of all his courtesy the little Baroness could not help feeling that he
+considered her presence here superfluous; she took her leave, but said
+to herself as she passed down the staircase, &quot;There's something going
+on there.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She was perhaps right, but the 'something' did not make very rapid
+progress. Alice smelled at her bouquet of camellias and violets, but
+looked very listless the while. The wealthy heiress, who had always
+been the object of devoted attention on all sides, had been loaded with
+flowers, and took no special pleasure in them. Wolfgang sat opposite
+her and entertained her after his usual interesting fashion; he talked
+of the new villa which Nordheim had had built in the mountains and
+which the family were to occupy for the first time the coming summer.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The interior arrangements will all be complete before you arrive,&quot; he
+said. &quot;The house itself was finished in the autumn, and the vicinity of
+the line of railway made it possible for me to superintend everything
+personally. You will soon feel at home among the mountains, Fräulein
+Nordheim.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I know them already,&quot; said Alice, still trifling with her flowers. &quot;We
+go to Heilborn regularly every summer.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Merely a summer promenade, with the mountains for a background,&quot;
+Elmhorst said. &quot;Those are not the mountains which you will learn to
+know in your new home; the situation is magnificent, and I flatter
+myself that you will be pleased with the home itself. It is indeed only
+a simple mountain-villa, but as such I was expressly ordered to
+construct it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Papa says it is a little masterpiece of architecture,&quot; Alice remarked,
+quietly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wolfgang smiled and, as if accidentally, moved his chair a little
+nearer: &quot;I should be very glad to acquit myself well as an architect.
+It is not exactly my <i>métier</i>, but <i>you</i> were to occupy the villa,
+Fräulein Alice, and I could not leave it to other hands. I obtained
+permission from the president to build the little mountain-home, which
+he tells me he intends shall be your special property.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The significance of his words was sufficiently plain, as was also his
+intimation of her father's approval, but the young lady neither blushed
+nor seemed confused; she merely said, with her usual indifferent
+lassitude,--</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, papa means the villa shall be a present to me; therefore he did
+not wish me to see it until it was entirely finished. It was very kind
+of you, Herr Elmhorst, to undertake its construction.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Pray do not praise me,&quot; Wolfgang hastily interposed. &quot;On the contrary,
+it was rank selfishness that caused me to thrust myself forward in the
+matter. Every architect asks to be paid, and the recompense for which I
+sue may well seem to you presumptuous. Nevertheless may I speak--may I
+ask of you what it has long been in my heart to entreat?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Alice slowly raised her large brown eyes to his with an inquiring
+expression that was almost melancholy and that seemed fain to read the
+truth in the young man's resolute face. She read there eager
+expectation, but nothing more, and the questioning eyes were again
+veiled beneath their long lashes. She made no reply.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wolfgang seemed to consider her silence as an encouragement; he
+arose and approached her chair, as he went on: &quot;My request is a bold
+one, I know it, but 'Fortune favours the bold.' So I told the Herr
+President when I first besought of him the honour of an introduction to
+you. It has always been my motto, and I cling to it to-day. Will you
+listen to me, Alice?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She slightly inclined her head, and made no resistance when he took her
+hand and carried it to his lips. He went on, making a formal proposal
+for her hand in well-chosen, courteous terms, his melodious voice
+adding greatly to the eloquence of his words. All that was lacking was
+ardour; this was a suit for her hand, not a declaration of love.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Alice listened mutely in no surprise; it had long been an open secret
+to her that Elmhorst was her suitor, and she knew, too, that her
+father, discouraging as he had shown himself hitherto to the advances
+of other men, favoured Elmhorst's suit. He permitted the young man a
+freedom of intercourse in his house accorded to no other, and he had
+frequently expressly declared in his daughter's presence that Wolfgang
+Elmhorst had a brilliant career before him, worth in his eyes
+incalculably more than the scutcheons of men of rank, who were fain to
+rehabilitate the faded splendour of their names with a wife's money.
+Alice herself was too docile to have any will in the matter; it had
+been impressed upon her from earliest childhood that a well-bred young
+lady should marry in accordance with her parents' wishes, and she
+might have found nothing wanting in this extremely correct proposal
+had not Molly hit upon the idea of making her the guardian angel of a
+love-affair.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">That scene in the window-recess had been so very different; those
+whispered tones, caressing, cajoling the wayward girl, whose whole
+heart seemed, nevertheless, devoted to the grave man so much her
+senior! With what tenderness he had treated her! This suitor
+respectfully requested the hand of the wealthy heiress,--her hand:
+there had been no mention whatever made of her heart.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wolfgang finished and waited for a reply, then stooped and, looking in
+her face, said, reproachfully, &quot;Alice, have you nothing to say to me?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Alice saw clearly that something must be said, but she was unaccustomed
+to decide for herself, and she made answer, as was befitting a pupil of
+Frau von Lasberg's,--</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I must first speak with papa; his wishes----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I have just left him,&quot; Elmhorst interposed, &quot;and I come with his
+permission and entire approval. May I tell him that my suit has found
+favour in your eyes? May I present my betrothed to him?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Alice looked up with the same anxious inquiry in her eyes as before,
+and replied, softly, &quot;You must have great consideration for me. I have
+been so ill and wretched all through my childhood that I am still
+oppressed with a sense of my weakness. You will suffer from it, and I
+am afraid----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She broke off, but there was a childlike pathos in her tone, in the
+entreaty for forbearance from the young heiress, who, with her hand,
+bestowed a princely fortune. Wolfgang, perhaps, felt this, for for the
+first time there was something like ardour in his, manner as he
+declared,--</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Do not speak thus, Alice! I know that yours is a delicate temperament
+needing to be guarded and protected, and I will shield you from every
+rude contact in life. Trust me, confide your future to me, and I
+promise you by my----&quot; &quot;love&quot; he was going to say, but his lips refused to
+utter the falsehood. The man was proud, he might coolly calculate, but
+he could not feign, and he completed his sentence more slowly,--&quot;by my
+honour you never shall repent it!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The words sounded resolute and manly, and he was in earnest. Alice felt
+this; she laid her hand willingly in his, and submitted to be clasped
+in his arms. Her suitor's lips touched her own, he expressed his
+gratitude, his joy, called her his beloved; in short, they were duly
+betrothed. A trifle only was lacking,--the exultant confession made
+just before by little Molly amid tears and laughter, 'I love you so
+dearly, so very dearly!'</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>CHAPTER VI.</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1_06" href="#div1Ref_06">AT PRESIDENT NORDHEIM'S.</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+<p class="normal">The reception-rooms of the Nordheim mansion were brilliantly
+lighted
+for the celebration not only of the birthday of the daughter of the
+house, but also of her betrothal. It was a surprising piece of news for
+society, which, in spite of all reports and gossip, had never seriously
+believed in the possibility of an alliance so unheard-of. It was
+incredible that a man, notoriously one of the wealthiest in the
+country, should bestow his only child upon a young engineer without
+rank, of unpretending origin, and possessing nothing save distinguished
+ability, which, to be sure, was warrant for his future.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">That it was scarcely an affair of the heart every one knew; Alice had
+the reputation of great coldness of nature; she was probably incapable
+of very deep sentiment. Nevertheless she was a most enviable prize, and
+the announcement of her betrothal caused many a bitter disappointment
+in aristocratic circles where the heiress had been coveted. This
+Nordheim, it was clear, did not understand how to prize the privileges
+which his wealth bestowed upon him. With it he might have purchased a
+coronet for his daughter, instead of which he had chosen a son-in-law
+from among the officials of his railway. There was much indignation
+expressed, nevertheless every one who was invited came to this
+entertainment. People were curious to see the lucky man who had
+distanced all titled competitors, and whom fate had so suddenly placed
+on life's pinnacle, in that he had been chosen as the future lord of
+millions.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was just before the beginning of the entertainment when the
+president with Elmhorst entered the first of the large reception-rooms.
+He was apparently in the best of humours and upon excellent terms with
+his future son-in-law.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You have your first introduction to the society of the capital this
+evening, Wolfgang,&quot; said he. &quot;In your brief visits you have seen only
+our family. It is time for you to establish relations here, since it
+will be your future place of residence. Alice is accustomed to the
+society life of a great city, and you can have no objection to it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Of course not, sir,&quot; Wolfgang replied. &quot;I like to be at the centre of
+life and activity, but hitherto it has been incompatible with the
+duties of my profession. That it will not be so in the future I see
+from your example. You conduct from here all your various
+undertakings.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;This activity, however, is beginning to oppress me,&quot; said Nordheim. &quot;I
+have latterly felt the need of a support, and I depend upon your
+partially relieving me. For the present you are indispensable in the
+completion of the railway line; the engineer-in-chief, in his present
+state of feeble health, is the head of the work only in name.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, it is in fact entirely in my hands, and if he retires,--I know he
+is thinking seriously of doing so,--I have your promise, sir, that I
+shall succeed him?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Assuredly, and this time I am not afraid of meeting with any
+opposition. It is, to be sure, the first time that so young a man has
+been placed at the head of such an undertaking, but you have shown your
+ability in the Wolkenstein bridge, and the position can scarcely be
+refused to my future son-in-law.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;In admitting me to your family, Herr Nordheim, you give me much.--I
+know it,&quot; said Elmhorst, gravely; &quot;in return I can give you only a
+son.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The president's eyes rested thoughtfully upon the face of the speaker,
+and with an access of warmth extremely rare in the man of business, he
+replied, &quot;I had an only son, in whom all my hopes were centred; he died
+in early childhood, and I have often reflected bitterly that some
+spendthrift idler would probably scatter abroad what I had taken such
+pains to accumulate. I think better of you; you will continue and
+preserve what I have begun, complete what I leave unfinished. I am glad
+to make you my intellectual as well as my material heir.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I will not disappoint you,&quot; Wolfgang said, pressing the hand extended
+to him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Here were two kindred natures, but surely the conversation was a
+strange one for the evening of a betrothal and while awaiting a
+promised bride. Both men had spoken of their schemes and undertakings;
+Alice had not been mentioned. The father had demanded of his future
+son-in-law much, but there had been no allusion to his daughter's
+happiness; and the lover, who seemed entirely sensible of the
+advantages of the family connection in prospect, never mentioned the
+name of his betrothed. They talked of construction and bridges, of the
+engineer-in-chief and the railway company, as coolly and in as
+business-like a fashion as if the matter in question were a partnership
+to be formed between them; and in fact it was nothing else,--either
+could easily have foregone the additional relationship. They were
+interrupted, however: a servant entered to ask for orders from the
+president with relation to the arrangement of the table, and Nordheim
+thought best to betake himself to the dining-hall to decide the matter.
+It was still too early for the arrival of the guests, and the ladies of
+the house had not yet made their appearance. The servants were all at
+their posts, and for the moment Wolfgang was left alone in the
+reception-rooms, which occupied the entire upper story of the mansion.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">From the large apartment where he was, with its rich crimson rugs and
+velvet hangings, and its profusion of gilding, he could look through
+the entire suite of rooms, the splendour of which was most striking in
+their present deserted, empty condition. Everywhere there was a lavish
+wealth of costly objects, everywhere pictures, statues, and other works
+of art, each one worth a small fortune, and the long suite ended, as in
+some fairy realm, in a dimly-lit conservatory filled with exotic plants
+of rare magnificence. In an hour these brilliant, fragrant apartments
+would be crowded with the most distinguished society of the capital,
+all ready to accept the hospitality of the railway king.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wolfgang stood still and looked slowly about him. It was indeed a
+bewildering sensation, that of knowing himself a son of this house, the
+future heir of all this magnificence. No one could blame the young man
+if at the thought he stood proudly erect, while his eyes gleamed
+exultantly. He had kept the vow made to himself,--he had executed the
+bold scheme which he had once confided to his friend,--he had dared the
+flight and had reached the summit. At an age when others are beginning
+to shape their future he had clutched success in a firm grasp. He was
+now standing upon the height of which he had dreamed, and the world lay
+fair indeed at his feet.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The drawing-room door opened; Elmhorst turned and advanced a few steps
+towards it, then paused suddenly, for instead of his expected betrothed
+Erna von Thurgau entered. She was much changed since she had been met
+by the strayed young superintendent among the cliffs of the
+Wolkenstein. The wayward child who had grown up free and untrammelled
+among her mountains had not without result passed three years in her
+uncle's luxurious home, under the training of Frau von Lasberg. The
+little Alpine rose had been transformed to a young lady, who with
+perfect grace but also with entire formality returned Wolfgang's
+salutation. This was a beautiful woman, a gloriously beautiful woman.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Her childish features had become perfectly regular, and although the
+rich bloom of health still coloured her cheek, her face expressed a
+degree of cool gravity unknown to the joyous daughter of the Freiherr
+von Thurgau. Her eyes no longer laughed as of old; there lay hidden in
+their depths a mystery akin to that of the mountain-lakes of her home,
+whose colour they had borrowed,--a mystery as powerfully attractive as
+that of the lakes themselves. She looked singularly lovely as she stood
+in the full light of the chandelier, dressed in pure mist-like white,
+her only ornaments single water-lilies scattered here and there among
+its whiteness. Her hair no longer fell in masses about her shoulders,
+but fashion permitted its full luxuriance to be appreciated, and pale
+lily-buds gleamed amid its waves.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Alice and Frau von Lasberg will be here presently,&quot; she said, as she
+entered. &quot;I thought my uncle was here.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;He has gone for a moment to the dining-hall,&quot; Elmhorst replied, after
+a salutation quite as formal as her own.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">For an instant Erna seemed about to follow her uncle, but, apparently
+recollecting that this might be discourteous towards a future relative,
+she paused and let her gaze wander through the long suite of rooms.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I think you see these rooms fully lighted to-night for the first time,
+Herr Elmhorst? They are very fine, are they not?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Very fine; and upon one coming, as I do, from the winter solitude of
+the mountains, they produce a dazzling impression.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;They dazzled me too when I first came here,&quot; the young lady said,
+indifferently; &quot;but one easily becomes accustomed to such surroundings,
+as you will find by experience when you take up your residence here. It
+is settled that you are to be married in a year, is it not?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It is,--next spring.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Rather a long time to wait. Have you really consented to such a period
+of probation?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The lover seemed, oddly enough, to be rather averse to this allusion to
+his marriage. He examined with apparent interest a huge porcelain vase
+which stood near him, and replied, evidently desirous of changing the
+subject, &quot;I cannot but consent, since for the present I am master
+neither of my time nor of my movements. The first thing to be attended
+to is the completion of the railway, of the construction of which I am
+superintendent.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Are you, then, so fettered?&quot; Erna asked, with gentle irony. &quot;I should
+have thought you would find it easy to liberate yourself?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Liberate myself,--from what?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;From a profession which you must certainly resign in the future.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Do you consider that as a matter of course, Fräulein von Thurgau?&quot;
+Wolfgang asked, nettled by her tone. &quot;I cannot see what should induce
+such a course on my part.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Why, your future position as the husband of Alice Nordheim.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The young engineer flushed crimson; he glanced angrily at the girl who
+ventured to remind him that he was marrying money. She was smiling, and
+her remark sounded like a jest, but her eyes spoke a different
+language, the language of contempt, which he understood but too well.
+He was not a man, however, to rest quietly under the scorn which
+pursues a fortune-hunter; he too smiled, and rejoined, with cool
+courtesy, &quot;Pardon me, Fräulein von Thurgau, you are mistaken. My
+profession, my work, are necessities of existence for me. I was not
+made for an idle, inactive enjoyment of life. This seems
+incomprehensible to you----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Not at all,&quot; Erna interposed. &quot;I perfectly understand how a true man
+must depend solely upon his own exertions.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wolfgang bit his lip, but he parried this thrust too: &quot;That I may
+accept as a compliment, for I certainly depended entirely upon my own
+exertions when I planned the Wolkenstein bridge, and I trust my work
+will bring me credit, even as 'the husband of Alice Nordheim.' But
+excuse me; these are matters which cannot interest a lady.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;They interest me,&quot; Erna said, bluntly. &quot;My home was destroyed by the
+Wolkenstein bridge, and your work demanded yet another and far dearer
+sacrifice of me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Which you never can forgive me, I know,&quot; Wolfgang went on. &quot;You
+reproach me for an unhappy accident, although your sense of justice
+must tell you that I am not to blame, that I do not deserve it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I do not blame you, Herr Elmhorst.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You did in that most wretched hour, and you do it still.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Erna did not reply, but her silence was eloquent enough. Elmhorst
+appeared to have expected a denial, if only a formal one, for there was
+an added bitterness in his tone as he continued: &quot;I regret infinitely
+that I should have been the one chosen to conduct the last business
+arrangements with Baron Thurgau. They had to be made, and their tragic
+conclusion lay beyond human foresight. It was not I, Fräulein Thurgau,
+but iron necessity that required of you the sacrifice of your home; the
+Wolkenstein bridge is not less guilty than I am.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I know it,&quot; Erna observed, coldly; &quot;but there are cases in which one
+finds it impossible to be just,--you should see that, Herr Elmhorst.
+You are now a member of our family, and may rest assured that I shall
+show you all the consideration due to a relative; for my feelings I
+cannot be called to account.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wolfgang looked her full and darkly in the face: &quot;In other words, you
+detest my work and--myself?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Erna was silent: she had long outgrown the childish waywardness that
+had once prompted her to tell the stranger to his face that she could
+not endure him or his sneers at her mountain-legends. The young lady
+never dreamed of conduct so unbecoming, and she confronted him now in
+entire self-possession. But her eyes had not forgotten their language,
+and at this moment they declared that the girlish nature was quelled
+only in appearance,--it still slumbered untamed in the depths of her
+soul. There was a lightning-flash in them which uttered a quick,
+vehement 'yes' in answer to Wolfgang's last question, although the lips
+were mute.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was impossible for Elmhorst to misunderstand it, and yet he gazed
+into the blue depths of those hostile eyes as if they had the power to
+hold him spell-bound; only for a few seconds, however, for Erna turned
+away, saying, lightly, &quot;We certainly are having a very odd
+conversation, talking of sacrifice, blame, and hatred, and all on the
+day of your betrothal.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You are right, Fräulein Thurgau; let us talk of something else,&quot;
+Wolfgang rejoined.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But they did not talk of anything else; on the contrary, an oppressive
+silence ensued. Erna seated herself and became apparently absorbed in
+an examination of the pictures on her fan, while her companion walked
+to the door of the next room as if to admire its magnificence. His
+face, however, no longer showed the proud satisfaction which had
+informed it a quarter of an hour before: he looked irritated and ill at
+ease.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Again the drawing-room door opened and Alice and Frau von Lasberg
+entered, the latter with a certain air of resignation; a darling wish
+of hers was to be frustrated to-night. She had looked forward to seeing
+Alice, whom she had trained entirely according to her own ideas,
+enrolled in the ranks of the aristocracy, and one of the young girl's
+distinguished suitors, the scion of an ancient noble line, had enjoyed
+the Baroness's special favour, and now Wolfgang Elmhorst was carrying
+off the prize! He was indeed the only man without a title whom Frau von
+Lasberg could have forgiven for so doing,--he had long since succeeded
+in winning her regard,--but it was nevertheless a painful fact that a
+man so perfectly well-bred, so agreeable to the strict old lady,
+possessed not the ghost of a title.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Alice, in a pale-blue satin gown rather overtrimmed with costly lace,
+and with a long train, did not look particularly well. The heavy folds
+of the rich material seemed to weigh down her delicate figure, and the
+diamonds sparkling on her neck and arms--her father's birthday gift to
+her--did not avail to relieve her want of colour. Such a frame did not
+suit her; an airy flower-trimmed ball-dress would have been much more
+becoming.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wolfgang hastened to meet his betrothed, and carried her hand to his
+lips. He was full of tender consideration for her, and he was courtesy
+itself to the Baroness Lasberg, but the cloud did not vanish from his
+brow until the president returned and the guests began to arrive.
+Gradually the rooms were filled with a brilliant assemblage. Those
+present were indeed the foremost in the capital, the aristocracy by
+birth and by talent, those distinguished both in the world of finance
+and in the domain of art, the best names in military and diplomatic
+circles. Splendid uniforms alternated with costly toilets, and the
+throng glittered and rustled as only such an assemblage can,--an
+assemblage thoroughly in keeping with the magnificence of the Nordheim
+establishment.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The centre of attraction was found in the betrothed pair, or rather in
+the lover, who, an entire stranger to most of those present, was doubly
+an object of interest. He certainly was an extremely handsome man, this
+Wolfgang Elmhorst, no one could deny that, and there was no doubt of
+his capacity and his talent, but these gifts alone hardly entitled him
+to the hand of a wealthy heiress, who might well look for something
+more. And then, too, the young man appeared to take his good fortune,
+which would have fairly intoxicated any one else, quite as a matter of
+course. Not the slightest embarrassment betrayed that this was
+the first time he had been thus surrounded. With his betrothed's
+hand resting on his arm he stood proudly calm beside his future
+father-in-law, was presented to every one, received and acknowledged
+with easy grace all congratulations, and played admirably the principal
+part thus assigned him. He was entirely the son of the house, accepting
+his position as such as a foregone conclusion, and even at times
+seeming to dominate the entire assembly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Among the guests was the Court-Councillor von Ernsthausen, a stiff,
+formal bureaucrat, who in the absence of his wife had his daughter on
+his arm. The little Baroness was charming in her pink tulle ball-dress,
+with a wreath of snow-drops on her black curls, and she was beaming
+with delight and exultation in having, after a hard combat, succeeded
+in being present at the entertainment. Her parents had at first refused
+to allow her to come, because Herr Gersdorf was also invited, and they
+dreaded the renewal of his attentions. The Herr Papa was armed to the
+teeth against attack from the hostile force; he kept guard like a
+sentinel over his daughter, and seemed resolved that she should not
+leave his side during the entire evening.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But the lover showed no inclination to expose himself to the danger of
+another repulse; he contented himself with a courteous salutation from
+a distance, which Baron Ernsthausen returned very stiffly. Molly
+inclined her head gravely and decorously, as if quite agreed with her
+paternal escort; of course she had devised the plan of her campaign,
+and she proceeded to carry it out with an energy that left nothing to
+be desired.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She embraced and congratulated Alice, which necessitated her leaving
+her father's arm; then she greeted Frau von Lasberg with the greatest
+amiability in return for a very cool recognition on that lady's part,
+and finally she overwhelmed Erna with demonstrations of affection,
+drawing her aside to the recess of a window. The councillor looked
+after her with a discontented air, but, as Gersdorf remained quietly at
+the other end of the room, he was reassured, and apparently conceived
+that his office of guardian was perfectly discharged by keeping the
+enemy constantly in sight. He never suspected the cunning schemes that
+were being contrived and carried out behind his back.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The whispered interview in the window-recess did not last long, and at
+its close Fräulein von Thurgau vanished from the room, while Molly
+returned to her father and entered into conversation with various
+friends. She managed, however, to perceive that Erna returned after a
+few minutes, and, approaching Herr Gersdorf, addressed him. He looked
+rather surprised, but bowed in assent, and the little Baroness
+triumphantly unfurled her fan. The action had begun, and the guardian
+was checkmated for the rest of the evening.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Meanwhile, the president had missed his niece and was looking about for
+her rather impatiently, while talking with a gentleman who had just
+arrived, and who was not one of the <i>habitués</i> of the house. He was
+undoubtedly a person of distinction, for Nordheim treated him with a
+consideration which he accorded to but few individuals. Erna no sooner
+made her appearance again than her uncle approached her and presented
+the stranger.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Herr Ernst Waltenberg, of whom you have heard me speak.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I was so unfortunate as to miss the ladies when I called yesterday,
+and so am an entire stranger to Fräulein von Thurgau,&quot; said Waltenberg.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Not quite: I talked much of you at dinner,&quot; Nordheim interposed. &quot;A
+cosmopolitan like yourself, who after the tour of the world comes to us
+directly from Persia, cannot fail to interest, and I am sure you will
+find an eager listener to your experiences of travel in my niece. Her
+taste is decidedly for the strange and unusual.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Indeed, Fräulein von Thurgau?&quot; asked Waltenberg, gazing in evident
+admiration at Erna's lovely face.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Nordheim perceived this and smiled, while, without giving his niece a
+chance to reply, he continued:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You may rely upon it. But we must first of all try to make you more at
+home in Europe, where you are positively a stranger. I shall be glad if
+my house can in any wise contribute to your pleasure; I pray you to
+believe that you will always be welcome here.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He shook his guest's hand with great cordiality and retired. There was
+a degree of intention in the way in which he had brought the pair
+together and then left them to themselves, but Erna did not perceive
+it. She had been in no wise interested in the presentation of the
+new-comer,--strangers from beyond the seas were no rarity in her
+uncle's house,--but her first glance at the guest's unusual type of
+countenance aroused her attention.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ernst Waltenberg was no longer young,--he had passed forty, and
+although not very tall his frame was muscular and well-knit, showing
+traces, however, of a life of exposure and exertion. His face, tanned
+dark brown by his sojourn for years in tropical countries, was not
+handsome, but full of expression and of those lines graven not by
+years, but by experience of life. His broad brow was crowned by close
+black curls, and his steel-gray eyes beneath their black brows could
+evidently flash on occasion. There was something strangely foreign
+about him that set him quite apart from the brilliant but mostly
+uninteresting personages that crowded Nordheim's rooms. His voice too
+had a peculiar intonation,--it was deep, but sounded slightly foreign,
+possibly from years of speaking other tongues than his own. Evidently
+he was perfectly versed in the forms of society; the manner in which he
+took his seat beside Fräulein von Thurgau was entirely that of a man of
+the world.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You have but lately come from Persia?&quot; Erna asked, referring to what
+her uncle had said.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, I was there last; for ten years I have not seen Europe before.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And yet you are a German? Probably your profession kept you away thus
+long?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;My profession?&quot; Waltenberg repeated, with a fleeting smile. &quot;No; I
+merely yielded to my inclination. I am not of those steadfast natures
+which become rooted in house and home. I was always longing to be out
+in the world, and I gratified my desire absolutely in this respect.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And in all these ten years have you never been homesick?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;To tell the truth, no! One gradually becomes weaned from one's home,
+and at last feels like a stranger there. I am here now only to arrange
+various business affairs and personal matters, and do not propose to
+stay long. I have no family to keep me here; I am quite alone.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But your country should have a claim upon you,&quot; Erna interposed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Perhaps so; but I am modest enough to imagine that it does not need
+me. There are so many better men than I here.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And do you not need your country?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The remark was rather an odd one from a young lady, and Waltenberg
+looked surprised, especially when the glance that met his own
+emphasized the reproach in the girl's words.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You are indignant at my admission, Fräulein Thurgau, but nevertheless
+I must plead guilty,&quot; he said, gravely. &quot;Believe me, a life such as
+mine has been for years, free of all fetters, surrounded by a nature
+lavish in beauty and luxuriance, while our own is meagre enough, has
+the effect of a magic draught. Those who have once tasted it can never
+again forego it. Were I really obliged to return to this world of
+unrealities, this formal existence in what we call society, beneath
+these gray wintry skies, I think I----but this is rank heresy in the
+eyes of one who is an admired centre of this same society.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And yet she can perhaps understand you,&quot; Erna said, with a sudden
+access of bitterness. &quot;I grew up among the mountains, in the
+magnificent solitude of the highlands, far from the world and its ways,
+and it is hard, very hard, to forego the sunny, golden liberty of my
+childhood!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Even here?&quot; Waltenberg asked, with a glance about him at the brilliant
+rooms, now crowded with guests.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Most of all here.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The answer was low, scarcely audible, and the look that accompanied it
+was strangely sad and weary, but the next moment the young girl seemed
+to repent the half-involuntary confession; she smiled and said,
+jestingly,--</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You are right, this is heresy, and my uncle would disapprove; he
+evidently hopes to make you really at home among us. Let me make you
+acquainted with the gentleman now approaching us; he is one of our
+celebrities and will surely interest you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Her intention of breaking off a conversation that had become unusually
+grave was evident, and Waltenberg bowed silently, but with an
+expression of annoyance. He was presented to the 'celebrity,' with whom
+he conversed but for a few moments, however, before seeking out Herr
+Gersdorf, whom he had long known; they had been college-friends.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Well, Ernst, are you beginning to be at home among us?&quot; the lawyer
+asked. &quot;You seemed much interested in your talk with Fräulein Thurgau.
+A handsome girl, is she not?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, and really worth the trouble of talking to,&quot; Ernst replied,
+retiring somewhat from the throng with his friend, who laughed, as he
+said in an undertone,--</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Extremely complimentary to all the other ladies. I suppose it is not
+worth the trouble to talk with them?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No, it is not,&quot; Waltenberg coolly replied, in a still lower tone. &quot;I
+really cannot bring myself to take part in their vapid talk through an
+entire evening. It is particularly tiresome around the betrothed
+couple,--a perfect chorus of utterly senseless remarks. Moreover, the
+lady looks very insignificant, and is very uninteresting.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Gersdorf shrugged his shoulders: &quot;Nevertheless her name is Alice
+Nordheim, and that was quite enough for her lover. There is many a one
+here who would gladly stand in his shoes, but he had the wit to gain
+her father's favour, and so won the prize.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Marrying for money, then? A fortune-hunter?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;If you choose to call him so,--yes; but very talented, very
+energetic,--sure to succeed. He already rules the various officials of
+his railway as absolutely as his future father-in-law does the
+directors, and when you see his <i>chef-d'[oe]uvre</i>, the Wolkenstein
+bridge, you will admit that his talent is of no common order.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No matter for that, I detest fortune-hunting from my very soul. One
+might forgive it in a poor devil with no other chance to rise in the
+world, but this Elmhorst seems to have force of character, and yet
+sells himself and his liberty for money. Contemptible!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;My dear Ernst, you are evidently just from the wilds,&quot; Gersdorf
+rejoined. &quot;Such things are very usual in our much-lauded 'society,' and
+among very respectable people. Of course money is no consideration to
+you, with your hundreds of thousands. Are you never going to cease
+wandering to and fro on the earth and try sitting beside your own
+hearthstone?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No, Albert, I never was made for that. Liberty is my bride, and I
+shall be faithful to her.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I said the same thing,&quot; the lawyer rejoined, with a laugh; &quot;but time
+brings one experience of this same bride's rather chilly nature, and if
+in addition one meets with the misfortune of falling in love, liberty
+loses all attraction and the whilom bachelor is glad enough to turn
+into an honest married man. I am just about to undergo this
+transformation.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I condole with you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No need; it suits me extremely well. But you know all the story of my
+love and woe; what do you think of the future Frau Gersdorf?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I think her so charming that she excuses in a measure your desertion
+of your colours. She is lovely, with that rosy, laughing little face.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, my little Molly is an embodiment of sunshine,&quot; Albert said,
+heartily, his glance seeking out the young girl. &quot;The barometer at her
+home points to 'stormy' at present; but although the court-councillor
+and his entire family, with the famous granduncle,--who, by the bye, is
+the worst of all,--should take the field against me, I am resolved to
+come off victorious.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Herr Waltenberg, may I request you to escort my niece to supper?&quot; said
+the president as he passed the young men.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;With pleasure,&quot; Waltenberg assented, hurrying away, with such sincere
+satisfaction expressed in his face, that Gersdorf could not help
+looking after him with a mocking smile.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I doubt whether I shall long be the only one of us two to desert his
+colours,&quot; he said to himself as his friend joined Fräulein von Thurgau,
+looking like anything rather than a misogynist.</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>CHAPTER VII.</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1_07" href="#div1Ref_07">A NEW SCHEME.</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+<p class="normal">The doors of the supper-room were opened and the assemblage
+began to
+enter it by couples. Baron Ernsthausen offered his arm to the Baroness
+Lasberg, having been assigned her as his neighbour at table, and having
+learned from her with much satisfaction that Lieutenant von Alven was
+to be his daughter's escort, and that Herr Gersdorf's place was at the
+opposite end of the table. The distinguished couple slowly advanced
+followed by a crowd of others, but, strangely enough, Lieutenant von
+Alven offered his arm to another young girl, and Herr Gersdorf
+approached the Baroness Ernsthausen.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What does this mean, Molly?&quot; he asked, in a low tone. &quot;Am I to take
+you to supper, as Fräulein von Thurgau tells me? Did you prevail on
+Frau von Lasberg----?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Oh, she is a firm ally of my father and mother,&quot; Molly whispered,
+taking his arm. &quot;Only fancy, she had the entire length of the table
+between us! Mamma is at home with a headache, but she enjoined it upon
+papa not to let me out of his sight, and Frau von Lasberg was to be
+guard number two. But they have no idea with whom they have to deal; I
+have outwitted them all.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What is it that you have done?&quot; Gersdorf asked, rather uneasily.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Changed the table-cards!&quot; Molly declared, exultantly, &quot;or rather
+persuaded Erna to change them. She did not want to at first, but when I
+asked her whether she could answer it to her conscience to plunge us
+both into fathomless despair, she really could not, and so she
+consented.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The phrases which the little Baroness used to beguile the guardian
+angels of her love came trippingly from her tongue; her lover, however,
+did not seem greatly edified by her stroke of policy; he shook his
+head, and said, reproachfully, &quot;But, my dear Molly, it cannot possibly
+be concealed, and when your father sees us----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;He'll be furious!&quot; Molly completed the sentence very placidly. &quot;But
+you know, Albert, he always is that, and a little more or a little less
+really makes no difference. And now do not look so frightfully grave. I
+believe you would actually like to scold me for my brilliant idea.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I ought to,&quot; said Albert, smiling in spite of himself; &quot;but who could
+find fault with you, you wayward little sprite?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In the buzz of conversation the lovers' whispered tones were unheard as
+they entered the supper-room, where the councillor was already seated
+beside his companion. The pleasures of the table were dear to his
+heart, and the prospect of a good supper attuned his soul to
+benevolence. But suddenly his face grew rigid as if from a sight of the
+Gorgon, although it was only upon perceiving the extremely happy face
+of his little daughter as she appeared upon Herr Gersdorf's arm.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Madame, for heaven's sake, look there!&quot; he whispered. &quot;You told me
+that Lieutenant von Alven----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Was to take Molly to supper; and in accordance with your express wish
+Herr Gersdorf----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Frau von Lasberg stopped in the middle of her sentence and also became
+petrified as she perceived the couple just taking their seats near the
+other end of the table.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Beside him!&quot; The councillor darted an annihilating glance down the
+long table, past thirty seated guests, at the lawyer.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I cannot understand this; I arranged the places at table myself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Perhaps some mistake of the servants----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No, it is a plot of the Baroness's,&quot; Frau von Lasberg interposed,
+indignantly. &quot;But pray let us have no scene. When supper is over----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I shall take Molly directly home!&quot; Ernsthausen concluded the sentence,
+opening his napkin with an energy that boded no good to his disobedient
+daughter.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The supper began and followed its course with all the splendour to be
+expected from an entertainment in the Nordheim mansion. The tables were
+almost overloaded with heavy silver and glittering glass, among which
+bloomed the rarest flowers. There was an endless variety of food, with
+the finest kinds of wine. The usual toasts to the betrothed couple were
+offered, the usual speeches made, and over it all brooded the weariness
+inseparable from such displays of princely wealth.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Nevertheless certain of the younger folk enjoyed themselves
+excessively; notably Baroness Molly, who, quite unaffected by her
+approaching doom, laughed and talked with her neighbour at table, while
+Gersdorf would have been no lover had he not forgotten all else and
+quaffed full draughts of the unexpected happiness of this interview.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Not less eager, if graver and of more significance, was the
+conversation carried on at the upper end of the table between Fräulein
+von Thurgau, who as the nearest relative of the family had her place
+opposite the betrothed couple, and Ernst Waltenberg, who was a
+distinguished guest. Hitherto he had seemed to take but little interest
+in the assemblage and had been rather silent, but now he made it plain
+that where it pleased him to charm by his conversation he was fully
+able to do so.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He did indeed tell of distant lands and peoples, but he described them
+so vividly that his hearer seemed to see them. As he spoke of the charm
+of the southern seas, the splendour of the tropical landscape, Erna,
+listening with sparkling eyes, seemed carried away. Now and then
+Wolfgang, beside Alice on the opposite side of the table, scanned the
+pair with an oddly searching glance; his conversation with his
+betrothed did not seem to be of a particularly lively nature, master of
+the art though he were.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At last supper was over, and all returned to the reception-rooms. The
+universal mood seemed less constrained, laughter and talk were louder,
+and so general was the mingling of various groups that it was difficult
+to single out any particular individual, as Baron Ernsthausen found to
+his vexation, for his young daughter had disappeared for the time.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ernst Waltenberg had conducted Erna to the conservatory, and was seated
+beside her, deep in the conversation begun at supper, when the
+betrothed couple entered. Wolfgang started as he perceived the pair, he
+bowed coldly to Waltenberg, who sprang up to offer his place to
+Fräulein Nordheim, and said, &quot;Alice complains of weariness and thinks
+it will be quieter here. We are not intruding?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Upon whom?&quot; Erna asked, quietly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Upon yourself and Herr Waltenberg. You were in such earnest
+conversation, and we should be very sorry----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Instead of replying, Erna took her cousin's hand and drew her down
+beside her: &quot;You are right, Alice, you need rest. It is a hard task
+even for those stronger than you to be the centre of such an
+entertainment.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I only wanted to withdraw for a few moments,&quot; said Alice, who really
+did look fatigued. &quot;But we seem to have disturbed you; Herr Waltenberg
+was in the midst of a most interesting description, which he broke off
+when we entered.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I was telling of my last visit to India,&quot; Waltenberg explained, &quot;and I
+took the opportunity to make a request of Baroness Thurgau, which I
+should like to make of you also, Fräulein Nordheim. In the course of my
+ten years of absence from Europe I have collected a quantity of foreign
+curiosities. They were all sent home, and form a veritable museum which
+I am just having arranged by an experienced hand. May I entreat the
+ladies to honour me with a visit,--with yourself, of course, Herr
+Elmhorst? I think I can show you much that will interest you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I fear my engagements will not allow me to accept your kind
+invitation,&quot; Elmhorst replied, with rather cool courtesy. &quot;I must leave
+town in a couple of days.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;So shortly after your betrothal?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I must. In the present condition of our work I cannot allow myself a
+longer leave of absence.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Do you agree to this, Fräulein Nordheim?&quot; Waltenberg appealed to
+Alice. &quot;I should think under present circumstances you would have the
+first claim.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Duty has the first claim upon me, Herr Waltenberg,--in my opinion, at
+least.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Must you take it so seriously,--even now?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Wolfgang's eyes flashed. He understood this 'even now?' and understood
+also the look which he encountered; he had seen the same expression on
+another face a few hours ago. He bit his lip; for the second time he
+was reminded that he was considered in society only as 'Alice
+Nordheim's future husband,'--one who could with her fortune in prospect
+purchase immunity from duties which he had undertaken to fulfil.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;To fulfil a duty is with me a point of honour,&quot; he replied, coldly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, we Germans are fanatics for duty,&quot; Waltenberg said, negligently.
+&quot;I have lost somewhat of this national characteristic in foreign
+countries. Oh, Fräulein von Thurgau, not that disapproving look, I
+entreat. My unfortunate frankness will ruin me in your estimation, but
+remember I come from quite another world, and am absolutely uncivilized
+according to European ideas.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You certainly seem so with respect to some of your views,&quot; Erna said,
+lightly, but withal with a shade of severity.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He smiled, and, leaning over the back of her chair, said, in a lower
+tone, &quot;Yes, I need to be harmonized with mankind, and with our worthy
+Germans. Perhaps some one will have pity upon me and undertake the
+task. Do you think it would be worth the trouble?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Can you really endure this close, stifling temperature, Alice?&quot;
+Wolfgang asked, with ill-concealed impatience. &quot;I fear it is worse for
+you than the heat of the rooms.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But there is such a crowd of people there. Pray let us stay here,
+Wolfgang.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He bit his lip, but naturally yielded to a wish of his betrothed's so
+distinctly expressed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The air here is tropical,&quot; said Waltenberg.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It is indeed. Oppressive, and debilitating for any one accustomed to
+breathe freely.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The words sounded almost rude, but he to whom they were addressed took
+no heed; he was still gazing at Erna as he went on: &quot;These palms and
+orchids require it. Look, Fräulein von Thurgau, they enchant the eye
+even here in captivity. In the tropics, where they climb and twine in
+liberty, they are wonderful indeed.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, that world must be beautiful,&quot; Erna said, softly, while her eyes
+wandered dreamily over the foreign splendour of the blossoms gleaming
+among the green on every side and filling the conservatory with their
+sweet but enervating fragrance.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Was your stay in the East a long one, Herr Waltenberg?&quot; Alice asked,
+in her cool, uninterested way.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I passed some years there, but I am at home all over the world, and
+can even boast having penetrated far into Africa.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wolfgang's attention was roused by these last words: &quot;Probably as a
+member of some scientific expedition?&quot; he observed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No, that would have had no charm for me. I detest nothing so much as
+constraint, and it is impossible in such expeditions to preserve one's
+personal freedom. One is bound by the rules of the expedition, by the
+wishes of one's companions, by all sorts of things, and I am wont to
+follow my own will only.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Ah, indeed?&quot; A half-contemptuous smile played about Wolfgang's lips.
+&quot;I beg pardon; I really thought you had gone to Africa as a scientific
+pioneer.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Good heavens, how in earnest you are about everything, Herr Elmhorst!&quot;
+Waltenberg said, with a scarcely perceptible sneer. &quot;Must life perforce
+be labour? I never coveted fame as an explorer; I have enjoyed the
+freedom and beauty of the world, and have renewed my youth and strength
+in quaffing long draughts of such enjoyment. To put it to positive use
+would destroy its romance for me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Elmhorst shrugged his shoulders, and remarked, with apparent
+indifference, in which there was nevertheless a spice of insolence,
+&quot;Certainly a most convenient way of arranging one's existence. And yet
+hardly to my taste, and quite impossible for most people. So to live
+one should be born to great wealth.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No, not of necessity,&quot; Waltenberg retorted, in the same tone. &quot;Some
+lucky chance may endow one with wealth.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wolfgang looked annoyed, and he was evidently about to make a sharp
+reply, when Erna, perceiving this, hastened to give the conversation
+another turn.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I fear my uncle must resign all hope of making you at home among us,&quot;
+said she. &quot;You are so entirely under the spell of your tropical world,
+that everything here will seem petty and meagre to you. I hardly think
+that even our mountains could move you to admiration, but there you
+will find me a determined antagonist.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Waltenberg turned towards her,--perhaps he saw in her face, or was
+conscious himself, that he had gone too far. &quot;You do me injustice,
+Fräulein Thurgau,&quot; he replied. &quot;I have never forgotten the Alpine
+world of my native country,--its lofty summits, its deep-blue
+lakes, and the lovely creations of its legends by which it is
+peopled,--creatures&quot;--his voice sounded veiled--&quot;compounded as it were
+of air and Alpine snow, with the white fairy-like flowers of its waters
+crowning their fair hair.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The compliment was too bold, but the manner in which it was uttered
+took from it all presumption, as the speaker's eyes rested in
+admiration upon the beautiful girl before him in her white, misty
+ball-dress.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Alice, are you rested?&quot; Wolfgang asked, aloud. &quot;We really ought not to
+remain away from the other room so long. Let us go back.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">His words sounded almost like a command. Alice arose, put her hand
+within his arm, and they left the conservatory together.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Herr Elmhorst seems to have a decided predilection for command,&quot;
+Waltenberg said, ironically, looking after them. &quot;His tone was
+decidedly that of the future lord and master, and upon the very day of
+his betrothal. Fräulein Nordheim's choice seems surprising to me in
+more than one sense.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Alice's is a very gentle, docile nature,&quot; Erna observed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;So much the worse. Her lover seems to have no conception that it is
+this connection alone that raises him to a position to which he could
+not personally lay any claim.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The young girl had risen and approached a group of plants, whose heavy
+crimson blossoms hung amid dark green leaves. After a moment's pause
+she rejoined, &quot;I do not think Wolfgang Elmhorst a man to allow himself
+to be 'raised.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Why, then, should her---- Pardon me, I ought not to say one word in
+disapproval of your future relative.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Erna did not reply, and he seemed to take her silence as a permission
+to proceed, for he continued, very gravely: &quot;Do you think inclination
+plays any part in his suit?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The word was uttered with a certain harshness, as the girl's face
+leaned half hidden among the crimson flowers.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Nor do I, and my opinion of Herr Elmhorst is based upon that
+conviction. Pray, Fräulein Thurgau, do not inhale the fragrance of
+those blossoms so closely; I know the plant,--its odour is delicious
+but mischievous, and will give you headache. Be careful.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You are right,&quot; she said, with a deep breath, passing her hand across
+her forehead and standing erect. &quot;It is, besides, time that we returned
+to the other rooms. May I trouble you, Herr Waltenberg?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He seemed hardly to agree with this, but nevertheless instantly offered
+his arm and conducted her to the ball-room, which was still full.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The court-councillor was sitting in a corner nursing his wrath with
+Fran von Lasberg, who seemed inclined to fan the flame. She had
+ascertained by questioning the servants that the cards on the table had
+really been changed, and her indignation was extreme. She harangued the
+unfortunate father of such a daughter in low but expressive tones, and
+concluded her discourse with the annihilating declaration, &quot;In short,
+the conduct of Herr Gersdorf seems to me outrageous!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, it is outrageous!&quot; Ernsthausen murmured in a fury. &quot;And,
+moreover, I have been looking for Molly for half an hour to take her
+home, and I cannot find her. She is a terrible child!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Under no circumstances should I have allowed her to attend this
+entertainment,&quot; the old lady began again. &quot;When the Frau Baroness
+opened her heart to me about the affair, I urged it upon her to have
+recourse to vigorous measures.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And so we have,&quot; Ernsthausen declared; &quot;but it is of no use. My wife
+is ill with all this worry and vexation, and her indisposition may,
+probably will, last for days. I am occupied with my official duties.
+Who is to stand guard over the girl meanwhile and frustrate all her
+insane schemes?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Send Molly to the country to her granduncle,&quot; was Frau von Lasberg's
+advice. &quot;There no personal intercourse with Gersdorf will be possible,
+and if I know the old Baron he will find a means of preventing any
+exchange of letters.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The councillor looked as if a ray of light had suddenly invaded the
+darkness of his soul; he adopted the suggestion with enthusiasm.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;That is an idea!&quot; he cried. &quot;You are right, madame, perfectly right!
+Molly shall go to my uncle immediately,--the day after to-morrow. He
+was beside himself at learning of the affair, and will certainly be the
+best of guardians. I will write to him early to-morrow morning.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He was so possessed with this thought that he hastily arose, and made a
+fresh attempt to find his daughter, but it was a difficult undertaking.
+He might as well have given chase to a butterfly, for Molly possessed a
+wonderful talent for disappearing just as her father was about to
+confront her. Ernst Waltenberg, who had been taken into council by the
+lovers twice, acted as a lightning-conductor on this occasion, in view
+of the approaching storm, which he diverted by his conversation.
+Meanwhile, the little Baroness would disappear among a crowd of her
+friends, to come to light again in an entirely different place. She
+seemed to regard the company as an assemblage of guardian-angels, to be
+used according to her good pleasure, and even the minister, her
+father's illustrious chief, who was present, was obliged to serve her
+purpose, for she finally took refuge with His Excellency, and
+complained in the most moving terms that her father was insisting upon
+driving home, when she wanted to stay so much. The old gentleman
+instantly espoused the cause of the charming child, and when the
+councillor appeared with a stern &quot;Molly, the carriage is waiting,&quot; he
+kindly interposed with, &quot;Let it wait, my dear councillor. Youth claims
+its rights, and I promised the Baroness to intercede for her. You will
+stay, will you not?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ernsthausen was inwardly raging, while his outward man bowed in polite
+assent, in recognition of which his chief engaged him in conversation,
+and did not release him until a quarter of an hour had passed. Then,
+however, the Baron was determined; he invaded the hostile camp, where
+his daughter was seated in great content between Waltenberg and
+Gersdorf. The latter approached him with extreme courtesy.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Herr Councillor, will you kindly appoint an hour when I can call upon
+you, either to-morrow or the day after?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ernsthausen gave him an annihilating glance: &quot;I regret extremely, Herr
+Gersdorf, that pressing business----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Quite right, it is that about which I wish to consult with you,&quot;
+Gersdorf interposed. &quot;The matter concerns the railway company, whose
+legal representative I am, as you know, and His Excellency the minister
+has referred me to you. Permit me, however, to visit you at your home
+instead of at your office, since I have a private matter also to
+discuss with you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Baron was unfortunately in no uncertainty as to what this private
+matter was, but since he could not refuse to receive the lawyer in his
+legal capacity, he stood erect with much dignity and answered, coolly,
+&quot;The day after to-morrow, at five in the afternoon, I shall be at your
+service.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I shall be punctual,&quot; said Gersdorf, bowing as he took leave of Molly,
+who thought best at last to comply with the paternal command and to
+allow herself to be taken home. On the staircase, however, she
+declared, resolutely, &quot;Papa, the day after to-morrow I will not be
+locked up again. I mean to be there when my lover presents himself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The day after to-morrow you will be in the country,&quot; Ernsthausen
+asserted, with emphasis. &quot;You will depart by the early train; I shall
+myself see you safely to the railway-carriage, and when you arrive your
+grand uncle will receive you, and will keep you with him for the
+present.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Molly's curly head emerged from her white hood in speechless horror.
+But only for a moment was she silent; then she assumed a warlike
+attitude: &quot;I will not go, papa. I will not stay with my granduncle; I
+will run away and come back to town on foot.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You will hardly do that,&quot; said the councillor. &quot;I should think you
+knew the old gentleman and his principles better. After his death you
+will be a most distinguished match,--remember that!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I wish my granduncle would go to Monaco and gamble away all his
+money,&quot; Molly retorted, sobbing angrily, &quot;or that he would adopt some
+orphan and leave her every penny he possesses!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Good heavens, child, you are mad, absolutely mad!&quot; Ernsthausen
+exclaimed in desperation, but the little Baroness went on excitedly:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Then I should be no match at all, and could marry Albert. I mean to
+pray fervently that my granduncle may commit some such folly, in spite
+of his seventy years!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Still sobbing, she sprang into the carriage and buried her face in the
+cushions. Her father followed her, muttering, &quot;A terrible child!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The brilliant rooms gradually became more empty and more quiet. One
+after another the guests took their leave, until finally the president,
+having bidden farewell to the last, was left alone with Wolfgang in the
+spacious reception-room.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Waltenberg bus invited us to inspect his collection of curios,&quot; he
+said. &quot;I shall hardly have time to go, but you----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I shall have still less,&quot; Elmhorst interposed. &quot;The three days at my
+disposal are already fully occupied.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I know, I know, but nevertheless you must escort Alice; she and Erna
+have accepted Waltenberg's invitation, and I wish them to go.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wolfgang was surprised; he looked keenly at his future father-in-law
+for an instant, and then asked, hastily, &quot;Who and what is this
+Waltenberg, sir? You treat him with extraordinary consideration, and
+yet he appeared in your house to-night for the first time. Have you
+known him long?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Certainly. His father took part in several of my schemes. A capital,
+prudent man of business, who would have amassed millions had he lived
+longer. Unfortunately, the son has inherited none of his practical
+ability. He prefers to travel all over the earth and to consort with
+all kinds of savage nations. Well, his property permits him to pursue
+such follies, and it has just been nearly doubled. His aunt, his
+father's only unmarried sister, died a few months ago, leaving him her
+heir. He came home, indeed, only to arrange his affairs, and is already
+talking of going away again. An incomprehensible man!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The tone in which Nordheim spoke of the man for whom he had shown
+such consideration betrayed his entire want of sympathy with him
+personally, and Elmhorst seemed to be of the same mind, for he
+instantly observed,--</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I think him insufferable! At table he talked exclusively of his
+travels, and precisely as if he were delivering a lecture. All you
+heard was of 'blue depths of water,' 'waving palms,' and 'dreamy
+lotus-blossoms.' It was intolerable! Fräulein von Thurgau, however,
+seemed quite carried away by it. I must confess, sir, I thought all
+this poetic Oriental talk far too confidential for a first interview.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The words were meant to be ironical, but they hardly concealed the
+speaker's irritation. The president, however, did not observe it, but
+replied, quietly, &quot;In this case I have no objection to such
+confidences; quite the contrary.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;That means--you have intentionally brought them together.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Certainly,&quot; Nordheim replied, in some surprise at the eager haste with
+which the question was put. &quot;Erna is nineteen; it is time to think
+seriously of her settlement in life, and as her relative and guardian
+it is my duty to provide for it. The girl is greatly admired in
+society, but no one has as yet presented himself as her suitor. She has
+no money.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No, she has no money,&quot; Wolfgang repeated as if mechanically, and his
+look sought the adjoining room, where the ladies still lingered. Alice
+was sitting on the sofa, and Erna stood before her, her slender white
+figure framed in by the door-way.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I cannot blame the men,&quot; the president continued. &quot;Erna's only
+inheritance is the couple of thousand marks paid for Wolkenstein Court;
+and although I shall of course furnish my niece with a trousseau, that
+would be nothing for a man whose demands upon life are at all great.
+Waltenberg has no need of money,--he is wealthy himself, and of
+excellent family; in short, a brilliant match. I planned it immediately
+upon his return, and I think it will succeed.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He explained everything in a cool, business-like fashion, as if the
+matter under discussion were some new speculation. In fact, the
+'settlement' of his niece was for him an affair of business, as had
+been his daughter's betrothal. In the one case money was necessary in
+exchange for a bride, in the other intelligence and ability, and
+Nordheim could express himself with perfect freedom to his future
+son-in-law, who occupied the same point of view and had acted upon
+principles similar to his own. But just now the young man's face was
+strangely pale, and there was an odd expression in the eyes fixed upon
+the picture framed in by the arched door-way and brilliantly
+illuminated in the candle-light.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And you think Fräulein von Thurgau is agreed?&quot; he asked, slowly, at
+last, without averting his gaze.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;She will not be such a fool as to reject such good fortune. The girl
+is, to be sure, possessed by unaccountable fancies, obstinate as her
+father, and on certain points not to be controlled. We scarcely
+harmonize in our views, any one can see that, but this time I think we
+shall agree. Such a man as Waltenberg with his eccentricities is
+precisely after Erna's taste. I think her quite capable of accompanying
+him in his wanderings, if he cannot make up his mind to relinquish
+them.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And why not?&quot; Wolfgang said, harshly. &quot;It is so uncommonly romantic
+and interesting, life in foreign lands with no occupation and no
+country. With no duties to exercise any controlling influence, life can
+be dreamed away beneath the palms in inactive enjoyment. To me such an
+existence, however, seems pitiable; it would be impossible for me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You are really indignant,&quot; said Nordheim, amazed at this sudden
+outburst. &quot;You forget that Waltenberg has always been wealthy. You and
+I must work to attain eminence; no such necessity exists for him,--he
+has always occupied the height towards which we must climb. Such men
+are rarely fit for serious exertion.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He turned to a passing servant and gave him an order. But Wolfgang
+stood motionless and gloomy, his gaze still fixed upon the white figure
+'compounded as it were of air and Alpine snow, with the white fairylike
+flower of its waters crowning its fair hair,' and inaudibly but with
+intense bitterness he muttered, &quot;Yes, he is rich, and so he has a right
+to be happy.&quot;</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>CHAPTER VIII.</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1_08" href="#div1Ref_08">ANOTHER CLIME.</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+<p class="normal">Waltenberg's dwelling was somewhat remote from the central
+portion of
+the city; it was a fine, spacious villa, surrounded by a garden which
+was almost a park. It had been built by the father of the present
+possessor, and had been occupied by him until his death. Since then it
+had been empty, for the son, always travelling in distant lands, was
+far too wealthy to think of renting it. He left it in charge of a
+trustworthy person, whose duty it had been to receive, to unpack, and
+to arrange the various chests and packages sent home by his master from
+time to time, until now, after the lapse of a decade, the closed doors
+and windows were again opened, and the desolate rooms showed signs of
+occupation.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The large balconied apartment in the middle of the house was still
+furnished precisely as it had been in the lifetime of its former
+master. There was no magnificence here as in the Nordheim mansion, but
+on every hand was to be observed the solid comfort of a well-to-do
+burgher. The persons present at this time in the room, however, looked
+strangely foreign. A negro black as night, with woolly hair, and a
+slender, brown Malay lad, both in fantastic Oriental costume, were busy
+arranging a table with flowers and all kinds of fruits, while a third
+individual stood in the middle of the room giving the necessary
+directions.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The dress of this last was European in cut, and seemed to be something
+between the garb of a sailor and that of a farmer. Its wearer was an
+elderly man, very tall and thin, but at the same time most powerfully
+built. His close-cut hair was grizzled here and there, and his
+furrowed, sunburned face was scarcely less brown than that of the
+Malay. But from the brown face looked forth a pair of genuine German,
+blue eyes, and the words that issued from the man's lips were such
+pure, unadulterated German as is spoken only by those to whom it is the
+mother-tongue.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The flowers in the centre!&quot; he ordered. &quot;Herr Waltenberg wishes it to
+be romantic; he must have his way. Said, boy, don't stand the silver
+épergnes close together like a pair of grenadiers; put them at either
+end of the table, and the glasses on the side-table where the wine is to
+be served. Do you understand?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Oh, yes, master,&quot; the negro replied, in English.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And speak German. Do you not know that we are in Germany, on this
+God-forsaken soil where you freeze stiff in March, and where the sun
+appears once a month, and then only at the command of the authorities?
+I detest it, as does Herr Waltenberg. But you must learn German, or,
+true as my name is Veit Gronau, you'll repent it. You're still half a
+heathen, and Djelma there is a whole one. See how he stares! Do you
+understand a word I say, boy?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Malay shook his head. Evidently his progress in the German tongue
+was slow, and the negro, who was much farther advanced, was obliged to
+come to his assistance frequently.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It is the master's fault; he talks your gibberish to you too often,&quot;
+Veit Gronau grumbled. &quot;If I did not insist upon your speaking German
+neither of you would understand a syllable of it. There! now the table
+is ready. All fruit and flowers, and nothing really fit to eat and
+drink. That, I suppose, is romantic; I think it crazy, which is very
+much the same thing, after all.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Are there ladies coming?&quot; Said asked, inquisitively.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Unfortunately, yes. It is no pleasure, but an honour, for in this
+country they are treated with immense respect, very differently from
+your black and brown women; so behave yourselves!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He would probably have continued his admonitions, but at this moment
+the door opened and the master of the house entered. He glanced at the
+table loaded with flowers and fruit, signed to Said to retire to the
+antechamber, spoke a few words in some Indian tongue to Djelma, who
+straightway disappeared, and then turning to Veit Gronau, said,
+&quot;President Nordheim has sent an excuse, but the rest are coming; Herr
+Gersdorf has also accepted. You will escape for this time the encounter
+you have so dreaded, Gronau.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Dreaded?&quot; the other repeated. &quot;Hardly that! It certainly would have
+given me no great pleasure to meet an old playmate with whom I was once
+on most familiar terms, and to be honoured by him with a condescending
+nod when I was presented to him as a kind of servant.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;As my secretary?&quot; Waltenberg said, with emphasis. &quot;I should not
+suppose such a position could be in any wise humiliating.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Gronau shrugged his shoulders: &quot;Secretary, steward, travelling
+companion, all in one. True, you have always treated me like a
+fellow-countryman, and not as an inferior, Herr Waltenberg. When you
+picked me up in Melbourne I was very near starvation, and I should have
+starved but for you. God requite you!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Nonsense!&quot; said Ernst, repudiating his gratitude almost harshly. &quot;You
+were a priceless discovery for me, with your knowledge of languages and
+your practical experience, and I think we have been well content with
+each other for these six years. So the president was one of your
+playmates?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, we were the children of neighbours, and grew up together until
+life parted us, sending one hither and the other thither. He always
+prophesied to me, and to Benno Reinsfeld, who was one of us, that I
+should be a poor devil.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Waltenberg had gone to the window, and was looking out with some
+impatience while nevertheless listening attentively. The youth of the
+man whom he had known only in the midst of wealth and luxury seemed to
+interest him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Of course all three of us entertained vast schemes for the future,&quot;
+Veit continued, with good-humoured self-ridicule. &quot;I was to go abroad
+and return a wealthy nabob, Reinsfeld was to astound the world with
+some wonderful invention; we were boys who imagined that the universe
+belonged to us. But Nordheim, the wise, poured cold water upon our
+heated brains. 'Neither of you will ever achieve anything,' said he,
+'for you do not understand expediency.' We jeered at the calculator of
+twenty with his wonderful sagacity, but he was right. I have wandered
+about the world, and have tried my hand at everything, but I have
+always been poor as a church mouse, and Reinsfeld with all his talent
+was left in the lurch as a paltry engineer, while our comrade Nordheim
+is a millionaire and a railway king,--because he understood
+expediency.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;He certainly has always understood that,&quot; Waltenberg said, coolly. &quot;He
+occupies an extremely influential position---- But there come our
+guests.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He hastily left the window and went to receive his friends. A carriage
+had drawn up before the door, bringing Frau von Lasberg and Alice,
+escorted by Elmhorst. Wolfgang had not succeeded in evading the duty of
+accompanying his betrothed, and he had no excuse for refusing an
+invitation which his future father-in law regarded with such favour. He
+therefore submitted to necessity, but any one who knew him could see
+that, in spite of the extreme courtesy with which he greeted his host,
+he was making a great sacrifice. The two men, who had instinctively
+disliked each other from the first, hid their antipathy under a
+strictly courteous demeanour.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Fräulein von Thurgau is late; she drove to the court-councillor's to
+call for Baroness Ernsthausen.&quot; Frau von Lasberg, who gave this
+information, was rather surprised by it herself. She had supposed that
+Molly was in the country under the secure guardianship of her
+granduncle; instead of which a note had arrived in the morning for Erna
+begging her to call for her on her way to Herr Waltenberg's. Her
+journey must have been postponed, probably for several days. But the
+old lady's surprise was transformed to indignation upon the entrance of
+Herr Gersdorf. Actually a rendezvous! And the ladies of Nordheim's
+family were made accomplices as it were, since Molly was under their
+protection. This must not be concealed from the girl's parents: they
+should hear of it this very day; and Frau von Lasberg, who was not at
+all inclined to play the part of a guardian-angel, received Herr
+Gersdorf with icy coldness. Unfortunately, it did not produce the
+slightest impression upon him; there was an expression of great content
+upon his grave features, and he took part in the conversation with
+unusual readiness.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Meanwhile, Erna had called at the court-councillor's, where she had
+waited in the carriage for five minutes before the little Baroness
+appeared in a state of great agitation, quite startling her friend by
+the stormy embrace with which she greeted her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What is the matter, Molly?&quot; she asked. &quot;You seem quite beside
+yourself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am betrothed!--betrothed to Albert,&quot; the girl exclaimed, &quot;and we are
+to be married in three months! Oh, my granduncle is the dearest, most
+delightful of men! I could kiss him if he were not so very ugly!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Erna's composure was not so easily shaken as Molly's, but, knowing as
+she did the views of the entire Ernsthausen family, this news was
+certainly surprising.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Your parents have given their consent?&quot; she asked. &quot;And so suddenly?
+It seemed quite impossible a few days ago.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Nothing is impossible!&quot; Molly cried, in a rapture. &quot;Oh, I prayed so
+fervently that my granduncle would commit some folly! But I never
+dreamed of this; and you will hardly believe it, Erna,--you cannot!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Do talk sensibly. Pray explain yourself,&quot; said Erna.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;He has married! Seventy, and married! He is a bridegroom. Oh, I shall
+die of laughter!&quot; And she did laugh until the tears came.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The old Baron--married?&quot; Erna repeated, incredulously.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, to an old maid of irreproachable descent. The affair was arranged
+long ago; but it was kept secret, because he was afraid of a scene with
+my father and mother. He came to town simply and solely to alter his
+will, which was left with his attorney, and immediately after his
+return he had the knot tied fast by church and state, and papa says he
+has left all his money to his bride, and we shall not have a penny, so
+I am no match at all. Think what good luck!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The young girl ran on without pausing for an instant, so that it was
+impossible to interpose a word. She scarcely gave herself time to
+take breath before she began again: &quot;They had actually formed a
+conspiracy,--papa and your wise old duenna, to whom I owe something for
+her conduct as long as I live. I was to be tied up like a parcel and
+sent to my granduncle's address. My prayers and tears were of no
+avail,--my trunks were packed. Suddenly my granduncle's letter
+announcing his marriage fell into the midst of us like a bombshell.
+Papa looked ready to have a stroke, mamma went into violent hysterics,
+and I danced about my room tossing the things out of my trunks, for of
+course the journey was out of the question. The next morning was like
+the calm after ten thunder-storms; my granduncle was excommunicated
+with bell, book, and candle. There was a secret conference between my
+parents, and when Albert came in the afternoon, he was accepted without
+a word.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And you were absolutely happy, I am sure,&quot; Erna at last contrived to
+interpose.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No; at first I was angry,&quot; Molly declared, with a little grimace,
+&quot;Albert behaved so prosaically. Instead of talking of our eternal love
+and our half-broken hearts, he told my father the exact amount of his
+income, and explained his prospects. Of course I was listening in the
+next room, and I was outraged; but papa and mamma seemed really quite
+gentle and amiable. At last they called me in, and there was general
+embracing and emotion. Of course I cried too, although I would far
+rather have danced, and I was provoked with Albert for not shedding a
+single tear! A telegram was despatched to my granduncle,--it will
+embitter his honeymoon,--and to-morrow the announcements of the
+betrothal are to be sent out, and in three months we are to be
+married.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In the excess of her happiness the little Baroness threw her arms
+around her friend and embraced her afresh. The carriage, however, now
+reached its destination, and Molly's supreme moment of triumph was at
+hand. While the master of the house was receiving Fräulein von Thurgau,
+Gersdorf, secure in his lately-acquired right, hastened towards his
+betrothed, thus provoking an indignant glance from Frau von Lasberg. &quot;I
+supposed you had already left town, Baroness,&quot; she remarked, in her
+sharpest tone.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Oh, no, madame,&quot; Molly replied, with the most innocent air. &quot;I did, it
+is true, propose to pay my granduncle a visit, but as he is just
+married----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What?&quot; asked the old lady, imagining she had not heard correctly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The marriage of my granduncle, Baron Ernsthausen of Frankenstein, and
+my betrothal took place at the same time. Allow me, madame, to present
+my betrothed to you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The smile on Waltenberg's face at these words showed that he was in the
+secret, but Frau von Lasberg sat quite dumfounded, and it was not until
+all the rest had eagerly pressed around Molly with their wishes for her
+happiness that she made up her mind to utter a few formal,
+congratulatory words, which the girl received with a smile that was not
+without malice. But Molly was too happy to-day to have refused
+forgiveness to her worst enemy, and her brilliant gaiety was
+contagious. All present seemed greatly to enjoy the occasion, although,
+as Gronau expressed it, 'there was nothing fit to eat.' He required
+some refreshment more solid than fruit, rare as such exquisite fruit
+was at this season of the year, and something better to drink than the
+heavy, fragrant cordial, which could be but sparingly sipped. The
+ladies, however, did not seem to share his opinion, and all left the
+table in a most cheerful mood to inspect the host's collection, which
+occupied the entire upper story.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Waltenberg conducted his guests up the staircase, and when the tall
+folding-doors opened into the suite of rooms, the entire party seemed
+suddenly transported as by magic from the gray wintry atmosphere of
+this northern March day to the sunny, glowing East.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Foreign treasures from every zone were here heaped up in such lavish
+profusion as only years spent abroad, and abundant means, could make
+possible; but the arrangement of this almost priceless collection would
+have driven a man of science to despair. There was not the faintest
+attempt at order of a scientific kind,--picturesque effect alone was
+aimed at, and this was achieved; groups of exotic plants placed here
+and there combined to present a picture before which all preconceived
+ideas of a genuine 'collection' vanished.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rugs of the richest Oriental fabrics and colours covered the walls and
+draped the windows and tables; gorgeously ornamented weapons were hung
+against these tapestries; cabinets contained specimens of glass and
+porcelain exquisite in hue and shape; skins of tigers and lions were
+spread upon the floor; and Said and Djelma in their fantastic costume
+added to the foreign effect, which was heightened by the yellow light
+which penetrated the coloured glass of the windows and bathed the whole
+in what seemed a magical southern sunshine.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Waltenberg was a delightful cicerone. He led his guests from one room
+to another, explaining and pointing out rare objects of art, and
+enjoying to the full their appreciation of his treasures. As he told of
+how and where this and that article had been obtained, his hearers were
+impressed with the strange, unreal character of the life the man had
+led. It was natural that he should address himself especially to Erna,
+for the girl's remarks showed intense interest in the fantastic
+character of her surroundings. Elmhorst preserved a courteous but cold
+reserve in his expressions of admiration, and Alice and Frau von
+Lasberg were soon wearied.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Gersdorf, who was familiar with his friend's collection, played the
+part of guide to his betrothed; by no means an easy task, for while
+Molly desired to see and to admire everything, her chief object of
+interest was her Albert. She fluttered about like some gay butterfly
+just escaped from the chrysalis, and was so like a joyous child at
+sight of each new and rare object, that Frau von Lasberg felt it her
+duty to interfere, although she knew well how little such interference
+would avail. She actually barred the young girl's way while Gersdorf
+was talking with Alice.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;My dear Baroness, I really must remind you that there are proprieties
+which a young girl must observe when she is betrothed. She should
+preserve her feminine dignity, and not proclaim to all the world that
+she is quite beside herself with delight. A betrothal is----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Something heavenly!&quot; Molly interrupted her. &quot;I should like to know how
+my granduncle behaved; if he longed to dance all day long as I do?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;One would suppose you still a child, Molly,&quot; the old lady said,
+indignantly. &quot;Look at Alice; she too is betrothed, and has been so for
+only a few days.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Molly clasped her hands with an expression of mock horror: &quot;Oh, yes,
+but heaven defend me from a lover like hers!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Baroness, you forget yourself!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Indeed I cannot help it, madame; but Alice is quite content, and Herr
+Elmhorst is the pink of courtesy. All that one hears is, 'Does this
+please you, my dear Alice?' and, 'Just as you choose, my dear Alice.'
+Always polite, always considerate. But if Albert should treat me with
+such cool deference, his manner always at the freezing-point, I should
+straightway send him back his ring.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Frau von Lasberg heaved a long sigh. It was plainly impossible to
+impress Molly with a sense of decorum, and she held her peace,
+whereupon the girl, forgetting all the old Baroness's admonitions, shot
+off like an arrow to rejoin her lover.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Meanwhile, Elmhorst had entered into conversation with Veit Gronau, who
+had been presented to him as to the rest as Waltenberg's private
+secretary, and who, true to his expressed opinion that the presence of
+ladies was an honour but not a pleasure, held himself aloof from them.
+Of course they talked of the objects about them, and Wolfgang said,
+pointing to the negro and the Malay, who were busy in bringing forward
+for closer inspection various articles indicated by their master, &quot;Herr
+Waltenberg seems to prefer foreigners for servants; and you too, Herr
+Secretary, in spite of your name and your German tongue, appear to me
+more than half a foreigner.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You are right,&quot; Gronau assented. &quot;I have been away from Germany for
+twenty-five years, and never thought to see old Europe again. I met
+Herr Waltenberg in Australia; that black fellow there, Said, we brought
+back from an African tour, and we picked up Djelma only the year before
+last, in Ceylon, which is why he is still so stupid. We lack only a
+pig-tailed Chinaman and a cannibal from the South Seas to make our
+menagerie complete.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;There is no disputing about tastes,&quot; Elmhorst said, with a shrug; &quot;but
+I am afraid that Herr Waltenberg has become so entirely estranged from
+his native land in all his habits of life that he will find it
+impossible to live here.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;We have no idea of doing so,&quot; Veit replied, with blunt frankness. &quot;How
+under heaven could we ever reconcile ourselves to the dull existence
+led here? We shall leave Germany as soon as possible.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Involuntarily Wolfgang breathed a sigh of relief. &quot;You appear to have
+no special love for your native land,&quot; he observed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;None at all. As Herr Waltenberg says, one must outgrow all national
+prejudices. He delivered me a long sermon upon that text when on the
+ship coming home a bragging American undertook to revile Germany.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What! you quarrelled with him for so speaking?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Not exactly. I only knocked him down,&quot; Veit said, coolly. &quot;It did not
+come to a quarrel; he picked himself up and ran to the captain, who
+made himself rather disagreeable, but Herr Waltenberg finally
+interfered, and paid the man for his outraged dignity, and I was quite
+a distinguished person thereafter. Not another word was uttered in
+dispraise of Germany.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I had a deal of trouble, however, in arranging the affair,&quot; said
+Waltenberg, who overheard the last words. &quot;If the man had refused to be
+appeased, we should have had no end of annoyance. You behaved like an
+irritable game-cock, Gronau, and the provocation was not worth it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Why, what would you have had me do?&quot; growled Gronau.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Shrug your shoulders and keep silent. Of what importance is the
+opinion of a stranger? The man had a right to his views, as you had to
+yours.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You seem indeed to have outgrown all 'national prejudice,' Herr
+Waltenberg,&quot; Wolfgang said, with evident irony.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I certainly consider it an honourable distinction to be as free from
+prejudice as possible.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But under certain circumstances one neither could nor should be thus
+free. Doubtless you are right, but I should have been in the wrong with
+Herr Gronau; I should have acted as he did.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Indeed, Herr Elmhorst? Such sentiments from you surprise me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Why from <i>me</i>?&quot; The tone in which the question was put was sharp and
+cold.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Because you seem to me perfectly capable of preserving your
+self-control. Your entire personality is indicative of such decision,
+such perfect command of circumstances, that I am convinced you always
+know what you are about. Unfortunately, that is not so with us
+idealists; we ought to learn of you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The words sounded courteous, but the sting in them made itself felt,
+and Elmhorst was not a man to allow them to pass unresented. His look
+grew dark: &quot;Ah, indeed? You consider yourself an idealist, Herr
+Waltenberg?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I do,--or do you count yourself among them?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No,&quot; Wolfgang said, coldly; &quot;but among those quick to resent an
+insult.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">His attitude and manner were so provoking that Waltenberg perceived the
+necessity for moderation, although his nature rebelled against yielding
+to the 'fortune-hunter' who confronted him so proudly. What turn the
+conversation might have taken, however, it is impossible to say, for
+Herr Gersdorf here interrupted it. He had no suspicion of what was
+going on, and turned to Wolfgang with, &quot;I have just heard, Herr
+Elmhorst, that you leave town to-morrow. May I beg you to carry my warm
+remembrances to my cousin Reinsfeld?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I will do so with pleasure, Herr Gersdorf. I may tell him of your
+betrothal?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Certainly. I shall write to him shortly, and trust we may see him upon
+our wedding-tour.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Waltenberg had turned away, quite conscious that he could not possibly
+provoke a quarrel with his guest, and well pleased that Gersdorf had
+intervened. Veit Gronau, however, seemed suddenly interested.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Pardon me, gentlemen,&quot; said he: &quot;you mentioned a name which I remember
+from the time of my boyhood. Are you speaking of the engineer Benno
+Reinsfeld?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No, but of his son,&quot; Gersdorf said, in some surprise,--&quot;a young
+physician, and a friend of Herr Elmhorst's.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And the father?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Dead, more than twenty years ago.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Gronau's rugged features worked strangely, and he hastily passed his
+hand across his eyes:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Ah, yes, I might have known it. When one inquires after twenty-five
+years he finds death has been busy among his friends and comrades. And
+so Benno Reinsfeld is gone! He was the best of us all, and the most
+talented. I suppose his inventive genius never brought him wealth?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Had he a gift that way?&quot; asked Gersdorf. &quot;I never heard of it, and it
+was never recognized, for he died a simple engineer. His son has had to
+make his own way in the world, and has become a very clever physician,
+as Herr Elmhorst will tell you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;An extremely skilful physician,&quot; Elmhorst declared; &quot;only too modest.
+He has no capacity for bringing himself and his talent into notice.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Just like his father,&quot; said Gronau. &quot;He always allowed himself to be
+thrust aside and made use of by any one who knew how to do so. God rest
+his soul! he was the kindest, most faithful comrade man ever had!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Meanwhile, Waltenberg had joined Erna von Thurgau at the other end of
+the room. He had just shown her a rarely beautiful specimen of coral,
+and as he replaced it he said, &quot;Have you been at all interested? I
+should be so glad if my 'treasures,' as you call them, could arouse
+more than a fleeting interest with you; I might then look for some
+indulgence in those grave eyes, in which I seem always to read
+reproach. Confess, Fräulein von Thurgau, that you cannot forgive the
+cosmopolite for becoming so entirely estranged from his home.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;At least I can now make excuses for him,&quot; said Erna, smiling. &quot;This
+enchanted domain is fascinatingly bewildering; it is difficult, nay,
+almost impossible, to withstand its spell.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And yet these are only the mute, dead witnesses of a life
+inexhaustible in beauty and charm. If you could see it all in its home
+where it belongs, you would understand why I cannot exist beneath these
+cold northern skies, why I am so powerfully attracted to lands of
+sunshine. You too would find their charm irresistible.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Perhaps so. And still I might be possessed in your lands of sunshine
+by intense yearning for the cool mountains of my home. But we will not
+dispute about a question that only a trial could decide, a trial that I
+shall hardly make.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Why should you not make it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Because such an amount of freedom is not accorded to my sex. We cannot
+wander about the world alone at will as you do.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Alone!&quot; Ernst repeated, in a low tone. &quot;But you might trust yourself
+to a protector, a guide who would reveal this new world to you, whose
+delight it would be to unlock its pleasures for you. You may visit it
+some day with such a one beside you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">His last words were spoken so as to be audible to Erna alone. She
+looked up at him in surprise, and encountered a glance of such
+unmistakable passion that she changed colour and involuntarily turned
+aside.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It is very improbable,&quot; she said, coldly. &quot;One must have a natural
+inclination for such a life, and I----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You are made for it,&quot; he eagerly interrupted her,--&quot;you alone among
+hundreds of women. I am sure of it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Are you so wonderfully gifted with insight, Herr Waltenberg?&quot; the girl
+asked, calmly. &quot;We meet today for the second time,--surely your
+estimate of the character of a stranger is overbold.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The rebuff was evident; Waltenberg bit his lip. &quot;You are right,
+Fräulein von Thurgau,&quot; he replied, &quot;perfectly right. In this world of
+forms and unrealities one may easily be mistaken in an estimate of
+character. There is no intensity of feeling here, and an ardent word
+that rises involuntarily to the lips may well be accounted overbold.
+All here must conform to times and rules. I beg pardon for my
+inadvertence.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He bowed and joined the other ladies. Erna felt relieved by his
+absence; she had received his evident attentions without attaching any
+importance to them, without a suspicion of her uncle's plans. It
+certainly was bold to address her thus in a second interview, but it
+was not offensive, and she--she liked what was bold and unusual,
+inconsistent with form and rule. Why did she so shrink from his
+half-concealed declaration? Why did a kind of terror possess her at the
+thought of ever being obliged to face the question at which he had
+hinted? She could not answer.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Frau von Lasberg now rose to go. In truth, the visit had been greatly
+prolonged, and all took leave. Farewells and courteous expressions of
+pleasure were interchanged, and Ernst Waltenberg took pains to show
+himself to the last the amiable, courteous host. But he hardly
+succeeded in controlling the mood which his conversation with Erna had
+induced. There was a degree of constraint in his manner of taking leave
+of his guests, and he was relieved by their departure. He stood looking
+gloomily after the carriages as they rolled away, and then turned back
+to the deserted rooms.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He was deeply wounded and vexed by the rebuff he had met with. It
+grated upon his impassioned nature like a breath from the icy north
+which he so detested; he retired to his beloved Orient, which here
+surrounded him with its lights and colour. But something of the chill
+seemed to linger here,--everything looked dreary and colourless,--it
+was, after all, but a lifeless image of the reality.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Mister Gronau, what ails the master?&quot; asked Said, who appeared after a
+while with Djelma in the balconied room to clear away the table. &quot;He
+wants to be alone; he's in a very bad humour.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, very bad,&quot; Djelma added, quick to use the few German words he
+knew.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Veit Gronau had also observed the master's change of mood, but could
+find no explanation for it. However, in his reply to the servants he
+unconsciously hit the nail upon the head. He said, briefly, &quot;It is all
+because he invited ladies. Wherever there are ladies there is always
+sure to be trouble.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What, always?&quot; asked Said, who seemed hardly to understand.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Always!&quot; Gronau declared, impressively. &quot;No matter whether they are
+white or brown or black, they always make trouble. And so the only
+thing to do is to keep out of their way. Remember that, you
+scoundrels.&quot;</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>CHAPTER IX.</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1_09" href="#div1Ref_09">THE HERR PRESIDENT SPEAKS.</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+<p class="normal">Summer had come; it was only early summer still however, in
+the
+mountains, for it was the middle of June; but the woods and meadows
+were clothed in fresh green, and only the loftiest peaks wore the
+mantle of snow which was never laid aside. Up there neither spring,
+summer, nor autumn had any existence: winter reigned in eternal, icy
+splendour.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The extensive Alpine valley which three years ago lay undisturbed in
+its solemn, dreary solitude, now showed all the traces of the human
+intellect which was then just invading it with its host of obedient
+forces. Dark openings yawned in the walls of rock, and from the depths
+a narrow path wound upward in serpentine lines,--the iron road to which
+forest and rock had been forced to yield,--while across the Wolkenstein
+chasm the masterpiece of the whole gigantic undertaking, the bridge,
+now wellnigh completed, seemed to hover in air above the dizzy depths.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It had been no easy task to build this railway, and the Wolkenstein
+domain had presented the greatest obstacles to its completion. They
+seemed actually to spring out of the ground at every step; the
+most careful calculations continually turned out to be imperfect,
+well-devised schemes proved ineffectual, unforeseen catastrophes
+occurred, and more than once imperilled the success of the undertaking.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But the man who conducted the road through the Wolkenstein section was
+equal to every difficulty, was daunted by no obstacle, discouraged by
+no catastrophe. He proceeded on his way with his myrmidons, step by
+step subjecting to his sway the rugged and hitherto unquelled nature of
+the Alpine fastnesses.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The railway company was well aware of the force it possessed in its
+superintending engineer, and now extolled the wisdom of its president
+in the choice it had at first opposed. Gradually a power to act almost
+without limits was placed in the hands of the young man, and he knew
+well how to keep and to use it. The engineer-in-chief had long given
+nothing save his name to the undertaking; every project, every
+decision, was the work of his energetic and talented chief of staff,
+and when the young man was betrothed to Nordheim's daughter and became
+the probable heir to millions, all opposition was mute,--everything
+bowed before him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Every trace of Wolkenstein Court had vanished; it was levelled to the
+ground the year in which its master closed his eyes forever. There was
+no longer any need to regard the feelings of the eccentric old man
+whose heart had been broken by the invasion of his home. On the spot
+where the ancestral abode of the Thurgaus had once stood there was now
+a stately structure, the future railway-station, built just at the
+entrance of the huge bridge. Until the line of railway should be opened
+in the coming spring, the building was occupied by various offices, and
+Superintendent Elmhorst had his rooms in the upper story. It formed, so
+to speak, the head-quarters of the Wolkenstein section, and the centre
+of gravitation of the entire railway.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wolfgang had established himself here after the manner which had become
+a necessity to him since his salary had been increased. The bright,
+spacious apartments had a most comfortable aspect, the pleasantest
+being his office, with its dark hangings and rugs, its carved oaken
+furniture, and its well-filled bookshelves. The corner window before
+which the writing-table was placed commanded the entire view of the
+great bridge. The bold structure was always before the eyes of its
+architect.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Elmhorst sat at his writing-table talking with Benno Reinsfeld, who had
+just appeared. The young physician was unchanged in person and manner,
+except that he had become rather more unconventional and awkward. Long
+years passed in a retired mountain-village, the laborious nature of the
+practice of a country doctor, and constant intercourse with men for
+whom the forms of society did not exist, had produced their effect.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At present, indeed, the Herr Doctor was in full dress; he wore a black
+coat, which saw the light only on state occasions; unfortunately, its
+cut was that of ten years previous. He certainly did not show in it to
+advantage, it pinched him too much; his gray jacket and felt hat were
+infinitely more comfortable. There was no denying that Reinsfeld looked
+a good deal like a peasant, and he was probably conscious of it
+himself, for he was enduring with a very meek air the reproaches of his
+friend, who shook his head as he looked at him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Do you want me to present you to the ladies in that coat?&quot; he said,
+irritably. &quot;Why did you not put on your dress-coat, at least?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I have no dress-coat,&quot; Benno said, by way of excuse. &quot;There is no use
+for one here, and it would have been a needless expense; but I have had
+my old hat ironed out, and I bought myself a pair of gloves in
+Heilborn.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He produced from his pocket as he spoke a huge pair of gloves,
+intensely yellow of hue, and displayed them with much self-satisfaction
+to his friend, who looked at them in dismay.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But, good heavens, you are not going to wear those monsters!&quot; he
+cried. &quot;They are a great deal too big for you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But they are quite new, and such a fine yellow,&quot; Benno rejoined,
+disappointed, for he had reckoned upon some expression of approval of
+his unwonted outlay in the interest of his toilet, having made up his
+mind to such expense only after due consideration.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You will cut a pretty figure at the Nordheims',&quot; said Elmhorst,
+shrugging his shoulders. &quot;There is positively nothing to be done with
+you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Wolf, must I pay this visit?&quot; the doctor asked, in a tone of piteous
+entreaty.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, Benno, you must. I want you to treat Alice while she is here, for
+her wretched health makes me very anxious. She has had all sorts of
+physicians in town and at Heilborn, but each one's diagnosis is
+different from all the rest, and not one of them has done her any good.
+You know how highly I rate your medical skill, and you will not refuse
+to do me this favour.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Certainly not, if you desire it; but you know my reasons for wishing
+to avoid any personal intercourse with the president.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What! that old difference with your father? After all these years, who
+remembers it? Hitherto, in accordance with your wishes, I have not
+mentioned your name, but now when I ask your help for my betrothed
+I am forced to introduce you. Besides, you will not meet my future
+father-in-law, for he was going back to town this morning. Confess,
+Benno, your true reason is that you are so used to practising among
+your peasants that you would if you could avoid intercourse with
+ladies.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Perhaps he was right in this conjecture, for Reinsfeld did not
+contradict him, he only sighed profoundly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You will absolutely degenerate in the life you lead,&quot; Wolfgang went
+on, impatiently. &quot;Here you have been planted for five years in this
+wretched little mountain-nest with a practice which makes the most
+tremendous demands upon you, and brings you but the poorest
+remuneration, and here you will perhaps stay all your life, only
+because you have not the courage to grasp anything else that offers.
+How can you endure such an existence?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;My home certainly does present an aspect unlike that of your rooms,&quot;
+said Benno, good-humouredly, as he looked around him. &quot;But you always
+had the tastes of a millionaire, and years ago you determined to be
+one, and you understand how to grasp fortune boldly; no one can deny
+that.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Elmhorst frowned, and replied, in an irritated tone, &quot;What! you too?
+Must I always be assailed by these hints as to Nordheim's wealth, as if
+my importance were entirely due to my betrothal? Am I nothing of myself
+any longer?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Reinsfeld looked at him in surprise: &quot;What do you mean, Wolf? You know
+that I enjoy your good fortune with all my heart, but you are strangely
+sensitive whenever I allude to it, although you certainly have every
+reason to be proud, for if ever a man achieved a speedy and brilliant
+success, you are that man.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Upon Wolfgang's writing-table stood a photograph of Alice in a
+richly-carved frame. It was a likeness, but a very unflattering one;
+there was little justice done to the delicacy of her features, and the
+eyes were entirely without expression. That slender, overdressed girl
+produced the impression of one of those nervous, superficial creatures
+who are so frequently to be met with in the fashionable world. This
+seemed to be Dr. Reinsfeld's opinion; he looked at his friend and then
+at the picture, remarking, drily, &quot;Your attainment of your goal,
+however, has not made you happy.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wolfgang turned upon him: &quot;Why not? What do you mean?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Come, come, do not be angry again. I cannot help it, you are much
+changed from the Wolfgang of a few months ago. I hear of your
+betrothal, and expect you to return to me beaming with the triumphant
+consciousness of the realization of all your plans, instead of which
+you are now always grave, not to say out of humour, and irritable to a
+degree,--you who used to be so even-tempered. What is the matter with
+you, Wolf? tell me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Nothing. Let me alone,&quot; was the rather peevish reply; but Benno went
+up to him and laid his hand upon his shoulder:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;If your betrothal had been an affair of the heart I should think
+something there had gone wrong, but----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I have no heart; you have told me so often enough,&quot; Wolfgang
+interposed, bitterly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No, you have nothing but ambition,--absolutely nothing,&quot; Reinsfeld
+rejoined, seriously.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Elmhorst made an impatient gesture: &quot;Don't lecture me again, Benno! You
+know we never shall understand each other on that point. You are, and
+always will be----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;An overstrained idealist who would rather eat dry bread with the
+darling of his heart than drive about in a gorgeous equipage beside a
+grand wife whom he did not love. Yes, I am unpractical in the extreme,
+and since at present I have not bread enough for two, it is fortunate
+that there is no darling of my heart.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;We must go,&quot; said Wolfgang, rising; &quot;Alice expects me at twelve
+o'clock. And now do me the favour to look your best. I do not believe
+you know even how to make a bow.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;My patients are glad enough to be cured without one,&quot; said Benno,
+defiantly. &quot;And if I do you no credit in your betrothed's society, it
+is your own fault: why do you take me there like a lamb led to the
+slaughter? I suppose Fräulein von Thurgau is there too?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;She is.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And has she grown to be a grand lady too?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I suppose you would call her so.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">These answers were not very reassuring to the poor doctor, who looked
+forward to this visit with positive dread. He did not rebel, however,
+for he was accustomed to yield to his friend. So he took from the table
+his hat, which, in spite of its late ironing, did not belie its years,
+and prepared to draw on the yellow gloves, saying, submissively, &quot;Well,
+then, what must be, must.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Beyond the line of railway, about half a mile from the future station,
+lay the president's new villa. The house, built after the fashion
+common in the mountains, with an overhanging roof and graceful
+galleries, accorded well with its surroundings, while everything within
+was arranged to suit the grand scale upon which Nordheim's mode of life
+was conducted. The views of the finest portions of the mountain-range
+were magnificent, the meadows about the villa had been laid out in
+gardens, and the adjoining forest so cleared as to form a natural park.
+There had been an immense outlay of money that the place might serve
+for a six-weeks' residence in the summer, but Nordheim never took the
+expense into account when he laid his plans, and had given his
+architect <i>carte blanche</i>. Elmhorst had, in fact, created a masterpiece
+of beauty in this mountain-retreat, and it was to be his wife's
+property.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Within, all appearance of simplicity vanished. The sunlight came
+through costly coloured glass to fall upon brilliant rugs and hangings,
+while carpeted stairs and corridors led to suites of apartments which,
+if not so splendid as those in the city, quite equalled them in luxury,
+and from every room there was an exquisite distant view.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Hither the president had now brought his family, and Alice was to pass
+the summer months here for the sake of the mountain-air which had been
+prescribed for her. As usual, Nordheim himself had no time to spend in
+relaxation; he stayed only long enough to oversee the work on the
+railway before he was recalled to town by business. He had intended to
+take his departure in the early morning, but several letters had
+arrived to which he was obliged to attend, and this had delayed him for
+a few hours. His carriage was waiting while he himself sought out his
+niece, with whom he wished to speak before leaving for town.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Erna's room was in the upper story; the glass door leading out upon the
+balcony was open, and outside lay Griff comfortably stretched out in
+the sunshine.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The dog was almost the only relic left the girl of her home; but Griff
+she had insisted upon taking with her when she left Wolkenstein Court,
+in spite of the opposition of her uncle and of Frau von Lasberg, who
+could not endure 'the creature.' At the suggestion of leaving it behind
+there had been a scene; Erna had positively refused to go from the
+house unless Griff accompanied her, and Nordheim had yielded at
+last upon condition that the dog was never to be admitted to the
+drawing-room.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">This condition had been fulfilled; and, moreover. Griff had grown
+extremely well behaved, and it would now never have occurred to him to
+raise a riot in any room. He was no longer a puppy, but had developed
+into a magnificent animal. There was something lionlike in his
+appearance as he lay with huge, tawny paws stretched out, his large
+black eyes following every movement of his young mistress.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Something special must have occurred to bring the president thus to
+Erna. He was wont to have neither time nor inclination for the joys of
+domesticity; he was absent from his home for weeks and months at a
+time, and when there, was seen by his family only at meal-times. Even
+his relations with his daughter were far from intimate, and with his
+niece he stood on a very formal footing. He lived and moved in the
+world of affairs; everything else was subordinate to his business
+interests.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He entered Erna's room in his travelling-suit, and said, without
+sitting down and as if by the way, &quot;I wanted to tell you that an hour
+ago I had a letter from Waltenberg. He came to Heilborn yesterday,
+intending to spend some weeks there, and will probably pay you a visit
+to-morrow.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The words seemed to be carelessly spoken, but they were accompanied by
+a keen glance at Erna, who received the intelligence with indifference,
+and replied, &quot;Indeed? I will let Alice and Frau von Lasberg know.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Frau von Lasberg knows it already, and will pay him all requisite
+attention; but I should wish a certain regard accorded him
+from--another quarter. Do you hear, Erna?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I was not aware, uncle, that I had seemed regardless of your guest.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;My guest? As if you did not know as well as I what attracts him to
+this house, and what has brought him to Heilborn. He wishes to know his
+fate with certainty, and I cannot blame him for wearying, after being
+trifled with all these months.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I have never trifled with Herr von Waltenberg,&quot; Erna rejoined, coolly.
+&quot;I merely thought it best to maintain a degree of reserve with him,
+since he seems to imagine that he has only to stretch out his hand to
+obtain whatever he may desire.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Well, we will not dispute about that, for you seem to have pursued
+precisely the right course, with your cool reserve. Men like
+Waltenberg, who make a positive cult of their liberty, and regard all
+family ties as so many fetters, need to be dealt with very carefully.
+Too ready a welcome might have made him shy. What is withheld attracts
+him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The girl's eyes flashed indignantly: &quot;Such calculation is yours, uncle,
+not mine!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No matter, if it is correct,&quot; said Nordheim, paying no heed to the
+reproach contained in her words. &quot;I have refrained from interfering
+hitherto because I saw that the affair was progressing as I would have
+it, but now I desire you no longer to avoid a declaration on
+Waltenberg's part. I have no doubt that he will shortly propose to you,
+and your answer----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;May, perhaps, not accord with his wishes,&quot; Erna completed the
+sentence.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The president turned and looked searchingly at his niece: &quot;What does
+that mean? You would not be insane enough to reject him?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She was silent, but the same obstinacy was legible in her face that had
+characterized the girl of sixteen. Nordheim probably recognized the
+look and what it foreboded, for he frowned darkly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Erna, I confidently expect to find no obstacles in the way of my
+serious and well-considered plans. The matter in question is your
+marriage with a man----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Whom I do not love,&quot; she interrupted him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Nordheim smiled, half contemptuously, half compassionately: &quot;I supposed
+there was some exaggerated nonsense in the background. Love! What are
+called love-matches always end in disappointment. A marriage should be
+contracted upon a more sensible basis, and Alice sets you an example.
+Do you suppose that she was influenced by any romantic ideas in her
+betrothal, or that they have any weight with Wolfgang?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Oh, no; least of all with <i>him</i>,&quot; Erna said, with evident contempt.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Which, of course, amounts to a crime in your eyes! Nevertheless I
+confide to him my daughter's future in the conviction that he will be
+to her an excellent husband. I certainly should not have chosen an
+enthusiast for my son-in-law. Waltenberg indeed can allow himself any
+luxury in the way of romance,--his means are ample. He is as eccentric
+as yourself; in fact, you are extremely alike, and I cannot understand
+what objection you can have to him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;His egotism! He lives only for himself and for what he considers the
+enjoyment of life. He knows neither country nor profession, neither
+duty nor ambition, nor does he choose to know them, because they might
+disturb his enjoyment. Such a man can never live a life of earnest
+endeavour; he has no future, nor can he love a wife, for he loves
+himself alone.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;He offers you his hand, however, and that is the matter to be
+considered at present. If you require in your future husband only
+ambition and energy, you should have married Wolfgang. He <i>has</i> a
+future,--for that I'll go warrant.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Erna shrank from him, and her tone was almost sharp as she exclaimed,
+&quot;Spare me such jests, uncle, I pray you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am not given to jesting; but, by the way, Erna, your relations with
+Wolfgang are very unpleasant, and the manner in which you conduct
+yourselves towards each other is most disagreeable for those about you.
+Let me seriously request you to modify the extreme coldness of your
+manner to him. But to return to the subject of our talk. You seem to
+think that you have but to make your choice among a crowd of suitors of
+one who shall conform to your ideal. I regret being obliged to show you
+your mistake, but the truth is, you have no choice. A girl without
+means will certainly be admired and flattered if she is beautiful, but
+married she will not be, for men are very calculating. This offer is
+the first you have had, and will probably be the only one; moreover, it
+is a more brilliant one than you had any right to expect. There is
+every reason why you should accept it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">His words were not uttered in a tone of well-meant admonition; there
+was something indescribably heartless and offensive in the way in which
+President Nordheim explained to his niece that in spite of her beauty
+she had no claim to be loved and wooed, since she was poor. Erna turned
+pale, and her lip quivered, but her face was by no means expressive of
+docility.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And if, notwithstanding all this, I do not accept it?&quot; she asked,
+slowly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Then you must abide by the consequences. Your position will hardly be
+an enviable one if you remain unmarried. Alice is to be married next
+year, as you know.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And in the same year I shall be of age--and free!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Free!&quot; sneered Nordheim. &quot;How grand it sounds! Have you, then, been
+fettered in chains in my house, where you were received as a daughter?
+or are you longing for your patrimony? It is the merest pittance, and
+you are accustomed to the requirements of a lady.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I lived with my father in the simplest way,&quot; said Erna, bitterly, &quot;and
+we were happy. I have never been so in your house.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The president shrugged his shoulders: &quot;Yes, you are emphatically your
+father's daughter. He too preferred to live in a peasant's hut rather
+than, with his ancient name, to have a career in the world. Well,
+Waltenberg offers you the freedom for which you pine. As his wife you
+can have wealth and position; he will fulfil your every wish, gratify
+your every whim, if you but understand how to manage him. For the last
+time I entreat you to take a rational view of the matter. If you refuse
+to do so, you and I have done with each other. I have no toleration for
+exaggerations, which appear to be hereditary in the Thurgau family.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Erna made no reply, and her uncle seemed to expect none, for he turned
+to go, pausing, however, on the threshold of the door to say, with
+frigid emphasis, &quot;I confidently hope to find you betrothed when I
+return. Farewell!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He left the room, and a few minutes afterwards his carriage rolled down
+the road.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Erna threw herself into an arm-chair, more agitated than she had cared
+to show to a man so cold,--a man who regarded her marriage as solely a
+business arrangement.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Betrothed! She had a dread of the word, so apt to beguile a maiden's
+ear; and yet she was beloved by this man: the only one who never
+questioned whether she were rich or poor, but asked only to carry her
+from this house, where money was all in all, far away into a world of
+freedom and beauty! Perhaps she might learn to love him, perhaps, in
+spite of all, he was worthy to be loved. Could she not overcome
+herself?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She covered her face with her hands. Suddenly she was aware of a gentle
+touch. Griff had approached unperceived, and was close beside her. He
+laid his huge head in her lap, and looked at her inquiringly out of his
+beautiful, large eyes as if he felt his young mistress's grief. She
+looked up; the dog was the only thing preserved to her from the time of
+her sunny, happy youth among the mountains with her father, whose
+idolized darling she had been. He had long been at peace in the grave,
+his dear old home had vanished from the face of the earth, and his only
+child lived among those who were strangers to her in spite of the ties
+of kinship.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Suddenly the girl sobbed aloud, and as she threw her arms about the
+dog's neck she whispered, &quot;Oh, Griff, if we were only in Wolkenstein
+Court once more! if these strangers had only never come! They brought
+death to your master, and to me what was far worse!&quot;</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>CHAPTER X.</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1_10" href="#div1Ref_10">A PROFESSIONAL VISIT.</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+<p class="normal">The president's carriage was rolling along the mountain-road,
+the only
+one available until the railway should be opened, when Elmhorst and
+Reinsfeld left the former's rooms and took their way to the villa.
+Elmhorst of course did not wait to be announced,--the servants bowed
+low before the future son-in-law of the house, and he conducted his
+friend to the drawing-room. If the doctor had dreaded the visit
+beforehand, he was now completely crushed by his unaccustomed
+surroundings.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The room, with its luxurious carpets, its curtains admitting only a
+half light, its pale-blue hangings and furniture, seemed to him like
+some fairy realm. There were a few pictures on the walls, and a
+statuette of white marble peeped forth from a group of flowering plants
+that perfumed the air. All here was as fresh and delicate as though it
+had been Elf-land.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Unfortunately, Benno was not accustomed to the society of elves. He
+stumbled over the carpet, dropped his hat, and in stooping to pick it
+up wellnigh overturned a little table, which nothing but Wolfgang's
+dexterity preserved from a fall. He mutely endured the unavoidable
+introduction, made an awkward bow, and when Frau von Lasberg's cold,
+stern face arose upon his vision scanning 'this strange person' with
+evident surprise, he lost all self-possession.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Elmhorst frowned: he had not fancied it would be quite so bad as this;
+still, there was no retreat: the interview had to be gone through with,
+although, to poor Benno's great relief, he made it as short as
+possible. The embarrassed visitor held the recovered hat tightly in the
+hands adorned with the yellow gloves which were far too large, while
+his friend presented him to his betrothed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You have promised me, dear Alice, to consult Dr. Reinsfeld, and this
+is he. You know how anxious I am about your health.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The tone in which the words were spoken was anxious and considerate,
+but there was no tenderness in it. Reinsfeld, who had been quite
+crushed by the magnificence of the Baroness, scarcely dared to lift his
+eyes to the young heiress, who, he was sure, must be infinitely
+haughtier and more magnificent. He stood like a victim at the altar,
+when suddenly the gentlest voice in the world addressed him: &quot;I am so
+very glad to see you, Herr Doctor; Wolfgang has told me so much about
+you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He looked up amazed into a pair of large brown eyes in which there was
+certainly no disdain. His head had been filled with the satin-clad and
+lace-shrouded lady of the photograph, but in her stead he saw a
+delicate little figure in a thin, white morning-gown, her light-brown
+hair twisted in a loose knot, her lovely face pale and weary, but the
+reverse of haughty. He was positively startled, and stammered something
+about 'exceeding pleasure,' and 'great honour,' soon, however, coming
+to a stand-still.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wolfgang came to his aid with some remark as to the purpose of the
+visit, wishing to afford his friend an opportunity to show himself at
+his best as the skilful physician. But to-day Benno belied his entire
+nature. He asked several questions, but his manner was that of one
+suing for mercy; he stammered, he blushed like a girl, and, worse than
+all, he was conscious of how unbecoming was his behaviour. This robbed
+him of the last remnant of self-possession; he sat gazing at the young
+lady imploringly, as if entreating her forgiveness for annoying her by
+his presence.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Whether it were this same imploring expression or the childlike
+sincerity and gentleness, which, in spite of the young man's
+embarrassment, were evident in the dark-blue eyes lifted to her own,
+that touched Alice, she suddenly felt moved to say, with extreme
+kindness, &quot;You will hardly be able to judge of my health in this first
+visit, Herr Doctor, but be sure that I shall place implicit confidence
+in Wolfgang's friend.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And she held out to him a transparent little hand, which lay like a
+rose-leaf in his own as he said, with far more earnestness than the
+occasion warranted, &quot;Oh, thank you, thank you, Fräulein Nordheim!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Frau von Lasberg's face plainly showed her doubt of the capacity of a
+physician whose first visit to a patient so overwhelmed him with
+stammering confusion, and who was so profusely grateful for nothing.
+And this man was Elmhorst's friend, and Alice seemed quite content. The
+old lady shook her head, and said, with much reserve, &quot;You are wont to
+be very chary of your confidence, my dear Alice.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am all the more pleased that she should make an exception in my
+friend's favour,&quot; Wolfgang interposed. &quot;You will not regret it, Alice.
+I assure you, Benno's acquirements and skill will bear comparison with
+those of his most distinguished fellows. I am always remonstrating with
+him for not exercising them in a wider field. He is sacrificing his
+life here in a subordinate position, and only last year he refused a
+most advantageous offer.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But you know, Wolf----&quot; Reinsfeld attempted to interrupt this praise.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, I know that a couple of little peasants who were ill so absorbed
+you that you let the opportunity slip.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Ah, was that the reason?&quot; Alice asked, in an undertone, glancing again
+at the young man, who looked as if he were being accused of some crime.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The Herr Doctor practises among the peasantry, if I understand
+aright?&quot; said Frau von Lasberg. &quot;Do you really drive up the mountains
+to the secluded cottages scattered here and there?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No, madame, I walk,&quot; Reinsfeld explained, simply. &quot;I have, it is true,
+been obliged of late years to buy a mountain-pony for extreme
+distances, but I usually walk.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The lady cleared her throat and looked significantly at the engineer,
+who was intrusting his betrothed's health to a doctor of peasants.
+Benno was now entirely out of her good graces. Wolfgang understood her
+look, and smiled rather contemptuously as he said, &quot;Yes, madame, he
+walks; and when he reaches his home after an expedition through snow
+and ice, he works away at a scientific treatise that will one day make
+him famous. But no one must know anything about that. I discovered it
+only by chance.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Pray, pray, Wolf!&quot; Benno protested, in such embarrassment that
+Elmhorst could not but release him. He observed that his friend had a
+medical visit to pay, and thus allowed him to take his leave. How this
+leave was taken the poor doctor never quite understood; he only knew
+that the delicate white hand was held out to him in token of farewell,
+and that the kindly brown eyes were lifted half compassionately to his
+own. Then Elmhorst took his arm, piloted him past all the flowers and
+statuettes, and then the door was closed between him and the fairy
+realm.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In the antechamber he asked, timidly, &quot;Wolf--did it go off so very
+badly?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;God knows, it could hardly have been worse,&quot; was Elmhorst's irritated
+reply.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I told you before, I am unused to society,&quot; Benno said, piteously.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But you are a man nearly thirty, and can be resolute enough by the
+bedside of a patient; while to-day you behaved like a school-boy who
+has not learned his task.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Thus he hectored his friend after his usual fashion, and Benno meekly
+submitted. Only when he was entreated earnestly to collect himself and
+be more sensible the next time, did he ask, in a half-frightened,
+half-pleased tone, &quot;May I come again, then?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Elmhorst fairly lost patience: &quot;Benno, I really do not know what to
+think of you. Have I not begged you to take charge of my betrothed's
+health?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But the old lady was much displeased,--I could see that,&quot; Reinsfeld
+observed, dejectedly, &quot;and I am afraid that Fräulein Nordheim too
+thinks----&quot; He paused and looked down.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I do not ask the Baroness Lasberg's permission in my plans for my
+betrothed,&quot; Wolfgang said, haughtily. &quot;And my influence with Alice is
+supreme. Since it is my wish, she has accepted you for her physician.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The doctor eyed him askance: &quot;Wolf, you really do not deserve your good
+fortune.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Why not? Because I take the helm into my own hands thus early? You do
+not understand, Benno. When a man without means, like myself, enters a
+family like Nordheim's, he must choose whether to rule, or to occupy a
+very subordinate position. I prefer to rule.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You are a monster to talk of ruling that delicate creature!&quot; Benno
+broke out, angrily.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Of course I did not mean Alice,&quot; Wolfgang rejoined, coolly; &quot;her
+nature is extremely gentle, and she is used to yield to the will of
+another. I merely take care that this other shall be myself. You need
+not look at me so angrily; my wife will never find me a tyrant. I know
+she needs the greatest forbearance and care, and she shall always find
+them at my hands.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, because she brings you a million,&quot; Benno muttered, as he turned
+to go. Elmhorst detained him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You have not told me your opinion of Alice?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;At present I have formed none. She seems to be in an extremely nervous
+condition, but I must have more opportunity of observation.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;As much as you please. <i>Au revoir</i>.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Adieu.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">They parted, and while Wolfgang returned to his betrothed the doctor
+left the villa. He seemed in haste, for he strode quickly up a
+mountain-path, and did not stay his steps or look back until he had
+reached a distant point.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There, behind those windows with white lace curtains, lay the fairy
+realm, where they were now ridiculing and laughing at the awkward
+fellow who had so plainly, in every word and gesture, shown his
+unfitness for the Nordheim drawing-room. Involuntarily he glanced at
+his gloves, which had seemed to him so extremely elegant an hour
+before, and in a sudden fit of impatience he tore them off and tossed
+the innocent yellow things into the thicket of pines. One fell on the
+ground, but the other was caught upon a bough, where it dangled and
+nodded like a huge sunflower. This irritated its owner still more, and
+he was half minded to send his hat after it, when he bethought himself
+in time that he really could not dispose of his entire wardrobe thus.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You cannot help it, old fellow!&quot; he said, sadly, looking at his
+venerable beaver. &quot;I am not used to polite society. I wonder whether
+<i>she</i> is laughing too?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was no explanation as to whom the 'she' referred to, but
+certainly for a time Dr. Reinsfeld was as miserable a man as could be
+found among the mountains. The consciousness of his want of society
+tact oppressed him terribly.</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>CHAPTER XI.</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1_11" href="#div1Ref_11">ON THE ALM.</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+<p class="normal">
+Saint John's day!--the people's holiday from legendary times, preceding
+Midsummer day, all redolent with mystery, when hidden treasures rise
+from the depths and allure wondrously, when the slumbering forces of
+magic awaken, and the entire elfin world of the mountains reveals
+itself in its wonder-working power. The people have not forgotten the
+ancient festival of the sun's turning, and legend still throws its veil
+about the sacred midsummer-time, when the sun mounts highest, when the
+earth shows fairest, and warm, fresh life courses throughout nature.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In the country about Wolkenstein this day was one of the grand yearly
+festivals. The inhabitants of the lonely, secluded Alpine valley which
+the railway was to open to the world the ensuing year were devoted to
+their customs and habits, and clung closely to their superstitions.
+Here the Mountain-Sprite still held undisputed sway, and not merely as
+a devastating force of nature with snow-storm and avalanche; for most
+of the people she was enthroned bodily on the veiled summit of the
+Wolkenstein, and the beacon-fires which flamed up everywhere on St.
+John's evening had some hidden connection with the dreaded Spirit of
+the Mountain. Nothing was known here of the pagan significance of the
+bale-fire, nor of Christian legend gathered about it; the people in
+their superstition clung directly to their own mountain-legends, which
+they credited fully.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The clear, mild, June day was near its close; the sun had set; a
+crimson glow still lingered about the loftiest mountain-tops. All the
+other heights were lightly veiled in blue mists, while the valleys lay
+in deep shadow.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">High above the forests which clothed the foot of the Wolkenstein, where
+the projecting cliff's of the huge mountain began their rise, there was
+a smooth, green meadow, whereon stood a low hut. It was usually very
+lonely up here, and seldom visited by strangers, since the ascent of
+the Wolkenstein was deemed impossible, but to-day it was enlivened by
+an unwonted stir and bustle. A huge wood-pile had been built upon the
+spacious meadow, many an ancient pine and hemlock having contributed to
+its erection. Gigantic logs of wood, dry branches, old roots, towered
+high in air. The bale-fire on the Wolkenstein was always one of the
+largest, and gleamed far and wide abroad over the country, for was it
+not lighted upon the legendary throne of the entire range, at the very
+feet of the Mountain-Sprite?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Around the pile was assembled a circle of mountaineers, mostly
+shepherds and woodsmen, with girls among them from the neighbouring
+alms, all powerful, sunburned figures, who lived up on the heights in
+sunshine and storm all through the summer, descending into the valley
+only when autumn reigned there. All were in merry mood: there were
+endless shouts and laughter; for people who worked hard day after day,
+and whose monotonous existence was rarely interrupted by any
+relaxation, the old popular festival was a joyous one.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">To-day, however, they were not entirely left to themselves; there was a
+little group of spectators who had taken up a position on one side upon
+a low eminence. This was an unaccustomed sight for the mountaineers,
+and under other circumstances would have been an unwelcome one, for on
+such occasions they liked to feel themselves undisputed lords of their
+domain. But the young lady sitting on the mossy stone was no stranger
+among them, nor was the huge lion-like dog at her feet. The two had
+lived among these mountains for years, in old Wolkenstein Court, not a
+stone of which was now standing. True, the wild, joyous child of those
+days had grown to be a grand young lady and lived in the fine Nordheim
+villa, which was nothing short of a fairy castle in their eyes, but the
+Fräulein came among them just as she used to do, and talked with them
+in their patois as of old; no one dreamed of thinking her a stranger.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Moreover, Sepp was with her; he had been ten years in the service of
+Baron Thurgau, and had superintended the affairs of the little estate,
+and the two strangers who had accompanied her did not look at all, with
+their brown faces, like city people. One of them had made Sepp bring
+him directly into the circle of mountaineers, where he was found to
+speak the patois perfectly, and was not one whit behind the rest in
+enjoyment of the fun. The other, who looked a far finer gentleman, with
+black hair and thick black eyebrows, stayed close beside the young
+lady, and had just leaned over her to ask rather anxiously, &quot;Are you
+tired, Fräulein Thurgau? We never stopped once to rest as we came up.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Erna shook her head, smiling: &quot;Oh, no, I have not yet forgotten how to
+climb. I used to go much higher, greatly to Griff's disgust; he
+regularly made a halt here when I clambered up the rocks, and he still
+remembers the place.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, I saw with admiration how lightly and easily you walked up. I
+fancy you would find the difficulties of travel mere child's play where
+other women could not possibly confront them. I am very proud of being
+your escort upon this bale-fire expedition.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I should else hardly have been permitted to come. Frau von Lasberg was
+horrified at the idea of a nightly expedition among the mountains, and
+Alice is not strong enough to undertake anything of the kind. Sepp
+indeed long ago offered to accompany me, but he was not thought
+sufficiently trustworthy, although he lived with us for ten years.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was a shade of bitterness in the words, which did not escape the
+hearer.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You would not have been permitted?&quot; he asked, surprised. &quot;Do you
+really allow yourself to be governed by others in such matters?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Erna was silent, knowing well what a scene there had been when she
+expressed a desire to make this expedition. Frau von Lasberg had been
+almost beside herself at so eccentric and unbecoming an idea,--wishing
+to mingle among peasants after nightfall, and to witness their rude
+festivities. But it chanced that Ernst Waltenberg and his secretary
+arrived from Heilborn in the afternoon. He immediately offered to
+escort the young girl, and, as he was already regarded in the Nordheim
+household as Erna's future husband, the privilege was accorded him
+which had been denied to faithful old Sepp. Ernst was about to pursue
+his inquiries, when a stranger approached and said, half shyly, half
+familiarly,--</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Welcome home, Fräulein von Thurgau!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Dr. Reinsfeld!&quot; exclaimed Erna, in delighted surprise, offering him
+her hand with the same confidence with which as a child she had treated
+him upon his visits to her father. He seemed at first amazed, but his
+face instantly lit up with pleasure as he grasped the offered hand with
+answering cordiality. In a moment Griff had recognized his old friend,
+and was leaping about him with every mark of delight.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I did not have a glimpse of you yesterday when you were at our house,&quot;
+said Erna. &quot;I did not know of your visit until you had gone.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And I did not venture to ask for you; I did not know whether you would
+like to have me claim acquaintance with you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Could you entertain such a doubt?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was reproach in her tone, but Reinsfeld evidently was not
+depressed by it, and he looked at the girl with sparkling eyes. He
+could see how much more beautiful, how much graver, she had become, but
+she was the same to him as of old, nor did he in her presence feel any
+of the timidity and embarrassment which had made him so awkward on the
+previous day.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I had such a dread of seeing you a fine lady,&quot; he said, simply. &quot;But,
+thank God, you are not that!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The ejaculation seemed to come so directly from his heart that Erna
+laughed,--the same merry, childlike laugh to which she had for years
+been a stranger.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Waltenberg had at first observed with evident dismay the familiar
+greetings thus exchanged, and the look with which he had scanned
+Reinsfeld was darkly suspicious. Its result, however, could not but be
+satisfactory. This Herr Doctor in jacket and felt hat could hardly be a
+dangerous rival; the very ease and familiarity of his intercourse with
+Erna was the best of warrants that he was merely a friend of her
+childhood. Ernst Waltenberg was quite capable of perceiving this, and
+his manner when Reinsfeld was presented to him was extremely cordial.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;We are but just arrived,&quot; said the doctor, after the introduction had
+taken place, &quot;and in all this merry turmoil we did not at first
+perceive you. But where has Wolfgang gone? I brought your future
+relative with me, Fräulein Thurgau. Wolf, where are you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">His call was quite unnecessary, for Elmhorst was standing fifty paces
+off, looking fixedly at the group. Apparently he had not intended to
+join it; he now slowly approached, and Benno could not but be surprised
+at the formality of the greetings interchanged between the 'future
+relatives.' Wolfgang bowed formally, and Erna's manner seemed to
+indicate that this meeting was anything but agreeable to her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I thought you were to be in Oberstein this evening, Herr Elmhorst?&quot;
+said she. &quot;You spoke yesterday of going there.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I did, and I have been there with Benno, but he persuaded me to come
+up to the alm with him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;That he may see a veritable bale-fire,&quot; Benno interposed. &quot;There is
+one kindled in Oberstein too, but there the entire village, all the
+labourers on the railway, the engineers, and a crowd of guests from
+Heilborn are assembled, and so the fine old custom comes to be only a
+noisy spectacle for strangers. Up here we have the genuine
+unadulterated mountain-life. And there is Sepp! How are you, old
+fellow? Yes, we are here. You would rather we were not to-night, I
+know, and therefore I said not one word in Oberstein of our expedition.
+You must put up with us,--that is, with the Herr Superintendent and the
+stranger gentleman there,--for Fräulein von Thurgau and I belong here.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, you belong here,&quot; said Sepp, solemnly. &quot;You surely ought not to
+be absent.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I should like to protest against being treated as an entire stranger,&quot;
+said Wolfgang. &quot;I have been living for three years in the mountains.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But in constant war with them,&quot; Waltenberg interposed, half
+ironically. &quot;That would hardly establish your right to feel at home
+among them, it seems to me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;At most only the right of the conqueror;&quot; Erna said, coldly. &quot;Herr
+Elmhorst upon his arrival here was wont to boast that he would take
+possession of the realm of the Mountain-Sprite and bind it in chains.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You see, however, Fräulein Thurgau,&quot; Wolfgang replied, in the same
+tone, &quot;that it was no empty boast. We <i>have</i> brought her under
+subjection, the haughty ruler of the mountains. She made it difficult
+enough for us, so intrenching herself in her forests and fields that we
+were obliged to contend for every step of our way; but she was
+conquered at last. By the end of autumn the last structures will be
+completed, and next spring our trains will thunder through this entire
+Wolkenstein domain.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am sorry for the magnificent valley,&quot; said Waltenberg. &quot;All its
+beauty will be lost when steam once takes possession of it and the
+shrill whistle of the locomotive invades the sublime repose of the
+mountains.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wolfgang shrugged his shoulders: &quot;I am sorry, but such romantic
+considerations cannot have any weight where the question is one of
+furnishing the world with roads for travel.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The world which belongs to you! Here in Europe you have mastered it
+with steam and iron. We who would find some quiet valley wherein to
+dream undisturbed shall finally be obliged to seek it in some distant
+island in the ocean.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Assuredly, Herr Waltenberg, if such dreaming seem to you the sole aim
+of existence. For us it is action.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ernst bit his lip: he saw that Erna was listening, and to be thus
+reproved in her presence was more than he could bear; adopting,
+therefore, the same indifferent, high-bred tone with which he had tried
+to humiliate the 'fortune-hunter' at their first interview, he said,
+&quot;The old dispute, begun in the Herr President's conservatory! I never
+doubted your activity, Herr Elmhorst; you have certainly by its aid
+achieved brilliant results.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wolfgang involuntarily held himself more erect; he knew what result was
+meant, but he merely smiled contemptuously. Here he was not merely 'the
+future husband of Alice Nordheim' as in society in the capital; here he
+was in his own domain, and with all the proud self-consciousness of a
+man perfectly aware of his talent and of his achievements, he replied,
+&quot;You allude to my work as an engineer? The Wolkenstein bridge is
+indeed my first work, but it will hardly be my last.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Waltenberg was silenced. He had seen the gigantic structure spanning
+the yawning abyss, and he felt that he must give up treating as an
+adventurer the man who had devised it. Though he should aspire ten
+times over to the hand of the millionaire's daughter, there was stuff
+in this Elmhorst, even his antagonist must admit, however unwillingly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I have indeed admired the engineer of that magnificent work,&quot; he
+replied, after a pause.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am greatly flattered by your saying so,--you have seen all the
+finest bridges in the world.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The words sounded courteous, but the glances which the men exchanged
+were like rapiers. Each felt at this moment that something more than
+dislike--that positive hatred divided them.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Hitherto Erna had taken no part in the conversation; she probably
+perceived with whom the victory lay, for her voice betrayed annoyance
+as she interposed at last: &quot;You had better give up contending with Herr
+Elmhorst. He is of iron, like his work, and there is no place in his
+world for romance. You and I belong to quite another one, and the abyss
+between his and ours no bridge can span.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You and I,--yes!&quot; Ernst repeated quickly, turning to her. All strife
+was forgotten and all hatred dissolved in the joy that sparkled in his
+eyes as he said, almost triumphantly, 'you and I!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wolfgang retired so suddenly that Benno looked amazed. The doctor was
+talking with Veit Gronau, who had approached when he heard from Sepp
+the name Reinsfeld, and had introduced himself.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You cannot possibly remember me,&quot; he was saying, &quot;You were a very
+little fellow when I went abroad, so you must believe upon the evidence
+of my face that I was a friend of your father's when he was young. He
+died long ago, I know, but his son will not refuse me the hand which my
+old Benno cannot give me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Most certainly not,&quot; Benno assured him, pressing the offered hand
+cordially. &quot;And now let me hear how it happens that you have returned
+to Europe.&quot;</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>CHAPTER XII.</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1_12" href="#div1Ref_12">THE BALE-FIRE.</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+<p class="normal">The last crimson reflection of sunset had long vanished, field
+and
+forest were covered with dew, and the darkness was softly creeping up
+from the valleys to the heights, while above the snow-peaks began to
+gleam with a silvery lustre,--the herald of the rising moon, which was
+not yet visible.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then flames began to dart forth from the heaped-up wood on the
+Wolkenstein; at first only fitfully, crackling and smoking, until the
+fire caught the giant logs, and then it leapt aloft wildly with a
+magnificent ruddy glare, hailed by cheers from the circle of men around
+it,--the ancient bale-fire of the mountains.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was wonderfully picturesque,--the scene to which the growing
+darkness added much in effect,--the flaming altar sending its
+sparks towards heaven, and around it in the red light the crowd of
+brown-visaged mountaineers in joyous motion. They chased and chaffed
+one another, and leaped around the fire, snatching and waving aloft the
+burning brands in unrestrained delight, to which the crackling and
+roaring of the flames added intensity, while above it all the smoke
+rolled and floated in thick clouds, now half veiling and anon revealing
+the scene below.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Erna and Waltenberg had not left their place,--probably preferring to
+keep somewhat aloof from the noisy crowd. At a little distance stood
+Wolfgang with folded arms, apparently lost in contemplation of the
+fantastic spectacle. Probably by chance, he had taken up a position
+where he was almost entirely in the shadow; all the more brilliant did
+the light seem which was thrown upon the little group on the hillock,
+the slender, graceful figure of the girl, the tall, dark form beside
+her, and the shaggy dog lying motionless at their feet, his head
+resting upon his huge paws.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Benno, standing near the fire with Gronau, now and then glanced towards
+them, but that other pair of eyes watched them intently from the gloom,
+and if sometimes their owner resolutely looked away towards the busy,
+happy throng, some mysterious force seemed to compel his gaze to rest
+again upon the pair, who looked as if they already belonged to each
+other.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Erna, who had grown warm from climbing, had taken off her hat and laid
+it upon the mossy stone that served her for a seat, while Waltenberg
+leaned above her, conversing in a low tone. What he said had, perhaps,
+no special significance, but his look sought hers with a passionate
+eagerness which he took no pains to conceal. His eyes could well
+express the emotion which thrilled his whole being. The man whose
+thirst for freedom had so long defied the fetters of love was now
+hopelessly enthralled.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The conversation was carried on in an undertone, but Wolfgang
+distinguished every word; through all the shouting and laughter,
+through all the crackling and hissing of the flames, every syllable
+distinctly fell on his ear, for every nerve was strung in the effort to
+listen, as if for him life and death depended upon what was said.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Inaccessible do you call the Wolkenstein?&quot; asked Waltenberg. &quot;That
+only means that no one has yet ascended it. It can be subdued, that
+haughty peak.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Hitherto no one has subdued it, however,&quot; Erna replied. &quot;Several have
+ventured up through the rocks to the foot of the topmost cliff, but
+there every one has been stayed; even my father, who was not easily
+daunted by any ascent and pursued the chamois to the highest summits,
+often declared, 'The Wolkenstein peak is inaccessible.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ernst looked up at the peak, now only partially visible, and smiled:
+&quot;Do you know, Fräulein Thurgau, your description tempts me to venture
+the ascent?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She looked up at him in dismay: &quot;Herr Waltenberg, you would not----?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Climb the Wolkenstein peak? At least I shall attempt it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Impossible! You are jesting.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Do you think so? I hope to prove to you that I am in earnest.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But why? What for?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Why does one undertake any adventure? Because the danger excites;
+because it is a victory, a triumph, to achieve the apparently
+impossible.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And if this triumph should cost you your life? You would not be the
+first victim of the peak. Ask Sepp; he can tell you a sad story.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Bah! I am no novice in such attempts. I have climbed higher mountains
+than your dreaded Wolkenstein.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">His tone betrayed the defiant persistence of a man accustomed to
+danger, apt indeed to seek it. Nordheim was right: he longed only for
+what was withheld from him, and life had thus far withheld from him
+little enough. To climb a mountain-summit which no human foot had
+ever before trod, or to win a beautiful, proud woman who met his
+advances with coy reserve,--either attempt attracted him. He must win,
+subdue,--nothing was impossible.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The wind, which was rising, blew the flames to one side; they flickered
+and leaped, and a shower of sparks fell upon Wolfgang, who hardly
+noticed it. He remained motionless in the ruddy glare, which did not
+reveal his extreme pallor. The entire pile was now one mountain of
+flame, whence huge tongues soared aloft, higher and higher, invading
+the night with a fiery breath. The cool, dewy meadow, the dark forests,
+the steep declivities of the Wolkenstein,--all looked strangely
+transformed in the red, darting light beneath the clouds of smoke
+rolling overhead.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And there was a reflection of the glowing fire in the face of the man
+who endured mutely, with compressed lips, the torture that he would not
+flee. He felt the hot breath of the flames, but he could not tear
+himself from the spot where those low, half-whispered words reached his
+ear.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Take care. It is the legendary stronghold of our mountains; there is a
+spell upon it. Its ruler permits no human foot to press her throne.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Until he comes who subdues her. The German legends all end thus. He
+whose courage wins the summit clasps the enchantress in his arms.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And dies beneath the Mountain-Sprite's icy kiss. Yes, so runs the
+legend.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Waltenberg laughed contemptuously: &quot;Yes, the tale may terrify children
+and simple peasants. Thence comes the inaccessibility of the
+Wolkenstein,--not from the danger, but from superstition! Nevertheless
+I hope to make it mine, that mysterious kiss.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You will not persist?&quot; Erna interposed, between entreaty and command.
+&quot;Give up so foolhardy an idea!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No, no, Fräulein von Thurgau, not even at your command.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But if I entreat?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was an instant's pause; in the brilliant light Wolfgang could
+distinguish every feature in the girl's face turned upward in genuine
+entreaty, and in that of the man who bent over her so close that he
+wellnigh touched her curls. The daring, reckless tone had vanished from
+his voice; it sounded low, but infinitely tender, as he rejoined,
+&quot;<i>You</i> entreat me?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes--from my heart! Do not persist in such folly. It troubles me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ernst smiled, and replied, in a voice strangely gentle for one so
+impatient of control,--</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You shall be obeyed. Sweet as it would be to know, were I in any
+danger, that one human being was anxious on my account, I relinquish my
+project.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The sharp needles of the pine bough about which Wolfgang had clasped
+his hand in a nervous grasp pierced his flesh, but he did not feel
+them. The hill of fire, which was still glowing erect, tottered, some
+of the logs gave way, and the burning pile fell into ruins, crashing
+and crackling, while from the dazzling heap a thousand tongues of flame
+curled along the ground, illuminating now only a comparatively narrow
+circle, while the meadow and the hillock vanished in darkness.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It was a magnificent sight, was it not?&quot; Benno asked gaily,
+approaching his friend and laying his hand upon the one clasping the
+pine. &quot;But, Wolf, what is the matter with you? You have an attack of
+fever,--you are trembling, and your hand is icy cold.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;There is nothing the matter,&quot; said Wolfgang. &quot;I may have taken a
+little cold here in the damp.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Taken cold on this summer evening? a fellow of your iron constitution?
+You are ill.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But Elmhorst withdrew the hand the doctor would have taken: &quot;Pray do
+not make so much of a slight indisposition; such attacks go as quickly
+as they come. I felt it as we were walking up here.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Benno shook his head; he had not before perceived any symptoms of
+indisposition. &quot;We had better set out upon our way back,&quot; he said. &quot;The
+fire is going out, and we have a good mile to walk down the mountain.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You are right; we are going too,&quot; said Waltenberg, approaching. &quot;Sepp
+proposes to take us down by the Vulture Cliff, but that shorter way
+seems slightly perilous.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It certainly is by moonlight.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Then we will give it up. I promised Frau von Lasberg to return
+early, and I must keep my word. Gronau can descend with the guide by
+the cliff, since he seems to want to do so. He can meet us on the
+high-road.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The little party set out together, Gronau and Sepp agreeing to meet it
+at an appointed spot in the road below. The meadow with the flickering
+flames soon vanished, and the silence of the mountain-forest replaced
+the shouting and laughter on the height. Silence also fell upon the
+descending group; they were obliged to walk heedfully, for the path,
+although neither steep nor perilous, lay in the shadow of the dense
+pine forest, which hid the moonlight except for a brilliant ray here
+and there. Waltenberg walked close beside Erna; the other two followed.
+Thus descending, they reached the edge of the forest in about half an
+hour and emerged upon the cleared mountainside.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The heights all around are still flaming,&quot; said Waltenberg, pointing
+upward, where, upon the other summits, the fires were yet blazing. &quot;The
+Wolkensteiners lit their pile early. Her Majesty the Mountain-Sprite
+takes precedence, and she seems actually to mean to unveil in honour of
+the night.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He was right. The clouds that during the entire evening had hovered
+about the summit of the Wolkenstein and had veiled its peak were
+beginning to float away.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I wonder that Gronau and Sepp are not here,&quot; Erna remarked. &quot;They
+ought to have been here before us, since they took the shorter path.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Perhaps they have met with some ghostly hinderance,&quot; said Benno,
+laughing. &quot;It is Midsummer Eve, and the mountains are alive with
+fairies and spirits. I'll wager either that they have encountered some
+phantom, or that they are now searching for the treasures which rise
+from hidden depths to the surface on this night in the year. Ah, there
+they are!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In fact, Sepp made his appearance on the other side of the road, but he
+was alone, and the haste of his approach boded ill.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What is the matter?&quot; said Waltenberg, going to meet him. &quot;Has anything
+happened? Where is Herr Gronau?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Sepp pointed in the direction of the Vulture Cliff: &quot;Up there! We have
+had an accident. The gentle man slipped on the rocks, and his foot----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;There are no bones broken?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No, 'tis not so bad as that, for we got down to even ground, but he
+could not go any farther. The gentleman is up there in the forest, and
+cannot move his foot, and I came to ask the Herr Doctor to look after
+him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Of course I must look after him,&quot; said Reinsfeld, instantly turning to
+go. &quot;Where did you leave him? Far from here?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No; only a short quarter of a mile up.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I will go with you,&quot; said Waltenberg, hastily. &quot;I must see after
+Gronau. Pray stay here, Fräulein von Thurgau; you hear it is not far,
+and we shall return immediately.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Would it not be better that we should all go up together?&quot; asked
+Elmhorst. &quot;My aid might be necessary.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Oh, a sprained ankle, or even a broken limb, is not dangerous,&quot; said
+Benno. &quot;We three can do all that is necessary, even although we should
+be obliged to carry Herr Gronau; and Fräulein von Thurgau cannot be
+left here alone.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Certainly not; Herr Elmhorst must stay with her,&quot; Ernst said,
+decidedly. &quot;We will be as quick as possible, rely upon it, Fräulein von
+Thurgau.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The arrangement was a very natural one; fearless as the young lady
+might be, she could not be left here in the night alone, and Wolfgang,
+almost a member of her family, was, of course, the one to be left to
+take care of her. Nevertheless neither of them seemed pleased. Erna
+objected, and thought it would be better to accompany the doctor. But
+Waltenberg would not hear of it; he hurried away with Reinsfeld and
+Sepp over the meadow, and then all three vanished in the opposite wood.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Those left behind were obliged to accommodate themselves to
+circumstances. They exchanged a few remarks about the accident and its
+possible consequences, and then there was a long silence.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The midsummer night with its deep, mysterious stillness brooded above
+the mountains, but without the darkness of night. The full moon, now
+high in the heavens, bathed everything in its dreamy radiance. In its
+light the fires upon the mountains gleamed but dimly. They no longer
+flamed aloft, but looked like glowing stars fallen from the firmament
+and shining on the heights in clear, quiet beauty. By day there was a
+distant view from this meadow, now the mountain world was veiled in a
+delicate mist that left only certain detached features distinctly
+visible. The rigid lines of the tall summits were softened, the thick
+forests were massed in bluish shadow; below, where yawned the
+Wolkenstein abyss, darkness still reigned, although the moonlight
+already silvered the bridge. It reached from rock to rock, like a
+narrow, shining plank, discernible by keen eyes even at this height.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Wolkenstein summit alone, close at hand, was defined sharply
+against the clear sky of night. The forests at its feet, the jagged
+outlines of the billowy sea of rocks, and the gigantic proportions of
+the steep wall rising from them,--all were flooded with snowy lustre.
+Around its head there was still a fleecy vapour, which seemed slowly
+melting away in the moonbeams; at times each icy peak would be revealed
+clearly, to half vanish again in a semi-transparent veil. Erna had
+seated herself on the stump of a felled tree on the border of the
+forest. The scene fascinated her, as it did her companion, who was,
+nevertheless, the first to break the long silence.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Herr Waltenberg could hardly achieve that ascent,&quot; he said. &quot;It was
+scarcely necessary to warn him off so seriously; he certainly would
+have turned back at the foot of the rocky wall.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You heard what we said?&quot; the girl asked, without looking away from the
+Wolkenstein.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I did. I was standing very near you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Then you heard that the attempt was relinquished.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;At <i>your</i> request.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I was interested that it should be so; there is something distressing
+to me in all aimless foolhardiness.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;In <i>all</i>? I think Herr Waltenberg attached another significance to
+your words; and was he not justified in so doing?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Erna turned and bestowed upon him a glance of disapproval: &quot;Herr
+Elmhorst, you evidently consider yourself as already belonging to our
+family, but I cannot, nevertheless, accord you the right to ask such
+questions.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The rebuff was sufficiently plain. Wolfgang bit his lip.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Pardon me, Fräulein von Thurgau, if I was indiscreet; but, from the
+remarks of my future father-in-law, I judged the matter to be no longer
+a secret.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;My uncle spoke of it to you? And before his departure?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Assuredly. And he also did so three weeks ago, when I was in the
+city.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A dark flush mounted to the girl's cheek. So the president had even
+then confided to his prospective son-in-law his plans for disposing of
+his niece, probably before her personal acquaintance with Waltenberg.
+All the pride of her nature was in revolt as she replied, &quot;I know my
+uncle puts a price upon everything, and why not upon my hand? But in
+this case the decisive word is mine, as both he and you seem to have
+forgotten.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I?&quot; said Wolfgang, indignantly. &quot;Can you suppose me to have any share
+in his plan?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She looked at him, with a strange expression which he could not
+unriddle, and there was a shade of scorn in her voice as she replied,
+&quot;No, certainly not in this plan.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You would do me gross injustice by such a suspicion. Moreover, I have
+no liking for Herr Waltenberg, and I feel sure that, despite all his
+brilliant qualities, he is not fitted to make another human being
+happy.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;That is your opinion,&quot; Erna said, coldly. &quot;In such a case all that a
+woman takes into consideration is whether she is beloved without
+calculation or reserve.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Ought that alone to be decisive? I should suppose there might be a
+question as to whether she herself loves.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The words came slowly and almost with hesitation from his lips, and
+yet his eyes were riveted in breathless eagerness upon the face so
+clearly revealed in the bright moonlight. There was no reply; Erna's
+glance avoided his: her eyes were fixed upon the distant scene. The
+mountain-fires were growing fainter; the largest, upon the Wolkenstein,
+still gleamed with starlike radiance.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Above these the wreathing mist was still floating, and the moonbeams
+called forth from it strange shapes, which, when the eye would have
+seized and held them fast, eluded it and melted away. Slowly, however,
+from among them the topmost peak emerged white and gleaming, the
+inaccessible throne of the Alpine Fay in her garment of eternal ice and
+snow.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wolfgang approached the young girl and stood close beside her as
+he continued, in an undertone: &quot;I have no right, I know, to ask
+this question, but doubtless you have put it to yourself, and the
+answer----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A low, angry growl interrupted him. Griff had not forgotten his early
+antipathy for the superintendent; he could not endure to have him
+approach his mistress, and, as if to defend her, thrust himself between
+them. Erna laid her hand caressingly upon the dog's head, and he was
+instantly silent; then she asked, &quot;Why do you hate Ernst Waltenberg?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I?&quot; Elmhorst was apparently amazed by this counter-question, which
+found him entirely unprepared to reply.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes. Can you deny that it is so?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No,&quot; said Wolfgang, with defiant frankness. &quot;I confess it. I hate
+him!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You must have some reason for so doing.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I have a reason. But you must allow me to follow your example and
+withhold the answer to your question.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I will answer it myself. Because in Ernst Waltenberg you see my future
+husband.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Elmhorst started and looked at her with an expression of dismay,--nay,
+of positive terror: &quot;You--know?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Do you suppose a woman cannot feel when she is loved, even though
+every means be resorted to to conceal it from her?&quot; Erna asked, with
+extreme bitterness.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A long, oppressive pause ensued; Wolfgang's eyes were downcast; at last
+he said, in a low, dull voice, &quot;Yes, Erna, I have loved you--for
+years!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And you wooed--Alice!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was harsh condemnation in her words; he stood silent with bent
+head.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Because she is rich; because her hand can confer the wealth which I do
+not possess. Nevertheless Alice will not be unhappy; she neither knows
+nor demands happiness in the higher sense of the word, while I should
+be unutterably wretched bound to a man whom I despised.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Erna!&quot; he exclaimed, in torture.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Herr Elmhorst?&quot; she rejoined, haughtily.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He accepted the rebuff, and controlled himself by an effort: &quot;Fräulein
+von Thurgau, you have felt yourself obliged to hate me since the hour
+of your father's death, and you have avenged yourself richly for a
+supposed injury. Well, then, I will endure your hate if so it must be,
+but <i>not</i> your contempt. I will not suffer any longer from the cold
+scorn which I always see in your eyes. You well know how to wound with
+it, but I pray you--do not drive me to extremes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He really looked as if the farthest limit of his self-control were
+reached. The man usually so cool and calculating, of such iron
+resolution, absolutely trembled in the fever of his agitation.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Griff was still pugnacious, following with an angry eye every movement
+of him whom he considered a foe, and who seemed to be threatening his
+young mistress, who, however, took the dog by the collar and held him
+fast.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Can you compel my esteem?&quot; she asked.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, by heaven I can and will!&quot; he broke forth. &quot;I compelled respect
+but now from that insolent egotist, who despises money merely because
+he possesses it in abundance, and who parades as romanticism his dreamy
+idle existence. You heard how he was silenced by my reference to my
+work. He does not know what it is to be poor, and to have bare, hard
+reality staring him in the face. But I drained that cup to the dregs in
+my needy youth; life for me possessed no poetry, no ideals. I felt
+within me the power to excel in my profession, and was tied down by
+hard mechanical labour. I had to submit to men my inferiors in
+intellect, and to obey where now I command. The plan of the Wolkenstein
+bridge, now regarded as such a wonder, was rejected again and again
+because I had no patronage, because a poor, unknown man is sure to be
+despised. But, in spite of it all, I determined to rise; not for the
+money's sake, not that I might revel in idle luxury, but that I might
+work with freedom, undeterred by all the petty hinderances, to soar
+above which wealth gives wings. There stands my work!&quot; He pointed to
+the narrow road, which gleamed like silver above the abyss. &quot;Whether
+you hate its designer or not, it must force even you to respect him!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">With like proud, bold self-assertion Wolfgang Elmhorst was wont to
+silence his opponents and to win the victory, but it stood him in no
+stead here. Erna had risen and stood confronting him, the scorn which
+he would not brook still looking from her eyes.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No!&quot; she said, decidedly. &quot;That work of yours condemns you. The man
+capable of achieving that should have had the courage to depend upon
+himself, and to go forward alone, for he carried his future within him.
+My uncle recognized your talent long before you wooed his daughter; he
+had opened the way for you, and you could have attained your goal even
+without him. But that indeed would have cost time and trouble, and you
+wanted to take fortune by storm.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wolfgang gazed sadly at the girl's agitated face. &quot;Yes,&quot; he said, &quot;I
+did. And I have paid a high price for it; perhaps--too high.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The price now is your freedom; in future it may possibly be your
+honour.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Erna! Have a care! Do not insult me!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I do not insult you. I only give utterance to what you do not yet
+choose to confess to yourself. Do you imagine that you can with
+impunity pledge yourself to a man like my uncle? You still have
+ambition; he has long been done with it, and now cares only for gain.
+He has, it is true, won millions, and gold flows into his coffers from
+every quarter, but he is not content. The magnitude of his undertakings
+does not affect him, except as it brings him money, and once completely
+in his power he will require you to be the same. You will no longer
+create, you will only accumulate.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wolfgang looked down gloomily; he knew that she spoke the truth; he had
+long known this side of the president's character, but his pride
+rebelled against the part thus assigned him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Do you think me so wanting in energy as to be unable to preserve my
+independence?&quot; he asked. &quot;I have a will, and if necessary can assert
+it, even in my present position.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Then you will be given an alternative, and you will be obliged to
+submit. You have not chosen the hard, lonely path trodden by so many
+great men who could call nothing their own save their talent and their
+faith in themselves. For me,&quot;--there was a kind of passionate
+inspiration in the girl's eyes,--&quot;I have always imagined that in the
+striving and struggling there must be happiness perhaps even greater
+than that of attainment. To ascend thus from the depths, to be
+conscious that one's power increases with every step forward, with
+every obstacle overcome, and then at last to stand on the free heights
+in the joy of victory won by one's own exertions,--I have had some
+sensation akin to it when I have been climbing a difficult Alpine
+ascent, and not for worlds would I have accepted another's aid.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Carried away by the enthusiasm of the moment, she was again the free,
+unconventional child of the mountains, whom Wolfgang had once found
+amidst the abysses of the Wolkenstein, her curls waving, and quick
+to love as to hate. Together they had then bidden defiance to the
+tempest; in fancy he again heard her joyous, reckless laughter amid the
+hurly-burly, and it seemed to him that he had then been happy,
+supremely happy, as never again since then.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And could you have loved a man who had risen thus?&quot; he asked at last,
+with suppressed suffering in his tone. &quot;Could you have stood beside him
+in toil and danger, perhaps in defeat? Answer me, Erna,--I entreat
+you!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Erna shivered; the light in her eyes faded, as she replied, coldly,
+&quot;What need to ask? The question comes too late! One thing I know: the
+man who denied and crushed out his love for the sake of the gold which
+another hand could bestow, who bought his future because he lacked
+courage to create it, I never could have loved,--never!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She took a long breath, as if with the words she cast aside a burden,
+and turned her back to him. Griff suddenly became restless; he
+perceived the approach of the rest although their advance was as yet
+inaudible; his mistress understood him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Are they coming?&quot; she asked, in an undertone. &quot;Let us go to meet them,
+Griff.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She slowly crossed the meadow, where the dew lay heavy and glistening.
+Wolfgang made no attempt to detain her: he stood motionless. The last
+of the mountain-fires had just sunk to ashes; it glimmered aloft for a
+few moments like a faint and fading star and then vanished.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The peak of the Wolkenstein, on the contrary, was plainly visible; the
+mists that had been hovering around it seemed to melt in the moonlight,
+and the ice-crowned summit stood forth distinct and glistening. She had
+unveiled herself, the haughty sovereign of the mountain-range, and sat
+enthroned aloft in her phantom-like beauty, while above her realm
+brooded the silent mystery of the midsummer night, with its ghostly
+hint of buried treasures ascending from hidden depths and awaiting
+discovery,--the ancient, solemn midsummer-eve of St. John.</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>CHAPTER XIII.</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1_13" href="#div1Ref_13">AN OUTRAGED WIFE.</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+<p class="normal">The Sunday following St. John's day had always been a great
+holiday in
+Oberstein. The little mountain-village where Dr. Reinsfeld lived had,
+it is true, lost somewhat of its secluded character by the invasion of
+the railway in the vicinity. The labourers on the road frequented it,
+and some of the young engineers had their quarters in the little inn,
+but the place was still very humble in appearance.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The doctor's house was in no contrast to its surroundings; it was a
+small cottage, scantily furnished,--indeed barely provided with the
+necessities of life. The sexton's widow acted as the young physician's
+housekeeper, and her ideas of the duties of her position were primitive
+in the extreme. Only a nature as content and unassuming as Benno's
+could have long endured existence here. His predecessors had never
+remained long, while this was the fifth year that he had passed in this
+place, undaunted by its hardships, and with no present prospect of
+leaving it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">His study was indeed a contrast to the charming, comfortable apartments
+inhabited by Superintendent Elmhorst. The whitewashed walls were
+destitute of decoration save for a couple of portraits of Reinsfeld's
+parents. An old worm-eaten writing-table, with an arm-chair covered
+with leather which had once been black, a very hard sofa with a coarse
+linen cover, and a table and chairs of equal antiquity,--such was the
+furniture, all purchased from the former occupant, of the room in which
+the doctor lived, and laboured, and gave advice, and even, as on the
+present occasion, received visits. His cousin Albert Gersdorf was with
+him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The lawyer had come from Heilborn the day before, and had found a guest
+already installed here, Veit Gronau, whom he also knew, and who was
+recovering here from the effects of his disaster on the Vulture Cliff.
+The painful sprain from which he was suffering was not serious, but
+prevented his walking. He had been with some difficulty brought as far
+down the mountain as Oberstein, and here Reinsfeld had offered to take
+charge of the patient until the sprain was cured; an offer which had
+been gratefully accepted.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The two cousins had not met for years, and their interchange of letters
+had been infrequent, so that Benno's joyful surprise was natural when
+Gersdorf made his unexpected appearance. He had just persuaded him to
+protract his stay somewhat, and said, delightedly, &quot;So, then, that is
+all arranged: you will stay until the day after to-morrow; that's
+right; and your young wife will have no objection to being left so long
+with her parents in Heilborn.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Oh, she is extremely content there,&quot; Gersdorf explained; but there was
+an unusual gravity in his voice and manner.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The doctor gave him a keen glance: &quot;See here, Albert: when you arrived
+yesterday it struck me that something was wrong. I thought you would
+bring your wife. Surely you have not quarrelled?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No, Benno, 'tis not so bad as that. I have simply been forced to make
+my father- and mother-in-law understand that their untitled son-in-law
+is perfectly capable of maintaining his position.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Aha! 'sits the wind in that corner?' What has happened?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Not much. As I told you, we promised to finish our wedding-tour by a
+visit to my wife's parents in Heilborn, where my mother-in-law is
+taking the waters. We found her there in a very exclusive circle,
+which graciously admitted me, although it made me quite sensible that I
+owed the honour to my having married a Baroness Ernsthausen. I showed
+but little appreciation of the amiable reception accorded me, inasmuch
+as I declined joining a picnic arranged for yesterday. Of course this
+provoked much aristocratic indignation; my respected mother-in-law
+declared me a tyrant, maintaining that her friends alone were fit
+associates for her daughter, and at last inducing Molly to be
+obstinate. I told her she was perfectly free to accept the invitation
+for herself, and she did so.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And went without you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Without me. An hour afterwards I was on my way to see you,--I meant at
+all events to see you before I went back to the city,--leaving behind
+me a brief note explaining my absence.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It was a great piece of audacity on your part to marry into so
+aristocratic a family,&quot; said Benno, shaking his head. &quot;You see marriage
+by no means puts an end to your troubles.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No, but I was perfectly well aware that I should have to fight my way
+to independence.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Can you be quite sure of your wife?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Gersdorf smiled, both at the words and at the grave tone in which they
+were uttered: &quot;Indeed I can. Molly is still a child, it is true,--a
+spoiled child who has never been trained,--but her heart is true as
+steel. Do you suppose I enjoyed leaving the wayward little creature?
+She must learn that a husband's rights are to be respected; if I had
+yielded to my mother-in-law on this occasion there would have been no
+end to her interference, and that I will not tolerate.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was plain to see that it had not been easy for the young fellow to
+keep his resolution; his eyes turned longingly to the window that
+looked out on the road to Heilborn, while Benno sat lost in admiration
+of his cousin's strength of character. He himself would have made any
+sacrifice to a tyrannical mother-in-law rather than grieve a woman whom
+he loved.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">They were interrupted by the entrance of Veit Gronau. He still limped,
+but otherwise seemed quite well, as he deposited a large package on the
+table.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What have you there?&quot; asked Gersdorf.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Genuine Turkish tobacco,&quot; Gronau replied; &quot;and Herr Waltenberg sends
+his regards and he will come over this afternoon with the ladies from
+Wolkenstein, who wish to see the holiday dance. Said brought the
+message and this tobacco, which I asked Herr Waltenberg to send in pity
+for the doctor, who smokes wretched stuff, begging his pardon. Let me
+fill the pipes; I understand that business.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;That's true,&quot; said Benno, laughing. &quot;You and Herr Waltenberg would
+smoke up my entire income in a year. I cannot afford to be fastidious.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Veit, who was entirely at home here, hobbled to a little cupboard,
+whence he took three pipes, which he proceeded to prepare, and the
+three men were soon filling the room with clouds of fragrant smoke.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Suddenly the door opened, and a most unexpected apparition appeared
+upon the threshold, in the person of a young lady in a very elegant
+travelling-dress, a veil wound about her hat, and a handsome
+travelling-bag in her hand. She was about to enter hastily, but paused
+as if petrified by the scene which was presented to her gaze. Gronau in
+all his length of limb lay stretched out on the sofa; the doctor, in
+his shirt-sleeves, was comfortably established in his arm-chair;
+Gersdorf sat near him astride of a chair, while the room was filled
+with a thick but unfortunately transparent cloud of blue tobacco-smoke.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Herr Doctor,&quot; the voice of the old housekeeper was heard to say
+from the corridor behind the stranger, &quot;a young lady has arrived, and
+wants----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I want my husband,&quot; the young lady interposed, in a resolute tone,
+advancing into the room, where she created a sensation indeed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Gronau sprang up from the sofa, uttering a cry of pain as he did so,
+for his ankle resented the sudden motion; Benno started up in dismay
+and began looking for his coat, which it seemed impossible to find; and
+Gersdorf emerged from the cloud of smoke, exclaiming, in a tone of
+delighted surprise, &quot;Molly I--is it you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes,--it is I!&quot; Frau Gersdorf declared in accents so annihilating that
+one might have supposed her husband had just been detected in the
+commission of a crime, and as she spoke she advanced with extreme
+dignity into the middle of the room, where, unfortunately, the smoke
+interfered with the solemnity of the occasion, for she began to cough
+and seemed almost ready to choke.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Poor Benno was crushed. He had privately exulted when he had learned
+that there was no danger of a visit from his new distinguished
+relative, of whom he stood in such awe that for her reception he would
+have donned his grandest attire, and now here she was, and he in his
+shirt-sleeves! In his confusion he took his pocket-handkerchief and
+tried to flap away the smoke, but, unfortunately, he flapped it
+directly into the young lady's face, at the same time sweeping his
+clay pipe off the table where he had laid it, and overthrowing his
+arm-chair, the leg of which was broken in the fall. At last Gersdorf
+seized him by the arm: &quot;Pray stop, Benno, or you will make things
+worse,&quot; he said, kindly. &quot;First of all let me present you to my wife.
+My cousin, Benno Reinsfeld, Molly dear.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Molly bestowed a most ungracious glance upon this man in his
+shirt-sleeves who was presented to her as a relative,--really it was
+exceedingly provoking.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I regret extremely having disturbed the gentlemen,&quot; she said, with a
+withering look at her husband. &quot;My husband informed me that he should
+pay you a visit. Dr. Reinsfeld, but no time was appointed for his
+return.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Madame,&quot; stammered Benno, in great confusion, &quot;it is a great
+honour--and certainly----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am glad to hear it,&quot; the lady interrupted him without more ado. &quot;My
+luggage is outside; pray have it brought in. I shall stay here for a
+while.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">This was too much; the doctor was in despair. He thought of the bare
+little garret room which was all he had had to offer to his cousin, and
+now here was a Baroness Ernsthausen about to occupy it also! Suddenly
+his wild, wandering glances fell upon the jacket he had been looking
+for so anxiously: it lay on the floor beside him; he snatched it up,
+and vanished into the next room. Gronau, whose distaste for 'the
+ladies' was as decided as it was respectful, hobbled after him, closing
+the door, as he left the room, with a crash that shook the house.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Have I fallen among savages?&quot; Molly asked, indignant at this
+reception. &quot;One shrieks, another runs away, and the third----!&quot; She
+fairly shuddered at the thought that this third was her husband.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But Gersdorf cared not a whit for the frown upon her pretty face. Now
+that they were alone, he hurried towards her with outstretched arms:
+&quot;And you really came, Molly?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Molly withdrew from his embrace, retreated a step, and declared
+solemnly, &quot;Albert,--you are a monster!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But, Molly----!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;A monster!&quot; she repeated, with emphasis. &quot;Mamma says so, and she
+thinks I ought to requite you with scorn. That is why I came.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Ah, indeed, is that why?&quot; said Albert, relieving her of her
+travelling-bag. She allowed this attention, but maintained her
+dignified attitude.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You have deserted me,--me, your lawful wedded wife,--deserted me
+shamefully, and upon our wedding-tour!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Pardon me, my child, you deserted me,&quot; Gersdorf protested. &quot;You drove
+off with the picnic-party----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;For a few hours! And when I returned you were gone,--gone to the
+wilderness,--for this Oberstein is no less,--and now here you sit in
+this detestable tobacco-smoke, smoking and laughing and joking. Don't
+deny it, Albert, you were laughing. I heard your voice plainly from
+outside.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I certainly was laughing, but that is no crime.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;When your wife was away!&quot; Molly exclaimed, angrily,--&quot;when your
+deeply-injured wife was at that very moment bewailing the fate that has
+fettered her to a heartless husband! Oh, how could you!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She sobbed aloud, and in her despair threw herself upon the sofa;
+bouncing up again instantly, however, in dismay at its extreme
+hardness.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Molly,&quot; her husband said, seriously, as he approached her, &quot;you knew
+why I wished to avoid those people, and I thought my wife would have
+stood by me. I was very sorry to find myself mistaken.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The reproof went home; Molly cast down her eyes and replied, meekly &quot;I
+care nothing for all those stupid people; but mamma thought I ought not
+to allow myself to be tyrannized over.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And you complied with your mother's request rather than with mine, and
+preferred to mine the company of strangers.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You did so too,&quot; sobbed Molly; &quot;you drove away without a thought of
+your poor wife consumed with grief and longing!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Albert put his arm around her caressingly, as he said, tenderly, &quot;And
+were you really unhappy, my little Molly? So was I.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">His young wife looked up at him through her tears, and nestled close to
+him: &quot;When were you coming back?&quot; she asked.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The day after to-morrow, if I could have managed to stay away so
+long.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And I came to-day. Is not that enough for you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, my darling, quite enough!&quot; said Gersdorf. &quot;And if you choose we
+will return to Heilborn this very day.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No, we will not,&quot; said Molly, resolutely. &quot;I have quarrelled with
+mamma, and with papa too; they did not want me to come. I have brought
+our luggage, and now we will stay here.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;So much the better,&quot; said Albert, much relieved. &quot;I went to Heilborn
+solely for your sake, and here we are really in the midst of the
+mountains. I am only afraid that we must try to find some other
+quarters; the doctor's house can hardly hold you with all your trunks.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The little lady turned up her nose as she surveyed the room, where the
+smoke still lingered and the broken pipe and the three-legged chair
+encumbered the floor.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, this seems a detestable bachelor establishment. You would grow
+careless enough with this cousin of yours, who rushes away like a
+madman if a lady makes her appearance. Has he no manners at all?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Poor Benno was so terribly embarrassed,&quot; Albert said, by way of
+excuse. &quot;He completely lost his head. Be kind to him, Molly, I pray
+you, for he is the best fellow in the world. And now let me go look
+after your luggage.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He went, and Frau Gersdorf took her seat upon the sofa, with more
+caution than before. In a few moments another door was softly and
+timidly opened, and the master of the house appeared. He had employed
+the time of his absence in arranging his dress, and he now approached
+his guest with much humility. At first she seemed scarcely inclined to
+be as amiable as her husband had entreated her to be; on the contrary,
+she eyed her new cousin with judicial severity.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Madame,&quot; he began, with hesitation, &quot;pray pardon me that, upon your
+unexpected arrival--I was very sorry for it, very sorry----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;For my arrival?&quot; Molly interrupted him, indignantly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;God forbid, no!&quot; exclaimed Benno. &quot;I only meant--I wished to observe
+that I am a bachelor.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Unfortunately,&quot; said Molly, still ungraciously. &quot;It is very sad to be
+a bachelor. Why do you not marry?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I?&quot; cried Benno, dismayed at the question.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Certainly; you must marry as soon as possible.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The words sounded so dictatorial that the doctor did not venture to
+contradict them; he merely bowed so profoundly that Frau Molly began to
+feel her irritation evaporate, and she added, in a milder tone,--</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Albert is married and likes it extremely. Do you doubt it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Oh, no, assuredly not,&quot; poor Benno hastened to reply; &quot;but I----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Well, you, Herr Doctor?&quot; his new relative persisted.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am not accustomed to ladies' society, and my manners are very rude,&quot;
+he said, sadly,--&quot;very rude, madame,--and that unfits me for social
+enjoyment.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">This confession found favour with Molly. A man who felt his
+deficiencies so profoundly deserved sympathy. She laid aside her air of
+severity and rejoined, kindly,--</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;They can easily be improved. Come, sit down, Herr Doctor, and let us
+discuss the matter.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What! Marriage?&quot; Benno asked, in renewed dismay. This seemed like an
+immediate settlement of his future life, and he was naturally startled.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Oh, no: only your manners, for the present. You are anxious to learn,
+I can see; all you want is some one to advise and train you. I will do
+it!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Oh, madame, how kind you are!&quot; said the doctor, with so touching an
+expression of gratitude that his instructor of eighteen was entirely
+won over.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am your cousin, and my name is Molly,&quot; she rejoined. &quot;We must call
+each other by our first names; so, Benno, come and sit down by me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He complied with her invitation rather shyly, but the little lady soon
+put him entirely at his ease. She questioned him closely, and he soon
+grew very confidential; he told her about his awkwardness at the
+Nordheim villa, his consequent mortification, and his desperate but
+fruitless attempts to attain some degree of ease of manner. As he went
+on, all his awkwardness vanished and he showed himself as he was,
+frank, true, intelligent, and kindly. When Gersdorf returned at the end
+of a quarter of an hour, he found his wife and his cousin talking
+together like the best of friends.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I have had the luggage brought here for the present,&quot; he said, &quot;and I
+have sent to know if we can have rooms at the inn.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Not at all necessary,&quot; said Molly; &quot;we can stay here. I am sure Benno
+will make room for us; will you not, Benno?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Of course I will,&quot; the doctor exclaimed, eagerly. &quot;I shall move out.
+Gronau and I can move into the garret, and you can have the lower
+rooms, Molly. I will go and have it arranged immediately.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He sprang up, and hurried out to do as he said.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Benno?--Molly? You seem to have made astonishing progress in a few
+minutes!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Albert, your cousin is a very superior man,&quot; Molly declared. &quot;We must
+befriend the young fellow; it is our duty as his relatives.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Her husband burst out laughing: &quot;The young fellow? Allow me to observe,
+madame, that he is just twelve years your senior.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am a married woman,&quot; was the dignified reply, &quot;and he,
+unfortunately, is a bachelor. But it is not his fault, and I shall have
+him married as soon as possible.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Good heavens!&quot; exclaimed Gersdorf, &quot;you have scarcely seen poor Benno,
+and you are already scheming to marry him? I beg you----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He got no further, for his wife confronted him with an indignant air:
+&quot;'Poor,' do you call him, because he is to be married? You think
+marriage a misfortune, then. Is it because your own is unhappy? Albert,
+what can you mean by such words?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But Albert only laughed the more; undismayed by his wife's impressive
+manner, he clasped her in his arms, and said, &quot;I mean that there is
+only one little woman in the world who can make her husband as happy as
+I am. Does this explanation content you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And Frau Gersdorf was content.</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>CHAPTER XIV.</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1_14" href="#div1Ref_14">MIDSUMMER BLESSING.</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+<p class="normal">The afternoon sun shone merrily down upon the gay assemblage
+on the
+green before the inn at Oberstein. Insignificant as the place was, it
+was a gathering-point for the inhabitants of all the scattered hamlets
+and farms in the country round, and all who could had come to the
+festival, which began with the service in church in the morning, while
+the afternoon was given over to the usual holiday enjoyments.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The St. John's dance, which, in accordance with ancient custom, was
+always danced in the open air, had been going on for some time upon the
+improvised dancing-floor in front of the inn. The young peasants, both
+men and maidens, were engaged in it, while their elders were seated at
+small tables with their beer-glasses. The country musicians fiddled
+away unweariedly, and the children played hide-and-seek and ran hither
+and thither among the happy crowd. It was a lively, merry scene, and
+its charm was much enhanced by the picturesque holiday costumes of the
+mountaineers.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The presence of the 'city folk,' who had just appeared, did not in the
+least disturb the festivities, for the young engineers quartered in
+Oberstein joined in the dance, and the two swarthy servants brought by
+the foreign gentleman from Heilborn were objects of admiring wonder for
+the peasants.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Waltenberg and the Nordheim ladies were seated at a table in the little
+garden on one side of the inn, and here Herr Gersdorf and his wife
+joined them. Greatly pleased by this meeting, the entire party was in a
+very merry mood, with the exception of Frau von Lasberg.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She took no pleasure in any peasant festivities, even as a spectator,
+and she had, besides, had a slight headache, so she had resolved to
+decline joining the party. Elmhorst, however, had sent word that it
+would be impossible for him to escort his betrothed on this occasion,
+as there had been some damage caused to the lower portion of the
+railway by a freshet, and he was obliged to drive down to inspect it.
+Upon this the old lady had resolved to sacrifice her comfort to her
+sense of propriety, which would not allow her to leave the two young
+ladies to be escorted only by Waltenberg, who was not as yet Erna's
+declared lover. She drove up the mountain with them, suffering an
+increase of headache in consequence, and now here was Molly, who had
+been in deep disgrace with the old lady since her marriage.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Molly knew this perfectly well, and took no pains to regain the lost
+favour. She expressed an ardent desire to join in the dance, declared
+that the elegant seclusion of the garden was a great bore, and finally
+proposed to mingle with the peasantry; in short, she nearly drove poor
+Frau von Lasberg to desperation.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And if Benno comes, I shall dance with him although it should make
+Albert jealous,&quot; she said, with a glance towards her husband, who was
+standing with Erna and Waltenberg at the picket-fence looking on at the
+merriment on the green. &quot;The poor doctor never has a moment's pleasure;
+just as we were setting out he was called to a patient, fortunately
+here in Oberstein, so he promised to follow us in half an hour. Alice,
+I hear that you are now under Benno's care.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The young lady nodded assent, and Frau von Lasberg remarked,
+condescendingly, &quot;Alice conforms to the wishes of her betrothed, but I
+greatly fear that Herr Elmhorst over-estimates his friend when he
+attaches more value to his diagnosis than to that of our first medical
+authorities. And there is, at all events, great risk in intrusting his
+betrothed to the care of a young physician who, by his own confession,
+has practised almost exclusively among peasants.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I think Herr Elmhorst perfectly right,&quot; Molly declared, with dignity.
+&quot;Our cousin can easily compete with the 'first medical authorities,' I
+assure you, madame.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Baroness Lasberg smiled rather contemptuously: &quot;Ah, excuse me! I really
+forgot that Dr. Reinsfeld is now a relative of yours, my dear
+Baroness.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Frau Gersdorf, if you please,&quot; Molly corrected her. &quot;I am very proud
+of my husband's name, and of my dignity as a married woman.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;So I perceive!&quot; the old lady remarked, with an indignant glance at the
+young wife who so paraded her matrimonial satisfaction, and who,
+nothing daunted, chattered on merrily,--</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What did you think of Benno, Alice? He was perfectly inconsolable for
+his awkwardness on that first visit. Were you really as annoyed by it
+as he thinks you were?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Your cousin's deportment was certainly not calculated to inspire
+confidence, Frau Gersdorf,&quot; the Baroness remarked, emphasizing the
+plebeian name; but to her immense surprise she here encountered
+opposition from her usually passive charge. Alice raised her head, and
+said, with unwonted decision, &quot;Dr. Reinsfeld made a very agreeable
+impression upon me, and I entirely share Wolfgang's confidence in him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Molly glanced triumphantly at the old lady, and was about to launch
+forth in praise of her 'relative,' when the man himself made his
+appearance.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">To-day Benno was clad in his trim Sunday costume, which differed but
+little from that of the mountaineers of the district, and was generally
+adopted by gentlemen among the mountains. The gray jacket braided with
+green and the dark-green hat with its chamois beard became him
+admirably, setting off his powerful, well-knit frame to the best
+advantage; and here where all around him was familiar he almost lost
+his shyness. He greeted his relatives and Erna cordially, and received
+Waltenberg courteously; even his bow to Frau von Lasberg was quite
+correct. It was only when he turned to Alice that the composure
+hitherto so bravely maintained forsook him; he blushed, and stammered,
+and cast down his eyes. At first he hardly understood what she said to
+him, hearing only the sweet, gentle voice, as kind in its tone
+as it had been before in 'fairy-land.' He partially recovered his
+self-control only when she spoke of her companion. &quot;Poor Baroness
+Lasberg is suffering from a violent headache, and it has been worse
+since she sacrificed herself by driving up here with us. Can you
+suggest a remedy?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Frau von Lasberg, who was sniffing at her vinaigrette, looked dismayed;
+she had no idea of intrusting her precious health to this peasant
+doctor. Reinsfeld modestly suggested that the pain had been increased
+by the broad sunshine and the noise, and proposed that she should
+retire for an hour to some cool, quiet room in the inn. He hurried away
+to call the hostess, who came immediately and conducted the old lady,
+who really felt quite ill and saw the advisability of taking the rest
+suggested, to a quiet room on the side of the house that looked away
+from the revellers.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Thank heaven, now we are left to ourselves, and can go to the dance!&quot;
+said Molly, rising to lead the way.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What! among the peasants?&quot; Alice asked, in alarm.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;In their very midst,&quot; the young wife undauntedly replied. &quot;Do not look
+so horrified. You ought to thank God that your duenna has the headache,
+for else she never would have let you go. Benno, offer your arm to
+Fräulein Nordheim.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Benno looked equally horrified at this command; but Molly had taken
+possession of her husband, and Waltenberg had given his arm to Erna, so
+there was nothing for it but to obey.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Fräulein Nordheim,--will you allow me?&quot; he asked, timidly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Alice hesitated a moment, but then, either tempted by the gaiety
+outside, or induced by the timid address, she smiled, and took the
+offered arm, to follow the others, who had already left the garden.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The pair walked slowly; the doctor was a rather mute cavalier: he
+hardly spoke, but looked with shy admiration at the young girl beside
+him, who did not, however, seem to him half so unapproachable and
+distinguished as she had been on their first interview. She looked
+graceful and simple in her light-blue muslin and her flower-trimmed
+straw hat; it was just the frame for her face, if only the face were
+not so pale. She was apparently somewhat afraid of the crowd, and when
+loud shouting was heard from the dancing floor she paused, and looked
+up timidly at her escort.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Are you afraid, Fräulein Nordheim?&quot; he asked. &quot;Then let us go back.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Alice shook her head, and replied, in an undertone, &quot;I am unused to it;
+but I do not believe the people are really rude.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Indeed they are not!&quot; Benno declared. &quot;There is nothing to fear from
+our Wolkensteiners,--that I can testify, having lived as long as I have
+among them.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, for five years, Wolfgang tells me. How have you managed it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The question was put in a tone of such compassion that Benno smiled:
+&quot;Oh, it is not so terrible as you suppose. It is, to be sure, a lonely
+life, and at times a laborious one, but it has its pleasures.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Pleasures?&quot; Alice repeated, dubiously, raising her large brown eyes to
+his, which so confused the doctor that he forgot to reply.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Suddenly there was a movement among the crowd: they perceived Reinsfeld
+for the first time,--for on his arrival he had come through the
+inn,--and instantly a circle was formed about him. &quot;The Herr Doctor!
+Our Herr Doctor! Here he is!&quot; resounded from all sides, while twenty,
+thirty heads were bared, and as many brown hands were stretched out to
+the young physician. Old and young thronged about him eager for a word
+or a look or to bid 'God bless' him. There was an outburst of
+enthusiasm at sight of their 'doctor.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Reinsfeld glanced with some anxiety at his companion,--he feared she
+might be annoyed by these stormy demonstrations; but Alice seemed, on
+the contrary, to enjoy them; she clung rather closer to his arm, but
+she looked unusually happy and interested.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">No sooner did the doctor explain that the young lady wished to look on
+at the dance than all began eagerly to arrange a place for her. The
+entire crowd about the doctor accompanied them to the dancing-floor;
+the rows of spectators were ruthlessly parted asunder, a chair was
+brought, and a few moments later Alice was seated in the midst of all
+the joyous tumult of St. John's day, and the sturdy mountaineers formed
+a sort of <i>garde d'honneur</i> on each side of her, taking care that the
+whirling couples did not fly past her close enough to brush the
+Fräulein's skirt. There was a certain rude chivalry in the way in which
+they arranged the place for the companion of their doctor.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The people seem very fond of you,&quot; said Alice. &quot;I did not imagine that
+the peasantry were so devoted to their physician.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;They are not usually,&quot; was Reinsfeld's reply. &quot;They are apt to see in
+him only a man who costs them money, and they try not to avail
+themselves of his help. But the relation between the Wolkensteiners and
+myself is exceptional. We have gone through some hard times together,
+and they give me credit for not leaving them in the lurch, and for
+going indiscriminately to every one who needs me, even although the
+poor wretch have only a 'God bless you!' by way of fee. There is a
+great deal of poverty among the people, and it is impossible to think
+only of one's self; at least I have found it so.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, that I know,&quot; Alice interposed, with unusual vivacity. &quot;You did
+not think of yourself when a better position was offered you. Wolfgang
+mentioned that during your visit the other day.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As she referred to it Benno coloured slightly: &quot;Do you really remember
+that remark of his? Yes, Wolf was very much provoked with me at the
+time, and I suppose he was right. The position was undoubtedly a good
+one, in a hospital in one of our large cities, and by a lucky chance I
+was preferred beyond any of my colleagues; but the condition attached
+was that I should report myself at the election, and enter immediately
+upon the duties of my office.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And you had patients here in the village who were very ill at the
+time?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Not only here, but everywhere throughout the district. Diphtheria had
+broken out, and the children brought home contagion from school. One or
+two were lying ill in almost every house, and most of the cases were
+very serious, for the epidemic was particularly virulent,--and just
+when it was at its height the place was offered me! The nearest
+physician lived half a day's journey away, and my distinguished
+colleagues in Heilborn do not come up to the lonely farms through storm
+and snow,--it would cost the people too dear. I delayed my departure
+from day to day, and Wolfgang kept urging me, but I <i>could</i> not go.
+Hansel, come here!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He beckoned to a boy of about six who had worked his way to the front
+and stood looking on delightedly at the dancers. He was a sturdy little
+fellow, with flaxen hair and a fresh, chubby face. He obeyed the call
+instantly, very proud to be summoned by the doctor, and looked up
+confidingly at the young lady to whom he was presented.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Look at this fellow, Fräulein Nordheim,&quot; Reinsfeld went on; &quot;he does
+not look as if, eight months ago, he lay very nearly dying, does he? He
+is the grandson of old Seppel, who used to be at Wolkenstein Court, and
+he has a little sister who was at the point of death also. Those two
+decided the matter! Just as I had resolved to set out, Sepp came to me
+on a stormy night; the old man cried bitterly, and the mother, a young
+peasant-woman, wailed out, 'Do not go, Herr Doctor! If you leave us the
+boy will die, and the girl too.' I knew better than they did the need
+in which they stood of medical aid, and there were others too who
+needed me sorely. This poor little rogue struggled so with the
+frightful disease, and looked up at me with such beseeching eyes, as if
+I were absolutely the Almighty,--and I stayed. I could not find it in
+my heart to leave the poor little things to suffer just that I might
+feather my own nest. I sent word, to be sure, why I was obliged to
+delay, but the gentlemen in authority in could not wait, of course;
+there were many other applicants, and one of them got the position.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And you?&quot; Alice asked, gently.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I? Well, Fräulein Nordheim, I never repented it, for I brought most of
+my little patients through, and since then the Wolkensteiners have been
+willing to go through fire and water to serve me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Alice made no rejoinder; she looked up for a moment at the man who
+related all this so simply and as if it were quite a matter of course
+that he should relinquish his future, and then she drew little Hansel
+towards her and gently kissed the boy's rosy cheek. There was something
+inexpressibly tender in the act, and Benno's eyes sparkled as he was
+conscious of the silent recognition thus conveyed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Well, Benno, are you receiving the homage of the assembled populace?&quot;
+cried Molly, approaching with her husband; and Gersdorf added, with a
+laugh,--</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, it was really a triumphal procession that escorted Fräulein
+Nordheim and yourself to the dancing-floor. Pray allow us some share of
+your popularity.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Waltenberg and Erna soon joined them, and the entire party made
+themselves comfortable in a corner of the dancing-floor. Poor Frau von
+Lasberg little dreamed what were the consequences of her headache.
+Alice, her charge, who had been so carefully shielded from every noise,
+from all undesirable association,--Alice was sitting close beside the
+ear-splitting music of the rural orchestra, in the midst of the shouts
+and whoops of the dancers, whose nail-shod soles stamped out the time
+amid the whirling dust, and, strange to say, she was extremely well
+entertained. There was a faint flush on her pale cheek, her eyes had
+lost their weary expression and beamed with pleasure, and Benno
+Reinsfeld was standing beside her chair, prouder and happier than he
+had ever been in his life before, conducting himself like the very pink
+of courtesy. Verily, it was a day of signs and wonders!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The doctor's popularity, however, had its drawbacks, as was soon to
+appear. Little Hansel had been summoned by his mother with an air of
+mystery from the dancing-floor to be intrusted with an important
+mission. Old Sepp had brought from the Nordheim villa the intelligence
+that Fräulein von Thurgau and the foreign gentleman from Heilborn were
+either already betrothed or were going to be, and that they were only
+waiting for the president's return to have their betrothal publicly
+announced. The young peasant-woman, Seppel's daughter, who had also
+been a servant at Wolkenstein Court until her marriage, and still
+cherished a loyal allegiance to its former mistress, was quite beside
+herself with joy at sight of her beloved Fräulein, to whom she proudly
+presented her two children. Hansel was now to repeat the St. John's
+verse to the betrothed pair, and, accompanied by his sister, to present
+to them the bunch of flowers which obliged those receiving it to dance
+together. The Fräulein knew the old custom and would be delighted to
+comply with it with her 'schatz.' From the fresh bouquet of Alpine
+flowers which decorated the inn parlour the finest were selected, and a
+rehearsal hurriedly took place, in which Hansel had sustained with
+great credit the part which he was now to play in public.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was a pause in the dancing, and the music was silent as Hansel
+again made his appearance on the floor, one hand full of Alpine
+flowers, while with the other he led along his little sister, who
+carried a nosegay equally large. With much gravity he advanced, as he
+had been instructed to do, towards the group of ladies and gentlemen;
+but the directions given him could not have been sufficiently clear,
+for the two children marched straight up to Alice and the doctor, and
+offered them the flowers, while Hansel began to recite his verse.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Gracious, Hansel, those are not the right ones!&quot; his mother cried in a
+loud whisper, but Hansel was not to be deterred. For him there was but
+one 'right one,' and that was the Herr Doctor, with the young lady
+beside him. So he went bravely through his verse, and ended with
+emphasis,--</p>
+<div class="poem">
+<p class="t4" style="text-indent:-8px">
+&quot;Do not refuse it,--</p>
+<p class="t5">Our offering of flowers,</p>
+<p class="t4">And midsummer's blessings</p>
+<p class="t5">Fall on you in showers.&quot;</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="normal">Alice, surprised, graciously accepted the bouquet which the little girl
+held out to her, but Benno, who understood the significance of the
+little comedy, was overwhelmed with embarrassment.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But, my boy,--my little girl, what are you thinking of?&quot; he exclaimed,
+trying to turn the children aside. Hansel, however, stood his ground
+sturdily and thrust his nosegay into the doctor's hand.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Ah, take his flowers,&quot; Alice said, in entire unconsciousness. &quot;What
+does it all mean?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It is the ancient St. John's blessing,&quot; Erna explained, smiling, &quot;and
+the flowers mean that you positively must dance with the doctor, Alice;
+I am afraid there is no help for it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Oh, this is delightful!&quot; Molly cried, clapping her hands. &quot;Of course;
+Benno must dance by all means.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Poor Reinsfeld was in despair, but Waltenberg and Gersdorf laughingly
+insisted, and even Erna, who probably guessed, from the young
+peasant-wife's face, the state of the case, entered into the jest. &quot;You
+need only go once round the floor, Alice,&quot; she said. &quot;Comply with the
+old custom; you will offend the people if you refuse their doctor, of
+whom they think so much, the dance to which, in their opinion, he has a
+right. It would be to reject the midsummer blessing which they so
+kindly invoke for you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Alice did not seem for her part to think the custom a very strange one;
+she merely smiled on perceiving the young physician's intense
+embarrassment, and, turning to him, said, in an undertone,--</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;We must comply with their wish, Herr Doctor; do you not think so?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Poor Benno, who had never danced save at these rural festivals, fairly
+grew giddy at these words.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Fräulein Nordheim--would you?&quot; he asked.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In reply Alice arose and took his arm. Those standing about, who
+thought it all a matter of course, made room, the music struck up, and
+in another moment the couple were whirling away.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Meanwhile, Frau von Lasberg was feeling much better,--the cool quiet of
+the secluded apartment had really done her good; she came rustling in
+great majesty to the door of the inn, where, to her intense annoyance,
+she found her egress barred by a crowd of people, among whom were
+Gronau with Said and Djelma, and the host and hostess. All were
+stretching their necks to gaze towards the dancing-floor, which could
+be seen very easily from the top of the inn steps, and where something
+remarkable seemed to be going on.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Baroness was naturally of too refined a nature to share in such
+vulgar curiosity, and she was annoyed that no one seemed to perceive
+her; she turned to Said, who stood near her, and said, authoritatively,
+&quot;Said, stand aside; are the ladies still in the garden?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No; on the dancing-floor,&quot; Said replied, delighted.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Frau von Lasberg was indignant; she suspected some folly of Molly's,
+that <i>enfant terrible</i>: &quot;And they have left Fräulein Nordheim alone?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No; the Fräulein is dancing with the doctor!&quot; Said explained, showing
+his white teeth in a grin.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Baroness shrugged her shoulders at the stupidity of the negro, with
+his broken German; but, involuntarily looking in the direction whither
+he pointed, she saw what almost paralyzed her,--the doctor's athletic
+figure with its arm about the waist of a young lady in a light
+summer-gown and a straw hat trimmed with flowers,--her pupil, Alice
+Nordheim. And they were dancing together! Fräulein Alice Nordheim
+dancing with the peasant doctor!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was more than Frau von Lasberg's overtaxed nerves could endure. She
+very nearly fainted, and would have fallen had not Said received her in
+his arms, as was of course his duty; but in great embarrassment as to
+what was to be done with his burden, he called out, &quot;Herr Gronau! Herr
+Gronau! I have got a lady!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Well, you had better keep her, then,&quot; said Veit, who, quite unaware of
+what was going on, stood at some distance and did not even turn his
+head. The host and hostess, however, heard the distressed exclamation
+and hurried to the rescue. There was a vast stir and commotion, and
+Djelma was running off to the dancing-floor, when Gronau detained him:
+&quot;Stop! Where are you going?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;To bring the doctor.&quot; But Veit held him fast.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Stay where you are!&quot; Veit ordered. &quot;Is the poor doctor never to have
+any pleasure? Let him have his dance out, and then he can restore the
+Frau Baroness.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The crowd about the dancing-floor were quite unconscious of this
+episode, and the couple danced on. Benno's arm encircled the delicate
+waist, and his eyes rested with delight upon the lovely face, no longer
+pale, but tinged by the exercise a rosy pink, that was raised to his
+own, and as he gazed he forgot Oberstein and the entire world.
+Oberstein, however, was hugely delighted with the turn affairs had
+taken, and testified to its pleasure in unmistakable fashion: the
+musicians fiddled away with enthusiasm, the peasant lads and lasses
+shouted, Hansel and his little sister skipped about, keeping time to
+the waltz, and all the Wolkensteiners sang in chorus,--</p>
+<div class="poem">
+<p class="t4" style="text-indent:-8px">
+&quot;Do not refuse it,--</p>
+<p class="t5">Our offering of flowers,</p>
+<p class="t4">And midsummer's blessings</p>
+<p class="t5">Fall on you in showers.&quot;</p>
+</div>
+
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>CHAPTER XV.</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1_15" href="#div1Ref_15">A BETROTHAL.</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+<p class="normal">Nearly four weeks had gone by, and July was approaching its
+close, when
+President Nordheim returned to his mountain-villa. Meanwhile, the
+engineer-in-chief, whose ill health had long necessitated his resigning
+his position into Elmhorst's hands in all save the name, had died, and
+there had been but one opinion as to the man who should succeed him;
+the future son-in-law of the president, the engineer of the Wolkenstein
+bridge, was unanimously chosen to fill the vacant post. He was thus at
+the head of the huge undertaking now so near its completion.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Several hours after Nordheim's return he retired with Wolfgang to his
+study, there to discuss the matter, which they had not done hitherto
+save by letter. Both were well content.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Your election was a mere form,&quot; said the president. &quot;There was
+no name save yours mentioned; nevertheless I congratulate you, Herr
+Engineer-in-Chief.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Elmhorst smiled slightly, but with none of that proud
+self-consciousness with which he had formerly achieved his appointment
+as superintendent, and yet that had been only the starting-point of the
+career the goal of which was now attained so brilliantly. A change had
+taken place in him: he looked pale and depressed, and in the keen eyes,
+whose depths had seemed so cold, there glowed from time to time a fire
+which leaped to light, only to flicker unsteadily and then to be as
+quickly extinguished. In conversation, too, he no longer preserved his
+old deliberate composure; in spite of all his self-control the man
+seemed to be consumed by some inward struggle, which did not permit him
+to march forward to gratify his ambition without looking either to the
+right or to the left,--some racking, tormenting struggle barred his
+path.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Thank you, sir,&quot; he replied. &quot;I value highly the proof thus given me
+of the confidence reposed in me, and I confess, besides, that I take
+satisfaction in knowing that the completion of the work to which I have
+given the best that is in me should be connected with my name.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Do you set such a value on that?&quot; Nordheim asked, indifferently.
+&quot;True, such an ambition is still natural at your age; but you will soon
+outgrow it when loftier interests come to the fore.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Loftier than the honour that attaches to the creation of a great
+work?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;More practical interests, I mean,--interests of more decisive
+weight,--and it is precisely of them that I wish to speak with you. You
+know that I have long cherished the desire to retire from the company
+as soon as the railway shall be opened?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I do; you mentioned it to me some months ago, and surprised me
+exceedingly. Why should you wish to retire from an undertaking which
+you practically called into existence?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Because it no longer seems to me sufficiently profitable,&quot; the
+president replied, coolly. &quot;The costs of construction are very
+heavy,--much heavier than I thought; in fact, there was no possibility
+of foreseeing all the difficulties in our way, and then your
+predecessor had such a mania for building with solidity. He sometimes
+drove me to despair with that solidity of his; it was terribly costly.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Excuse me, sir, but I share that same 'mania,'&quot; Wolfgang declared,
+with some emphasis.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Of course. Hitherto you have been simply an engineer of the railway,
+and it could make but little difference to you if it cost a few
+millions more or less. But when in future you engage in such
+undertakings as my son-in-law you will think very differently.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;On such points--never!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Oh, you must learn to do so. In this case we can specially emphasize
+the admirable quality of the structure when the appraisement is made,
+which will probably be this year. The stockholders must own the
+railway; I have resolved upon that, and have already taken steps to
+have it so arranged. My shares stand for millions where others have
+invested tens of thousands at the most; I can consider myself the
+practical proprietor of the entire concern. Consequently I can impose
+my own conditions, and therefore I am especially glad to have you at
+the head of affairs as engineer-in-chief; we need take no stranger into
+counsel, but can work together.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am entirely at your service, sir, as you know; as matters stand, the
+appraisement will be tolerably high.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I hope so,&quot; Nordheim said, slowly and significantly. &quot;Moreover, the
+calculations are for the most part already made. They should be ready
+long beforehand, and they demand the work of a thorough man of
+business. I could not, therefore, call upon you to make them; you have
+enough to do in the conduct of the technical part of the enterprise.
+You will merely be called upon to review and approve the appraisement,
+and in this regard I rely upon you absolutely, Wolfgang. The unbounded
+confidence which you enjoy, as the result of your labours hitherto,
+will make matters very easy for us.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wolfgang looked somewhat puzzled; it was a matter of course that he
+should do his duty and assist his father-in-law to the best of his
+ability, but there seemed some other meaning hidden behind the
+president's words: they sounded odd. There was no opportunity for
+further explanation, however, for Nordheim looked at his watch and
+arose.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Four o'clock already; it will soon be dinner-time. Come, Wolfgang, we
+must not keep the ladies waiting.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You brought Waltenberg with you,&quot; Elmhorst said, as he also rose.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes; he met me in Heilborn, and came over with me. His patience seems
+to have been put to a hard test in these last four weeks. I cannot
+understand the man. He is proud and self-willed, even arrogant in a
+certain way, and yet he allows himself to be the victim of a girl's
+caprice. I mean to have a serious talk with my niece. The matter must
+be decided.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Meanwhile, they had passed through the adjoining room and entered the
+drawing-room, where a servant was employed in raising the curtains,
+which had been drawn down on account of the sun. Nordheim asked if the
+ladies were in the garden.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Only the Baroness Thurgau and Herr Waltenberg,&quot; was the reply.
+&quot;Fräulein Nordheim is in her room, where the Herr Doctor is paying her
+a visit.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Ah, the new physician whom you have discovered,&quot; said the president,
+turning to Wolfgang. &quot;One of your early friends, I think you told me.
+He certainly seems to understand the matter, for Alice has changed
+greatly for the better in a short time. I was quite surprised by her
+appearance and her unusual sprightliness; the doctor seems to have
+worked wonders. What is the name of this Oberstein Æsculapius? You
+forgot to mention it in your letters.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wolfgang had purposely avoided doing so, but he felt no longer called
+upon to pay any regard to what he considered as his friend's whim, and
+he replied, quietly,--</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Dr. Benno Reinsfeld.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Nordheim turned upon him hastily: &quot;Whom did you say?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Benno Reinsfeld,&quot; Elmhorst repeated, amazed at the tone in which the
+question was put. He had supposed that the president would scarcely
+remember the name, and that he would not take the slightest interest in
+the old associations so foreign now to the millionaire. That they had a
+deep and lasting hold upon him was evident, however: Nordheim's face
+grew ghastly pale, and expressed dismay, and even terror, which also
+showed itself in his voice as he exclaimed, &quot;What! that man in
+Oberstein,--and in my house?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wolfgang was about to reply, but at that moment the door opened and
+Benno himself entered. He started slightly upon perceiving the
+president, but paused calmly and bowed. He had just heard from Alice of
+her father's arrival, and was prepared for this encounter.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Nordheim immediately divined who the man was; perhaps he remembered the
+young physician whom he had seen for a moment three years before at
+Wolkenstein Court, without hearing his name, and he was man of the
+world enough to recover himself immediately. With apparent composure he
+greeted the young man whom Wolfgang now presented to him, but his
+impassible features were still ghastly pale.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Herr Elmhorst wrote me that he had availed himself of your skill on
+behalf of his betrothed,&quot; he said, with frigid courtesy, &quot;and I must
+express my thanks to you, Herr Doctor, for your efforts seem to have
+achieved very favourable results; my daughter looks decidedly better.
+Your diagnosis, I hear, differs from that of her former physicians?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Fräulein Nordheim seems to me to be suffering from a derangement of
+the nerves,&quot; said Benno, modestly, &quot;and I have treated her
+accordingly.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Indeed? The other gentlemen were tolerably well agreed in pronouncing
+her heart affected.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I know it, but I do not agree with them, and the result of my
+treatment seems to prove me in the right. I have induced Fräulein
+Nordheim, who has been hitherto forbidden all exercise, to take
+walks and to increase their extent daily, and I have advised some
+mountain-climbing, and that she should spend as much time as possible
+in the open air, since this high atmosphere seems to suit her extremely
+well. Thus far I have cause to be satisfied with her improvement.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;As we all have,&quot; the president assented, gazing meanwhile at the young
+physician as if to read his soul. &quot;As I said, I am grateful to you. You
+live in Oberstein, Wolfgang wrote me. Have you been there long?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Five years, Herr President.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And you intend to remain?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;At least until some better position offers.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;There should be no difficulty about that,&quot; Nordheim remarked, and then
+went on to converse with the young man, but with a degree of distant
+courtesy that entirely precluded familiar ease. Not a word, not a look
+betrayed any consciousness that the man before him was the son of his
+early friend; in spite of his apparent kindliness, his reserve was also
+apparent.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Benno perceived this clearly, but was not at all surprised by it, for
+he had expected nothing else. He knew that the memories roused by his
+name were far from agreeable to the president, and in his modesty he
+never dreamed that the result of his medical treatment of the daughter
+could influence the father. He never thought of recalling associations
+so entirely ignored by the millionaire, and, as the meeting was an
+annoying one for him, he took his leave as soon as possible.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Nordheim looked after him in silence for a few moments, and then,
+turning to Wolfgang with a frown, he asked, sharply, &quot;How came you to
+make this acquaintance?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;As I have told you, Reinsfeld is one of my early friends, whom I met
+again here in Oberstein.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And you have known him for years without ever mentioning his name to
+me?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I avoided doing so by Benno's express desire, for your name is as well
+known to him as his to you. You do not wish to be reminded that his
+father was your fellow-student,--I perceived that to-day.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What do you know about it?&quot; the president asked, angrily. &quot;Did the
+doctor speak to you about it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;He did, and informed me that the former friendship had ended in entire
+alienation.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Nordheim leaned his hand as if accidentally upon the back of the chair
+by which he was standing; his face had grown pale again, and his voice
+was rather tremulous as he asked, &quot;Indeed! And what does he know about
+it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Nothing at all! He was a boy at the time, and never learned what
+caused the breach; but he was much too proud to approach you in any
+way, and therefore made me promise to avoid mentioning his name for as
+long as I could.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Involuntarily Nordheim breathed a deep sigh; he made no rejoinder, but
+walked to the window.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It seems to me that Dr. Reinsfeld was entitled to a more cordial
+reception,&quot; Wolfgang began again, evidently hurt by the cool way in
+which his friend had been treated. &quot;Of course I know nothing of what
+occurred formerly----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Nor do I wish you to know,&quot; the president sharply interrupted him.
+&quot;The affair was of a purely personal character, and one of which I
+alone can judge; but you knew that this Reinsfeld could not be
+agreeable to me, and I cannot understand how you came to introduce him
+into my house and intrust my daughter's health to him. It was an act of
+supererogation which I cannot approve.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He was evidently much irritated by his encounter with Benno, and was
+wreaking his irritation upon his future son-in-law, who was, however,
+nowise inclined to submit to be addressed in a tone which he heard
+today for the first time.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I regret, sir, that the matter should annoy you,&quot; he said, coldly,
+&quot;but there is no question here of supererogation. It is certainly my
+right to call in for my betrothed a physician in whom I have perfect
+confidence, and who, as you yourself must admit, has entirely justified
+my confidence. I could not possibly surmise that an old grudge, dating
+twenty years back, and of which Benno is as innocent as he is ignorant,
+could make you so unjust. Your former friend is long since dead, and
+all unpleasantness should be buried with him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am the only judge of that,&quot; Nordheim interrupted him, with a fresh
+access of anger. &quot;Enough. I will not have this man coming to my house.
+I will send him a fee,--of course a very large fee,--and decline
+further visits from him upon any pretext whatsoever. And I also request
+you to discontinue your intercourse with him. I do not approve of it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The words sounded like a command, but the young engineer-in-chief was
+not the man to submit. His eyes flashed: &quot;I think I have told you, sir,
+that Dr. Reinsfeld is my friend,&quot; he said, sternly, &quot;and of course
+there can be no question of giving him up. It would insult him, after
+the pains he has taken with Alice's health, to dismiss him with a fee
+before her cure is complete. And I must beg you also to adopt another
+tone in speaking of him. Benno is a man deserving of the greatest
+regard; beneath an unpretending and even awkward exterior he possesses
+characteristics and talents worthy of all admiration.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Indeed?&quot; The president laughed scornfully. &quot;I am learning to know you
+to-day, Wolfgang, in an entirely new character,--that of an
+enthusiastic and self-sacrificing friend. I should hardly have thought
+it of you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am at least wont to stand up for my friends, and not to leave them
+in the lurch,&quot; was the very decided reply.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But I repeat that I do not choose to have this man in my house,&quot;
+Nordheim said, dictatorially. &quot;I suppose I am master here.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Certainly; but in <i>my</i> future house Benno will always be a welcome
+guest, and I shall explain this to him unreservedly, in case I should
+be obliged by your dismissal of him to discuss the matter with him, and
+to--excuse you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The words left nothing to be desired in the way of emphasis. It was the
+first time that there had been a difference of opinion between the two
+men; hitherto their views and interests had been identical. Wolfgang;
+showed in this first encounter that he was no docile son-in-law, but
+could maintain his ground with entire resolution. He certainly would
+not yield, as the president could clearly see; and probably Nordheim
+had some reason for not pushing him to extremities, for he lowered his
+tone.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The matter is not worth a dispute,&quot; he said, with a shrug. &quot;What, in
+fact, is this Dr. Reinsfeld to me? I would rather not be reminded by
+the sight of him of a disagreeable circumstance,--nothing more. In
+spite of your enthusiastic eulogy, I take the liberty of finding him as
+insignificant as was the incident that caused me to break with his
+father. Let the matter drop, for all I care.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He could not have astounded Wolfgang more than by this unwonted
+acquiescence. This indifference was in direct contrast with his former
+feverish irritability. The young man was silent and appeared satisfied,
+but the ancient grudge had acquired a new significance in his eyes. He
+was now convinced that the cause of it had not been insignificant; a
+man like Nordheim would not have preserved for twenty years the memory
+of a mere bagatelle.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Alice here made her appearance, to the evident relief of her father,
+who made no reference to the physician's visit, but began to talk of
+other things, and Wolfgang also took pains to conceal his annoyance.
+Alice did not perceive anything amiss; she was on her way to the garden
+to look for Erna, and her father, as well as her betrothed, joined her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The garden of the villa was scarcely in accord with its elevated
+situation, where the usual flowers and ornamental shrubs enjoyed but a
+short summer, and were buried beneath the snow during more than half
+the year. The beds that had been laid out on the former meadow were
+fresh and sunny, but the little pine forest adjoining the garden, and
+extending to the foot of the cliffs, offered a cool, shady retreat from
+the hot sun.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It formed a kind of natural park, to which the moss-grown rocks,
+detached from their mountain-home in some ancient avalanche, and lying
+scattered here and there, lent a romantic charm.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Upon a rustic seat at the base of one of these rocks sat the Baroness
+Thurgau, and before her stood Ernst Waltenberg, but not engaged in calm
+conversation; he had sprung up and planted himself before her as if to
+prevent her escape. He was greatly agitated. &quot;No, no, Fräulein Thurgau,
+you must stay and hear me!&quot; he exclaimed. &quot;You have repeatedly escaped
+me of late when I would fain have uttered what has been upon my lips
+for months. Stay, I entreat! I can endure suspense no longer.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Erna could not but be conscious that he had a right to be heard. She
+made no further attempt to leave him, but the expression of her face
+betrayed her dread of the coming declaration. Neither by word nor by
+look did she give the slightest encouragement to the man who now
+continued, with ever-increasing ardour,--</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I might have ended this uncertainty long ago, but, for the first time
+in my life, I have been and am a very coward. You cannot dream, Erna,
+of the misery you have caused me by your reserve, and avoidance of me!
+When I would have spoken I seemed to read in your eyes a 'no,' and that
+I could not endure.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Herr Waltenberg, listen to me,&quot; the girl said, gently.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;<i>Herr</i> Waltenberg!&quot; he repeated, bitterly. &quot;Have you no other name for
+me? Am I still such a stranger to you that you cannot, for once at
+least, let me hear you call me Ernst? Yon must have long known that I
+love you with all a man's passion,--that I sue for you as for the
+greatest of all blessings. There was a time when entire freedom was my
+highest ideal of happiness; when I shrank from the thought of any tie
+that could fetter me. All that is gone and forgotten. What is all the
+world to me--what is unfettered freedom--without you? On this broad
+earth I care for you, and for you only!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He had taken her hand, and she did not withdraw it from his clasp, but
+it lay there cold and passive, and when she raised her eyes to his they
+were veiled with sadness.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I know that you love me, Ernst,&quot; she said, slowly, &quot;and I believe in
+the depth and sincerity of your affection, but I can give you no love
+in return.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He dropped her hand suddenly: &quot;And why not?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;A strange question to ask. Can love be forced?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Ah, yes. A man's boundless, passionate devotion must beget love in
+return--if there is no rival in the way.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Erna shivered, and the colour mounted slowly in her face, but she was
+silent. This change of colour did not escape Waltenberg, who was gazing
+at her with breathless eagerness. His dark face grew pale on a sudden,
+and there was something like a menace in the tone in which he said,
+&quot;Erna, why have you avoided me hitherto? Why do you refuse to return my
+love? Tell me the truth at all hazards. Do you love another?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A short pause ensued. Erna would fain have refused to reply. How could
+she confess to another that which she shrank from acknowledging even to
+herself? But a glance into the agitated face of the man before her
+decided her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I will be entirely frank with you,&quot; she said, firmly. &quot;I have loved.
+It was a dream, followed by a bitter wakening.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Then the man was unworthy of you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;He was unworthy of any pure and great affection, and when I learned
+this, I tore my love for him from my heart. I pray you, do not question
+me further. It is gone and buried.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Ah, he is dead, then?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was a degree of savage triumph in the question, and still more
+cruel was the hatred that flashed in his eyes,--hatred for one whom he
+thought dead. Erna saw it, and for an instant a wave of terror
+overwhelmed her. Instinctively she bowed her head as before a
+threatened danger, and before she was conscious that by this gesture
+she confirmed him in his error the involuntary falsehood was told.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ernst drew a deep breath, and the colour slowly returned to his cheek:
+&quot;Well, then, it is with the dead that I must strive. I will not fear a
+phantom; it must yield when once I clasp you in my arms. Erna, come to
+me!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She recoiled in dismay from the passion in his words: &quot;What! you still
+persist? When I tell you that I have no love to bestow upon you, does
+not your pride stand you in stead?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;My pride,--where has it gone?&quot; he broke forth. &quot;Do you suppose that I
+could have gone on wooing you patiently for months without one word of
+encouragement from you, had I been the same Waltenberg who thought he
+needed but to ask of fate to attain his desire? Now I have learned to
+beg. The sight of you threw about me a spell to escape from which I
+struggle in vain. Erna, if you desire it I will resign my wandering
+life, and if you should wish for home in those sunny lands which I so
+long to show you, I will return with you to the cold, gloomy north, and
+for your sake assume the fetters of existence here. You do not know
+what a change you have already wrought in me, how all-powerful is your
+influence over me. Ah, do not be thus cold and impassive as your Alpine
+Fay upon her icy throne! I must win you for my own although your kiss
+were as deadly as that of the phantom of your legend.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">His words were prompted by passion, strong to sweep down all obstacles
+in its path; such tones are always intoxicating for a woman's ear, and
+here, moreover, they dropped like soothing balm upon a wound that was
+still bleeding. It had been so humiliating to the girl to know herself
+ignored, resigned, not for the sake of another,--Erna knew well that
+that other was as nought to the man whose ambition was his god, the
+idol to whom she had been sacrificed. And now she was beloved,
+idolized, encompassed by a passionate regard which knew no calculation
+and no bounds. She was desired for herself alone. It was a triumph for
+her pride. And she was assailed, too, by pity,--by the consciousness of
+power to bestow happiness. Everything urged her to utter the consent
+for which she was implored, and yet she was restrained by an invisible
+something, and at this decisive moment another face arose in her
+memory,--a face that had looked so pale in the moonlight as the white
+lips had faltered, 'And could you have loved a man who had risen thus?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Erna, ah, do not keep me upon the rack!&quot; Waltenberg exclaimed, with
+feverish impatience. &quot;See! I kneel to implore you!&quot; And he threw
+himself upon his knees before her and pressed her hand to his lips.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As she turned away her eyes as if entreating help, she suddenly
+started, and in a hurried whisper exclaimed, &quot;For heaven's sake, rise,
+Ernst! We are not alone.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He sprang to his feet, and, following the direction of her eyes,
+perceived the president with his daughter and her betrothed just
+emerging in the distance from among the trees.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">They had all been witnesses of the scene for a few seconds, but
+Nordheim divined that the decisive word had not been spoken, and that
+his self-willed niece might thwart his plan at the last moment. He
+therefore made haste to render its fulfilment irrevocable, and,
+advancing quickly, exclaimed, with a laugh, &quot;We ask a thousand pardons!
+Nothing was farther from our intention than to intrude, but, since we
+have done so, let me offer you my best wishes, my child, and,
+Waltenberg, I congratulate you from my heart! We are scarcely
+surprised, having seen for some time how matters stood with you, and
+upon my arrival I perceived a betrothal in the air. Come, Alice and
+Wolfgang, congratulate these lovers.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He bestowed a paternal embrace upon his niece, shook Waltenberg warmly
+by the hand, and so overwhelmed the pair with congratulations and good
+wishes that no denial on Erna's part was possible. She passively
+allowed it all,--allowed Alice to embrace her and Ernst to clasp her
+hand in his as his betrothed, only fully recovering her consciousness
+when Wolfgang approached her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Let me add my good wishes to the rest, Fräulein von Thurgau,&quot; he said.
+His voice was calm, too calm, and his immovable countenance betrayed no
+breath of the tempest raging within him. Only for one instant did his
+eye meet hers, and that instant told her that she was amply revenged
+upon the man who had sacrificed his love to ambition and the love of
+gold. Now that he saw her in the arms of another, he felt how pitiable
+had been his choice, felt that he had bartered away the happiness of
+his life.</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>CHAPTER XVI.</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1_16" href="#div1Ref_16">SUSPICIONS.</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;As I say, Wolf, I do not know what to think of it. I never
+applied for
+the position. I did not, in fact, know anything about it, and here it
+is offered to me,--to me in this secluded Oberstein at the other end of
+the kingdom. There, read for yourself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As he spoke, Benno Reinsfeld handed his friend a letter which he had
+received the day before. They were in the doctor's study, and Elmhorst
+also seemed surprised as he read the letter through attentively.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It certainly is an admirable position,&quot; he said. &quot;Neuenfeld is one of
+our largest iron-works,--I know the place by name at least, and the
+working population form a colony there, while you can establish the
+pleasantest relations with the multitude of officials employed in the
+management of the factories. Why, your salary will amount to six times
+your present income. Of course you must accept it. You must not let
+your good fortune slip again.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But that other time I took infinite trouble to obtain the position. I
+sent in a scientific treatise that got me the preference, and then I
+was dropped, just because I could not come up to time. I have no
+association with Neuenfeld,--I do not know a soul there,--and with such
+advantages to offer there must be at least a dozen applicants for the
+post. How does the management know of the existence of a Dr. Reinsfeld
+in Oberstein?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wolfgang looked down thoughtfully, then read over the letter again: &quot;I
+think I can solve the riddle for you,&quot; he said at last. &quot;The president
+has had a hand in it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The president? Impossible!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;On the contrary, very probable. He is interested pecuniarily in the
+iron-works, and he put the present director there; his influence
+extends everywhere.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But he certainly would not exert that influence in my behalf. You
+yourself saw how coldly he received me on the only occasion when I have
+had the honour of meeting him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Nor do I think that he has been induced to interfere thus for
+benevolence's sake, but---- Benno, do you really know nothing of the
+cause of the breach between your father and Nordheim? Can you not
+remember some expression, some hint, that would give you a clue to it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Benno seemed to reflect, and then shook his head: &quot;No, Wolf; no child
+heeds such things. I only know that afterwards, when I asked after
+'Uncle Nordheim,' my father, with a severity very unlike himself,
+forbade my speaking of him. Soon afterwards my parents died, and in the
+hard struggle that ensued I had too much to do to allow of my reviving
+childish memories. But why do you ask?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Because I am now convinced that something very serious occurred then,
+the sting of which is still sharp after twenty years. It caused the
+only difference I have ever had with Herr Nordheim, who visits his
+anger upon you, who are entirely innocent of all offence.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Possibly; but that would be all the more reason why he should not
+obtain for me a lucrative position.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It is just what he would do, were there no other means of removing you
+from his vicinity, and I fear that this is the true state of the case.
+He even wished to put a stop to your professional visits to his
+daughter. I did not tell you of it, because I thought it might, with
+justice, offend you, and he apparently changed his mind; but I am quite
+sure that I see his hand in this offer to you, from an entirely
+unexpected quarter, of a position that will keep you confined to a spot
+quite as distant from here as from the capital.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Why, that would be a positive plot,&quot; Reinsfeld interposed,
+incredulously. &quot;Do you really suspect the president of it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes,&quot; said Elmhorst, coldly. &quot;But, however the case may stand, so
+advantageous a position is not likely to come in your way soon again:
+so accept it by all means.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Even if it be offered to me from such motives?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;They are only supposititious; and even were they actual, no one in
+Neuenfeld knows anything of the circumstances; there they merely accept
+the recommendation of an influential man. Perhaps he perceives the
+injustice of visiting an old grudge upon you and wishes to indemnify
+you, since your presence recalls disagreeable memories.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wolfgang knew well that this could not be so; his talk with the
+president had convinced him that he could be actuated by no sentiments
+of justice or magnanimity, but the young engineer wished to make the
+way easy for his friend, with whose sensitive delicacy he was familiar.
+Under all circumstances it was a piece of good fortune for Reinsfeld to
+be removed from his present obscure position, no matter whose was the
+influence to which he owed the change.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;We will discuss it this evening when you come to me,&quot; Elmhorst
+continued, taking his hat from the table. &quot;Now I must go; my conveyance
+is waiting outside; I am driving to the lower railway.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Wolf,&quot; said Benno, with a searching, anxious glance at his friend's
+face, &quot;did you sleep at all last night?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No; I had some work to do. That sometimes will happen.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Sometimes! It has come to be the rule with you. I believe you hardly
+sleep at all.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Not much, it is true, but there is no help for it. Every structure
+must be finished before the winter sets in. Of course that makes a deal
+of work, and as engineer-in-chief I must see to it all.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You are overworking yourself perilously. Hardly any other man could do
+as you are doing, and you cannot go on thus for long. How often I have
+told you----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The same old story,&quot; Wolfgang interrupted him, impatiently. &quot;Let me
+alone, Benno; there is no help for it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The doctor had, unfortunately, learned from experience that all his
+admonitions on this point would avail nothing, and he shook his head
+anxiously as he escorted his friend to the carriage. He himself was
+unwearied in the performance of his duties, but he knew nothing of the
+feverish state of mind that seeks forgetfulness in labour at whatever
+cost.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In the hall they met Veit Gronau, who had come with Waltenberg from
+Heilborn, and had taken the opportunity to pay a visit to Oberstein.
+The gentlemen bade each other good-day, and then Elmhorst got into his
+carriage, while the two others returned to the study.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The Herr Engineer-in-Chief was in a great hurry,&quot; said Gronau,
+settling himself in the leathern arm-chair, the leg of which had,
+fortunately, been mended. &quot;He scarcely took time to speak to me, and he
+looks very little like a happy lover. He's always as pale and gloomy as
+the marble guest! And yet he surely has reason to be contented with his
+lot.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, I am anxious about Wolf,&quot; Benno declared. &quot;He is not at all like
+himself, and I am afraid the post he so coveted will be his bane. Even
+his iron, constitution cannot stand the strain of feverish activity
+which fills his days and nights. He oversees the entire extent of
+railway, and he never gives himself an instant's rest, in spite of all
+I can say.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, he is everywhere except with his betrothed,&quot; Gronau remarked,
+drily. &quot;The lady seems to be of a remarkably unexacting temperament,
+else she could hardly endure having her lover entirely given over to
+locomotives, and tunnels, and bridges, or to have him declare as soon
+as he appears that he has not a moment to stay. But she takes it all as
+quite a matter of course. 'Tis an odd household, that of the Nordheim
+villa. With two pair of lovers, one would suppose all would go as
+merrily as a marriage-bell, but instead of that they all seem rather
+uncomfortable, not excepting Herr Waltenberg. Said and Djelma are
+always complaining to me of his temper. I explained to them that it was
+all because he was thinking of marrying; that matrimony was sure to
+make mischief; but the rogues persist in thinking it very fine.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Oh, you are a declared foe to matrimony, as we all know,&quot; said
+Reinsfeld, with a fleeting smile. &quot;If Wolfgang is out of sorts,--and
+the responsibilities of his position may well make him so,--his
+betrothed is, in looks and temper, all that could be desired.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, she is the gayest of all,&quot; Gronau assented. &quot;That cure of yours
+is almost a miracle, Herr Doctor. What a poor, pining little plant she
+was, and now she is as fresh and blooming as a rose! Baroness Thurgau
+has grown grave and silent; and as for the two men,--one of them is
+always at the boiling-point, and is as jealous as a Turk, while the
+other is a perfect icicle, and they look at each other as if they would
+like to fly at each other's throats. What affectionate relatives they
+will be!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Benno suppressed a sigh; the mute hostility between Wolfgang and
+Waltenberg, which was barely concealed beneath the forms of
+conventional courtesy, had not escaped him, but he said nothing.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am really sorry for Herr Waltenberg,&quot; Veit began again. &quot;He cannot
+live without a sight of his betrothed every twenty-four hours, and he
+drives over from Heilborn daily. She, on the contrary, seems to have
+taken the famous mountain divinity for her model: she sits enthroned
+like the Alpine Sprite, and allows herself to be worshipped, while she
+remains entirely unmoved. Absolutely, doctor, you are the only sensible
+being among them all. You have no thoughts of matrimony,--hold fast to
+that!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I certainly am not thinking of it, but of something else, which
+will be scarcely less of a surprise to you,--of going away. Very
+unexpectedly a lucrative position has been offered me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Bravo! Accept it at once!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I certainly must.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Gronau burst into a laugh: &quot;With what a long face you say that! I
+verily believe it goes to your heart to leave these honest Obersteiners
+who have been wearing you out for five years, to requite you with only
+a 'God reward you!' Just like my dear old Benno! He never would have
+died a poor man if he had understood the world and human nature. There
+he sat for years bothering over an idea which ought to have made
+his fortune, but he never knew how to push his claims, and timid
+requests and modest applications do no good with great capitalists
+and lords of finance. Finally others got before him with his invention,
+which was in the air, as it were, when they began to build
+mountain-railways, but nevertheless he was the first to devise the
+system of mountain-locomotives; all the later inventions are based upon
+his principle.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;My father?&quot; Benno asked, with a puzzled air. &quot;You are mistaken; it is
+the Nordheim system upon which the locomotives of to-day are
+constructed.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I beg pardon: 'tis the Reinsfeld method,&quot; Gronau maintained.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You are mistaken, I assure you. Wolf told me himself that his future
+father-in-law laid the foundation of his fortunes by the sale of his
+method of constructing mountain-locomotives. It was purchased and used
+by the first mountain-railways. Afterwards, of course, all kinds of
+improvements were added, but the inventor made a goodly profit; they
+paid him a very large price for the patent.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Paid whom? Nordheim?&quot; Veit shouted.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The president,--certainly.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And the engineer-in-chief told you this?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;He did; we were talking of it a little while ago. Moreover, the thing
+is well known; any engineer can tell you so.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Gronau suddenly sprang up and approached the young physician. &quot;Doctor,&quot;
+he said, slowly and emphatically, &quot;this is either a wretched mistake or
+a scoundrelly trick!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Scoundrelly trick?&quot; Benno repeated, startled. &quot;What do you mean?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I mean, or rather I know, that this invention was your father's, and
+Nordheim knows it as well as I do. If he has given it out for his
+own----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;In heaven's name, you would not call----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The highly-respected president a scoundrel? Well, that remains to be
+seen. It was, of course, possible for a stranger to have hit upon the
+same invention,--every engineer was occupied with the problem at the
+time,--but Nordheim had his friend's completed plan in his possession,
+studied it thoroughly, praised and admired it; there is no possibility
+of his having happened upon the idea for himself. We must sift the
+matter. Consider, Benno, do you really know nothing of the cause of the
+estrangement of which you have told me?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Nothing at all. I have just told Wolfgang so; he asked me the same
+question.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The engineer-in-chief? What made him do that?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;He thought he saw the president's hand in the offer that has just been
+made me, and he surmised--but no, no! Not a word more of such a
+shameful suspicion. It is impossible----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Much seems impossible to you, doctor; you have preserved the heart of
+a child,&quot; Veit said, gravely. &quot;But when a man has seen as much of men
+as I have, he comes to disbelieve in such impossibilities. You are sure
+that Nordheim took out a patent for the mountain-locomotive?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Certainly; of that fact I am sure.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Then he is a thief!&quot; Gronau exclaimed, in a burst of indignation,--&quot;a
+trebly disgraced thief, for he robbed his friend!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Hush, hush!&quot; Benno interposed, but fruitlessly: Veit went on to prove
+his accusation.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Tell me why your father, who was loyalty itself to his friends, should
+have broken with the one who was nearest to him? Why did Nordheim, if
+he were possessed of so inventive a genius, never achieve more than one
+invention? and why did he entirely abandon engineering shortly
+afterwards? Can you answer these questions?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Reinsfeld was silent; under other circumstances he would have rejected
+all idea of such a suspicion, but the tone of conviction in which the
+terrible accusation was made, his conversation with Wolfgang, the
+mystery of the quarrel which had left so bitter a sting behind it that
+his gentle, amiable father had forbidden the mention of the name of a
+friend once so dear to him,--all this rushed upon his mind, almost
+paralyzing his power of thought.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;We must be sure,&quot; Gronau said, resolutely. &quot;Where are your father's
+old papers,--his drawings and sketches? You told me you had preserved
+them all carefully. There must be something to be found among them, and
+if not, I will go myself to the president and question him. I am
+curious to see how he will look. Where are the papers, Benno? Produce
+them; we have no time to lose.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Benno pointed to a small cabinet in a corner of the room. &quot;You will
+find there everything that I possess of my father's,&quot; he said, sadly.
+&quot;Here is the key. Look through it; I----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I trust you will help me. You are the interested party. Why do you
+hesitate?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The doctor was hesitating, in fact, but Veit had already opened the
+cabinet, and in a few minutes the rather meagre collection of papers
+belonging to the late engineer was spread out on the table. His old
+friend and comrade looked through them with the utmost care; every
+drawing was closely examined, every leaf turned, but in vain! There was
+nothing that bore any reference to the matter in question,--no sketch,
+no note, no memorandum, nothing that could confirm Gronau's suspicions.
+Benno, who had undertaken the search unwillingly, breathed a sigh of
+relief, while Veit pushed the papers aside in great dissatisfaction.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Fools that we are! We might have known it! Nordheim never would have
+played his rascally trick had anything existed that could betray him.
+He must have borrowed the plan from his friend upon some pretext and
+then insured himself against discovery. My old Benno was not the one to
+unmask such a fox unless he had been in possession of convincing proof
+of his treachery; and I, the only one cognizant of the truth of the
+case, was off in the wide world no one knew where. But I am here now,
+and I will not rest until the affair is brought to light.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But why?&quot; Benno asked, gently. &quot;Why rake up the old forgotten quarrel?
+It can do my poor father no good, and should you find the proof you
+speak of, it would be a terrible blow for--the president's family.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Gronau stared at him for a moment speechless, as if he could not
+understand his words; then he burst forth, angrily, &quot;Upon my word this
+is going too far! Any one else would be almost wild with such a
+discovery, would move heaven and earth to find out the truth and to
+brand the guilty, and you would fain restrain me because, forsooth, the
+engineer-in-chief is your friend,--because you are afraid of troubling
+the family of your worst enemy. You are the true son of your father; he
+would have done the very same thing.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He was not quite right in his surmise. Benno had not thought of
+Wolfgang: a very different face had risen in his mind and gazed at him
+with brown eyes filled with troubled questionings, but not for worlds
+would he have revealed what made the confirmation of Gronau's
+suspicions so terrible to him, and why he would rather bury the whole
+affair in oblivion.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Veit Gronau turned away, saying, in a tone expressing discontent and
+pity, &quot;There is nothing to be done with you, Benno. Such unpractical
+sentimentalists are good for nothing in a matter of this kind.
+Fortunately, I am on hand. I am now upon the trail, and, cost what it
+may, I shall pursue it. My old friend shall have in his grave the
+recognition that was denied him while living!&quot;</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>CHAPTER XVII.</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1_17" href="#div1Ref_17">UNFORESEEN OBSTACLES.</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+<p class="normal">President Nordheim was seated in his office in the capital, in
+consultation with Herr Gersdorf, for the consignment of the railway to
+the stockholders was now decided upon. Nordheim's resolve to withdraw
+from the company after the completion of the undertaking was regretted,
+but caused no surprise, for the man's restless activity was well known,
+and it was natural that he should have new schemes wherewith to employ
+his capital. The glory was his of having devised and executed a bold
+project which had opened a new highway for the world.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The engineer-in-chief had promised that all building operations should
+be concluded before the beginning of winter, and as soon as they were
+finished the transfer was to be made. It would then be the business of
+the new management to effect the final preparations for the opening of
+the road, which was to take place the ensuing spring. All this had
+been settled for months, and Gersdorf, in his capacity of legal
+representative of the railway company, had had many consultations with
+the president.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The engineer-in-chief does in fact achieve almost the impossible,&quot; he
+said, &quot;but yet I cannot understand how he can have all finished by the
+end of October. The month has begun, and four weeks seems a very short
+time for the completion of what remains to be done.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;If Wolfgang has said the work shall be done, he will keep his word,&quot;
+Nordheim rejoined, in a tone of calm conviction. &quot;In such cases he
+spares neither himself nor his subordinates, and in this instance he is
+also driven by necessity. November brings the snowstorms which are most
+dangerous in the Wolkenstein district; it is very important to have the
+work finished.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Hitherto autumn has brought us only late summer weather,&quot; the lawyer
+observed, as he gathered together some papers scattered on the table.
+&quot;I cannot wonder that your daughter lingers in the mountains and seems
+to have no idea of returning.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;She, with Frau von Lasberg, will probably remain there for some weeks
+yet. The mountain-air has worked miracles for Alice; she is almost
+entirely well, and Dr. Reinsfeld advises her to extend her stay until
+the weather changes. I owe a debt of gratitude to your cousin, and I
+greatly regret that he is to leave Oberstein. I hear he has another
+medical position in prospect in--what is the name of the place?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Neuenfeld.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Right,--Neuenfeld. The name had escaped me. I cannot wonder at the
+young physician for desiring a wider sphere of action; but, as I said,
+we all regret that he is going so far away. Wolfgang in especial will
+miss him much.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The words sounded kindly, as though the president were really grateful
+to his daughter's physician and regretted losing him. Gersdorf, who had
+no reason to suspect his sincerity, was quite impressed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Benno writes me that he shall not leave for his new post before the
+end of a couple of weeks,&quot; he said. &quot;He stipulated for this delay that
+he might install his successor at Oberstein. Therefore we shall have an
+opportunity of seeing each other again, for I must go to Heilborn next
+week. The suit of the parishes of Oberstein and Unterstein against the
+railway for damage done to their forests in its construction is to be
+decided, and I represent the company of course.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Then we shall meet there,&quot; said Nordheim. &quot;I am going to take a short
+holiday, and then return to town with my family. I have been
+overweighted with business of late, and am sadly in need of rest. I
+shall hope to see you at our villa; you will not forgot to come?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Certainly not,&quot; said Gersdorf, rising to take leave.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When he had gone the president rang for lights, for it was growing
+dark, and then, seating himself at his writing-table, he became
+absorbed in the papers lying there,--they must have been of a very
+important nature, for he examined them with the greatest care, his face
+expressing intense satisfaction as he did so, until it finally broke
+into a smile.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Everything arranged,&quot; he murmured. &quot;It will be a brilliant
+transaction. The figures are rather boldly combined, it is true, but
+they will do their duty, and as soon as Wolfgang has approved them, and
+affixed his name to the entire estimate, it will be accepted without
+demur. And that man Reinsfeld is fortunately disposed of. I thought he
+could not refuse the bait of such a position. Neuenfeld is far enough
+away, and he can live there comfortably to the end of his days.--What
+is it? I do not wish to be disturbed again this evening.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The last words were spoken to a servant who entered at the moment, and
+who now announced, &quot;Herr Elmhorst has arrived.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The engineer-in-chief?&quot; Nordheim asked, surprised.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Arrived a moment ago, Herr President.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Nordheim rose quickly, and was about to go to meet the new-comer,
+but Wolfgang appeared at that moment on the threshold in his
+travelling-dress.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Have I startled you, sir, by my unexpected arrival?&quot; he asked.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Rather; you sent me no telegram,&quot; the president replied, motioning to
+the servant to withdraw. As soon as the door closed behind him he
+asked, hastily, and evidently disturbed, &quot;What has happened? Anything
+the matter with the railway?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No; I left everything in perfect order.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And Alice is well, I hope?&quot; This last question was far more composedly
+put than had been its predecessor.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Quite well; you have no cause for anxiety.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Thank heaven! I was afraid something unfortunate had occurred to
+account for your sudden appearance. What brings you here so
+unexpectedly?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;A matter of business, which I could not explain in writing,&quot; said
+Wolfgang, laying aside his hat. &quot;I preferred to see you personally,
+although I could ill be spared from the railway.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Well, then, let us talk over your business,&quot; replied the president,
+who was always ready to discuss affairs. &quot;We shall be entirely
+undisturbed this evening. But first take some rest. I will give orders
+to have your rooms----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Thank you, sir,&quot; Elmhorst interrupted him, &quot;but I should like to
+have the business that has brought me here settled at once; it is
+urgent,--at least for me. We are quite alone here?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;We are; I generally insure myself privacy in my own apartments. But
+for security's sake you can close the door of the next room also.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wolfgang complied, and then returned. As he advanced into the circle of
+light from the lamp his face looked pale and agitated. His pallor could
+hardly be the effect of fatigue from the long, unbroken ride; there was
+a frown on his brow, and his dark eyes had a stern, almost menacing
+expression.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Your business must be important,&quot; the president observed, as he sat
+down, &quot;or you would hardly have come yourself. Well, then.--But will
+you not be seated?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The young man paid no heed to the request, but remained standing, with
+his hand resting on the back of a chair, as he began, in an apparently
+calm tone, &quot;You sent me over the estimates and calculations which are
+to serve as the basis of the transfer of the railway to the
+stockholders.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I did. You remember I told you that I would spare you the details of
+these calculations. You have enough to do in attending to the technical
+conduct of the work. All you have to do is to look over and approve the
+estimates, your word as engineer-in-chief being decisive.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am aware of that,--entirely aware of my responsibility in the
+matter, and therefore I wish to put a question to you: Who made these
+estimates?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Nordheim glanced in surprise at his future son-in-law; the question
+evidently astonished him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Who? Why, my clerks and those who understand such matters.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;That is not what I mean, sir. They simply made up the figures from the
+memoranda and calculations furnished them. What I want to know is,
+whose were those memoranda?--who put down the sums which are the basis
+of the estimates? It cannot possibly have been yourself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Indeed? And why not, may I ask?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Because all the accounts are falsified!&quot; Wolfgang said, coldly but
+very decidedly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Falsified? What do you mean?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Is it possible that it escaped you?&quot; Elmhorst asked, never taking his
+eyes from the president. &quot;I discovered it at a glance. All the
+buildings are estimated at almost double the cost of their erection,
+and stations are brought into the calculations which do not exist. The
+obstacles and catastrophes that impeded us are reckoned up in an
+incredible fashion, as causing an outlay of hundreds of thousands where
+not half the amount was expended. In short, the whole sum exceeds by
+some millions the actual cost of the undertaking.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Nordheim listened in silence, but with a frown, to this agitated
+explanation, by which, however, he seemed more surprised than offended;
+at last he said, coldly, &quot;Wolfgang, I really do not understand you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Nor did I understand your letter requiring me to approve and sign that
+estimate. I thought, and I still think, that there is some mistake, and
+I wanted to ask you personally about it. I trust you can explain it to
+me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The president shrugged his shoulders, but maintained the same cool,
+composed tone, as he replied, &quot;You are a capital engineer, Wolfgang,
+but that you have no talent for business is quite clear. I hoped we
+should understand each other in this matter without many words, but,
+since that does not seem to be the case, we must come to an
+explanation. Do you suppose that I intend to withdraw from this
+undertaking with loss?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;With loss? In any case you receive back your capital with interest.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;A transaction that brings in no more than that is to be reckoned as a
+losing one,&quot; said Nordheim. &quot;I did not imagine you such a novice in
+business matters as to require to be told this. We have here a chance
+to make a profit,--a considerable profit. The railway, in fact, belongs
+to me. I called it into existence, my capital has been principally
+expended in its construction, the entire risk has been mine. I venture
+to think that you will not dispute my right to dispose of my property
+at any price I think fit.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;If that price is to be gained only by the means you have adopted, I do
+most decidedly dispute the right you speak of. Should the company
+receive the railway under such conditions, its bankruptcy will be
+certain. Even if the road be employed to the fullest extent it cannot
+bring in a sufficient income to indemnify it approximately for the
+amount of loss sustained; the entire enterprise must either go to ruin,
+or fall into the hands of some unprincipled schemer.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And how does that concern us?&quot; Nordheim asked, calmly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;How does it concern us?&quot; Elmhorst broke forth, indignantly. &quot;To have
+the work which you devised, to which I have devoted my best energies,
+at the head of which stand our united names, go miserably to ruin or be
+an instrument in the hands of swindlers? It concerns me deeply, as I
+trust I shall be able to show you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The president arose with an impatient wave of his hand: &quot;Pray spare me
+such bursts of declamation, Wolfgang. They really are out of place in a
+business discussion.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The young man drew himself up; all emotion vanished from his face,
+giving place to an expression of cool contempt, and his voice was every
+whit as cold as the president's own as he replied, &quot;I shall not content
+myself with mere declamation, as you will find, sir. Let me ask once
+for all, calmly and briefly, who furnished the figures upon which the
+estimates you sent me are based?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I, myself,&quot; was the quiet reply.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And you expected me to approve them and put my name to them?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I expect every thing of my future son-in-law,&quot; Nordheim declared, with
+sharp emphasis.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Then you have misunderstood me. I cannot sign the estimates.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Wolfgang!&quot; There was an evident menace in Nordheim's tone.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I will not sign them, I say. I never will lend my name to a
+falsehood.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You dare to use such language to me?&quot; the president exclaimed,
+angrily.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What other language could be used if I should sanction estimates which
+I know to be false?&quot; Wolfgang asked, with bitterness. &quot;I am the
+engineer-in-chief, my word is decisive for the company and for the
+stockholders, who are utterly ignorant in the matter. The
+responsibility is mine alone.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Your word could never be questioned,&quot; Nordheim interposed. &quot;I had no
+idea you were such a martinet. You know nothing of business, or you
+would see that I, in my position, could not possibly venture what I do
+were there any danger. The figures are so combined that it is
+impossible to prove an--error from them, and I have explanations
+prepared for every emergency. No one can blame either you or myself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At this assertion a smile of infinite scorn hovered upon Elmhorst's
+lips: &quot;That was certainly the last thing to occur to me! We do indeed
+misunderstand each other. You fear discovery, I fear the fraud. In
+short, I will have nothing to do with a lie, and if I refuse my
+signature it cannot be told.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The president walked close up to him; he was now much agitated, and his
+voice betrayed extreme irritation: &quot;Your expressions are, to say the
+least, strong. Do you suppose you can dictate to me? Have a care,
+Wolfgang. You are not yet my son-in-law; the knot is not yet tied which
+was to link you to me. I can cut it at the last moment, and you are too
+clever not to know all that you would lose with my daughter's hand.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;That means that you make it a condition?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes,--your signature! Either that--or----!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As Nordheim spoke thus explicitly, Wolfgang's eyes were fixed gloomily
+on the ground. He pondered all the consequences of the president's
+'Either that--or----!' he was indeed 'clever enough' to know that
+millions would be lost to him with his betrothed,--the wealth, the
+brilliant future for which he had bartered his happiness. The moment
+had come in which he was required to barter something more, and
+suddenly memory recalled that hour on the Wolkenstein in the moonlit
+midsummer night when this moment had been sadly foretold him: 'The
+price now is your freedom; in future it may perhaps be your honour!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Nordheim interpreted the young man's silence after his own fashion; he
+laid his hand on Wolfgang's shoulder, and said, in a gentler tone, &quot;Be
+reasonable, Elmhorst. We should both lose by a separation, and it is
+the last thing that I desire; but I can and must require my son-in-law
+to go hand in hand with me, and to make my interests his own. You give
+me your signature, and I will go surety for everything else. We will
+both forget this conversation, and divide the profit, which will make
+you a wealthy, independent man.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;At the price of my honour!&quot; Wolfgang exclaimed, in hot indignation.
+&quot;No, by heaven, it shall never come to that! I ought to have known long
+ago whither your rule of life, your business principles, would lead,
+for since my betrothal to your daughter you have thrown off all
+reserve; but I chose to see and to know nothing, because I was fool
+enough to imagine that, in spite of it all, I could pursue my own path
+and do as I chose. Now I see that there is no halting in the downward
+course, that he who leagues himself with you cannot keep his honour
+unstained. I have been ambitious and reckless--yes. I reckoned upon our
+association in this undertaking as you did, and conceded more to it
+than my conscience could entirely justify, but I never will stoop to
+deceive. If you believed me ready to be a scoundrel for the sake of
+your wealth,--if the future of which I have dreamed is to be purchased
+only at such a price,--let it go. I will have none of it!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He stood erect, and with flashing eyes hurled his refusal at the
+president. There was something grand and overwhelming in this stormy
+outbreak from the man who thus at last threw off all the fetters of
+petty self-interest which had held him bound so long, whose better
+nature asserted itself and trampled down the alluring temptation. He
+knew that he was resigning the wealth which would make him independent
+of Nordheim's favour; that with it he should be free and unfettered to
+realize all his golden dreams of the future. There had been an instant
+of hesitation, and then he thrust the tempter from him and redeemed his
+honour!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The president stood frowning darkly. He perceived now that he had been
+mistaken in supposing that he should find in the ambitious young
+engineer a willing instrument, a nature as unscrupulous as his own, but
+he had no mind to break entirely with the son-in-law he had chosen. He
+would lose most by the separation; in the first place, all the profit
+which Wolfgang's signature would insure him would be destroyed, and
+moreover, he said to himself, it would be dangerous to make an enemy of
+one so thoroughly acquainted with his schemes. It could not be; a
+breach must be avoided, at least for the present.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Let us drop this matter for to-day,&quot; he said, slowly. &quot;It is too
+important, and we are neither of us in a mood to discuss it calmly. I
+am going to my mountain-villa in a week, and until then you can take
+the affair into consideration. I will not accept your present hasty
+decision.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You will be obliged to accept it at the end of the week,&quot; Wolfgang
+declared. &quot;My answer will be precisely the same then. Let a true
+estimate be made of the cost of the railway, at its highest valuation,
+and I will not refuse to give it my sanction. I never will sign my name
+to the present one. That is my final word. Farewell!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You are going back immediately?&quot; Nordheim asked.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Certainly; the next express leaves in an hour, and the business that
+brought me here is concluded. My presence is indispensable at my post.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He bowed and took his leave, not after the familiar fashion of the
+future son-in-law, but formally, as a stranger, and the president felt
+the significance of his manner.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When Elmhorst reached the spacious vestibule he found there two
+servants awaiting him. His rooms had been prepared for him, and the
+lackeys asked for further orders, but he waved them aside: &quot;Thanks, I
+am going directly back again, and shall not use the rooms.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The men looked surprised. This was indeed a hurried visit. Would not
+Herr Elmhorst have the carriage to drive to the station?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No; I prefer to walk.&quot; As he spoke, Elmhorst once more glanced towards
+the broad staircase leading to the gorgeous apartments in the upper
+story, and then he left the house where for more than six months he had
+been regarded as a son, and upon which he was now turning his back
+forever.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Outside, the October evening was cold and damp; the skies were
+starless, the air was full of mist, and a keen blast heralded the
+approach of winter. Involuntarily Wolfgang drew his travelling-cloak
+closer about his shoulders, as he strode forward at a rapid pace.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was over! He was perfectly aware of it, and he also clearly
+perceived Nordheim's desire to avoid a sudden breach for fear lest the
+man so lately his confidant should expose him by way of revenge. A
+contemptuous smile curled the young man's lip. Such a fear was quite
+superfluous; any such act was entirely beneath him. His thoughts
+wandered to where they had rarely been of late,--to his betrothed.
+Alice would not suffer if the betrothal were dissolved. She had
+accepted his suit without opposition in compliance with her father's
+wish, and she would bend to his will with the same docility should he
+sever the tie. There had never been any talk of love between them;
+neither would be conscious of loss.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wolfgang drew a deep breath. He was free again, free to choose; he
+could pursue his proud, lonely path, dependent only upon his own
+courage and capacity, but the voice which had roused him from the
+stupor of egotism and ambition would never again sound in his ears, the
+lovely face would never again smile upon him. That prize belonged to
+another, and, whatever he might achieve in the future, his happiness
+had been bartered away,--lost forever.</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>CHAPTER XVIII.</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1_18" href="#div1Ref_18">A MOUNTAIN RAMBLE.</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+<p class="normal">Autumn this year had donned the aspect of a late summer. The
+days, with
+but few exceptions, were sunny and clear, the air was mild, and the
+mountains stood revealed in all their rarest beauty.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The inmates of the Nordheim villa had prolonged their stay, which had
+been at first arranged for only the summer months, into October. They
+had been induced to do this, first out of consideration for Alice's
+health, and then in accordance with Erna's wish to spend as long a time
+as was possible among her beloved mountains. Since she had been
+betrothed to Waltenberg her position in the household had undergone a
+change; Frau von Lasberg no longer permitted herself to find fault with
+her, and the president was always ready to forestall his niece's
+wishes. Waltenberg himself, who disliked a city life with its
+conventionalities and restraints, was glad to be rid of it, and the
+Baroness alone sighed about the 'endless exile,' and comforted herself
+with the prospect of a winter more than usually gay. Now that Erna was
+also betrothed and that Elmhorst would be in the capital during the
+winter months, after his labours as engineer among the mountains were
+at an end, the Nordheim mansion would surely justify its reputation.
+There would doubtless be a series of entertainments in honour of the
+young couples, and Frau von Lasberg revelled in the contemplation of
+the prominent part it would be hers to play.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Erna and Alice were sitting on the veranda of the villa, and the gay
+chatter heard thence absolutely came from the lips of Alice Nordheim.
+There was not a vestige of the air of indifference with which she used
+to speak formerly. The change that had taken place in her bordered on
+the miraculous: the sickly pallor the weary movements, the fatigued,
+unsympathetic expression, had all vanished; the cheeks were rosy, the
+eyes bright. Whether it were owing to the mountain-air which blew here
+so pure and fresh, or to the treatment of the young physician, the fact
+was that in a few months the girl had blossomed forth like some flower
+which, fading and sickly in the shade, expands into tender beauty in
+the clear, warm sunshine.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I wonder where Herr Waltenberg is?&quot; she was just saying. &quot;He is
+usually here before this time.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Ernst wrote me that he should be rather late today, since he meant to
+bring us a surprise from Heilborn,&quot; Erna replied. She was seated at her
+drawing, from which she did not look up, nor did she evince the
+slightest interest in the promised surprise.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;'Tis strange that he should write to you so often, when he sees you
+every day,&quot; remarked Alice, who was quite unused to such attentions
+from her own lover. &quot;And then he fairly overwhelms you with flowers,
+for which, it seems to me, you are not half grateful enough.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am afraid that is Ernst's own fault,&quot; was the quiet reply. &quot;He
+spoils me, and I am too ready to be spoiled.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, there is something exaggerated in his manner of wooing,&quot; Alice
+interposed. &quot;His love seems to me like a fire, which burns rather than
+illumines.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;His is an unusual nature,&quot; said Erna. &quot;He must not be judged by the
+standard we apply to others. Believe me, Alice, much, nay, everything,
+can be endured in the consciousness that one is supremely and ardently
+beloved.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She laid down her pencil and looked dreamily abroad into space. It
+sounded odd, the word 'endured,' and its significance was not softened
+by so much as the shadow of a smile. Indeed, the expression of gravity
+was deepened in the young girl's face, and in her eyes there was an
+indescribable something which assuredly was not happiness.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In the short pause that ensued, the noise of carriage-wheels became
+audible, and some vehicle drew up in front of the house. Erna shivered
+slightly; she knew who was at hand, although from where she sat the
+road could not be seen. She slowly closed her sketchbook and arose, but
+before she could leave the veranda, a young creature came flying out of
+the drawing-room and clasped her in an enthusiastic embrace, after
+which she turned just as eagerly to Alice.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Why, Molly, is this you?&quot; both girls exclaimed, in a breath.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was in fact Frau Gersdorf, rosy, merry, and saucy as ever, and
+behind her appeared Ernst Waltenberg, evidently delighted with the
+success of his surprise.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, it is really I,&quot; the new-comer began. &quot;Albert had a tiresome,
+never-ending suit to attend to in Heilborn, and of course I came with
+him. The poor fellow's hard work must be made as tolerable as possible
+for him, so I always go with him upon these expeditions. I verily
+believe that if he should take it into his head to climb Mount Blanc,
+or the Himalayas, I should scramble up after him. Thank God, there are
+no cases to try up there, so there is no chance of his undertaking the
+ascents. And how are you all here? You have absolutely vanished from
+the capital. But there's no need to ask; Alice looks fresh as a rose,
+and Erna is planning her wedding-tour, I hear. Where is it to be? To
+the South Sea or the North Pole? I should advise the South Sea,--the
+climate is milder.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She paused to take breath, and without waiting for a reply threw
+herself into an arm-chair and declared that she was too tired to say a
+single word.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">After the first exchange of greetings Ernst approached his betrothed
+and handed her a bouquet of costly foreign flowers, rich in colour and
+exhaling an overpowering fragrance.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Did I not keep my promise?&quot; he said, pointing to Molly. &quot;I planned
+this surprise with Albert yesterday afternoon, knowing I should surely
+be welcome so accompanied.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But that you always are,&quot; said Erna, taking the flowers from him with
+thanks.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Always?&quot; he repeated. &quot;Really always? Some times I doubt it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Do not say that, Ernst.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">His eyes, filled with a passionate entreaty, met her reproachful
+glance, as together they walked down the veranda steps into the garden.
+&quot;Are you a little glad when I come?&quot; he went on, in a low tone. &quot;I
+sometimes imagine you dread my approach and shrink from my embrace, and
+more than once I have fancied I could detect a sigh of relief when I
+left you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, you watch every look of mine, every breath that I draw, and
+convert it all into pain, both for yourself and for me,&quot; Erna said,
+gravely. &quot;Your passionate surveillance torments me; how will it be when
+we are married?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Ah, then I shall be calm,&quot; he said, with a sigh. &quot;Then I shall know
+you for my own, my very own; no other will have any right to intrude
+between us, and then perhaps I may teach you to love me; hitherto I
+have tried in vain. That you can love I know. You loved--him!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She hastily withdrew the hand she had left in his: &quot;Ernst, you promised
+me----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Not to speak of that. Yes, I promised, but I did not know how hard it
+is to fight against a memory, to war with a mere phantom. Would that it
+were flesh and blood, that I might battle with it to the death!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">His eyes flashed with the mortal hatred that had gleamed in them when
+he had learned that Erna had loved another. She turned pale, as she
+laid her hand soothingly upon his arm.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Ernst,&quot; she said, gently, &quot;why torment yourself thus perpetually? You
+suffer terribly; I see it, and bitterly do I repent my confession. Have
+I no power to make you calmer and happier?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Her tone disarmed him at once; he took her hand, and kissed it eagerly:
+&quot;Your power over me is boundless when you look and speak thus. Forgive
+me for paining you; indeed it shall not happen again.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The promise had been made a hundred times before, and broken as often.
+Erna smiled, but she was still pale as they walked back to the house.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;A scene from Othello seems to be going on there,&quot; said Molly, who,
+notwithstanding her great fatigue, had been chattering incessantly, and
+observing the lovers the while. &quot;Ernst Waltenberg is perilously like
+that monster of a Moor. I believe he would make nothing of a murder if
+his jealousy were excited. It is to be hoped that Erna will put a
+little common sense into him when they are married; there is very
+little of it in his love for her at present. I told him about all sorts
+of interesting things that are going on in the capital, as we were
+driving over, but he never listened to one of them; he kept his eyes
+fixed upon the villa, and rushed out of the barouche the instant it
+stopped before the door. Ah! now he is kissing her hand and humbly
+begging her pardon. Albert never did that, even while we were
+betrothed; on the contrary, I was always the one to be forgiven! Albert
+is not sentimentally inclined, nor is your betrothed, Alice. Is your
+engineer not coming to-day?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I hardly think he will be here,&quot; said Alice, allowed for the first
+time to interpose a word. &quot;Wolfgang has so much to do; he could only be
+here for a few moments yesterday. The responsibilities of his position
+are very great.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It sounded composed, too much so for a betrothed maiden who could not
+but feel herself neglected. Alice knew nothing as yet of what had taken
+place between her father and her lover a week before in the capital.
+Wolfgang had refrained from mentioning it even to his friend Reinsfeld;
+he wished to leave the president, whose arrival was shortly expected,
+to contrive a pretext for the final rupture. Meanwhile, he saw Alice as
+seldom as possible, availing himself of the plea of work, which had
+sufficed him hitherto.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Frau von Lasberg now made her appearance on the veranda, and greeted
+Molly with great dignity and little cordiality. The young Frau was to
+remain until the next day, when her husband was to call for her, and
+they were to pay a visit at Benno's in Oberstein. Molly played the part
+of a hurricane in the quiet and elegant household at the villa; from
+the moment of her arrival all formality was scattered to the winds. Her
+clear, silvery laughter was heard everywhere; she chatted with Alice,
+she teased Erna, she disputed with Waltenberg about Oriental customs of
+which she knew absolutely nothing, provoking beyond measure the old
+Baroness, and withal fairly beaming with happiness and merriment.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Thus the day wore on to noon, and the golden autumn sunlight tempted
+all into the open air. Waltenberg proposed a walk up one of the
+neighbouring heights, and all assented; even Alice, who a few months
+previously had been debarred from all such enjoyments, was ready to
+join the party, while Frau von Lasberg was, of course, obliged to
+remain at home. The little company walked leisurely up the gradual
+ascent, through the sunlit, fragrant forest, until they reached the
+foot of a rocky cliff, where the path became steep and stony.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You must stop here, Alice,&quot; said Erna. &quot;The last part of the way is
+too steep and rough; you must be careful not to overtask your strength.
+Do you think you are equal to it, Molly?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am equal to anything,&quot; declared Molly, half offended at the
+question. &quot;Do you suppose that Herr Waltenberg and yourself are the
+only mountaineers? I can outclimb either of you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Waltenberg smiled rather derisively at this audacious statement,
+casting a significant glance the while at the speaker's little
+high-heeled boots. &quot;There is no danger in this ascent,&quot; he said: &quot;the
+path is made quite easy with steps and hand-rails here and there. But
+then an accident is always possible, as my secretary found to his cost
+on the Vulture Cliff. He was lucky to escape with only a sprained
+ankle.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Oh, that immensely tall Herr Gronau!&quot; exclaimed Molly. &quot;What has
+become of him? I did not catch even a glimpse of him in Heilborn.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;He asked for leave of absence for a few weeks, but I am now expecting
+him back again,&quot; replied Ernst, who had, in fact, been rather puzzled
+by Veit's long absence. He knew that his secretary had no relatives
+left in Germany, and he could not understand his sudden journey. Gronau
+had not even told him where he was going.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Alice agreed to await the return of the party; and whilst the others
+pursued their way to the summit of the height, she seated herself on a
+mossy bit of rock at the foot of the ascent. The spot was a peaceful
+little nook in the forest depths which no autumnal blast seemed as yet
+to have touched. The dark pines and the soft moss had preserved their
+fresh green, and the noonday sun had dispelled the mists which were so
+apt to linger here and there among the trees. It was as sunny and warm
+as on a day in spring.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Alice had been sitting alone about ten minutes, when she perceived at a
+little distance the familiar figure of Dr. Reinsfeld striding along
+among the trees. He was coming from a patient at one of the
+mountain-cottages, and was so lost in thought that he emerged upon the
+little clearing without perceiving the young girl until she called to
+him: &quot;Herr Doctor, are you really going to hurry past without even a
+look for your patient?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Benno started at the sound of her voice, and paused in surprise: &quot;You
+here, Fräulein Nordheim, and entirely alone?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Oh, I am not so unprotected as you suppose. Herr Waltenberg, with Erna
+and Molly, has just left me. I only stayed behind----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Because you are tired?&quot; was the anxious question.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She shook her head, smiling: &quot;Oh, no; I only wanted to husband my
+strength for the walk back, in accordance with your orders. You see how
+obedient I am.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She moved slightly aside, and seemed to expect that the doctor would
+take his seat beside her. He hesitated for a few seconds, and then
+accepted her unspoken invitation, and sat down upon the mossy
+resting-place. They were no longer strangers to each other; in the last
+few months they had seen and talked with each other almost daily.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Alice went on conversing cheerfully. There was an innocent delight in
+her gaiety, the delight of a freshly-aroused vitality asserting itself,
+still half timidly, after years of depressing ill health. No one could
+be more childlike and simple-minded than this young heiress, who was so
+little adapted to fill the position assigned her by her father's
+millions. Here, resting upon her mossy seat, free from all the
+splendour and pomp which fatigued her, with the golden sunlight playing
+upon the soft blond hair and the delicately-tinted face, there was an
+indescribable refinement and charm in her appearance.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The young physician, on the other hand, was unusually grave and silent;
+he forced himself to smile and to reply gaily now and then, but the
+effort he made was perceptible. Alice observed it at last, and she too
+became more silent, until after a long pause, which Reinsfeld made no
+attempt to interrupt, she asked, &quot;Herr Doctor, what is the matter?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;With me?&quot; Benno started. &quot;Oh, nothing,--nothing at all.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am afraid that is not quite true. You looked very grave and sad as
+you were striding along so hurriedly, and it is not the first time I
+have seen you so. For weeks I have fancied that something has been
+depressing and troubling you, although you take great pains to conceal
+it. Will you not tell me what it is?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The girl's voice was so entreatingly sweet, and her brown eyes looked
+with so sympathetic a glance of inquiry into those of the young
+physician, that it was hard to withstand her, and yet Nordheim's
+daughter ought to be the last to learn the cause of Reinsfeld's mood.
+She had indeed seen aright; Benno had been suffering for weeks under
+the burden of the suspicion which Gronau had implanted in his soul.
+Nothing indeed had as yet been discovered to confirm it, but Reinsfeld
+divined that Veit's sudden departure and prolonged absence were
+connected with some clue which was being followed up. He hastily
+collected himself, and replied, &quot;I find it hard to leave Oberstein.
+Fatiguing as my practice has been sometimes, and much as I have longed
+for a more extended sphere of activity, I feel now how attached I have
+become to the people whose joys and sorrows I have shared for years,
+and to the mountains where I have had my home. I leave so much behind
+me that it is hard to go away.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">His eyes were cast down as he spoke the last words, or he would have
+become aware of the instant change in the girl's face. She turned pale
+and her look of innocent gaiety vanished, while the wild-flowers that
+she had plucked on her way up the height dropped upon the moss at her
+feet. &quot;Is your departure so near at hand?&quot; she asked, gently.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It is indeed; I am only waiting for my successor to arrive, and he is
+expected in a week.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And then you go--forever?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes,--forever!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Question and answer sounded sad enough, and a silence ensued. Alice
+stooped and picked up her scattered flowers, beginning to arrange them
+mechanically. She knew, of course, of the doctor's acceptance of his
+new position, but it had not occurred to her that he would leave before
+her own departure, beyond which her thoughts had not strayed. She had
+been so happy in the mountains, had resigned herself entirely to the
+enjoyment of the present, without a thought that it could come to an
+end, and now she was reminded how near at hand was this end.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I may go without anxiety,&quot; Benno began again. &quot;The health of my
+district at present leaves nothing to be desired, and you, Fräulein
+Nordheim, need me no longer. Only be careful for some time to come, and
+I think I can guarantee your entire recovery. I am very glad to have
+been able to keep my promise to my friend and to restore him his
+betrothed well and happy.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;If indeed it makes much difference to him,&quot; Alice said, in a low tone.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Reinsf----eld looked amazed: &quot;Fräulein Nordheim?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Do you imagine, then, that Wolfgang cares for me? I do not think he
+does.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was no bitterness in her words; they were only sad, and the eyes
+which Alice raised to the young physician were as sad.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You do not believe in Wolfgang's love?&quot; he asked, dismayed. &quot;But why,
+then, should he have----&quot; He broke off in the middle of his sentence,
+knowing well enough that love had borne no share in his friend's
+wooing. He remembered only too distinctly how the young engineer had
+coldly determined to win for a wife the president's daughter, and the
+contemptuous shrug with which he had repudiated the idea of sentiment
+in the affair. It was a speculation,--nothing else.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I have no fault to find with Wolfgang, none at all,&quot; Alice went on.
+&quot;He is always most attentive, and so anxious about me, but I feel
+nevertheless how little I am to him, and I can see how his thoughts
+wander whenever he is with me. Formerly I scarcely perceived this, and
+if I did perceive it, it did not hurt me. I was always so weary; I had
+no pleasure in life,--it was one long illness for me. But when health
+began to relieve me of the oppression that had weighed down soul and
+body, I saw, and understood. Wolfgang loves his calling, the future to
+which he aspires, his great work, the Wolkenstein bridge, of which he
+is so proud. He never will love me!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Benno for a moment could find no reply to these words, which both
+startled and amazed him, from the girl whom he had supposed entirely
+indifferent in this matter, and who now thus clearly defined the true
+state of affairs.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Wolf's is not an ardent nature,&quot; he said at last, slowly. &quot;With him
+ambition outweighs sentiment; it was his character as a boy, and it is
+far more evident in the man.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Alice shook her head: &quot;Herr Gersdorf's nature is cool and calm, and yet
+how he loves Molly! Awhile ago Ernst Waltenberg cared for nothing save
+untrammelled freedom, and see how love has transformed him! Frau
+Lasberg, to be sure, says such sentiment is the merest nonsense which
+hardly outlives the honey-moon, that there is no such thing as the
+enduring affection of a romantic girl's imagination, and that a woman,
+if she is wise and hopes for happiness in marriage, must banish all
+such ideas from her mind. She may be right, but such wisdom is terribly
+depressing. Do you share it, Herr Doctor?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No!&quot; said Reinsfeld, with so decided an emphasis that Alice looked up
+at him in surprise and with a sad smile.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Then we are both dreamers and fools, whom sensible people would
+despise.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Thank God that it is so!&quot; Benno broke forth. &quot;Never let 'such
+sentiment' be snatched from you, Fräulein Nordheim; it is all that can
+make life happy or even worth the living. Wolf has always prophesied
+that I should never come to good, or make myself a fine position in the
+world. So be it. I do not care! I am happier than he with all his
+wisdom and his schemes. He takes no real pleasure in anything,--sees
+nothing anywhere save bare, forlorn reality, transfigured by no ray of
+inspiration. I have had a hard life. When my parents died I was knocked
+about the world, with scant favour from any one, and sometimes, as a
+student, was hard put to it for bread to eat; even now I possess merely
+the necessaries of life; but I would not exchange lots with my friend
+for all his brilliant future.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He was carried away by his emotion, and did not perceive how his words
+accused Wolfgang; nor did Alice appear to take note of it, for she
+looked up with sparkling eyes at the young physician, wont to be so
+quiet and calm, who seemed for the moment transfigured. Usually shy and
+reserved; as is the case with all introspective natures, when once the
+barrier of reserve was overleaped he forgot that any such had ever
+existed, and went on, with what was almost passionate ardour, &quot;When the
+sum of our lives is reckoned up, the gain may after all be mine. I
+question whether Wolfgang would not give all the results he has
+achieved for one draught from the fountain which flows inexhaustibly
+for me. We poor, ridiculed dreamers are, after all, the only happy
+human beings, for in spite of all experience we can love with all our
+hearts, can hope, and trust, and have faith in truth and goodness. And
+whatever of disappointment this world may have in store for us, nothing
+can deprive us of the belief in something higher. We attain heights to
+which others cannot soar; wings to reach it are worth all their vaunted
+worldly wisdom!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Alice listened in breathless silence to these words, the like of which
+she had never heard beneath her father's roof, but which nevertheless
+she comprehended at once with the instinct of a warm young heart
+thirsting for love and happiness. She did not dream that the
+consciousness of the man who spoke thus in eager defence of faith in
+all that is best in humanity was burdened with the knowledge of the
+bitterest failure in the faith and honour of her own father.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You are right!&quot; she exclaimed, holding out both hands to him as in
+gratitude. &quot;This faith is the highest, the only happiness in life, and
+we will not allow it to be snatched from us.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The only happiness?&quot; Benno repeated, while, scarcely knowing what he
+did, he clasped and held fast the hands held out to him. &quot;No, Fräulein
+Nordheim, other joys also await you. Wolfgang's is a noble nature in
+spite of his ambition; in time you will learn to understand each other,
+and then he will make you truly happy, or he is utterly unworthy of
+you. I&quot;--here his voice grew slightly unsteady--&quot;I shall often hear
+from him and of his married life,--we are faithful correspondents,--and
+sometimes, perhaps, you will allow me to recall myself to your memory.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Alice made no reply; her eyes filled with tears. Unable to conceal the
+first profound grief in her young life, at Benno's last words she hid
+her face in her hands and sobbed uncontrollably.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">For Benno this moment was one of intoxicating delight and of intense
+pain. Another man might perhaps have forgotten all else in the rapture
+of the revelation thus made, but for him Alice was sacred as the
+betrothed of his friend; not for the world would he have uttered one of
+the thousand expressions of love that rose to his lips. He slowly
+retreated a few paces, and said, almost inaudibly, &quot;It is well that I
+am to go to Neuenfeld. I have long known how it was with me!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Neither of the pair had any idea that they were overheard. Just as the
+doctor had clasped the young girl's hands in his, the shrubbery at the
+foot of the rock had parted, and Molly, who had intended in jest to
+startle Alice by her sudden appearance, noiselessly emerged. Her merry
+face assumed, however, an expression of extreme surprise upon finding
+her friend, whom she had supposed alone, in Benno's society, and in
+such evident agitation.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Among the praiseworthy qualities of Frau Gersdorf might be reckoned
+intense curiosity. She was instantly eager to know how this interesting
+interview would terminate. She therefore retreated unperceived, as
+noiselessly as she had appeared, and, hid among the bushes, overheard
+all that ensued, until Waltenberg's and Erna's approaching footsteps
+became audible as they descended the rocky pathway.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Fortunately, the little lady was not lacking in presence of mind, and,
+moreover, since she had before her own marriage peremptorily claimed
+Alice's services as guardian angel, she felt called upon now to requite
+her after the same manner. So she retreated still farther into the
+shrubbery, and then called out aloud to the approaching couple that
+she had easily outstripped them. The result was all that could be
+desired, and when some minutes later the three new-comers reached the
+mountain-meadow, Alice was sitting as they had left her, and Benno,
+grave and silent, was standing beside her. Molly was, of course,
+immensely surprised at finding her cousin Benno, of whom she
+straightway took possession. She was resolved to extort a confession
+from him as soon as they should be alone, and from Alice also,--as
+guardian angel she had a right to their unreserved confidence.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The little party took its way homewards, and Benno was plied by his
+young relative with questions, to which he replied absently and
+mechanically, while his eyes sought the slender, delicate figure
+walking silently beside Erna; he had not waited until to-day to know
+that she was dearer to him than aught else on earth.</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>CHAPTER XIX.</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1_19" href="#div1Ref_19">NEMESIS.</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+<p class="normal">The president made his appearance at the appointed time; until
+the
+opening of the railway he was obliged to drive over from Heilborn, and
+he brought with him Herr Gersdorf, who was to come for his wife. The
+engineer-in-chief was 'accidentally' absent at a distant post, and
+could not receive his future father-in-law as usual. Nordheim knew what
+this meant,--he no longer reckoned upon Wolfgang's compliance,--but he
+also knew that matters must come to a final explanation.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Molly immediately after dinner invited her husband to walk with her in
+the grove at the foot of the garden, that she might open her heart to
+him; but when she would have told her secret she prefaced the
+revelation by so many mysterious hints, such oracular sentences, that
+Gersdorf grew uneasy.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;My dear child, pray tell me outright what has happened,&quot; he begged
+her. &quot;I noticed nothing whatever unusual upon my arrival; what have you
+to tell me?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;A secret, Albert,&quot; she replied, with much solemnity,--&quot;a profound
+secret, which I adjure you not to reveal. Incredible things have been
+happening,--here and at Oberstein.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;At Oberstein? Has Benno anything to do with them?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes!&quot; And here Frau Gersdorf made a long, artistic pause, to give due
+effect to what was to follow. Then she said, in a tone of the deepest
+tragedy, &quot;Benno--loves Alice Nordheim.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Unfortunately, the revelation did not produce the desired effect; the
+lawyer merely shook his head, and observed, with exasperating
+indifference, &quot;Poor fellow! It is well that he is going to Neuenfeld,
+where he will soon get such nonsense out of his head.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Nonsense, do you call it?&quot; Molly exclaimed, indignantly. &quot;And you
+suppose it can be easily got rid of? You probably could have done so if
+you had not married me, Albert, for you are a heartless monster!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But an excellent husband,&quot; Gersdorf, who was quite used to such tragic
+outbursts from his wife, asserted with philosophic serenity. &quot;Moreover,
+the case was not similar. I knew that in spite of obstacles I could win
+you, and then I was sure of your love.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And so is Benno. Alice loves him also,&quot; Molly explained, gratified to
+perceive that her husband took this announcement much more seriously.
+He listened in thoughtful silence, while, after her usual lively
+fashion, she told of the scene on the mountain-meadow, of her
+concealment among the trees, and of her extremely vigorous efforts to
+smooth matters, as she expressed it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;An hour later I had Benno alone by himself,&quot; she continued. &quot;At first
+he would not confess,--not a word; but I should like to see any one
+conceal from me what I have resolved to find out. Finally I said to
+him, frankly, 'Benno, you are in love, desperately in love,' and then
+he denied it no longer, but said, with a sigh, 'Yes, and hopelessly
+so!' He was in despair, poor fellow, but I told him to take courage,
+for I would undertake to arrange the affair.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;That must, of course, have consoled him greatly,&quot; the lawyer
+interposed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No; on the contrary, he would not hear of it. Benno's
+conscientiousness is positively something frightful. Alice was the
+betrothed of his friend,--he could not even allow his thoughts to dwell
+upon her,--never would he see her again, but if possible he would start
+for Neuenfeld to-morrow, and a deal more of such nonsense. He forbade
+me to speak to Alice. Of course, as soon as his back was turned, I went
+to her and extorted a confession from her too. In short, they love each
+other dearly, intensely, inexpressibly. So there is nothing for them to
+do but to be married!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Indeed?&quot; said her husband, rather surprised by this conclusion.
+&quot;You seem to have quite forgotten that Alice is betrothed to the
+engineer-in-chief.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Frau Molly turned up her little nose contemptuously; that betrothal
+never had found favour in her eyes, and at present she was inclined to
+make short work of it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Alice never loved that Wolfgang Elmhorst,&quot; she asserted, with
+decision. &quot;She said yes because her father told her to, because she had
+not the energy then to say no, and he--well, what he wanted was a
+wealthy wife.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;A very good reason, as you must admit, for disinclination to
+relinquish her.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I told you just now, Albert, that I was going myself to undertake the
+adjustment of the affair,&quot; Frau Molly declared, with dignity. &quot;I shall
+see Elmhorst, and appeal to his generosity, representing to him that
+unless he wishes to make two people wretched he must withdraw. He will
+be touched and softened, he will bring the lovers together, and----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;There will be a most romantic scene,&quot; Albert concluded her sentence.
+&quot;No, that is just what he will <i>not</i> do. You little know the
+engineer-in-chief if you credit him with such sensibility. He is not
+the man to withdraw from a connection that insures him the future
+possession of millions, and he will soon console himself for lack of
+affection in his wife. And what do you suppose Nordheim will say to
+your romance?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The president?&quot; Molly asked, dejectedly. In the contemplation of her
+scheme in which she played the part of beneficent fairy, joining the
+hands of the lovers with all the emotion befitting the occasion, she
+had quite forgotten that Alice had a father whose word might be
+decisive in this matter.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, President Nordheim, who brought about this betrothal, and who
+will hardly consent to dissolve it, and to bestow his daughter's hand
+upon a young country doctor, who, with all his courage and capacity,
+has nothing to give in return. No, Molly, the affair is perfectly
+hopeless, and Benno is quite right to resign all hope. Even if Alice
+really loves him, she has promised her hand to Wolfgang, and neither he
+nor her father will release her. There is no help for it, they must
+both submit.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He might have gone on thus forever without convincing his wife. She
+knew what her own obstinacy had effected in uniting her with her lover,
+and she would not see why Alice could not persist in the same manner.
+She listened, indeed, attentively, and then cut short any further
+remarks from her husband by declaring, dictatorially,--</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You do not understand it at all, Albert! They love each other. Then
+they ought to marry; and marry they shall!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What could Gersdorf say to refute such logic as this?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Meanwhile, Alice Nordheim was in her father's study, which she rarely
+entered, and which she must have sought now for some important purpose,
+for she looked pale and agitated, and as she stood leaning against the
+window-frame, seemed to be undergoing an inward struggle; yet there was
+nothing in prospect save an interview between the father and daughter.
+There was, to be sure, nothing of confidence or intimacy in the
+relation existing between them. Nordheim, who had surrounded his
+daughter with all the luxury and splendour that wealth could procure,
+took, in fact, very little interest in her, as Alice had always felt,
+but in her docile compliance with whatever her father desired, there
+had never been any collision between them.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">For the first time this was otherwise; she was about to go to her
+father with a confession, which must, she knew, provoke his wrath, and
+she trembled at the thought, although her resolution never wavered.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">All at once the president's step was heard in the next room, and his
+voice said, &quot;Herr Waltenberg's secretary? Certainly. Show him in!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Alice stood hesitating for a moment; her father, who did not suspect
+her presence here, was not alone, and, agitated as she was, she could
+not confront a stranger. Probably the man brought some message from
+Waltenberg, and his business would shortly be despatched. The young
+girl, therefore, slipped into her father's bedroom, which adjoined his
+office, and the door of which remained ajar. Nordheim immediately
+entered the room she had left, and was shortly joined there by his
+visitor.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The president received him with affable ease. He knew that Ernst in his
+travels had picked up somewhere an individual who, ostensibly his
+secretary, played the part of his confidential friend, but he took
+further interest in the matter. He either had not heard or had not
+heeded his name; at all events, he did not recognize his former friend.
+Twenty-five years are long in passing, and such a life as Gronau's had
+been is a great disguiser. This man with his brown, deeply-furrowed
+face and gray hair had nothing in his appearance to recall the fresh,
+merry youth who had gone out into the world to seek his fortune.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You are Herr Waltenberg's secretary?&quot; It was thus that Nordheim opened
+the conversation.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, Herr President.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Nordheim started at the sound of the voice, which aroused dim memories
+within him. He directed a keen glance towards the stranger, and,
+motioning to him to be seated, he went on:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I suppose we shall not see him to-day? Have you a message from him?
+Your name, if you please.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Veit Gronau,&quot; was the reply, as the speaker calmly seated himself.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The president looked extremely surprised; he examined the
+weather-beaten features of his former friend, but the memories thus
+unexpectedly awakened seemed far from agreeable, and he was apparently
+not inclined to admit that there had ever existed any friendship
+between himself and his visitor. His manner distinctly indicated the
+inferior position which he chose to assign to his friend's secretary.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;We are not, then, entire strangers to each other,&quot; he remarked. &quot;I was
+acquainted in my youth with a Veit Gronau----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The same who has the honour of waiting upon you at present,&quot; Gronau
+concluded the sentence.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It gives me pleasure to hear it.&quot; The pleasure was but coldly
+expressed. &quot;And how have you thriven in the mean while? Well, it would
+seem, your position with Herr Waltenberg must be a very agreeable one.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I have every reason to be contented. I have hardly reached your
+heights, Herr President, but one must not expect too much.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;True, true. Human destinies are very various.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And when men undertake to control them, it all depends upon who can
+best steer his own boat.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The remark displeased the president as being too familiar; he desired
+no intimacy with his former comrade, so he said, evasively,--</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But we are straying from the object of your visit. Herr Waltenberg
+sends you to----?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No,&quot; Gronau replied, drily.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Nordheim looked at him in surprise: &quot;You do not bring me a message from
+him?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No, Herr President. I have just returned from a journey, and have not
+yet seen Herr Waltenberg. I announced myself in my capacity of his
+secretary in order to make sure of your receiving me. I come about an
+affair of my own.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At this disclosure the president became several degrees colder and more
+formal, for he suspected some favour to be asked; yet the man seated so
+calmly before him, looking at him with so searching an expression in
+his clear, keen eyes, did not look like a suppliant; there was
+something of defiance in his bearing which impressed Nordheim
+disagreeably.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Go on, then,&quot; he said, with perceptible condescension. &quot;All relations
+between us are far in the past, nevertheless----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, they date from five-and-twenty years ago,&quot; Gronau interrupted
+him. &quot;And yet it is precisely of what then occurred that I wish to
+speak,--to pray you to inform me what has become of our--excuse me--of
+my former friend, Benno Reinsfeld?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The question was so sudden and unexpected that Nordheim was silenced
+for a moment, but he was too entirely accustomed to self-control to be
+long disconcerted by such surprises. One suspicious glance he shot at
+his questioner, and then, with a shrug, he replied, coldly,--</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You really demand too much of my memory, Herr Gronau. I cannot
+possibly call to mind all the acquaintances of my youth, and in this
+instance I do not even remember the name you mention.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Indeed? Then let me assist your memory, Herr President. I allude to
+the inventor of the first mountain-railway locomotive,--the engineer,
+Benno Reinsfeld.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The men looked each other in the eye, and instantly the president knew
+that there was nothing accidental in his visitor's presence, that he
+was confronting a foe, and that the words which sounded so innocent
+barely disguised a menace. He must next know whether the man appearing
+thus after years of exile were really dangerous, or whether this were
+merely an attempt to extort money from his possible fears. Nordheim
+seemed inclined to the latter belief, for he said, frigidly, &quot;You must
+be falsely informed, <i>I</i> invented the first mountain-locomotive, as is
+shown by my patent.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Gronau suddenly rose, his dark face flushed still darker. He had
+devised a regular scheme of action, arranged in his mind how he should
+attack his opponent and drive him into a corner, until not a chance of
+escape was left him, but at such audacious falsehood all his prudent
+plans fell to pieces, and honest indignation got the upper hand of him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You dare to tell me that to my face!&quot; he burst out, angrily. &quot;To me,
+who was present when Benno showed us his invention, and explained it,
+and you admired it, and praised him! Does your memory play you false
+there also?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The president calmly reached for the bell-rope: &quot;Will you leave the
+house, Herr Gronau, or must I call the servants? I am not inclined to
+submit to insult beneath my own roof.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I advise you to let the bell alone,&quot; Gronau burst forth, furiously.
+&quot;Take your choice, whether what I have to say shall be said to you
+alone, or to all the world. Refuse to listen,--I can find a hearing
+everywhere else.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The threat was not without effect; Nordheim slowly withdrew his hand.
+He saw that it would not be easy to deal with this resolute, determined
+man, and that it would be best not to provoke him further, but his
+voice was still impassive as he said, &quot;Well, then, what have you to say
+to me?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Veit Gronau stepped up to his former comrade, and his eyes flashed:
+&quot;That you are a scoundrel, Nordheim, neither more nor less!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The president started, but in an instant burst out, &quot;What! you dare?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Oh, yes; and I dare far more, for this is not a matter to be hushed up
+easily. Poor Benno, indeed, neither could nor would defend himself; he
+bowed his head beneath the stroke, and suffered more, I fancy, from the
+consciousness of the treachery of a friend than from the treachery
+itself. Had I been here at the time you would not have got off with
+your booty so easily. Don't trouble yourself to look indignant. 'Tis of
+no use with mc. I know you, and we are alone; no need for play-acting.
+You had better make up your mind what answer to make when I accuse you
+in public.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In his excitement his voice rang out clear and distinct. Nordheim made
+no further attempt to check his words, but he must have felt quite
+secure, for he never for an instant lost his bearing of calm
+superiority.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What answer to make?&quot; he said, with a shrug. &quot;Where are your proofs?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Gronau laughed bitterly: &quot;I thought you would ask that. Therefore I did
+not come instantly to you when I heard the sorry tale from poor Benno's
+son in Oberstein. I have spent three weeks in following up traces. I
+have been in the capital, in Benno's last place of residence,--even in
+the town where we were all three born.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And are they found,--these proofs of yours?&quot; The question was
+pronounced in a tone of extreme contempt.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No, nothing; that is, that could convict you. You insured yourself
+well against discovery, and Reinsfeld meanwhile delayed applying for a
+patent for his invention because he did not consider it yet complete.
+That was the time when I left home and you accepted a position in the
+capital. Poor Benno worked away at his invention and perfected it,
+building many a castle in the air the while, until one fine day he
+heard that his invention had been bought and patented; but the patent
+and the money were both in the pocket of his best friend, of whom they
+made a millionaire.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And this is the precious tale you mean to relate to the world?&quot; the
+president sneered. &quot;Do you actually believe that the assertion of an
+adventurer like yourself could ruin a man of my standing? Why, you
+yourself admit the absence of proof.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Of all direct proof; but what I have learned is quite enough to make
+the ground hot beneath your feet. Reinsfeld himself made an effort to
+recover his rights; of course he was unsuccessful, although he found
+credence here and there. Then he lost courage and gave up all hope. But
+the matter was talked of; you were forced to defend yourself against
+suspicion, and now you have as an antagonist not poor, inexperienced
+Benno, but myself. Look to yourself in this encounter. I have sworn to
+indemnify the son of my friend as far as is possible for the wrong done
+to his father, and I am wont to keep my word, whether for good or for
+evil. As an 'adventurer' I have nothing to lose, and I shall proceed
+against you ruthlessly and resolutely; I shall forge weapons against
+you out of all that I have lately learned, and shall publish to the
+world the suspicion, the knowledge of which was formerly confined to a
+very narrow circle. We shall see whether the truth can die away unheard
+when an honest man is ready to vindicate it with his very life.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was an iron determination in his words and manner, and Nordheim
+was quite able to measure the power of this antagonist. He seemed
+engaged in a mental conflict for a minute or two, and then he asked, in
+a low tone, &quot;What is your price?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Gronau's lip quivered with a contemptuous smile: &quot;Ah, you are ready to
+barter, then?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It may come to that. I do not deny that such a scandal as you threaten
+to raise would be very disagreeable to me, although I am far from
+perceiving any danger in it. If you should propose reasonable
+conditions I might, perhaps, bring myself to make a sacrifice.
+Therefore, what do you ask?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Very little for a man of your stamp. Pay to Benno's son, young Dr.
+Reinsfeld, the entire sum which you formerly received for the patent.
+It is his lawful inheritance, and would be wealth to him in his present
+circumstances. Moreover, you must confess the truth to him,--privately,
+for all I care,--and give to the dead his due, at least in his son's
+eyes. This done, I will answer for it that the matter shall be
+immediately dropped.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Your first condition I accept,&quot; Nordheim replied, as though he were
+settling some business transaction, &quot;but not the second. You must
+content yourselves with the money, which, indeed, will amount to a
+considerable sum. I suppose you will go shares in it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Is that your opinion?&quot; Gronau asked, scornfully. &quot;But how indeed
+should you know anything of honest, unselfish friendship? Benno
+Reinsfeld does not even know that I have come to you, or of the
+conditions I propose, and I shall have trouble enough, God knows, to
+induce him to accept what is lawfully his, and his only. I should
+consider it a disgrace to touch a penny of it. But enough of this. Will
+you accept both conditions?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No; only the first.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I will retract nothing. I must have both the money and the
+confession.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Which will place me completely in your power? Never!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Good! Then we have done with each other. If you wish for war you shall
+have war!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Gronau turned and walked towards the door; the president made as if he
+would have detained him, then apparently changed his mind, and in
+another moment it was too late: the door had closed behind Veit.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When Nordheim was alone, he began to pace the room rapidly to and fro.
+Now when there were no witnesses present it was evident that the
+interview had nowise left him as indifferent as he had feigned to be.
+There was a deep furrow in his brow, and in his face anger and anxiety
+strove for the mastery; gradually he began to be calmer, and at last he
+paused and said, half aloud, &quot;'Tis folly to allow this to discompose me
+thus. He has no proof. I deny everything.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He turned towards his writing-table, when suddenly he stood rooted
+to the spot, and a low cry escaped his lips. The door of his
+sleeping-apartment had opened noiselessly, and upon the threshold stood
+Alice, ashy pale, both hands clasped against her breast, and her large
+eyes riveted upon her father, who recoiled from her as from some
+spectre.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You here?&quot; he said, harshly. &quot;How did you come here? Have you heard
+anything of what has been said?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes,--I heard everything,&quot; the young girl replied, scarce audibly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then for the first time Nordheim changed colour. His daughter present
+at that interview! But the next moment he had collected himself; it
+surely could not be difficult to divest of all suspicion the mind of
+this innocent, inexperienced girl who had always yielded so readily to
+his authority. &quot;It certainly was not meant for your ears,&quot; he said,
+with asperity. &quot;I really cannot understand your playing the part of
+eavesdropper when you must have heard that a purely business matter was
+under discussion. You have now been witness to an attempt to blackmail
+your father,--an attempt which I ought perhaps to have repulsed more
+decidedly. But such audacious liars have the best men at a
+disadvantage. The world is ever too ready to credit a falsehood, and
+where a man is, like myself, engaged in great undertakings, demanding
+principally the entire confidence of the public, he cannot afford to
+expose himself to the faintest suspicion. It is better to be rid of
+such fellows as this man, who live by blackmail, at the expense of a
+sum of money;----but you understand nothing of it all! Go to your room,
+and pray do not visit mine in secret again.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">His words did not produce the desired effect: Alice stood motionless.
+She made no reply; she did not stir; and her silence seemed to irritate
+the president still further.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Do you not hear me?&quot; he said. &quot;I wish to be alone, and I require that
+no word of what you have heard should pass your lips. Now go!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Instead of obeying, Alice slowly approached him, and said, in a
+strange, nervous tone, &quot;Papa, I have something to say to you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;About what? Not this attempt at blackmail, I trust? I have explained
+to you how matters stand, and you will hardly give credence to that
+scoundrel.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;That man was no scoundrel,&quot; the young girl replied, in the same
+strange tone.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Indeed?&quot; the president burst forth. &quot;And what am I, then, in your
+eyes?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">No answer, only the same rigid distressed look riveted upon her
+father's face. There was no longer any question in it, but a
+condemnation, and Nordheim could not bear it. He had confronted his
+accuser with a brazen brow, before his child's eyes his own sought the
+ground.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Alice caught her breath; at first her voice failed her, but it gained
+in firmness as she went on:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I came here to make a confession, papa, to tell you something that
+might have angered you. I do not care to speak of it now. I have only
+one question to ask you: Are you going to afford--Dr. Reinsfeld the
+satisfaction required of you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Not at all, I shall abide by my last words.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Then I shall give it to him in your stead.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Alice, are you bereft of your senses?&quot; the president, now really
+alarmed, exclaimed; but she went on, undeterred:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;He does not indeed need your confession, for he knows the truth; he
+must have long known it. Now I know why he changed so suddenly, why he
+often looked at me so sadly, and never would betray what troubled him.
+He knows everything. And yet he has shown me nothing save kindness and
+compassion, has used every effort to restore me to health,--me, the
+daughter of the man who----&quot; She could not finish the sentence.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Nordheim made no further attempt to appear indignant, for he saw that
+Alice was not to be imposed upon, and he also saw that he must give up
+the attempt to control her by severity. She had foolishly resolved upon
+what might ruin him; her silence must be secured at all hazards.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I, too, am convinced that Dr. Reinsfeld has nothing to do with the
+matter,&quot; he said, more calmly; &quot;that he is sufficiently wise to see the
+folly of such threats. As for your silly purpose to speak of them to
+him, I am sure you are not in earnest. What is the affair to you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The young girl stood erect, and her face took on an indescribably stern
+expression quite foreign to it: &quot;It ought indeed to be much more to
+you, papa! You knew that Dr. Reinsfeld dwelt near us, that he laboured
+night and day, in absolute poverty, and you never even tried to make
+good to him the wrong done to his father. Life and mankind have been so
+cruel to him: he was thrust out into the world in his childhood; as a
+student he lacked every means of support, while you won millions with
+that money, built palaces, and lived in luxury. At least do what Gronau
+asks, papa. You must,--or I shall attempt it myself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Alice!&quot; Nordheim exclaimed, between anger and utter amazement at
+finding his daughter, the gentle, docile creature who had never before
+ventured to contradict him, now laying down the law for him. &quot;Have you
+no idea of the meaning of the affair? Would you deliver up your father
+to his worst enemy, who----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Benno Reinsfeld is not your enemy,&quot; Alice interrupted him. &quot;If he
+were, he would long since have made use of the secret to extort from
+you something quite different from that demanded by Gronau,--for--he
+loves me!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Reinsfeld--loves you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes,--I know it, although he has never told me so. I am betrothed to
+another, and he, who could obtain from you what he chose by threats, is
+going from here without one demand, without even a word with you,
+because he would fain spare me the terrible knowledge, which,
+nevertheless, is now mine. You do not dream of the extent of this man's
+magnanimity. I now know it all!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The president stood speechless; he was not prepared for this turn of
+affairs, for it required no great amount of perspicacity to perceive
+that Benno's love was returned. The girl's passionate indignation spoke
+plainly enough, and if Reinsfeld really knew the story of the past--and
+that he did so seemed beyond a doubt--there was in fact but one
+explanation of his reserve and his silence in a matter so nearly
+concerning him. He had relinquished the advantage which his knowledge
+gave him that she whom he loved might be saved from disgrace. There was
+nothing therefore to apprehend from him; the father of the girl whom he
+loved was secure from his revenge, and perhaps he might induce Gronau
+also to be silent.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;This is an astounding piece of news!&quot; Nordheim said, slowly, after a
+short pause, during which he had watched his daughter narrowly. &quot;And I
+hear it rather late. You spoke just now of a confession. What had you
+to tell me?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Alice cast down her eyes, and a burning blush replaced the pallor of
+her cheek: &quot;That I do not love Wolfgang, nor does he love me,&quot; she
+answered, in a low tone. &quot;I did not know it at first myself, but it has
+become clear to me within the last few days.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She confidently expected a burst of anger from her father, but nothing
+of the kind ensued; on the contrary, his voice was quite changed, as he
+said, in an unusually gentle tone, &quot;Why have you no confidence in me,
+Alice? I would not force my only daughter to contract a marriage in
+which her heart had no share; but this must be well considered and
+reflected upon. For the present I only ask that you will not be
+overhasty in your resolves, but will leave it to me to find a solution
+of the difficulty. Trust your father, my child; you shall have no cause
+for dissatisfaction with him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He stooped to press a paternal kiss upon her forehead, but she shrank
+away from the caress with an evident expression of dislike.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What does this mean?&quot; Nordheim asked, with a frown. &quot;Are you afraid of
+me? Do you not believe me?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She raised her eyes to his with the same hard, accusing look in them,
+and her voice, usually so gentle, was inexorably stern, as she replied,
+&quot;No, papa; I believe neither in your love nor in your kindness. I shall
+never believe you again,--never!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Nordheim bit his lip and turned away, mutely motioning to her to leave
+the room. As mutely she obeyed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She had rightly divined that the president never for a moment
+entertained the idea of a marriage between his daughter and the young
+physician, although he had no scruples in hinting at such a possibility
+in order to avert for the moment a threatening danger. But he had
+miscalculated his daughter's insight; the young, inexperienced girl had
+seen through his device, and, man of iron though he was, he could not
+endure it. He had preserved his composure in presence of Wolfgang's
+haughty indignation and of Gronau's threats. His anger had been
+aroused, and at most he had experienced a vague dread. Now for the
+first time in his life he felt the sting of shame. Even although the
+danger menacing him should be averted, he could not away with the
+consciousness that he was judged and condemned by his only child.</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>CHAPTER XX.</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1_20" href="#div1Ref_20">BLASTS AND COUNTERBLASTS.</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+<p class="normal">The construction of the railway was pushed forward with
+feverish haste.
+In fact, it was no easy task to have the work completed at the promised
+time; but Nordheim was right in declaring that the engineer-in-chief
+would spare neither himself nor his subordinates. Elmhorst spurred on
+his workmen to incredible exertions; he was present everywhere,
+superintending and directing, giving to his staff of engineers an
+example of unwearied devotion to duty that inspired their emulation.
+Under his leadership their capacity for work seemed doubled, and he
+actually attained his end. The numerous structures on the line of
+mountain-railway were now all but finished, and the last touches were
+being put to the Wolkenstein bridge.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wolfgang had just returned from his day's expedition. He had dismissed
+his vehicle in Oberstein, that he might pursue the rest of his way on
+foot, and now he was standing upon a cliff above the Wolkenstein abyss,
+watching the workmen, swarming like busy ants upon the trestles and
+framework of the bridge. A few days more would witness the completion
+of the work, which already excited universal admiration, and which in
+the course of a year or two would arouse the wonder of thousands; but
+he who had created it stood gazing at it as gloomily as if all pleasure
+in his creation had departed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He had evaded for to-day an interview with the president, testifying by
+his absence to his adhesion to his refusal; but some explanation was
+unavoidable. That the breach between them was final both knew; Nordheim
+was scarcely the man to accept for his son-in-law one who had so
+frankly and contemptuously defied him, and from whom he could expect in
+future no support in his schemes. The question was now how the
+separation was to be made, since the interests of each required that it
+should take place as quietly as possible. This was all that was to be
+arranged, and this was to be settled on the morrow.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The sound of a horse's hoofs close at hand roused Elmhorst from his
+reflections, and turning he perceived Erna von Thurgau upon one of the
+rough ponies purchased for use among the mountains. She drew rein,
+evidently surprised, as she recognized the engineer-in-chief.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Back already, Herr Elmhorst? We thought your expedition would take up
+an entire day.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I finished my inspection sooner than I anticipated. But you cannot
+ride on for a few moments, Fräulein von Thurgau: they are blasting just
+below there; it will be all over, however, in ten minutes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The young lady had already perceived the obstacle; the road leading
+down the descent and past the bridge was temporarily barricaded, while
+beyond a number of workmen were busied in blasting a large fragment of
+rock.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am in no hurry,&quot; she said, indifferently, &quot;and, besides, I must wait
+for Herr Waltenberg, who begged me to ride on while he spoke with Herr
+Gronau, whom he met just now quite unexpectedly. I do not wish to be
+too far in advance of him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She let her bridle hang loose, and seemed to bestow all her attention
+upon the workmen. The previous night had brought an entire change
+in the weather,--a cold rain had obscured all the sunny, fragrant
+beauty of the landscape. The skies hung dark and gray above the earth,
+the mountains were veiled in mist, and the wind whistled in the
+forests,--autumn had come in a single night.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;We shall see you this evening, Herr Elmhorst?&quot; Erna asked, after a
+silence of several minutes.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I regret extremely that I cannot possibly come. I shall be very much
+occupied this evening.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was the old pretext to which he had so often had recourse; but it no
+longer found credence. Erna said, with evident significance, &quot;You are
+probably not aware that my uncle arrived this forenoon?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Oh, yes, I know it, and have excused my absence to him; I shall see
+him to-morrow.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But Alice does not seem well. She will not, it is true, admit any
+indisposition, nor will she allow Dr. Reinsfeld to be summoned, but she
+looked so pale and ill awhile ago when she came out of her father's
+room, that I was quite alarmed.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She seemed to expect an answer, but Elmhorst continued to gaze towards
+the bridge in silence.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Surely you ought to forsake your work for to-day and see after your
+betrothed.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I have no longer the right to call Fräulein Nordheim my betrothed,&quot;
+Wolfgang said, coldly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Herr Elmhorst!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, Fräulein von Thurgau. Differences of opinion have arisen between
+the president and myself of so decided a character that any adjustment
+is impossible. We have both withdrawn from the intended connection.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And Alice?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;She knows nothing of it as yet, at least through me. Possibly her
+father may have acquainted her with the matter; in any case, she will
+submit to his decision.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The words testified clearly to the nature of the strange alliance,
+which had in fact existed only between Nordheim and his intended
+son-in-law. Alice had been betrothed since the interests of both men
+required that so it should be, and now when these interests no longer
+existed the betrothal was dissolved without even referring the matter
+to her; it was taken for granted that she would submit. Erna too seemed
+to have no doubt upon the subject, but she changed colour at the
+unexpected intelligence. &quot;It has come, then, to this,&quot; she said,
+softly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, it has come to this. I was asked to pay a price far too high for
+me or----, and I made my choice.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I knew how you would choose!&quot; the girl exclaimed, eagerly. &quot;I never
+doubted it!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Ah, you did me that justice, then!&quot; Wolfgang said, with undisguised
+bitterness. &quot;I hardly expected it of you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She made no reply, but there was reproach in her eyes; at last she
+said, with hesitation, &quot;And---what now?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Now I stand just where I did a year ago. The path which you once
+pointed out to me with such enthusiasm lies open before me, and I shall
+pursue it, but alone,--entirely alone.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Erna shivered slightly at his last words, but apparently she did not
+choose to understand them; she interposed, hastily, &quot;A man like
+yourself is not alone. He has his talents and his future, and the
+future before you is so grand and----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And as dreary and sunless as that mountain-world,&quot; he completed her
+sentence, pointing to the autumnal, cloudy landscape. &quot;But I have no
+right to complain. It came to meet me once, happiness, brilliant and
+sunlit, and I turned my back upon it to attain another goal. Then it
+spread its wings and departed, soaring to unattainable heights; and
+although I would give my very life for it, it never will come back to
+me. Those who trifle with it lose it forever.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was dull, aching misery in his voice as he made this confession,
+but Erna had no word of reply for him, and no glance for the eyes
+seeking her own. Pale and rigid, she gazed abroad into the misty
+distance. Yes, he knew now where for him lay rest and happiness,--now,
+when it was too late!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wolfgang laid his hand upon the horse's mane: &quot;Erna, one question
+before we part. After my final interview with your uncle to-morrow I
+shall, of course, not enter his house again, and you are going far away
+with your husband. Do you look for happiness at his side?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;At least I hope to confer happiness.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Herr Elmhorst----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Ah, you need not repulse me so sternly! No self-interest lurks behind
+my question. My sentence I listened to from your lips on that moonlit
+night upon the Wolkenstein. Even were you free I should be hopeless,
+for you never could forgive my wooing of another.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No,--never!&quot; The words were harsh in their decision.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I know it, and hence these last words of warning. Ernst Waltenberg is
+not the man to make such a woman as yourself happy. His love is rooted
+in the egotism that is the basis of his entire nature. He never will
+ask himself whether he may not be torturing by his jealous passion the
+woman whom he loves, and how will you endure constant companionship
+with a man to whom all the lofty ideals which are to you inspiration
+are but dead ideas? At last I have learned to know--dearly as the
+knowledge has been purchased--that there is something loftier and
+better than the self which once bounded my horizon. He never will learn
+this!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Erna's lips quivered; she had long known it far better than any one
+could tell her. But what availed such knowledge? For her also it was
+too late.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You are speaking of my betrothed, Herr Elmhorst,&quot; she said, in a tone
+of reproof,--&quot;and to me. Not another word of the kind, I entreat!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wolfgang bowed and retired: &quot;You are right, Fräulein von Thurgau; but
+they were farewell words, and as such may be forgiven.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She inclined her head in assent, and was about to turn away, when
+Waltenberg appeared on the edge of the forest, urging his horse towards
+the pair. He and the engineer-in-chief exchanged the coldly courteous
+greetings habitual to them in what had become their almost daily
+intercourse. They spoke of the weather, and of the president's
+arrival,--Ernst being now first aware of the barricade in the road.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The men are unconscionably dilatory about their blasting,&quot; said
+Wolfgang, glad to find an opportunity to cut short the interview. &quot;I
+will go and hasten them; you shall not have to wait long.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He hurried down the slope, but something seemed to be amiss with the
+blasting, and the engineer who was directing the proceedings came
+forward to explain matters to his chief. Wolfgang shrugged his
+shoulders impatiently and passed on into the midst of the workmen,
+apparently to examine the work himself.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Meanwhile, Waltenberg stayed with his betrothed, who asked him, &quot;You
+spoke with Gronau, then?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, and I took no pains to conceal my surprise at finding him here,
+since he had not been to see me in Heilborn, or informed me of his
+return. In reply he begged me to see him this evening: he has something
+to tell me, which he says concerns me in a certain sense. I am really
+curious to know what it is. He is not wont to be oracularly mysterious.
+Look, Erna, how dark and threatening the sky is above the Wolkenstein.
+Will that storm not overtake us?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Hardly to-day,&quot; said Erna, with a glance towards the veiled
+mountain-top. &quot;To-morrow perhaps, or the day after. In spite of our
+fine autumn, the tempests which our poor mountaineers so dread seem to
+be setting in earlier than usual. We had a forerunner of them last
+night.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;There must be something more than fable in the magic power of your
+Alpine Fay,&quot; Ernst said, half in jest. &quot;That cloudy peak, which is well
+named, for it scarcely ever unveils, has actually cast a spell around
+me. It allures and attracts me with a mysterious, wellnigh irresistible
+charm, tempting me to lift the veil of the haughty Ice-Queen, and to
+snatch from her the kiss hitherto denied to mortals. If one should try
+that precipice on this side----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Ernst, you promised me to give up all such ideas forever,&quot; Erna
+interposed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And I will keep my word. I promised you on St. John's eve.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;On St. John's eve,&quot; the girl repeated, softly, dreamily.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Do you remember that evening when I yielded to your request? I had
+resolved firmly upon an ascent of the Wolkenstein, but my resolution
+vanished before the entreaty in your eyes,--your words. Would you
+really have been distressed had I then disobeyed you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But, Ernst, what a question!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It would not have been incumbent upon you then to be so; I was not
+then your declared lover.&quot; There was again the old tormenting jealousy
+in his voice. &quot;You would probably have been distressed about Sepp or
+Gronau if either of them had undertaken the ascent. I mean that
+trembling anxiety which only assails one where one dearly loved is
+concerned,--a dread before which all else pales and vanishes,--the
+distress which would drive me blindly to encounter any danger if I knew
+you exposed to it. I suppose you know nothing of that?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Why conjure up such fancies?&quot; Erna said, half impatiently. &quot;I have
+your promise, and therefore no ground for distress. Why dwell upon an
+'if'----?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A crash as of thunder interrupted her. Below them earth and stones were
+hurled into the air, and the huge mass of rock, split into three
+fragments, fell apart with a dull thud, while on the instant a terrific
+commotion arose. The assembled labourers rushed away from the bridge
+towards the spot where the engineer-in-chief with his subordinate
+officer had been standing an instant before. It was impossible to see
+what had occurred; all that was to be perceived was a close group of
+men, whence cries of alarm and dismay were heard.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But above them all there rang out such a shriek as is the utterance of
+an agony of despair, and Ernst, turning, saw his betrothed, erect in
+her saddle, every vestige of colour fled from her face, gazing towards
+the spot where the catastrophe had occurred.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Erna!&quot; he exclaimed. She did not hear him, but gave her horse the
+rein. The brute, terrified by the noise, shied and would not go
+forward. A merciless cut with the whip forced it to obey, and the next
+instant horse and rider were speeding down the slope towards the group
+of men.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It parted at Erna's stormy approach; some of the labourers, who thought
+the horse had become unmanageable from fright, seized it by the bridle
+and stopped it. Erna seemed hardly aware of it; in mortal terror her
+eyes sought only--Wolfgang! and on the instant she perceived him
+standing quite unhurt in the midst of the throng.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He too had seen her as she broke through the crowd; he had recognized
+the look that sought him out,--had heard the deep-drawn sigh of relief
+when she found him uninjured,--and from his eyes there shot a ray of
+passionate ecstasy. His mortal peril had revealed her secret,--she did
+love him, then!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Your fear was unfounded; the engineer-in-chief is unharmed,&quot; said
+Ernst Waltenberg, who had followed his betrothed and had paused just
+outside the throng. His voice sounded unnatural, his face was strangely
+pale, and in the dark eyes now riveted upon Erna and Wolfgang there
+gleamed an evil fire. Erna shivered, and Wolfgang turned hastily. It
+needed but a glance to tell him that he was confronting a deadly foe;
+yet appearances must be preserved in view of all these stranger eyes.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The affair might have turned out badly,&quot; he said, with forced
+composure. &quot;The blast was tardy at first, and then took place before we
+could get well away from it. Two of the men are wounded; I am glad to
+know, only slightly. The rest of us escaped almost by a miracle.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But you are bleeding, Herr Elmhorst,&quot; said one of the engineers,
+pointing to Wolfgang's forehead, where two or three trickling drops of
+blood were visible. The young man pressed his pocket-handkerchief upon
+the wound, of which he had not before been aware.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It is not worth mentioning; one of the stones must have grazed my
+forehead. Have the wounds of those men bandaged immediately. Fräulein
+von Thurgau, I regret that the accident should have frightened you----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It frightened my horse, at least,&quot; Erna interposed, with ready
+presence of mind. &quot;It shied and ran; I could not control it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The fiction was a plausible one and gained instant credence from the
+bystanders, explaining as it did the sudden appearance of the young
+lady and her evident terror and emotion. It was fortunate that the
+frightened animal had been brought under control in time.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There were two men, however, who were not thus deceived,--Wolfgang, to
+whom those few instants of alarm had revealed a certainty which came,
+indeed, too late, but which he would not for worlds have relinquished,
+and Ernst, who still maintained his place, closely observing the pair.
+There was a contemptuous emphasis in his voice as he remarked,--</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;We have been fortunately spared another catastrophe. Have you
+recovered from your alarm, Erna?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Then we will continue our ride. <i>Au revoir</i>, Herr Elmhorst.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wolfgang bowed formally, perfectly comprehending the significance of
+that '<i>Au revoir</i>;' then he turned to see after the wounds of the two
+men, which were in fact very slight, as was his own. A fragment of
+stone had, as he said, merely grazed his forehead. The entire
+occurrence seemed to have ended very fortunately.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But this was only seeming, as might have been clearly seen in
+Waltenberg's countenance. He rode beside his betrothed in silence,
+without even turning towards her; this went on for a quarter of an
+hour, until Erna could bear it no longer.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Ernst,&quot; she said, softly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Beg pardon?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Let us turn back. The skies are more threatening, and we can take the
+mountain-road home.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;As you please.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">They turned their horses into another road, and again complete silence
+ensued. Erna was only too conscious that she had betrayed herself, but
+she could have borne the wildest outburst of jealousy from her
+betrothed rather than this gloomy silence, which was terrible. She did
+not indeed fear for herself, but she saw that an explanation was
+inevitable so soon as they should reach the house.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Her expectations were, however, disappointed, for at the door of the
+villa, after Ernst had helped her to dismount, he got on his horse
+again.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You are going?&quot; she asked, surprised.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes. I need the open air this afternoon.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Do not go, Ernst. I wanted to ask you----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Good-bye!&quot; he interrupted her, curtly; and before she could make any
+further attempt to detain him he was gone, leaving her a prey to a
+vague anxiety in her ignorance of his intentions.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When Waltenberg reached the forest he checked his horse's speed and
+rode on slowly beneath the dark pines, through the tops of which the
+wind was whistling. He needed no further explanation; he knew
+everything now,--everything! But in the midst of the tempest raging
+within him he was aware of a savage satisfaction: the phantom which had
+tortured him for so long had finally taken on flesh and blood. Now he
+could assail and destroy it!</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXI.</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1_21" href="#div1Ref_21">A CHALLENGE.</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+<p class="normal">It was evening; Elmhorst was in his office with Dr. Reinsfeld,
+who had
+arrived half an hour previously, and from the air of both men it was
+evident that the subject of their conversation was a grave one. Benno
+seemed especially agitated.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;So matters stand at present,&quot; he concluded, after a long explanation.
+&quot;Gronau came directly to me after his interview with the president, and
+all my efforts to deter him from his purpose are vain. I begged him to
+remember that it would cost him his position with Waltenberg, who never
+could tolerate such an assault upon the fair fame of the uncle and
+guardian of his betrothed, and that he had no positive proof; that
+Nordheim would do all that lay in his power to brand him as a liar
+and slanderer. It was of no use. He reproached me bitterly with
+cowardice,--with indifference to my father's memory. God knows, he was
+wrong there; but--I cannot bring forward the accusation!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Wolfgang had listened in silence, a contemptuous smile hovering about
+his lips. It was high time indeed to break off all association with
+that man; never for an instant did he doubt the truth of Gronau's
+suspicions.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I thank you for your frankness, Benno,&quot; he said. &quot;It would have been
+perfectly excusable if you had never taken me into consideration, but
+had acted only as your father's son. I know how great is the regard you
+thus show me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Benno cast down his eyes; he was conscious that these thanks were
+undeserved. It was not to spare his friend that he would have buried
+that discovery in oblivion.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You understand that I cannot possibly move in the affair,&quot; he
+rejoined. &quot;I must leave it to you to speak with your future
+father-in-law----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No,&quot; Wolfgang coldly interrupted him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Reinsfeld gazed at him in surprise. &quot;You will not?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No, Benno; Grouau has openly declared war to him, as you tell me,
+therefore he is fully prepared; and, moreover, my relations with him
+are no longer what they were. We are parted once for all.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The doctor's amazement was inexpressible: &quot;Parted? And your betrothal
+with Fräulein Alice----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Is at an end. I cannot give you a detailed explanation of the matter.
+Nordheim has shown himself to me also,--as what you now know him to be.
+He endeavoured to impose upon me conditions entirely inconsistent, in
+my opinion, with my honour; therefore I was obliged to retire.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Reinsfeld still stared at him, bewildered; he could not understand how
+the man who had once staked everything upon this connection could speak
+thus composedly of his shattered hopes.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And Alice is free?&quot; he managed to ask at last.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes. But what is the matter with you? What is it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Benno had started up in extreme agitation: &quot;Wolf, you never loved your
+betrothed. I am sure of it, or you could not speak so coldly and calmly
+of losing her. You do not even know what you are losing, for you never
+appreciated what you possessed.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was so passionate a reproach in his words that they betrayed
+everything. Elmhorst was startled, and gazed at the doctor half
+incredulously: &quot;What does this mean? Benno, can it be--what? do you
+love Alice?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The young physician's honest blue eyes sparkled as he looked into those
+of his friend: &quot;No need to reproach me with it, Wolf. I have never
+spoken a word to your betrothed that you might not have heard, and when
+I saw how impossible it was to struggle against my love, I made up my
+mind to depart. Do you suppose I would ever have accepted the position
+in Neuenfeld, which I more than suspected was the result of the
+president's influence, if any other way out of the difficulty had been
+possible? There was nothing else to do if I wished to leave Oberstein.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The most conflicting sensations were pictured on Wolfgang's features as
+he listened. True, he had never loved his betrothed, but Benno's
+confession touched him very strangely, and there was something akin to
+bitterness in his voice as he said, &quot;Well, I am no longer an obstacle
+in your way, and if you have any hope that your love is returned----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It would be vain!&quot; Reinsfeld interposed. &quot;You know now what happened
+between our fathers, enough to separate me from Alice forever.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Perhaps so, constituted as you are. Another man, on the contrary,
+might use it to force from Nordheim a consent which he assuredly would
+otherwise refuse. That you never could be induced to do.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No, never!&quot; Benno said, sadly. &quot;I am going to Neuenfeld, and I shall
+in all probability never see Alice again.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">They were interrupted by the announcement that Herr Waltenberg wished
+to speak with the engineer-in-chief. Elmhorst instantly arose, and
+Reinsfeld prepared to leave. &quot;Good-night, Wolf,&quot; he said, cordially
+extending his hand. &quot;Nothing can sever our friendship; we must always
+be what we have always been to each other,--eh?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wolfgang warmly returned the pressure of the hand thus given:
+&quot;Good-night, Benno. I shall see you to-morrow.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He went with him to the door of the room, just as Waltenberg made his
+appearance; a few words were exchanged among the young men, and then
+Reinsfeld departed, and the two were left alone.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ernst seemed to have regained his self-control during his lonely ride
+of two hours; his manner, at least, was cold and collected, although
+there was still a gleam in his eyes that boded no good.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I hope I do not interrupt you, Herr Elmhorst?&quot; he said, slowly
+approaching the young engineer.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No, Herr Waltenberg; I expected you,&quot; was the reply.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;So much the better; there is no need, then, of any preface to what I
+am come to say. No, thank you!&quot; he interrupted himself, as Elmhorst
+offered him a chair. &quot;Between us formal courtesy is superfluous. I need
+not tell you why I am here. Our interpretation of the scene of this
+afternoon differed from that of the strangers then present, and I have
+a few words to say to you with regard to it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am quite at your service.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ernst folded his arms, and there was a trace of contempt in his voice
+as he continued: &quot;I am, as you know, betrothed to Baroness von Thurgau,
+and I am not inclined to allow in my betrothed so intense an interest
+in the peril of another man. But that is a matter between herself and
+myself. What I desire to know at present is how far you are implicated
+in this interest. Do you love Fräulein von Thurgau?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The question sounded like a threat, but Wolfgang's answer came
+instantly and simply: &quot;Yes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A flash of deadly hatred shot from Ernst Waltenberg's eyes, and yet
+this confession told him nothing new. He knew from Erna herself that
+she had loved another, but he had fancied that he should have to seek
+that other in the grave, among the shades. Here he stood living before
+him, the man who could sacrifice an Erna to wretched mammon; a man
+incapable of a pure, exalted affection, and who yet held his head as
+haughtily erect as if there were no reason why he should bow before any
+on earth. This irritated Ernst still more.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And this love does not probably date from to-day or from yesterday? As
+far as I know, you have frequented the house of the president for
+years,--before I returned from Europe, before Baroness von Thurgau was
+betrothed.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I regret being obliged to refuse to give you any satisfaction on these
+points,&quot; Wolfgang replied, as frigidly as before. &quot;I am quite ready to
+answer any question you have a right to put. I refuse to submit to a
+cross-examination.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I can well believe it,&quot; Waltenberg declared, with a bitter laugh. &quot;You
+would fare but ill in such an examination,--as the betrothed of Alice
+Nordheim.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Elmhorst bit his lip,--the shot found a joint in his armour, but he
+recovered himself in an instant:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;First of all, Herr Waltenberg, I must request you to change your tone,
+if this conversation is to be prolonged. I will tolerate no insults,
+least of all, as you well know, from yourself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am not to blame if the truth insults you,&quot; Ernst retorted,
+arrogantly. &quot;Contradict my words, and I will retract them. Until you
+do, you must allow me to entertain my own opinion with regard to a man
+who loves, or pretends to love, a woman while he woos and wins a
+wealthy heiress. You cannot possibly ask esteem for such a paltr----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Enough!&quot; Wolfgang cut short his words. &quot;No need of abuse to attain
+your end. I am perfectly aware of why you are here, and I will not balk
+you. But such words as you are using I forbid. I am in my own house.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He confronted his antagonist erect and very pale. Something in the man
+commanded respect, even as he thus repelled the imputation which his
+conduct had ostensibly deserved. Ernst could not but feel that his
+rival bore himself with dignity, hard as it was to admit it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You adopt a lofty tone,&quot; said Waltenberg, with a sneer. &quot;'Tis a pity
+your betrothed is not here; in her presence there might not be so much
+conscious rectitude in your manner.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am no longer betrothed,&quot; Wolfgang coldly declared.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Waltenberg retreated a step in extreme amazement.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What--what do you mean?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I simply inform you of a fact to show you that the cause for the
+imputation with which you would insult me exists no longer, for <i>I</i> was
+the one to withdraw from the engagement.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;When? For what reason?&quot; The questions were put hurriedly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;On these points I owe you no explanation.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am not so sure of that, for here, as it seems to me, you are
+reckoning upon my magnanimity. You are mistaken. I never will release
+Erna; and she herself, as I know, will never ask her release at my
+hands. She does not make a promise to-day to break it to-morrow, and
+she is far too proud to give herself to a man who preferred wealth to
+her love.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Pray cease your attempts to use the old weapon: it has lost its
+point,&quot; Elmhorst said, sternly. &quot;Born and bred in the very lap of
+luxury as you were, ignorant of all self-denial, what can you know of
+the struggles and efforts of one longing to rise, consumed by ambition
+to win recognition for himself, to attain a great goal? I yielded to
+temptation, yes; but I have delivered my soul now, and can bid defiance
+to your boasted virtue. You too would have succumbed if life had denied
+you fortune and happiness,--you first of all,--and it may be you would
+not have fought your way free as I have, for, by heaven! the struggle
+is no easy one.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was such convincing truth in his words that Ernst was silent. He
+to whom luxury was a necessity of existence could hardly have withstood
+temptation; but because he could not help the conviction that this was
+so, did he all the more detest the man who had come off conqueror in
+the fiercest of all battles,--the conflict with self.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And now go, and hold your betrothed to her promise,&quot; Wolfgang went on,
+still more bitterly. &quot;She will not break it, nor will she forgive me
+for what has been. There you are right. I have paid for my wrong-doing
+with my happiness. Force Erna to bestow upon you her hand; her love you
+cannot gain, for that belongs to me,--to me alone!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Ah, you dare----!&quot; Ernst began, furiously, but paused before the cold,
+proud triumph in the eyes that met his own.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Well? upon what ground now would you quarrel with me? That I love your
+betrothed is hardly an insult; that I am beloved you cannot pardon. I
+never knew it myself before to-day.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Waltenberg looked as if he would fain have flown at the throat
+of the man who thus uttered what could not be gainsaid; in a voice
+half stifled by passion be rejoined, &quot;Then you can easily conceive
+that I shall hardly consent to share the love of my betrothed with
+another,--with a living rival at least.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Elmhorst shrugged his shoulders: &quot;Is this a challenge?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, and the affair had best be concluded as soon as possible. I will
+send Herr Gronau to you to-morrow to make the necessary arrangements,
+and I hope you will agree that to-morrow shall decide----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Not at all,&quot; Elmhorst interrupted him. &quot;I shall have no time
+to-morrow, nor the day after.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No time for an affair of honour?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No, Herr Waltenberg. In fact, I have no great opinion of these affairs
+of honour which consist in trying to put an end as quickly as possible
+to a man whom one hates. But there are cases in which one must be false
+to his convictions rather than incur the imputation of cowardice. So I
+am ready. But we workingmen have an honour of our own apart from that
+cherished as such by the favoured idlers of society, and mine demands
+that I should not expose myself to the possibility of being shot before
+the task which I have undertaken to fulfil has been accomplished. In
+eight or ten days the Wolkenstein bridge will be finished,--I shall
+then have completed my task; I shall have seen my work accomplished.
+Then I shall be at your disposal, but not an hour sooner. Until then
+you will be obliged to curb your impatience.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was an almost contemptuous deliberation in the manner in which
+all this was stated to the man to whom it was scarcely intelligible.
+Waltenberg had never worked, never devised anything that he loved and
+would fain see completed; he had never done aught save follow the
+impulse of the whim of the moment. Now this impulse incited him to the
+destruction of his enemy or to his own ruin,--he did not stop to ask
+which; but to be obliged to wait for days, to stay his thirst for
+revenge,--the thing seemed an impossibility.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And if I do not accept this condition?&quot; he asked, sharply.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Then I do not accept your challenge. The choice is yours.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ernst clinched his fist in suppressed fury; but he saw that he must
+submit: it was his antagonist's right to require this delay.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;So be it, then!&quot; he said, controlling himself by an effort. &quot;In from
+eight to ten days. I rely upon your word.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You will find me ready.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A formal, hostile bow was given on both sides, and Ernst left the room,
+while Elmhorst slowly walked to the window.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Outside, the moon, visible now and then among the clouds, cast an
+uncertain light over the landscape. For a moment it emerged clearly,
+and in its rays was revealed the bridge, the bold structure which had
+promised its creator so proud a future. And out into the same light
+strode the man who had sworn his death,--whose hand was sure when
+a foe was to be removed from his path. Wolfgang made no effort at
+self-deception: he bade farewell to his dreams for the future, as he
+had already bidden farewell to his happiness.</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXII.</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1_22" href="#div1Ref_22">AN UNEXPECTED VISIT.</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+<p class="normal">Dr. Reinsfeld sat in his room, writing diligently. So much had
+to be
+arranged and prepared for his successor, who was to arrive in the
+course of the next week, and who was to buy the house and furniture.
+The young physician's belongings were not very valuable, nevertheless
+he looked about him upon his poor possessions with a sad, yearning
+expression. Here he had been so happy, and so miserable!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A carriage drove up and stopped before his door. Benno looked up from
+his writing to see who his visitor might be, and then hurried to the
+door, in surprise, as he recognized the graceful figure of Frau
+Gersdorf about to alight. This distinguished relative, whose
+acquaintance he had formerly dreaded to make, had come to be his
+cherished little friend, whose interest in his unhappy love was
+intense. He had been obliged to discourage this interest of hers, but
+he was nevertheless grateful for it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He went out with a welcome upon his lips to open the carriage door, but
+started, dismayed, for beside his young cousin sat a shyly shrinking
+figure,--Alice Nordheim.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, I am not alone,&quot; said Molly, highly delighted by the effect of
+her surprise. &quot;We have been out driving, and did not wish to pass
+through Oberstein without seeing you. Well, Benno, are you not glad we
+stopped?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Reinsfeld stood dumfounded. Driving in this cold rainy weather? Why had
+Alice come? And why did she tremble so as he helped her out of the
+carriage, seeming afraid to look at him? He could not utter a word; but
+indeed there was no need that he should, for Frau Gersdorf gave no one
+any chance to speak. She chattered on until they were in Benno's study,
+and then she began afresh:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And so here we are. You wanted to come, Alice, and now you look as if
+you would like to run away. Why? I may surely call upon my cousin if I
+please, and you are with me, chaperoned by a married woman, so your
+duenna can make no possible objection. And you need not be in the least
+embarrassed, children. I know everything,--I grasp the entire
+situation, and it is very natural that you should wish to talk to each
+other. So now begin!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She seated herself in the arm-chair which the doctor had just left, and
+prepared with great solemnity to assist at the interview. But a long
+pause ensued,--neither Alice nor Benno spoke,--and, after some minutes
+of silence, Molly began to be tired.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I dare say you would rather talk without listeners,&quot; she remarked.
+&quot;Good! I will go into the next room, and see that no one interrupts
+you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Without waiting for a reply, she suited the action to the word, and
+left the room for the one adjoining, by the closed door of which she
+placed herself as sentinel.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But Molly had forgotten the other door of the study, which led through
+a small vestibule out into the garden, and she was quite unconscious
+that through the garden Veit Gronau was just now approaching the house,
+leaving Said and Djelma to await him at the garden gate.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ernst Waltenberg had not returned to Heilborn on the previous evening,
+although he had promised to meet his secretary there. Early this
+morning a messenger from him had brought Gronau the intelligence that
+he had taken up his abode for a few days in the little inn at
+Oberstein, and that the two servants were to be sent to him with all
+that was necessary for his comfort. This had been done, and Veit had
+accompanied them. Driving up the steep mountain-road had been very
+difficult, wherefore all three had preferred to walk the last part of
+the way, leaving the vehicle to bring the luggage.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The foot-path which thay pursued led directly past the doctor's
+garden. Gronau walked up the little enclosure and opened the familiar
+back-door. His last interview with Benno had been a stormy one,--he had
+bitterly reproached the young physician with his indifference,--and his
+kindly nature would not long allow him to cherish any unkind feeling.
+He came now partly to apologize, and partly in hope of finding the
+doctor more in sympathy with his wishes. As the Nordheim carriage was
+standing before the front entrance of the house, he had no suspicion of
+the visit which Benno was receiving, else he would have fled in dismay.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Meanwhile, Frau Gersdorf maintained her guard with unwearied,
+devotion,--a devotion all the more disinterested since the stout oaken
+door effectually deadened the voices of the pair she had left. Their
+conversation, moreover, was far from what she had hoped would ensue.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Benno, after waiting in vain for Alice to break the silence, said,
+gently,--</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And you really wished to come hither, Fräulein Nordheim,--really?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, Herr Doctor,&quot; was the low, trembling reply.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Reinsfeld knew not what to think. Lately Alice's intercourse with him
+had been perfectly easy and familiar. True, since their last interview
+in the forest, her ease of manner had vanished, but that could not
+explain this alteration in her. She stood pale and trembling before
+him, seeming actually afraid of him, for she retreated timidly when he
+would have approached her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You are afraid--of me?&quot; he asked, reproachfully.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She shook her head: &quot;No, not of you, but of what I have to tell you. It
+is so terrible.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Reinsfeld was still puzzled for a moment, and then suddenly the truth
+flashed upon him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Good God! You do not know----?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He paused, for, for the first time, Alice looked up at him with eyes
+filled with such misery, such despair, that all other reply was
+needless. He hastily went up to her and took her hand.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;How could it be? Who could have been so cruel, so dastardly, as to
+distress you with <i>that</i>?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No one!&quot; the girl said, with an evident effort, &quot;By chance--I
+overheard a conversation between my father and Herr Gronau----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You cannot believe I had any share in it!&quot; Benno hastily interposed.
+&quot;I did all that I could to restrain Gronau; I refused to give him my
+sanction.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I know it,--and for my sake!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, for your sake, Alice. What can you fear from me? There was no
+need that you should come hither to entreat my silence.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I did not come for that,&quot; Alice said, softly. &quot;I wanted to ask your
+pardon--your forgiveness for----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Her voice was lost in a burst of sobs; suddenly she felt herself
+clasped in Benno's arms. She was no longer Wolfgang's betrothed; he was
+no traitor to his friend; he might for once clasp his love in his arms,
+while she wept convulsively upon his breast.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Just at this moment Veit Gronau opened the side-door, and paused in
+dismay upon the threshold. He would have been less amazed if the skies
+had fallen than he was by the sight that met his eyes. Unfortunately,
+he did not possess Frau Gersdorf's diplomatic talent for noiselessly
+disappearing and pretending not to have observed anything; on the
+contrary, his surprise expressed itself in a long-drawn &quot;A--h!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The lovers started in terror. Alice in great confusion extricated
+herself from Benno's embrace, and the doctor lost all his presence of
+mind, while the intruder maintained his stand upon the threshold, and
+in his dismay never thought of stirring. At last the young girl fled
+into the next room to Molly, while Benno, with a frown, approached his
+unbidden guest: &quot;This is an unexpected visit, Herr Gronau, a surprise
+indeed.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">His tone was unusually sharp, but Gronau did not seem to notice it. He
+entered the room, and, with an air of extreme satisfaction, said, &quot;This
+is quite another affair,--quite another affair.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What of it?&quot; Benno exclaimed, impatiently; but Veit tapped him
+cordially on the shoulder:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Why did you not tell me this? Now I understand why you would not
+accuse Nordheim. You were quite right, quite right.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Nor will I suffer any one else to do so,&quot; Reinsfeld declared, his
+irritation only aggravated by Gronau's genial tone. &quot;I deny any one's
+right to meddle in my affairs; understand me, Herr Gronau.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I have no idea of doing anything of the kind,&quot; said Gronau, quietly.
+&quot;'Tis well that I have said nothing to Herr Waltenberg as yet. Of
+course the matter must be kept quiet among ourselves. You have been far
+wiser than I, Herr Doctor. How could you bear my scolding so patiently?
+I never gave you credit for such cleverness.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Can you suppose me capable of sordid calculation?&quot; Benno exclaimed,
+angrily. &quot;I love Alice Nordheim.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;So I saw just now,&quot; Veit observed, &quot;And she seemed very willing.
+Bravo! Now we shall go to work with the Herr President very
+differently. We shall say not a word about the stolen invention, but
+shall simply ask for his daughter's hand, and his millions will
+naturally follow it. 'Tis a fact, Benno, that you have shown a vast
+amount of cleverness. Your arrangement of the matter would satisfy even
+your father in his grave.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;That is your view,&quot; Benno declared, sadly. &quot;Alice's and mine is very
+different. What you saw was only a farewell forever.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At this intelligence, Veit looked as if he had suddenly received a box
+on the ear.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Farewell? Forever? Doctor, I verily believe you are out of your
+senses.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The young physician was wont to be all patience and gentleness, but at
+this interference with his most sacred emotions he lost his temper so
+thoroughly that he tried to be rude.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Herr Gronau, let me reiterate my request that you will no longer
+meddle in my affairs. Do you suppose that I can ever call by the name
+of father a man who so injured my father? You understand nothing of any
+refinement of sentiment.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No, I suppose not; but all the more do I comprehend what is practical,
+and this matter is as simple as possible. You possess a means of
+forcing Nordheim to consent to your marriage with his daughter, whom
+you love. Use it and marry her. Anything else is nonsense, and that's
+an end of it!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;My opinion precisely,&quot; said a voice from the doorway, and Frau
+Gersdorf, having heard the last words, advanced into the room and took
+part with aplomb in the conversation.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Herr Gronau is perfectly right. The matter is as plain and simple as
+possible,&quot; she repeated. &quot;All you have to do, Benno, is to marry Alice,
+and there's an end of it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Poor Reinsfeld thus assailed on both sides might well tremble for his
+'refinement of sentiment.' He made up his mind to a final effort, and
+declared,--</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But I will not. I am the one, and the only one, to decide here!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;A pretty lover you are!&quot; exclaimed Gronau raising his hands to heaven
+in despair.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Molly, however, took a much more practical view of the case, and
+attacked Benno's obstinacy from the other side.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Benno!&quot; she said, reproachfully, &quot;there sits poor Alice in the next
+room crying her very heart out. Will you not try at least to comfort
+her?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">This was perfectly successful. Benno hesitated for a moment, but only
+for a moment, then he rushed into the next room.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;There! he will not come back for some time,&quot; said Molly, closing the
+door behind him. &quot;Now we can take the affair in hand, Herr Gronau.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But this was too much for Veit Gronau's declared distrust of womankind.
+Charming as was this new ally, her very presence reminded him of how
+false to his avowed principles he was in thus standing godfather to a
+love-affair. He suddenly remembered his attendant spirits still waiting
+at the garden gate, and with a hurried and awkward apology he took his
+leave, while Frau Gersdorf, with much self-satisfaction, seated herself
+in the doctor's study to await the close of the interview in the next
+room, and to reflect upon the vicissitudes that beset the path in life
+of a self-constituted guardian angel.</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXIII.</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1_23" href="#div1Ref_23">A JEALOUS LOVER.</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+<p class="normal">For three days there had been raging in the Wolkenstein
+district a
+storm which even in this mountain-region was held to be unprecedented
+in violence. The keen blasts of November set in several weeks earlier
+this year and were unusual in their fury. In addition, the rain poured
+down day and night; in certain valleys there had been rain-spouts which
+had deluged the fields, and had so swollen streams and brooks that they
+had burst all bounds, overflowed their banks, and made travel
+impossible. Communication with Heilborn was interrupted, intercourse
+between neighbouring hamlets and villages was maintained with
+difficulty, and the danger increased from hour to hour.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In the Nordheim villa preparations had been made for a return to the
+capital, but any such intention had to be given up, since travel was
+not to be thought of in this weather. All regretted the impossibility,
+and longed to be gone, for the entire household was oppressed as by
+some gloomy spell.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Alice pleaded indisposition, and had not left her room for several
+days, availing herself of this pretext to avoid meeting her father,
+whom she had dreaded since their last interview; but the president's
+mind was filled with far other anxieties. He probably never noticed his
+child's avoidance of him, nor was he aware of the strained relations
+existing of late between Erna and her betrothed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The good fortune which had befriended him hitherto during his life
+seemed all at once to be forsaking him; it was as if some hostile power
+were at work, frustrating all his efforts, confusing all his schemes,
+and confounding all his expectations.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The boldly-conceived plan, the success of which was to gain him
+millions, was shattered, and its ruin came from a quarter whence he had
+never looked for it. The man whom he thought indissolubly bound to
+himself and to his interests withdrew from his plans at the decisive
+moment, and made their execution impossible. Nordheim knew perfectly
+well that if the engineer-in-chief, his future son-in-law, refused to
+approve the estimates as they had been made out, it would be impossible
+to present them to the company. The scheme was naught since Elmhorst
+refused his aid, opposing a frigid refusal to all efforts to persuade
+him. There had been a brief, stern interview between the two men, and
+it had set the seal upon their estrangement.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then Wolfgang had spent an hour with his betrothed. What had passed at
+this interview no one was told, not even the girl's father. Alice, with
+unwonted decision, refused to speak of it, but the parting had surely
+not been unkindly, for when Elmhorst left the house, not to enter it
+again, Alice had waved him a farewell from the window more cordial than
+any she had ever vouchsafed him while they were betrothed, and he had
+responded with equal cordiality.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Nordheim was not a man to bear with equanimity the ruin of schemes
+which he had spent years in developing, and to his vexation on that
+score was added annoyance at Gronau's threats, which he had at first
+underestimated. He regretted that he had not attempted at least to
+conciliate the former friend, whose restless energy he had been
+familiar with of old. It had been a mistake to make an enemy of him, a
+mistake which might have serious consequences.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">For the moment it was, however, all thrown into the background in view
+of a threatened loss which dwarfed all other anxiety in the president's
+mind. The mountain-railway, which should have been completed in a few
+days, was in great peril from the freshets. From all quarters came
+terrifying reports,--one piece of bad news followed another. The injury
+done was already serious; if the storm should continue and the water
+mount higher it might be incalculable, and Nordheim was implicated
+pecuniarily to an extent which could not but be very grave even to a
+man of his vast wealth.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Erna and Molly, whose departure had been perforce postponed, were in
+the drawing-room. The lawsuit which had brought Gersdorf to Heilborn
+had been decided by a compromise, the arrangement of which detained the
+lawyer a few days longer. His wife was at first delighted, for in her
+capacity of guardian angel she considered her presence in the Nordheim
+household as absolutely necessary, although, to her great
+disappointment, she was obliged to admit that she had nothing here to
+protect.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The engineer-in-chief had retired; his betrothal with Alice was
+dissolved, as all the family now knew, and Alice obstinately refused to
+open her heart to her friend. Benno was just as impracticable, seeming
+to persist in his idea of a separation, and, worse than all, no human
+being required any advice or counsel from Frau Doctor Gersdorf, who was
+naturally indignant at such base insensibility.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;That is my reward for my philanthropy,&quot; she said, very much out of
+humour. &quot;Here I sit, as upon a desert island in the midst of the ocean,
+cut off from all the world, separated from my husband, in danger of
+being swept away at any moment by a deluge. Albert may be obliged to
+rescue my corpse from the raging element and return to town an
+inconsolable widower. I wonder if he will marry again? It would be
+horrible. I should turn in my grave. But then men are capable of
+anything.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Erna, standing at the window looking out at the storm and rain, hardly
+heard this chatter; her thoughts were elsewhere.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;We are not in any peril here, Molly,&quot; she said at last. &quot;The house is
+perfectly safe, standing as high as it does, but I am afraid matters
+look serious in Oberstein and on the railway.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Oh, the engineer-in-chief will take care of that,&quot; Molly declared,
+confidently. &quot;We hear from all sides of his heroic conduct, how he
+accomplishes the impossible. We never did this Elmhorst justice. He
+released Alice although he resigned millions by so doing, and now he is
+exerting himself to the utmost to preserve the railway for your uncle,
+although they separated in anger. Confess, Erna, that you were
+prejudiced against him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes--I was,&quot; Erna replied, softly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;There comes your betrothed!&quot; exclaimed Molly, joining Erna at the
+window. &quot;How odd he looks! The water is actually pouring from his
+waterproof; he has ridden over from Oberstein in this storm. I think he
+would really go through fire and water for one hour with you. But
+marriage puts an end to all that, my child; trust the experience of a
+wife of four months. My lord and master sits calmly with his manuscript
+in Heilborn and waits until the weather is clear enough to come to me.
+Your romantic Ernst appears, indeed, to be made of different stuff. But
+what is the matter with him? For three days he has been glooming about
+like a thunder-cloud, never taking his eyes off you when you are in the
+room. It is positively terrible to see you together. Nothing will
+persuade me that there has not something occurred between you. Do be
+frank with me, Erna; open your heart to me. I am as silent as the
+grave.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She clasped her hands upon her breast in asseveration of her
+trustworthiness, but Erna, instead of throwing herself into her arms
+and confessing, returned the greeting of her betrothed as he alighted
+from his horse, and then said, evasively, &quot;You are quite mistaken,
+Molly; nothing has happened,--nothing at all.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Frau Gersdorf turned away provoked: no one seemed in the least need of
+a guardian angel; these people had a very stupid way of managing their
+affairs themselves. The little lady could not understand it, and she
+rustled out of the room decidedly out of humour.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Scarcely was she gone when Waltenberg entered. He had laid aside his
+hat and cloak, but nevertheless his dress showed traces of the storm,
+against which no cloak was a protection. He greeted his betrothed with
+his usual chivalric courtesy, but there was something chilling in his
+air which was strangely contradicted by the glow in his dark eyes.
+Molly was right: he was indeed like some thunder-cloud, whose depths
+threaten ominously.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Erna went to meet him in evident embarrassment; she had learned to
+dread this icy calm.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Well, how is all going on outside?&quot; she said. &quot;You come directly from
+Oberstein?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, but I had to take a roundabout way, for the mountain-road is
+under water. Oberstein itself looks tolerably secure, but the villagers
+have entirely lost their heads, and are running about bewailing
+themselves incessantly. Dr. Reinsfeld is doing all that he can to bring
+them to reason, and Gronau is giving him all possible support, but the
+people are behaving like lunatics because they think their paltry
+belongings are in peril.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Those paltry belongings, however, are all that they have in the
+world,&quot; the girl interposed. &quot;Their own lives and those of their
+families depend upon them.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ernst shrugged his shoulders indifferently: &quot;I suppose so; but what is
+that in comparison with the tremendous loss sustained by the railway?
+As I entered the house just now tidings of fresh disasters were brought
+to the president. Nothing but ill news from all quarters. Everything
+seems to be imperilled.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But they are working away desperately; can it be entirely in vain?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, the engineer-in-chief is waging desperate warfare against the
+elements,&quot; Ernst said, with a kind of savage satisfaction. &quot;He is
+defending his beloved creation to the death, but against such
+catastrophes no mortal power avails. The water is steadily rising, the
+dikes are giving way, and the bridges on the lower portion of the road
+are already carried off. All nature seems in revolt.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Erna was silent. She went again to the window, and looked out into the
+mist, which made any distant view impossible. Even the stretch of
+railway in the vicinity of the villa was invisible, while the roaring
+of the waters was distinctly audible. Below there Wolfgang was doing
+battle at the head of his men, fighting, perhaps, in vain.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The Wolkenstein bridge stands firm, at all events,&quot; Waltenberg
+continued. &quot;Herr Elmhorst ought to be satisfied with that, and not
+expose himself so foolishly, as he does at every opportunity. He is no
+coward, it must be admitted, but it is folly to risk his life to save
+every dike that is threatened. He does wonders at the head of his
+engineers and labourers, who follow his lead blindly. They had better
+take care, or he will drag them with him to destruction.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was a cold, calculating cruelty in his way of speaking to his
+betrothed of the peril threatening the life of the man whom he knew she
+loved. She turned and gave him a sad, reproachful glance: &quot;Ernst!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Beg pardon?&quot; he asked, without heeding her glance.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Why do you avoid the frank explanation which I have so often tried to
+give you? Do you not wish for it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No, I do not desire it. Let us be silent about it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Because you know that your silence torments me more than any
+reproaches, and because it gives you pleasure to torment me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The girl's eyes flashed, but her passionate outbreak was met with icy
+coolness: &quot;How you misapprehend me! I wish to spare you a painful
+explanation.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And why? I do not feel guilty. I will neither deny nor conceal
+anything----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No more than you did at our betrothal!&quot; he interposed, severely. &quot;You
+were very frank then--about everything save the name. You intentionally
+left me in error,--an error for which I was originally accountable.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I feared----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;For him--of course! I perfectly understand that. But reassure
+yourself. I am not particular as to time; I can wait.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Erna shuddered at his strange, significant words: &quot;Wait--for what? For
+God's sake tell me what you mean!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">His smile was cold and cruel as he replied, &quot;How timid you have grown!
+You used to be braver; but in fact there is one thing which can inspire
+you with absolutely senseless terror, as I have seen.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And for this one thing you force me to do penance daily! It is an
+ignoble revenge, Ernst. I will refuse you no answer, no confession,
+that you ask for: only tell me, have you spoken with Wolfgang Elmhorst
+since that day?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A full minute passed before Ernst replied, during which he studied her
+every feature intently. &quot;Yes,&quot; he said slowly, at last.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And what passed between you?&quot; Her voice trembled with suppressed
+anxiety, though she tried hard to control it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Excuse me, that is a matter between Herr Elmhorst and myself. But you
+need not distress yourself: I found Herr Elmhorst quite ready to
+forestall my wishes, and we parted, understanding each other
+perfectly.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He emphasized every word ironically, and his irony drove Erna to the
+last extremity. Hitherto she had mutely endured everything lest she
+should irritate him still more against Wolfgang. She knew that he would
+fain be revenged upon him; but now, thoroughly roused, she said,
+indignantly, &quot;Take care, Ernst; do not go too far. You may repent it. I
+am not yet your wife; I can still release myself----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She did not finish her sentence, for Waltenberg's grasp upon her wrist
+was like steel, as he muttered, &quot;Try it; the day that you sever the tie
+between us is the last of his life.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Erna grew pale: his face told her more than his threat. Now that he had
+dropped the mask of coolness and irony there was in his expression
+something tiger-like, and the evil fire in his eyes made her shudder.
+She knew he would suit his deeds to his words.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You are horrible!&quot; she said, below her breath. &quot;I--submit!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I knew it,&quot; he said, with a laugh. &quot;My arguments are convincing.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He slowly released her hand, for Molly, having got over her fit of the
+sulks, entered the room, curious to know how all was faring in
+Oberstein, what her cousin Benno was doing, and how it looked along the
+railway; she had, as usual, a thousand questions to ask.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Waltenberg replied courteously; he had instantly recovered his
+self-possession, and one would never have suspected the tiger-like
+nature that he had betrayed a moment before.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;If it would give you pleasure, and you are not afraid of the rain, we
+might ride down,&quot; he said, after a detailed description of the freshet.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Pleasure!&quot; cried Molly, who with all her waywardness was truly
+tender-hearted. &quot;How can you use the word in view of such misery?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;True,&quot; Ernst replied, with a shrug, &quot;a single man can avail nothing;
+but I assure you the spectacle is extremely interesting.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Erna uttered no word of reproof, but this utter selfishness inspired
+her with horror. Down below there, hundreds were expending their utmost
+force to preserve a bold creation upon which they had laboured for
+years; enormous sums of money were at stake, and, moreover, the poor
+mountaineers were threatened with the loss of their little all. Ernst
+had not one word of compassion or of sympathy in view of this calamity;
+he regarded it all as a very interesting spectacle, and if he
+experienced any other sensation, it was satisfaction that the work of
+his enemy was menaced with ruin.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And this man would force her to spend an entire, long life at his side;
+she must belong to him body and soul; and should she rebel and try to
+break the chain which she had almost involuntarily allowed to be thrown
+around her in a moment of surprise, he threatened her with the death of
+him whom she loved, and thus disarmed her. He had found a menace before
+which all defiance, all opposition, vanished.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The president's voice was heard in the next room giving orders in an
+agitated tone, and the next moment he appeared, very pale, and
+evidently retaining his composure only by a great effort. According to
+the latest intelligence, the worst was to be apprehended; he wanted to
+go down himself and see how matters stood with the railway. Waltenberg
+immediately declared his intention of accompanying him; and, turning to
+his betrothed, he asked, as quietly as if nothing special had passed
+between them, &quot;Will you not come too, Erna? We shall ride to those
+places that are in the greatest peril. I know you are not afraid.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Erna hesitated for a few seconds, and then hastily consented. She must
+see what was going on; she could not wait and watch here, looking out
+into the driving mist which veiled everything, and only hearing reports
+from the scene of disaster. They were going to the places in the
+greatest peril; Wolfgang would be there. She should at least see him!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Molly, who did not understand how any one could venture out in such
+weather, looked after them, shaking her head, as they rode away. Even
+the president was on horseback, for in the present condition of
+the roads the mountain conveyances were quite useless; the stout
+mountain-ponies had much ado to get over the ground through the thick
+mud. The little party rode on in oppressive silence; now and then
+Waltenberg made a brief remark, which was scarcely heeded. They took
+their way first to the Wolkenstein bridge.</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXIV.</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1_24" href="#div1Ref_24">THE AVALANCHE.</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+<p class="normal">The Wolkenstein had shrouded its crest more closely than ever:
+heavy
+clouds were encamped about its peak and floated around its cliffs; wild
+glacial torrents were rushing down from its ice-fields, and blasts of
+wind raged over it day and night. The Alpine Fay was extending her
+sceptre over her domain; the savage queen of the mountains was revealed
+in all her terrific might, in all her terrible majesty.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The autumnal tempests had often been disastrous: more than once they
+had brought freshets and avalanches; many a village, many a lonely
+mountain-range, had suffered; but such a catastrophe as this had not
+occurred in the memory of man. Strangely enough, the hamlets were
+comparatively spared; the storms and floods threatened the railway,
+which, following the course of the stream, traversed the entire
+Wolkenstein district, and with its myriad bridges and structures
+offered many a point for attack.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The engineer-in-chief had, with his accustomed foresight and energy,
+adopted precautionary measures from the first. The entire force of
+labourers was called out to protect the railway; the engineers were at
+their posts day and night. Elmhorst seemed to be everywhere at once. He
+flew from one threatened spot to another, exhorting, commanding,
+inspiring courage, and exposing himself recklessly to danger. His
+example fired the rest: all that mortal energy could do was done; but
+human strength is vain in a conflict with the unfettered elements.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">For three days and nights the rain had been pouring in torrents; the
+countless veins of water, wont to trickle harmlessly and in silver
+clearness from the heights, rushed in cataracts down into the valley;
+the brooks were swollen rivers, breaking through the forests, and
+tearing away with them huge rocks and uprooted pines, all hurrying
+towards the mountain-stream, whose waters steadily rose, and dashed
+their foaming, tumbling waves against the railway-dikes. They could no
+longer resist the savage onslaught, and at last they were flooded here
+and torn down there,--the wet, soggy ground gave way everywhere and
+carried with it woodwork and masonry. The bridges too could no longer
+resist; one after another succumbed to the assault of the waves, the
+force of which it was vain to try to stem. In consequence of the
+pouring rain, both ground and rock gave way; one of the stations was
+entirely destroyed, and the others were much injured. The raging wind
+increased tenfold all danger and the difficulty for the labourers. Had
+the engineer-in-chief not been at their head, the people must have
+given up in despair, and have merely looked on at the destruction they
+thought themselves powerless to prevent.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But Wolfgang Elmhorst fought the battle to the bitter end. Step by
+step, as he had once conquered this domain, he now defended it. He
+would not succumb, would not give over his work to ruin; but whilst he
+was thus putting forth all the energies of his nature in saving it from
+destruction there rang in his ears incessantly the last words of old
+Baron von Thurgau: 'Have a care of our mountains, lest, when you are so
+arrogantly interfering with them, they rush down upon you and shatter
+all your bridges and structures like reeds. I should like to stand by
+and see the accursed work a heap of ruins!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The gloomy prophecy seemed near its fulfilment, after all these years.
+Forests and rocks had been penetrated, streams turned aside, and the
+spacious mountain-realm bound in the iron fetters that were to make it
+subservient to human purposes. Men had boasted that they had subdued
+and chained the Alpine Fay, and now just as their work was drawing to a
+close she had arisen from her cloudy throne and angrily protested. She
+was descending in storm and destruction, and before her breath all the
+proud structures of man's devising were crumbling to ruin. No courage,
+no energy, no desperate struggle, availed; the savage elemental Force
+hurled to destruction in the space of a few days all that which it had
+cost human ingenuity years of toil to effect, laughing to scorn those
+who had dreamed of subduing it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Wolkenstein bridge, it is true, stood secure and firm when
+everything else was being swept away. Even the white, seething foam
+tossed aloft by the dashing river did not reach it, suspended as it was
+at a dizzy height above the abyss. And all the blasts of heaven raged
+in vain against the iron ribs of the huge structure. It rested upon its
+rocky foundations, as if built to bid defiance to destruction for all
+eternity.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The station which served as a temporary habitation for the
+engineer-in-chief had since the beginning of the storm been the
+head-quarters where all reports were received and whence all orders
+were issued. This portion of the railway had been hitherto thought
+secure, for at this place it crossed one of the narrow, deep valleys,
+passed over the Wolkenstein bridge, and then on the lofty steep cliffs
+turned again to the mountain-river, which just here made a large curve.
+The freshet which was so destructive to the lower stretch of railway
+could not reach this upper portion. But now glacial torrents had broken
+loose from the Wolkenstein, and the masses of mud and fragments of rock
+which they brought with them extended even to the bridge. The danger
+here must have been imminent, for Elmhorst himself was on the spot
+directing the labourers.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In the prevailing confusion and hurry the arrival of the president and
+his companions was hardly noticed; one or two of the engineers,
+however, came towards them and confirmed the latest reports. In spite
+of the storm, the work went on with feverish persistence, crowds of
+labourers were busy near the bridge and also near the station, while
+the rain poured down in torrents and the wind howled so fiercely that
+it was often impossible to hear the shouted directions of the
+engineers.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Nordheim alighted from his horse and approached Elmhorst, who left his
+post and came to meet him. Both had believed that the interview in
+which the tie between them had been dissolved would be a final one, but
+they now saw and talked with each other daily, scarcely conscious, in
+the magnitude of the disaster that had befallen the railway, of any
+embarrassment in their relations. They knew best what there was to lose
+here, and a community of interest still united them closely.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You are here on the upper stretch?&quot; the president asked, anxiously.
+&quot;And the lower----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Must be given up!&quot; Wolfgang completed the sentence. &quot;It was impossible
+to secure it any longer. The dikes are broken through, the bridges
+carried away. I have left only a few of the men to protect the
+stations, and have concentrated all my available force here. We must
+control these cataracts at all hazards.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Nordheim's uncertain glance sought first the bridge, and then the
+station, where a number of men were busy: &quot;What are they doing there?
+You are having the house cleared out?&quot;'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am having the books and papers, the plans and drawings, carried to a
+place of security, for there is danger of an avalanche from the
+Wolkenstein; we have had one or two warnings.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;That too!&quot; the president muttered, in despair; then, turning suddenly,
+as a thought struck him, &quot;Good God! you do not think the bridge----?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No,&quot; said Wolfgang, drawing a deep breath. &quot;The enclosed forest
+protects the abyss, and the bridge with it; no avalanche can break that
+down. I foresaw and provided for this danger when I planned it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It would be fearful,&quot; Nordheim groaned. &quot;Tho injury even now is
+incalculable. Should the bridge go all is lost!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The frown on Elmhorst's brow deepened at this outburst of despair.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Control yourself!&quot; he said, in a low tone, but with emphasis. &quot;We are
+observed; every one is looking at us. We must set an example of courage
+and hope, or the people will lose heart.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Hope!&quot; the president repeated, catching at the word as a drowning man
+clutches a straw. &quot;Have you really any hope?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No; but I shall fight to the last.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Nordheim looked the speaker in the face. His pale, stern features gave
+no hint of the tempest raging within, and yet for him everything was at
+stake. After the fading of his dreams of wealth and power, his work was
+all that was left to him upon which to build a future if he lived, and
+to be at least his enduring monument if he should fall by Waltenberg's
+hand. It was now imperilled. And yet he stood erect and struggled on,
+while the president was the image of impotent despair. What did he care
+if others observed his hopelessness? What was it to him that an example
+of courage was expected from a man in his position? He thought only of
+the gigantic losses which the catastrophe would cause him,--losses
+which might ruin him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I must return to my post,&quot; said Wolfgang. &quot;If you stay, choose
+carefully the spot where you stand. Stones and earth are continually
+sliding down: we have had several accidents already.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He turned again towards the bridge, and then first noticed that
+Nordheim had not come alone. For a moment he paused, and his glance
+sought Erna. He divined what had brought her hither; he knew that she
+feared for him, but he made no attempt to approach her, for at her side
+was the man to whom she belonged, who, mute and inexorable as fate
+itself, considered her absolutely his property. Waltenberg marked the
+anxious glance of distress which followed Wolfgang as he returned to
+his men and took up his stand on a threatened dam, and, as if by
+accident, he put his hand upon the bridle of the other horse and held
+it fast.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Suddenly behind the pair Gronau's tall figure appeared; muddy and
+drenched, but entirely at his ease, he slowly approached. &quot;Here we
+are,&quot; he said, with a bow. &quot;We come directly from Oberstein, but we
+swam rather than walked.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;We?&quot; asked Ernst. &quot;Is Dr. Reinsfeld with you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes; we succeeded at last in bringing the Obersteiners to their senses
+and in convincing them that their home was not in danger this time. It
+was a hard piece of work, and we were scarcely through with it when a
+messenger arrived from the engineer-in-chief to ask the doctor to come
+and see after some men who had been accidentally injured. The good
+doctor, of course, ran his fastest, and I ran too, for I thought
+another pair of stout arms might not come amiss, and it was well I did
+so. I have established myself in the house there as hospital nurse, and
+have just come for an instant to let you know I am here, for my hands
+are quite full.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;There have been accidents, then. I hope nothing serious?&quot; Erna asked,
+eagerly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Gronau shrugged his shoulders; &quot;One of the men was carried away by a
+cataract and fished out in a mangled condition; the doctor is afraid he
+cannot pull him through; and another was struck on the head by a
+fragment of falling rock; his case too is serious; the others are only
+slightly injured.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;If Dr. Reinsfeld needs help I am ready to do all I can,&quot; the young
+girl declared, turning her horse as if to go to the house Grouau had
+pointed out.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Thanks, Fräulein von Thurgau, we can get along very well by
+ourselves,&quot; Veit replied, while Waltenberg looked at his betrothed in
+surprise.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What, Erna, you? There are others to do that work. Gronau is helping
+the doctor. Why so superfluously heroic?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Because I cannot endure to stand idly and unsympathetically by while
+every one else is toiling to the very death!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was a stern reproof in her words, but Ernst did not seem to
+understand it: &quot;No, you certainly are not unsympathetic, you are
+actually trembling with emotion,&quot; he observed. &quot;But, in fact, the men
+are using their utmost exertions in spite of the danger that
+continually threatens them.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Because the engineer-in-chief is always foremost in peril,&quot; Veit
+continued the sentence. &quot;If he were not everywhere, showing them an
+example of scorn of all danger, they would waver and hesitate; but such
+a leader inspires even the timid. There he stands in the very centre of
+that dam which the water may carry away at any moment, and issues his
+orders as if he could control the entire mountain-realm. For three days
+now he has been battling with this accursed Alpine fiend, who seems
+positively mad with fury, and I verily believe he will get the upper
+hand of her. But I must go back to the doctor. Good-bye.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He went, and the president, who just then returned to his companions,
+saw him as he vanished within-doors. He shuddered involuntarily; the
+appearance of this man was one more evil omen,--it reminded him that a
+danger menaced him which had nothing to do with the present peril,
+already terrible enough.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">His short conversation with Wolfgang had deprived Nordheim of the last
+gleam of hope. If the upper stretch of railway were destroyed, what
+would remain of all the buildings, the erection of which had absorbed
+millions, and which he could not possibly restore? He had from the
+beginning owned the chief part of the railway stock, and of late, in
+view of the enormous profit he hoped to gain upon his retirement, he
+had greatly increased the number of his shares, so that the tremendous
+loss would be his almost alone. He knew that his property, invested in
+many other speculations, could not stand such a blow, and if Gronau
+should make good his threat and accuse him publicly, all was lost. The
+millionaire secure in his position might perhaps have defied him, the
+half-ruined speculator would be overwhelmed; Nordheim knew the world in
+which he had lived so long.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Neither his energy nor his presence of mind stood him in stead now. The
+man who had for so long been the spoiled darling of Fortune, for whom
+everything had turned to gain, could not understand how she could
+suddenly prove thus false to him. He had always been a bold, clever man
+of business, but he had no force of character; in misfortune he was
+pitiably cast down. In dull, dumb despair he stood gazing at the men,
+at whose head the engineer-in-chief had again placed himself.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wolfgang seemed to be everywhere; one moment he was standing on the
+most imperilled part of the dam, anon he breasted the tempest in the
+centre of the bridge, and then he hurried to the station-house to issue
+his orders thence. He was dripping from head to foot,--the water was
+trickling from his hair, from his clothes; he did not seem to feel it,
+or to be in need of either rest or refreshment, and yet nothing but the
+most fearful tension of mind and body sustained him in the conflict
+which had now been going on for three times four-and-twenty hours.
+These were hours when Wolfgang Elmhorst might have forced even his
+bitterest enemies to respect and admire him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And his mortal enemy was thus forced, but none the less did his hatred
+and jealousy burn fiercely. Waltenberg was familiar with danger,--he
+had often invoked it and dallied with it recklessly,--but there was
+something far beyond dalliance in the unconquerable energy with which
+Elmhorst thus devoted himself to duty. He knew that his was a forlorn
+hope; half of his work was already destroyed, he could not save the
+rest, and yet he worked on, seeming determined to die rather than
+yield.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And as he thus struggled, Ernst Waltenberg on horseback looked on at
+'the very interesting spectacle,' but was conscious of the part he had
+condemned himself to play. He had invited Erna to ride with him to the
+scene of disaster; the same calculating cruelty which had tormented her
+by silence had dictated the proposal. He knew she would accede to it,
+since it would give her an opportunity to see Wolfgang again, and she
+should see him in the midst of the danger to which he so recklessly
+exposed himself, she should tremble in mortal distress, and yet never
+betray by a change of feature the anguish of her soul. Elmhorst was
+right: this man's love was mere selfishness. What was it to him that
+the woman he loved was tortured and in agony, if but his savage thirst
+for revenge were allayed? Erna should suffer as he suffered; he would
+be as pitiless to her as fate had been to himself.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But he underestimated the fearless nature of his betrothed when he
+thought that she would merely tremble at this danger. Her eyes were
+indeed riveted on Wolfgang in breathless anxiety, but they flashed with
+passionate admiration, with proud satisfaction, on beholding how he
+bore himself in the conflict, how he gazed into the terrible
+countenance of the Alpine Fay and strove with her to the death. In this
+mortal struggle he was for her all hero, her whole soul went out to
+meet him. Every shadow which had formerly obscured his image in her
+heart was dispersed in this light; he stood before her, as he had
+confronted Nordheim, free from all shackles in the triumph of his own
+true nature.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ernst was thus obliged to feel the shaft which he had shot so cruelly
+rebound upon himself. He had meant to show Erna the danger of the man
+whom she loved; he had shown her only his heroism. To be sure, he stood
+guard over her, determined to prevent a meeting, but he could not
+prevent the mute language of their eyes, the glances that sought and
+found each other in spite of distance and separation, of tempest and
+destruction, and in this language they told each other everything.
+Wolfgang felt that at this moment the barriers which his wooing of
+Alice had erected between himself and his love were levelled, and in
+the midst of the hopelessness of his efforts there gleamed upon him a
+ray of light, like the gleam of sunset indeed, but all-inspiring.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It seemed in fact as if the success of the work of salvation depended
+upon the presence of this man. The most dangerous of the torrents which
+rushed wildly against the railway-dike had been successfully turned
+aside, Elmhorst having diverted its course to a deep cut in the rocks,
+whence it fell harmlessly into the Wolkenstein abyss, carrying with it
+the masses of earth and stones which had been so destructive. The most
+imminent danger was averted, and for the moment the tempest seemed to
+subside. The rain ceased, the wind became less violent, and it began to
+look brighter about the Wolkenstein.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was a few minutes' pause in the work. The president and
+Waltenberg, who also had alighted, walked along the bridge, where some
+of the workmen were gathered, to observe the diverted torrent foaming
+in the abyss. Everything looked more hopeful.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The engineer-in-chief, however, stood on one side apart from the rest.
+He did not hear the cheerful exclamations of the men, but, leaning
+forward, seemed to listen intently to a sound muttering on high through
+the air, like the distant roll of thunder; his eyes were fixed upon the
+crest of the Wolkenstein, and suddenly his face took on a death-like
+pallor.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Away from the bridge!&quot; he shouted to the rest. &quot;Save yourselves! Run
+for your lives!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">His last words were drowned in a dull rumble that grew to a crash as of
+thunder, but his cry of warning had been heard. The people scattered
+hastily; they felt the approach of something terrible,--there was no
+time to understand what it was; they deserted the bridge as quickly as
+possible.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Nordheim and Waltenberg were carried away by the rush, and the former
+reached firm land, but Ernst stumbled and fell while yet on the bridge.
+Past him and over him the others ran wildly; in the selfishness of
+mortal terror every one thought only of his own safety, while
+Waltenberg, stunned by his fall, lay on the ground quite unable to rise
+for the space of a minute, when seconds were precious.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Suddenly he felt a strong arm grasp him and lift him from the ground,
+then bear him onward, to release him only when the stout trunk of a
+tree was reached, around which he could clasp his own arms to hold
+himself upright.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then came the wind, howling and roaring like a hurricane,--a blast to
+which all that had gone before during the last three days had been but
+as the sighing of a breeze,--and everything in its path was prostrated
+or carried away. This was the herald of the Alpine Sprite, preparing a
+way for her; and now she herself descended from her cloud-veiled
+throne. A roar as of a thousand peals of thunder filled the air,
+echoing from every height, from every abyss, as if the entire
+mountain-realm were crashing to fragments; the rocks seemed to tremble,
+the earth to rock, as this terrible something, white and phantom-like,
+thundered past. It lasted for a minute, and then there was silence,--a
+silence as of death.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The avalanche had torn its way from the peak of the mountain directly
+into the abyss, and destruction marked its course. The extensive,
+protecting, enclosed forest at the foot of the cliffs had vanished, and
+where it had stood there was a desolate, dreary waste. The course of
+the stream was blockaded; the chasm was half filled with jagged masses
+of ice, from among which projected trunks of trees and huge fragments
+of stone, and where the bridge had thrown its bold arch from rock to
+rock now yawned sheer emptiness. Two of the huge shafts were still
+standing, the rest were partly or entirely torn down, and about them
+hung some of the iron ribs, bent and snapped like reeds; all the rest
+lay below in the abyss. She had avenged herself, the savage Alpine Fay.
+Crushed and splintered at her feet lay the proud creation of man.</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXV.</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1_25" href="#div1Ref_25">NOT ALL DESPAIR.</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+<p class="normal">A scene of indescribable confusion followed upon the
+catastrophe. At
+first no one fully grasped what had occurred, and when at last it
+became clear, all rushed to the rescue. The warning shout of the
+engineer-in-chief had indeed averted the worst,--at the instant of its
+destruction no one had been upon the bridge; but some of the men lay
+senseless, thrown to the ground by the concussion of the air, others
+had been more or less injured by flying stones and bits of ice; no one,
+however, at first seemed mortally hurt, and all who were able were
+intent upon aid. There were shouts and cries, and a running to and fro
+in wild confusion. Very few preserved their presence of mind, and these
+few could not make themselves heard.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">One group, however, assembled about a severely wounded man, was quiet
+enough, and in a few moments this group became a centre of attraction.
+Engineers and workmen crowded around with faces of dismay, a whisper
+ran from lip to lip, &quot;The president? Nordheim himself? For God's sake
+bring the doctor!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was indeed President Nordheim who lay here bleeding and unconscious.
+He had reached what he thought a place of safety, when one of the heavy
+iron stanchions of the bridge, torn from its place, had felled him to
+the earth. Erna and Waltenberg were busied about him, and all were
+doing what they could to restore him to consciousness, when the circle
+opened to admit the engineer-in-chief and Dr. Reinsfeld.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Benno was rather paler than usual, but perfectly calm, as he knelt down
+and began to examine the injury. The pain of this examination seemed to
+rouse Nordheim; with a groan he opened his eyes, and gazed into the
+countenance of the man bending over him. He did not recognize him, but
+probably fancied he saw his early friend, whom the son closely
+resembled, for with an unmistakable expression of horror and a
+convulsive movement he tried to rise and to push aside the helping
+hand. With another agonized groan he sank back, the blood gushing from
+his mouth.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The by-standers observed only the signs of physical pain. Benno alone
+divined the truth; he bent still lower, and as he gently put his hand
+beneath the sufferer's head he said, softly, &quot;Do not reject my help. It
+is given you freely, from my heart!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Nordheim was unable to speak, and the effort he had made exhausted him;
+again he became unconscious. The young physician examined with all
+possible gentleness the injury in the breast, and then turned with a
+very grave face to Waltenberg and Elmhorst.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You have no hope?&quot; the latter asked, in an undertone.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No, nothing can avail here. We must try to get him home; he may reach
+the house alive if he is carried with extreme caution. Fräulein von
+Thurgau, will you kindly go first and prepare his daughter, that the
+shock may not be too great? We must not conceal from her that her
+father is dying; he cannot possibly live until to-morrow.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then he gave the necessary directions. A litter was hastily
+constructed, and the wounded man was laid upon it with infinite care.
+Stout arms were ready to aid, and the sad procession slowly took its
+way towards the villa. Erna preceded it, and Reinsfeld, promising to
+follow immediately, turned his attention to the other wounded men who
+required his skill, although none of them were mortally injured.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Waltenberg too stayed behind. He paused, hesitating and seeming
+engaged in an inward struggle, but when he saw the engineer-in-chief
+walk towards the Wolkenstein chasm he followed, and overtook him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Herr Elmhorst!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wolfgang turned; his face was unnaturally calm, and there was a hard
+ring in his voice as he said, &quot;You come to remind me of my promise? I
+am at your service at any hour; my duties are at an end.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ernst had entertained no such intention; he made a gesture of dissent:
+&quot;I think neither of us is in the mood to pursue our quarrel at present.
+I am sure that you, at least, are not fit for it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Elmhorst passed his hand across his brow; now when the terrible tension
+of his nerves had relaxed he first perceived how utterly exhausted he
+was.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You are probably right,&quot; he said, with the same rigid, unnatural look.
+&quot;It comes from overwork. I have not slept for three nights; but a
+couple of hours' rest will restore me entirely, and, as I said, I am at
+your service.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ernst silently gazed into the face of the man who had just lost his
+all; this forced calm did not mislead him. A reply was upon his lips,
+but he suppressed it, and his glance wandered to the spot where he had
+been thrown down in his flight. Just there one of the columns had
+fallen, and the iron part of it was buried deep in the earth. There he
+would have lain crushed and mangled but for the hand which had rescued
+him from destruction; perhaps he was not as unconscious as he seemed of
+whose the hand was.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I must go and see how the president is,&quot; he said, hurriedly. &quot;Dr.
+Reinsfeld has promised to stay with us to-night, and we will send you
+word of what happens.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Thanks,&quot; said Wolfgang, seeming both to hear and to speak merely
+mechanically: his thoughts were elsewhere; and when Waltenberg turned
+away, he slowly walked on to the place where the Wolkenstein bridge had
+stood.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The night that ensued was a terrible one for the family and household
+at the villa. Its master lay struggling with death, which seemed slow
+to come in the midst of such agony. Incapable of motion or of speech,
+but entirely conscious, he knew that the son of the former friend whom
+he had deceived and betrayed, condemning him to a life of poverty and
+hardship, while he himself enjoyed wealth and distinction as the fruits
+of his treachery, was unwearied in his efforts to minister to him, to
+soothe the death-bed from which he could not dismiss the dark
+messenger. Nothing could be more ready and unselfish than the aid
+afforded by Benno, and this very forgetfulness of self awakened the
+dying man's most pungent remorse. Face to face with death falsehood and
+deceit vanished, truth alone showed its inexorable countenance, and the
+effect was annihilating. The agonized struggle lasted, it is true, but
+for a single night, but in that time were compressed the torture of a
+lifetime and the penance of a lifetime.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When day at last dawned in mist and clouds, struggle and agony were at
+an end, and it was Benno Reinsfeld's hand that closed the dying man's
+eyes. Then he gently raised from her knees Alice, who was sobbing
+beside her father's body, and led her away. He spoke no word of love or
+hope to her,--it would have seemed like desecration to him in such a
+moment,--but the way in which he put his arm around her and supported
+her showed plainly that he now claimed his right, and that nothing
+could part them more. He never could have been a son to the man who had
+so wronged his father, but that would now be spared him if Alice should
+become his wife; the wealth also which had been the fruit of treachery
+had mainly vanished. All barriers between the lovers had fallen.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Erna also, when all was over, retired to her room. Alice did not need
+her: she had a better comforter beside her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The girl sat pale and worn at the window, looking out into the gray,
+misty morning. Alien as her uncle had seemed to her, harshly as she had
+often judged him, the suffering of his last hours had obliterated every
+thought of him in her mind save that it was her mother's brother who
+lay dying.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Her thoughts now, however, were not with the dead, but with the living,
+with him who was perhaps standing in the dim dawn beside the ruins of
+his work. She knew what it had been to him, and felt the blow with him.
+Erna would have given her life to be able to stand beside him now with
+words of consolation and encouragement, and instead she must know him
+alone in his despair. She paid no heed to Griff, who had crept up to
+her and laid his head in her lap with sorrowful sympathy in his brown
+eyes; she gazed out fixedly into the rolling mist.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The door opened softly; Waltenberg entered and slowly approached his
+betrothed, who, sunk in a revery, did not perceive him until he stood
+beside her and uttered her name.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When Waltenberg thus addressed her she started with an involuntary
+expression of terror and dislike, which did not escape him; his smile
+was bitterly sad.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Are you so afraid of me? You must endure the intrusion, however, for I
+have something to say to you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Now? at this moment, when death has just crossed our threshold?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Precisely now; if I wait I may--lose courage to speak.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The words sounded so strange that Erna looked up, surprised. Her eyes
+encountered his, but did not find there the gleam which had so
+terrified her of late. In his dark look there glowed somewhat which was
+neither all love nor all hatred,--perhaps a combination of both,--she
+could not tell.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Go on, then,&quot; she said, wearily. &quot;I will listen.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He paused and looked fixedly at her, and at last said, with slow
+emphasis, &quot;I come to bid you farewell.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You are going? Now, before my uncle has been laid to rest?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes,--and never to return! You mistake me, Erna. This is no farewell
+for days or weeks; it means that we are parting forever.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Parting?&quot; The girl looked at him incredulously, only half
+comprehending his words; they came upon her too suddenly for her to
+grasp all their meaning.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You evidently have no belief in my magnanimity,&quot; Ernst said, harshly.
+&quot;It is true that yesterday I could more easily have annihilated you
+both, you and your Wolfgang, than have given you back your troth. That
+is over. He has taught me how to subdue an enemy. Do you think I do not
+know whose hand it was that snatched me from a terrible death
+yesterday? Without its aid I should have been crushed at the entrance
+of the bridge. You saw it,--I know that,--and will only the more
+worship your hero, whom you watched yesterday with an enthusiasm that
+transfigured you. This deed of his exalts him to an ideal hero in your
+eyes. What am I in them?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, I saw it,&quot; Erna said, looking down, &quot;but I did not think you
+recognized him, stunned as you were, and in the general confusion.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;A mortal enemy is always recognized, even while he is saving one's
+life. I tried to thank him yesterday, just after the catastrophe, but I
+could not bring my lips to frame words of gratitude to that man; they
+would have choked me. Let him hear them from you. Tell him that I
+revoke my challenge, and that I release him from his promise, as I
+release you from yours. Now we are quits,--more than quits: I give him
+what is tenfold dearer to me than the life he saved for me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Erna had grown very pale in the certainty of what she had long
+suspected: &quot;You challenged him? That was the meaning of your
+interview?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Do you suppose that I could have borne to know him happy in your
+arms?&quot; Waltenberg asked. &quot;But for what happened yesterday I would have
+shot him down like a dog; and he promised to be at my service as soon
+as the Wolkenstein bridge was completed. Fate has released him from his
+promise.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The bitterness in his tone no longer affected Erna; she heard only the
+anguish in his voice, felt only what the renunciation was costing his
+passionate nature. In gentle entreaty she laid her hand upon his arm:
+&quot;Ernst, trust me, I know the full extent of the sacrifice you are
+making for me. You have loved me intensely----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, and I was fool enough to fancy that passion such as mine <i>must</i>
+force you to love in return. I thought that if I carried you to another
+quarter of the globe, and put an ocean between you and Wolfgang
+Elmhorst, you would learn to forget, and to turn to the husband beside
+you. I have learned my error. I never could have torn that love from
+your heart; if I had killed him you would have loved him dead. Now, in
+his misery, your whole soul flies out to him. Go to him. I am no longer
+in your way. You are free!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Let us go together,&quot; Erna entreated, earnestly. &quot;Offer him your hand
+in amity; you can, for you are now the generous one, the benefactor. It
+is you whom we have to thank.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He thrust aside her hand: &quot;No, I never will meet that man again. If I
+should see him I could not answer for myself, all the fiends within me
+would break loose once more. You cannot dream what it has cost me to
+conjure them down; let them rest.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Erna did not venture to repeat her request; she comprehended that so
+passionate a nature might renounce, but could not forgive. She bowed
+her head in mute acquiescence.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Farewell!&quot; said Ernst, still in the harsh, hostile tone which had
+characterized him throughout the interview. &quot;Forget me. It will be easy
+at his side.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She looked up to him; her eyes filled with tears: &quot;I never shall forget
+you, Ernst, never! But I shall always remember sadly that you left me
+in bitterness and hatred.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;In hatred?&quot; he exclaimed, with an outburst of passion, and suddenly
+Erna felt herself clasped in his arms, pressed to his heart, while his
+kisses were rained upon her hair, her brow, with the same wild
+intensity of tenderness which she had so dreaded and which had always
+failed to arouse in her the least return of his affection. This time
+there was in his caress something of the madness of despair. He tore
+himself away and was gone. The short, stormy dream of the love of his
+life was over forever!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Meanwhile, the day had fairly appeared. The rain had ceased in the
+night, and the wind was not so violent,--the wild uproar of nature had
+begun to subside.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The work of the previous day still went on, however, although, since
+the Wolkenstein bridge was gone, there was little more to save. This
+last blow had been the heaviest, although the entire railway had been
+incalculably injured; very few of the numerous bridges and structures
+were not in need of repairs, and, in view of the general destruction,
+the completion of the undertaking seemed impossible. Its author lay
+dead in his house, and the intended transfer of the railway to the
+company was of course impossible. How and when, if ever, others would
+come forward to carry out his schemes time alone could show.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Such were probably the thoughts occurring to the mind of the man
+standing alone on the brink of the Wolkenstein chasm and gazing down at
+the ruin below him. The autumn morning was very cold; in the valleys
+and depths wreaths of gray mist were curling, long trains of clouds
+hovered about the mountains, and a gloomy sky looked down upon the wet,
+sodden earth, which bore melancholy traces of the turmoil of the
+previous day. Uprooted and broken trees, fragments of rock, mud, and
+heaps of stones were everywhere to be seen, and in many a spot the
+traces could be perceived of the gallant struggle of man in his fight
+with the elements. The roar of the cataract was not so threatening as
+it had been, but it still filled the air as the water dashed from the
+height, and the wind had not yet left the dripping storm-tossed forests
+in peace.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In the Wolkenstein chasm alone there was a silence as of the grave. A
+gigantic glacier seemed to rest in its depths, its rigid whiteness
+broken by a chaotic mass of rock and earth. The avalanche which had
+begun on the crest of the Wolkenstein must have increased fearfully on
+its way, for it had prostrated the entire enclosed forest, hitherto
+regarded as a sure protection; pines a century old had been snapped
+like straws and had dragged with them into the abyss a portion of the
+mountain-side. And then the entire mass of ice and snow, of rocks and
+trunks of trees, its force augmented tenfold by the velocity of its
+fall, had hurled itself against the bridge and crushed it. No human
+structure could withstand such an onslaught.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was some consolation to know this, but Wolfgang Elmhorst seemed to
+find no comfort in such reflections. He gazed dully down into the icy
+grave where all his schemes and hopes were lying, perhaps never to rise
+again. In the beginning, when the railway had first been planned, there
+had been objections made to the Wolkenstein bridge because of the cost
+of its erection. It had been proposed to avoid the chasm and to carry
+the line of railway by another less expensive but roundabout road.
+Nordheim, however, who was attracted by the boldness of the scheme,
+contrived to overbear all opposition and to have his own way. In future
+there could be no thought, since economy would be especially necessary,
+of rebuilding the bridge, which, moreover, must be condemned as
+impossible, since it had fallen a prey to the elements just when it was
+about to astonish and delight all who beheld it, and to bring
+reputation and fame to its deviser.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Suddenly a large, lion-like dog came careering over the sodden ground,
+testifying by huge leaps to his delight at being released from his long
+confinement in-doors. He paused close beside Elmhorst, and began, after
+his custom with the engineer-in-chief, to show his teeth, when for the
+first time his show of dislike was arrested,--something else attracted
+his attention. Wise dog that he was, he perceived what had occurred. He
+grew restless, stretched his head far over the edge of the abyss, then
+looked towards the other side, finally turning his intelligent dark
+eyes upon the engineer-in-chief as if to ask what it all meant.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Hitherto Wolfgang had preserved his composure, at least externally, but
+he broke down at the dog's mute inquiry. He covered his eyes with his
+hand, and a tear, the first he had shed since boyhood, rolled down his
+cheek.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On a sudden he heard his name uttered in a voice not unfamiliar to him,
+but in a tone such as had never before fallen upon his ear: &quot;Wolfgang!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He turned, dashed aside the treacherous witness from his cheek, and,
+entirely self-possessed once more, approached the slender figure,
+enveloped in a dark wrap, and standing at a little distance, as though
+afraid to venture nearer.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You here, Erna? After the terrible night that you have passed?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, it was terrible!&quot; the girl said, with a deep-drawn sigh. &quot;You
+have heard that my uncle is dead?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I heard it two hours ago. I no longer had the right to watch beside
+his death-bed; moreover, the sight of me would only have distressed
+him, so I kept away. How does Alice bear it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;For the moment she seems stunned, but Dr. Reinsfeld is with her.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Then she will recover from the blow. They love each other, and with
+the one who is loved best in the world beside you even the worst trials
+can be borne.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Erna made no reply, but she slowly approached and stood beside him. He
+looked at her, and his sad face grew still darker: &quot;I know why you are
+here. You would fain speak some word of sympathy, of consolation to me.
+But why? Your dying father's curse has borne fruit: the destruction of
+the ancestral home of the Thurgaus is avenged, and I think even the
+Freiherr would be content.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Can you really attach such importance to words which were the result
+of anger,--of the agitation preceding a sudden death?&quot; Erna asked,
+reproachfully. &quot;Since when have you been superstitious?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Since faith in my own power has lain buried there. Leave me to myself,
+Erna. What comfort can I take in the sympathy which you offer as an
+alms, to express which you must have stolen secretly away, and for
+which you may have to suffer from Herr Waltenberg's reproaches? I need
+no sympathy, not even from you.&quot; In the irritability of misery he
+turned away and looked up at the Wolkenstein, the crest of which loomed
+white and shadowy through the clouds. It alone seemed striving to
+unveil, while a thick mist obscured all the surrounding mountain-tops.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I do not come secretly, nor to offer you an alms,&quot; Erna said, in a
+voice which she tried vainly to steady. &quot;Ernst knows that I have come
+to you, and he sends a message by me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Ernst Waltenberg--to me?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;To you, Wolfgang! He bids me tell you that he releases you from your
+promise, and recalls his challenge.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Elmhorst frowned darkly, as he rejoined, &quot;Has he told <i>you</i> of all
+that? Very considerate on his part! Such matters are generally
+discussed among men exclusively. But, although I accepted his
+conditions, I do not accept his magnanimity,--least of all at present.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And yet you first set him the example of magnanimity. No need to deny
+it. He knows as well as I do whose hand snatched him from destruction
+on this very spot.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I leave no one to die if it is in my power to save his life, even if
+he be my worst enemy,&quot; Wolfgang said, coldly. &quot;At such moments one
+obeys the instincts of humanity, never stopping to consider, and I
+refuse to accept his gratitude. I pray you say this to Herr Waltenberg,
+since he has chosen you, Fräulein von Thurgau, for his messenger.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Can you really treat his messenger thus harshly?&quot; The girl's voice was
+low and gentle and her large dark-blue eyes were strangely bright as
+she looked at the man who could no longer control the anguish of his
+soul.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Why torture me with such looks and tones?&quot; he cried, passionately.
+&quot;You belong to another----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Whom you misunderstand as I did. I know now how immense is the
+sacrifice he makes for me, for I know how great was his love for me,
+when, with this love in his heart, he could give me back my freedom and
+bid me farewell forever.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wolfgang, half stunned at the unexpected announcement, could only be
+conscious that through the black night of his hopeless despair a
+dazzling ray of light was darting, heralding the dawn of new life
+and energy. &quot;You are free, Erna?&quot; he broke forth. &quot;And now--now you
+come----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;To you. It is so heavy a burden,--this misery that you are bearing
+alone. I claim my share.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The words were spoken with earnest simplicity, as if they were mere
+words of course; but Elmhorst changed colour and his look was downcast.
+He was undergoing a hard struggle with his pride, which felt such
+devotion at such a moment to be a humiliation.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No, no, not yet!&quot; he murmured, with an attempt to turn away. &quot;Let me
+recover my courage,--my self-possession. I cannot accept your
+sacrifice. It weighs me down to the earth.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Wolf!&quot;--the old pet name of his boyhood, which he had heard from
+none save Benno since that time, came soft and low from the girl's
+lips,--&quot;Wolf, you need me most now! You need a love to encourage and
+nerve you; never heed the promptings of false pride. You once asked me
+if I could have stayed beside you on the lonely, rough path leading to
+success. I come to bring you your answer. You shall not pursue it
+alone; I will stay beside you through struggle and labour, through
+hardship and peril. If you have lost faith in your power and your
+future, I believe in them most firmly. I believe wholly in you!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She looked up at him with a beaming, triumphant smile. All his
+hesitation vanished: he opened his arms and clasped his love to his
+heart.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Griff meanwhile looked on at this development of affairs in extreme
+amazement and evident dissatisfaction. He did not quite comprehend it
+all, but thus much was clear,--he must give up all thoughts in future
+of growling and showing his teeth at the engineer-in-chief, who was
+holding his young mistress in his arms and kissing her, and Griff was
+much annoyed. He preferred meanwhile to maintain an expectant attitude,
+and so he lay down and kept a constant watch upon the pair.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The mists were still floating about the Wolkenstein, but its peak was
+every minute emerging more clearly. It did not now unveil as in the
+dreamy moonlight of the mysteriously lovely midsummer-eve; it stood
+forth white, icy, and phantom-like; above it the heavens heavy with
+rain, about it storm and clouds, and at its feet the desolation which
+itself had wrought. And yet from that very desolation there had sprung
+forth the purest, truest happiness,--happiness grown to life amid
+tempests and storms.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wolfgang released his love from his embrace and stood erect, all trace
+of despair vanished from his face and figure. It had come back to
+him,--the joy which he had thought flown forever, and with it had
+returned the old courage, the old inexhaustible energy.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You are right, my darling!&quot; he exclaimed. &quot;I will not doubt, nor
+hesitate. I will conquer her yet, that evil Force up there. She has
+destroyed my work. I will create it afresh!&quot;</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXVI.</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1_26" href="#div1Ref_26">THE KISS OF THE ALPINE FAY.</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+<p class="normal">The Nordheim villa was silent and deserted. The president's
+remains had
+been transported to the capital and buried thence, and the entire
+household had removed thither.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The engineer-in-chief also was in the capital, to consult with the
+company which was part owner of the railway, and to arrange the affairs
+of the deceased president,--a difficult task, which he had voluntarily
+undertaken, being justified in the eyes of the world in so doing, since
+the dissolution of his betrothal to Alice had not yet been made public.
+The time given to mourning must pass before any such announcement could
+be made, and then Alice would no longer need his aid. At present it was
+above all desirable to avert the gossip and curiosity sure to ensue
+upon the catastrophe which had caused the president's sudden death, and
+which had greatly diminished his wealth. A strong arm was needed to
+save what remained.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ernst Waltenberg was still in Heilborn. Since the day when he had
+bidden farewell to his betrothed he had held aloof from the Wolkenstein
+district, but something appeared to retain him in its vicinity. The
+late autumn had set in with unusual severity, and the popular
+watering-place was, of course, quite empty but for the foreign
+gentleman, with his secretary and servants, who did not as yet talk of
+departure.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Veit Gronau was pacing to and fro the drawing-room of the comfortable
+cottage which Waltenberg occupied, his face filled with anxiety,
+and glancing from time to time towards the closed door of the next
+room,--Ernst's study.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;If I could only tell what to make of it all!&quot; he muttered. &quot;He locks
+himself in there day after day, and it is a week now since he set foot
+in the open air; he who for years has passed two or three hours in the
+saddle daily. If I could but get at Reinsfeld; but with his usual
+conscientiousness he has gone to Neuenfeld, and will not leave it until
+his first term of office has expired, when it is to be hoped a
+successor will have been provided for the post. There will surely be
+enough of the Nordheim millions left to insure him an easy existence
+when he marries his betrothed, and he would have been far wiser to
+remain near her now. Here you are at last, Said. What does Herr
+Waltenberg say?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The master begs Herr Gronau to dine without him,&quot; the negro replied.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;This will never do!&quot; exclaimed Veit; but as he walked towards the door
+of the next room with some vague intention of forcing it, it opened,
+and Waltenberg himself appeared.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You here yet, Gronau?&quot; he said, with a slight frown. &quot;I begged you to
+dine without me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am like yourself, Herr Waltenberg. I have no appetite.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Then, Said, have the table cleared. Go!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Said obeyed, but Gronau, although he saw plainly that he too was
+dismissed, obstinately maintained his post.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ernst had gone to the window, whence there was an extended view of the
+distant range of mountains. During the entire week that had elapsed
+since the avalanche had occurred the weather had not cleared; it had
+been dull and stormy, and the mountains, day after day, were veiled.
+To-day, for the first time, they showed themselves clearly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It is clearing up--at last!&quot; Ernst said, more to himself than to his
+companion, who shook his head dubiously.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It will not last long. Fine weather never does when the outlines of
+the mountains are so distinct and the crests seem so near.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ernst did not at once reply,--he stood gazing steadily at the blue
+distance; but after two or three minutes he said, &quot;I want to drive to
+Oberstein to-morrow; order the carriage, if you please.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Gronau looked at him, surprised: &quot;To Oberstein? Do you intend making an
+excursion?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes; I wish to ascend the Wolkenstein.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You mean to the cliffs.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No, to the summit.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Now? At this season? It is impossible, Herr Waltenberg. You know the
+summit has always been inaccessible.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;That is the very reason why it attracts me. I have stayed on here to
+make the ascent, but I could do nothing in the weather we have had. Get
+me a couple of competent guides----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;There are none such to be had for the ascent you speak of,&quot; Gronau
+gravely interrupted him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Why not? Because of that old nurse's tale? Offer the men a large sum
+of money; 'tis a sure cure for superstition.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Possibly; but it might well fail here, for the old nurse's tale has a
+background of indubitable reality, as we have seen. The avalanche and
+the ruin it wrought are too fresh in the memory of the mountaineers.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, it wrought ruin indeed,&quot; Ernst said, dreamily, still gazing
+towards the mountains.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And therefore let the Wolkenstein alone for the present,&quot; Veit
+entreated. &quot;This clearing up of the skies is not going to last, I
+assure you. We cannot undertake the feat now.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ernst shrugged his shoulders: &quot;I did not ask you to go with me. Stay at
+home if you are afraid, Gronau.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Veit's brown face showed irritation, but he controlled himself: &quot;We
+have surely shared enough of adventure together, Herr Waltenberg, to
+set your mind at rest with regard to my timidity. I will go with you to
+the extent of what is possible; you, I fear, mean to go farther, and
+your mood is not one to enable you to encounter danger coolly.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You are mistaken; my mood is excellent, and I ara going to make this
+ascent, with or without guides; if needs must I will go alone.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Gronau was familiar with this tone, and knew that there was nothing to
+be done in opposition to it; nevertheless he made one last attempt. He
+supposed that there would be an outbreak, but he determined to speak:
+&quot;Remember your promise. You promised Baroness Thurgau to avoid the
+Wolkenstein.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ernst started: his change of colour, the flash of menace in his eyes,
+betrayed how he suffered by the touch upon his bleeding wound; but in a
+moment he had shrouded himself in a frigid composure that forbade all
+further discussion.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The circumstances under which I made that promise no longer exist.
+Moreover, I must entreat that all allusion to them in my presence be
+avoided for the future.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He went to his room, turning upon the threshold to say, &quot;At eight
+o'clock to-morrow morning you will have the carriage ready for a drive
+to Oberstein.&quot;</p>
+
+<hr class="W20">
+
+<p class="normal">Upon a snow-field in face of the peak of the Wolkenstein a small group
+of bold mountain-climbers were assembled, who had undertaken the
+ascent, and had actually accomplished the greater part of it,--the two
+guides, muscular, weather-beaten mountaineers, and Veit Gronau.
+They were provided with ropes, axes, and every accessory of a
+mountain-ascent, and were evidently taking a prolonged rest here.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">They had left Oberstein on the previous day and had climbed to the
+borders of the limitless waste of rocks, where was a hut, in which they
+had taken shelter for the night, and then with the first dawn of
+morning they had attacked the cliff hitherto pronounced inaccessible.
+With persistent pains, with indescribable exertions, and with reckless
+contempt of the danger that threatened them at every step, they had
+scaled it. It had been ascended for the first time!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">This consciousness, however, was the only reward of their success, for
+the weather, which had hitherto been tolerably clear, had changed
+within an hour or two. Thick mist filled the valleys, obscuring the
+outlook, and the crests only of the surrounding mountains were visible.
+The peak of the Wolkenstein, itself a mighty pyramid of ice rising
+sheer above them, was gradually disappearing. Gronau's field-glass was
+directed steadily to this pyramid, and the two guides exchanged a few
+monosyllabic remarks, while their grave faces showed their anxiety.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I can see nothing more,&quot; said Veit, at last, taking the glass from his
+eyes. &quot;The peak is veiled in mist; nothing can be distinguished any
+longer.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;That mist is snow,&quot; said one of the guides, an elderly man with
+grizzled hair. &quot;I told the gentleman it was coming, but he would not
+listen to me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, it was madness to attempt the ascent under such circumstances,&quot;
+Gronau muttered. &quot;I should have thought we had done enough in
+surmounting this cliff. It was a terrific piece of climbing; few will
+ever venture to follow us, and it never has been done before.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Meanwhile, the younger guide had kept a sharp lookout in all
+directions; he now approached and said, &quot;We can wait no longer, Herr;
+we must return.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Without Herr Waltenberg? Upon no account!&quot; Gronau declared.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The man shrugged his shoulders: &quot;Only as far as the snow-barrow, where
+we can find shelter beneath the rocks, if it comes to the worst. Up
+here we could never stand against the snow, and we must descend the
+worst part of the cliff before it comes, or not one of us will get down
+alive. We agreed to wait for the gentleman at the snow-barrow.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Such had, in fact, been the agreement when Waltenberg separated from
+the party. The guides who had been prevailed upon to undertake the
+expedition by the offer of three times their usual fee had brought the
+two strangers successfully to the top of the cliff. Here they had
+positively refused to go farther, not because their courage failed
+them,--the summit lying directly before them was probably less
+dangerous to climb than the steep, almost perpendicular cliff they had
+already scaled,--but the experienced mountaineers well knew what those
+grayish-white clouds foreboded which were beginning to assemble, at
+first as light as hovering mist. They begged for an immediate return,
+and Gronau seconded their entreaties, but in vain.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ernst saw directly before him the summit he had so longed to attain,
+and no warning, no entreaty, availed to alter his determination to
+proceed. He insisted upon the completion of his daring attempt with all
+the obstinacy of a nature that held cheaply his own life, as well as
+the lives of others. The threatening skies did not move him, and the
+refusal of the guides to accompany him only roused his antagonism. With
+a sneer at their caution when the goal was all but attained he left
+them.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Gronau had kept his word; he had gone with him to the extent of what
+was possible, but when that was reached, when the risk was madness,--a
+provoking of fate,--he had remained behind, and yet he was regretting
+that he had done so. The climber had been visible for a while as he
+toiled upward, until near the summit all trace of him through the
+field-glass had been lost, because of the mists which gathered quickly
+and heavily.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;We must go down,&quot; the elder guide said, resolutely. &quot;If the gentleman
+comes back he will find us beside the snow-barrow. We shall do him no
+good by staying here, and we risk our lives by losing time.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Gronau saw the justice of the man's words, and shut up his glass with a
+sigh.</p>
+
+<hr class="W20">
+
+<p class="normal">The wavering masses of mist grew thicker and darker; they floated
+upward from all the valleys, sailed forth from every cleft, and veiled
+forests and peaks in their damp mantle. The precipices of the
+Wolkenstein, the sheer gigantic stretch of its rocky walls, vanished in
+the rolling fog,--the ice-pyramid of its peak alone stood forth clear
+and distinct.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And aloft upon this summit stood the man who had persisted and had
+accomplished what had been deemed impossible. His dress bore traces of
+his fearful toil, his hands were bleeding from the jagged points of ice
+by which he had held to swing himself up, but he stood where no human
+foot save his own had ever trod. He had dared to ascend the cloudy
+throne of the Alpine Fay, to lift her veil and to look the sovereign of
+this icy realm in the face.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And her face was beautiful! But its beauty was wild and phantom-like:
+there was in it no trace of earth, and it dazzled with a painful
+splendour the eyes of the undaunted adventurer. Around him and below
+him was naught save ice and snow,--rigid white glaciers riven and
+billowy but gleaming with fairylike brilliancy. The crevasses gave back
+here the greenish hue of spring and there the deep blue of ocean, and
+the dazzling white of the jagged, snow-covered crests reflected a
+thousand prismatic dyes, while above it all arched a sky of such clear
+azure that it was as if it would fain pour forth all its fulness of
+light upon the old legendary throne of the mountains, the crystal
+palace of the Alpine Fay.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ernst drew deep, long breaths: for the first time in many days the
+weight that had so burdened his spirit vanished; the world, with its
+loves and hates, its struggles and conflicts, lay far below him; it
+disappeared in the misty sea that filled the valleys and buried beneath
+it meadows and forest and the habitations of men. The mountain-peaks
+alone emerged, like islands in a measureless ocean. Here appeared a
+couple of dark crests of rock, there a peak of dazzling snow, and there
+a distant range. But they all looked unreal, bodiless, floating and
+sailing upon the flood which heaved and undulated as it slowly rose
+higher and higher. Over it brooded the silence of death: life was
+extinct in this realm of eternal ice.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And yet a warm, passionate human heart was throbbing in this waste,
+fain to flee from the world and its woe, seeking forgetfulness here,
+but bringing its woe with it. So long as danger strained every nerve,
+so long as there was a goal to be attained, the haunting misery of his
+soul had been stilled. The old magic draught which Ernst had so often
+quaffed had not lost its charm; danger and enjoyment indissolubly
+linked, the spell of magnificent nature, and the unfettered freedom
+again his own, were all-powerful to stir him. Again he felt the
+intoxicating force of the draught, and in the midst of this icy waste
+he was seized with a burning longing for those lands of sunshine and
+light where only he had been truly at home. There he could forget and
+recover,--there he could again live and be happy.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The misty sea rose higher and higher; slowly, noiselessly, but
+steadily, one peak after another vanished beneath the gray, mysterious
+flood, which, like a deluge, swallowed up everything belonging to
+earth. The ice-pyramid of the Wolkenstein alone still stood forth, but
+its gleaming splendour had vanished with the vanished sunlight.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The solitary dreamer suddenly shuddered as if from the chill of an icy
+breath. He looked up; the blue above him had faded: he saw only white
+mist, which began to veil everything near at hand.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ernst had been abundantly warned by the guides: he knew this sign; with
+danger the tension of his nerves returned; it was high time to retrace
+his steps. He began the descent, slowly, cautiously, testing every step
+as he had done in climbing up, but the mist barred his way everywhere
+and chilled him to the bone. Nevertheless, he pursued his downward path
+steadily, the traces of his ascent in the snow guiding him; at last,
+however, he was forced to search for them, and more than once he lost
+them. The effects of his over-exertion began also to assert themselves.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">His breath came short and in gasps, the moisture stood out upon his
+forehead, and his sight grew uncertain. Conscious of this, he roused
+himself to greater efforts. He had challenged the danger, he would not
+succumb to it, the old nurse's tale should not come true, and his force
+of will was again victorious. He traversed the terrible path for the
+second time, and panting, gasping, half frozen, half dead from fatigue,
+he finally reached the foot of the pyramid, and stood upon the glacier
+summit of the cliff.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The hardest part of his task was over. True, there was still the sheer
+descent of the cliff to achieve, but steps had been hewn in the ice by
+the ascending party, and ropes had been left at the worst places to
+help in the descent. Ernst knew that he should find these aids; in
+spite of the fog, they would guide him to the snow-barrow, where his
+companions awaited him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then forth from the mist it hovered white and glistening, like
+fluttering veils softly touching cheek and brow in a gentle
+caress,--the snow had begun to fall. And in a few minutes the caressing
+touch was transformed to an oppressive, stifling embrace which it was
+vain to try to escape. Ernst staggered forward, then turned back, but
+the icy arms were everywhere: they robbed him of breath and froze the
+blood in his veins. One short, desperate struggle, and they held him in
+an indissoluble clasp,--he sank on the ground.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But with the struggle the distress too ceased. How delicious to fall
+asleep thus, so mortally weary that dream and reality mingled and
+melted into each other! Again he was standing on the summit in the
+sunlight, beholding the palace of ice in all its enchanted splendour,
+and gazing into the unveiled countenance of the Alpine Fay, whose
+pallid beauty no mortal might look upon and live. Yet her face was not
+that of a stranger. He knew those features, and the fathomless blue of
+the eyes that beamed and smiled upon him as never before. The image of
+the woman whom he had loved so wildly, so inexpressibly, did not leave
+him even upon the threshold of death, but stole softly upon the last
+gleams of his consciousness.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then the sea of mist slowly rose higher and higher until all else was
+overwhelmed; the beloved face alone still showed faint and dreamlike
+through the gray veil, till finally it too faded, and the dreamer was
+borne onward by this sea of mist stretching endless and shoreless out
+into the immeasurable distance,--on into eternity.</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXVII.</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1_27" href="#div1Ref_27">MIDSUMMER EVE AGAIN.</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+<p class="normal">Almost three years had passed since the terrible avalanche
+wrought
+such ruin, and glorious sunshine made glad the hearts of the
+mountaineers on the day preceding Midsummer-eve,--the day of the
+festival celebrating throughout the Wolkenstein district the opening of
+the new mountain-railway. All the villages on the line of travel, now
+promoted to the dignity of railway-stations, were gaily decked with
+green wreaths and fluttering flags, and crowds of mountaineers in their
+Sunday costumes had come from far and near among the mountains to
+behold with curiosity and wonder the arrival of the first train. The
+iron road, at last completed, was to bring prosperity to their secluded
+valleys.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At first, when the terrible catastrophe still struck terror to the
+minds of all who heard of it, there had been a doubt as to whether the
+upper stretch of the railway, that passing through the Wolkenstein
+district, could ever be completed. Consultations with the company had
+gone on for months, until finally the energy and persistence of the
+engineer-in-chief had been victorious: the work had been taken up once
+more, and it was now happily concluded.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Station Oberstein, situated near the village itself, at the end of the
+Wolkenstein bridge, was especially conspicuous in its decorations. The
+train, bringing the engineer-in-chief and his wife, with the directors
+of the road, and a number of invited guests, was to make a stop here,
+and a particularly grand reception had been devised. The crowds from
+the country around were greater here than elsewhere, and cannon were to
+be fired from a neighbouring height.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In the midst of the gay multitude Veit Gronau's tall figure was
+conspicuous. He looked more tanned and weather-beaten than ever, but
+otherwise was unchanged. Ernst Waltenberg had provided generously in
+his will for his former secretary; he was free to live as he chose, but
+the old love of a wandering life had driven him forth into the world
+again, and after nearly three years' of absence he had returned for
+another glimpse of his European home.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And so Dr. Reinsfeld is to give a grand dinner in his villa to the
+directors,&quot; he said to himself, as he stood on the railway-platform
+looking out for the train. &quot;I am really curious to see how my good
+Benno conducts himself as a millionaire. Probably he is quite
+uncomfortable; but he will have to get used to it, for Gersdorf wrote
+to me that a million had been rescued out of the wreck of Nordheim's
+colossal fortune.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;There it comes!&quot; The shout interrupted his reflections; the crowd
+pressed forward eagerly and stretched their necks to see the first
+train, which came gliding from the depths upon the narrow iron road. It
+vanished for a few moments in the tunnel below Oberstein, and then,
+appearing once more, rolled smoothly onward, the smoke from the
+gaily-decorated locomotive floating backward like a pennon. Anon it
+thundered over the bridge, and was greeted at the Oberstein station by
+a burst of music, by loud shouts of welcome, and by the cannon-shots
+from the height, wakening the echoes from all the mountains around.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The train was emptied at the station, but almost half an hour elapsed
+before the party could drive to the villa, for first of all the glory
+of the road, the Wolkenstein bridge, had to be inspected. The bold,
+gigantic structure had arisen from ruin; as proudly as before it
+spanned the chasm from rock to rock. Below it in the giddy depths
+rushed the stream with all its old impetuosity, and above it the
+Wolkenstein reared its mighty crest aloft, wearing to-day a light crown
+of clouds. But upon the declivity, where before had stood the enclosed
+forest, there was now a broad, solid wall of masonry, a sure protection
+against any repetition of the former disaster.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The engineer-in-chief, with his young wife on his arm, acted as guide
+to the inspecting party. Of course he was the hero of the day, and was
+overwhelmed on all sides by congratulations and expressions of
+admiration. He received them gravely, seeming but little elated by
+them.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Erna, on the other hand, was beaming with happiness and gratified
+pride; her eyes sparkled as she listened to all that was said to her
+husband, and she had a kindly word and a friendly greeting for all who
+pressed forward to welcome her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The pair were obliged to do the honours of the new road without the aid
+of Dr. Reinsfeld, who, as husband of the late president's heiress, was
+a very important personage on this occasion, but quite averse to
+performing his duties as such. He no longer wore the antique coat and
+saffron-coloured gloves in which he had made acquaintance with the
+invalid Alice; his attire was faultless, but nevertheless it was easy
+to see that his task for the day was held by him to be very difficult
+of performance. He confined himself to bowing and shaking hands,
+keeping as much as possible in the background, when suddenly a familiar
+voice accosted him: &quot;Does Dr. Reinsfeld do me the honour to remember
+me?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Veit Gronau!&quot; exclaimed the doctor, delightedly, offering his hand.
+&quot;Then you received our invitation in time. But why did you not let us
+know you had arrived, so that you might have come in the train with
+us?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I came by the way of Heilborn, and was just in time to receive you. I
+congratulate you, Benno, upon your share in this occasion.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes,--a dinner for eighty people,&quot; sighed Benno. &quot;Wolfgang thought it
+would be suitable for me to give a dinner to the party, and when Wolf
+takes a thing into his head one had best submit.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;He certainly was right this time,&quot; Gronau said, laughing. &quot;As
+principal stockholder and director of the company you were bound to do
+something for the opening of the railway.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;If I only did not have to talk to everybody!&quot; the poor doctor
+lamented. &quot;And worse than all, I ought, he says, to make an
+after-dinner speech. I cannot. Wolfgang built the railway, let him make
+the speeches. He did, to be sure, speak to-day before we set out, and
+it was charming; every one was delighted,--his wife most of all. Does
+she not look exquisitely lovely?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Veit nodded, but his face grew grave as he looked across at Erna. That
+beauty had driven another man to his death; Ernst Waltenberg would have
+given his hope of heaven for such a look as she was bestowing upon her
+husband at that moment. Gronau turned from such thoughts to ask after
+the health of Frau Reinsfeld.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Oh, Alice is as blooming as a rose, and you must see our daughter.&quot;
+Benno's face glowed as he spoke of his wife and child. &quot;You knew
+of----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Of your little one? Yes, you wrote me. I suppose you confine your
+practice entirely to your family now?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;On the contrary, I have more patients than ever,&quot; the doctor declared.
+&quot;When we are here in summer of course I attend all my old friends; and
+since I can now supply the poorer ones with all that they need----&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Why, of course the honest Wolkensteiners continue to work you to
+death,&quot; Gronau finished the sentence. &quot;But I must no longer detain you
+from your guests.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Oh, stay; pray stay!&quot; Benno exclaimed, with a comical look of alarm.
+&quot;I am so comfortable here in the corner with you, and if you go I shall
+be obliged to talk to some of these celebrities, to whom I positively
+have nothing whatever to say.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Gronau laughed and stayed, but it was of no avail. Gersdorf, with Frau
+Molly upon his arm, made his appearance, and Elmhorst came hurrying
+towards them to carry off the luckless host, since the distinguished
+party were getting into the carriages to drive to the villa, where
+Alice was waiting to receive them. She was still a delicate creature in
+appearance, although in perfect health, and she had never lost a
+certain maidenly shyness of manner which was her great charm. The
+dignity of the household was admirably maintained by Frau von Lasberg,
+who had never left her former pupil.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The entertainment to-day left nothing to be desired. Poor Benno finally
+made his speech; of course he all but broke down in it, but it was
+fortunately just at the end, and Wolfgang at the critical moment signed
+to the musicians to strike up.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">An hour afterwards the guests departed, conducted to the station by
+Elmhorst and his wife, who were, however, to return to pass several
+days with Reinsfeld and Alice at the villa.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Benno betook himself to the nursery, where the young mother was seated
+beside the cradle of their little daughter. He carried in his hand a
+bunch of Alpine roses: &quot;It is Midsummer-eve, Alice; I had to bring you
+the wonted bouquet.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Did you really remember it in all the confusion of the day?&quot; the young
+mother asked, with a smile.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">One never forgets a prophecy of happiness, least of all when it has
+been fulfilled. He handed her the flowers with,--</p>
+<div class="poem">
+<p class="t4" style="text-indent:-8px">
+&quot;Do not refuse it,--</p>
+<p class="t5">Our offering of flowers,</p>
+<p class="t4">And midsummer's blessings</p>
+<p class="t5">Fall on you in showers.&quot;</p>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr class="W20">
+
+<p class="normal">Evening had fallen when the engineer-in-chief and his wife stood on the
+platform of the Oberstein station, watching the departing train as it
+vanished in the tunnel beyond the bridge. &quot;I have sent away the
+carriage, Erna,&quot; said Wolfgang. &quot;I thought we would walk back, the
+evening is so fine, and we have not been alone once before to-day.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And what a delightful day it has been!&quot; said Erna, as she put her arm
+through her husband's. &quot;Only you were so grave, Wolf, in the midst of
+your triumph, and you are so still.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He smiled, but his voice was grave as he replied, &quot;I could not but
+remember how dearly the triumph has been bought, as only you and I can
+know. You have been my sole confidante, my only refuge, inspiring me
+with courage and ability when all sorts of petty intrigue nearly drove
+me insane. If you had not been beside me I could not have persevered.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, nothing could have been more trying for a nature like yours than
+to be so thwarted and harassed on all sides as you have been; but you
+have come off conqueror at last.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And Benno has been such a help in placing everything in my hands as
+soon as he was Alice's husband. I never can forget it of him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But he owes you more than he can repay,&quot; Erna interposed. &quot;Think of
+how you worked for Alice after my uncle's death. They owe it to you
+that they are still wealthy.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As she spoke, the departed train, having passed through the tunnel, was
+visible like a black thread winding among the distant mountains, which
+softly echoed back the whistle of the locomotive through the quiet
+evening air. Wolfgang paused and drew a deep breath:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Now she is quelled, the evil Force above there. She has given me
+trouble enough. Look, Erna, the last clouds are floating off from the
+throne of your Alpine Fay. She seems to unveil completely only on
+Midsummer-eve.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A shadow passed across Erna's happy face, and there were tears in her
+eyes as she said, looking up at the Wolkenstein, &quot;One other conquered
+her, but he had to pay with his life the price of his victory.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Rather of a foolhardy attempt that could benefit no one.&quot; Elmhorst's
+voice sounded harsh. &quot;He risked his life, and found what he sought. Can
+you never forget him, Erna?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She shook her head: &quot;Do not be unjust. Wolf, nor jealous of the dead.
+You know well whom I have always loved. But it is impossible for you
+with your practical energy of character to comprehend a nature like
+Ernst's.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Possibly; we were too diametrically antagonistic to be just to each
+other. But no more of him to-day, Erna; your memory and your thoughts
+to-day belong to me. The first height is surmounted; with the
+completion of the Wolkenstein railway a sure foundation is laid for my
+future. But the path was a difficult one.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And yet it was delightful, in spite of cliffs and chasms,&quot; Erna
+declared. &quot;Was I not right, Wolf? It is so fine to ascend from below,
+to feel your strength increase with every step onward, with every
+obstacle overcome, and at last to stand above on the height, conscious
+of victory, as you are now!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And with my best beloved beside me,&quot; Elmhorst added, with passionate
+tenderness. &quot;You came to me in the darkest hour of my life, when
+everything about me was crumbling to ruin, and with you my lost fortune
+returned to me. Now I can hold it fast and pursue my way to loftier
+goals.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The night fell slowly, the sacred old Midsummer night with its breath
+of mystery. It was not filled as on that other night with dreamy
+moonlight, but a clear starlit sky arched above the mountains, which
+began to glow here and there with the beacon-fires,--the largest, as of
+old, kindled upon the slope of the Wolkenstein. It flashed abroad over
+the realm of the Alpine Fay,--her conquered realm, into which human
+will had broken a pathway in spite of all her terrors, and in which it
+had come off victorious in a strife with the blind fury of the
+elements. The work was finished,--the iron road wound secure among the
+mountains, the huge bridge spanned the dizzy chasm, and the
+Wolkenstein, unveiled, looked down upon it all. One brilliant star
+gleamed just above its peak upon the brow of the Alpine Fay.</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h3>FOOTNOTE:</h3>
+
+<p class="hang1"><a name="div2_01" href="#div2Ref_01">Footnote 1</a>: &quot;Cloud-stone.&quot;</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h3>THE END.</h3>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Alpine Fay, by 
+Elisabeth Buerstenbinder (AKA E. Werner)
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Alpine Fay, by
+Elisabeth Buerstenbinder (AKA E. Werner)
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Alpine Fay
+       A Romance
+
+Author: Elisabeth Buerstenbinder (AKA E. Werner)
+
+Translator: Mrs. A. L. Wister
+
+Release Date: February 9, 2011 [EBook #35229]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ALPINE FAY ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Charles Bowen, from page scans provided by the Web Archive
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Note:
+
+   1. Page scan source:
+      http://www.archive.org/details/alpinefayromance00wern
+
+   2. The diphthong oe is represented by [oe].
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                             The Alpine Fay
+
+
+                               A ROMANCE
+
+
+
+                            FROM THE GERMAN
+                                   OF
+                               E. WERNER
+
+
+
+                                   BY
+                           MRS. A. L. WISTER
+
+
+
+
+
+                              PHILADELPHIA
+                        J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY
+                                 1908.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                           *   *   *   *   *
+             Copyright, 1889, by J. B. Lippincott Company.
+                           *   *   *   *   *
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                               CONTENTS.
+
+
+                               CHAPTER
+
+       I.--A Mountain Home
+
+      II.--A Morning Call
+
+     III.--Explanatory
+
+      IV.--The Last Thurgau
+
+       V.--The Lover and the Suitor
+
+      VI.--At President Nordheim's
+
+     VII.--A New Scheme
+
+    VIII.--Another Clime
+
+      IX.--The Herr President Speaks
+
+       X.--A Professional Visit
+
+      XI.--On the Alm
+
+     XII.--The Bale-Fire
+
+    XIII.--An Outraged Wife
+
+     XIV.--Midsummer Blessing
+
+      XV.--A Betrothal
+
+     XVI.--Suspicions
+
+    XVII.--Unforeseen Obstacles
+
+   XVIII.--A Mountain Ramble
+
+     XIX.--Nemesis
+
+      XX.--Blasts and Counterblasts
+
+     XXI.--A Challenge
+
+    XXII.--An Unexpected Visit
+
+   XXIII.--A Jealous Lover
+
+    XXIV.--The Avalanche
+
+     XXV.--Not all Despair
+
+    XXVI.--The Kiss of the Alpine Fay
+
+   XXVII.--Midsummer-Eve again
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                            .
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER I.
+
+                            A MOUNTAIN-HOME.
+
+
+High above the snow-crowned summits of the mountains gleamed a rainbow.
+The storm had passed; there was still a low mutter of thunder in the
+ravines, and masses of clouds lay encamped about the mountainsides, but
+the skies were once more clear, the loftiest peaks were unveiling, and
+dark forests and green slopes were beginning slowly to emerge from the
+sea of cloud and mist.
+
+The extensive Alpine valley through which rushed a considerable stream
+lay far in the depths of the mountain-range, so secluded and lonely
+that it might have been entirely shut off from the world and its
+turmoil; and yet the world had found the way to it. The quiet
+mountain-road, usually deserted save for an occasional wagon or a
+strolling pedestrian, was all astir with bustle and life. Everywhere
+were to be seen groups of engineers and labourers; everywhere
+measuring, surveying, and planning were going on; the railway, in a
+couple of years, was to stretch its iron arms forth into this mountain
+seclusion, and preparations were already making for its course.
+
+Some way up the mountain-road, on the brink of a hollow whose rocky
+sides fell away in a steep descent, lay a dwelling-house, which at
+first sight did not appear to differ much from others scattered here
+and there among the mountains; a near view, however, soon made plain
+that it was no peasant's abode situated thus on the spacious green
+slope. The house had firmly-cemented walls of blocks of stone, and low
+but broad doors and windows; two semicircular projections, the pointed
+roofs of which gave them the air of small towers, lent it a stately
+appearance, and above the entrance there was artistically carved in the
+stone a scutcheon.
+
+It was one of those old baronial mansions, yet to be found here and
+there among the mountains, simple and rude, half suggesting a peasant
+abode, gray and weather-worn, but stoutly resisting the decay to which
+many a proud castle had fallen a victim. The ascending slope of the
+mountain formed a picturesque background, and high above a huge peak
+reared its rocky crest, crowned with snow, lonely and proud.
+
+The interior of the house accorded with its outside. Through a vaulted
+hall, with a stone floor, a low spacious room was reached which
+occupied nearly the entire width of the building. The wainscot, brown
+with age, the gigantic tiled stove, the high-backed chairs, and the
+heavily-carved oaken cupboards were all plain and simple and showed
+marks of long years of use. The windows were wide open, affording a
+magnificent view of the mountains, but the two gentlemen sitting at the
+table were too earnestly engaged in conversation to pay any heed to the
+beauties which each moment revealed more fully.
+
+One of them, a man fifty years of age, was a giant in stature, with a
+broad chest and powerful limbs. Not a thread of silver as yet streaked
+his thick hair and fair, full beard; his tanned face beamed with the
+life and health that characterized his entire figure. His companion was
+of perhaps the same age, but his spare figure, his sharp features, and
+his gray hair made him appear much older. His face and the high
+forehead, already deeply lined, spoke of restless striving and
+scheming, as well as of the energy necessary for them; there was in his
+expression a degree of arrogance which was far from prepossessing, and
+his air and speech conveyed an impression of self-confidence, as of a
+man accustomed to rule those about him.
+
+"So pray listen to reason, Thurgau," he said, in a tone in which
+impatience was audible. "Your opposition will do you no good. In any
+case you will be forced to relinquish your estate."
+
+"I, forced!" exclaimed Thurgau, angrily. "We'll see about that. While I
+live, not a stone of Wolkenstein shall be touched."
+
+"But it is directly in the way. The big bridge starts from here, and
+the line of railway goes directly through your property."
+
+"Then alter your cursed line of railway! Carry it where you choose,
+over the top of the Wolkenstein, for all I care, but let my house
+alone. No need to talk, Nordheim; I persist in my 'no.'"
+
+Nordheim smiled, half compassionately, half sarcastically: "You seem to
+have entirely forgotten in your seclusion how to deal with the world
+and its requirements. Do you actually imagine that an undertaking like
+ours can be put a stop to, just because the Freiherr von Thurgau
+chooses to refuse us a few square rods of his land? If you persist,
+nothing is left us save to have recourse to our right of compulsion.
+You know that we have long been empowered to use it."
+
+"Oho, I have rights too!" exclaimed the Freiherr, bringing his fist
+down heavily upon the table. "I have protested, and shall continue to
+protest, while I live. Wolkenstein Court shall be left untouched,
+though the entire railway company with the Herr President Nordheim at
+their head should band themselves against me."
+
+"But if you are offered double its value----"
+
+"If I were offered a hundred times its value, it would be all the same.
+I do not bargain for the last of my inheritance. Wolkenstein Court
+shall not be touched, and there's an end of it!"
+
+"This is your old obstinacy which has so often stood in your way in
+life," said the president with irritation. "I might have foreseen it;
+it is far from agreeable to have my own brother-in-law force to extreme
+measures the company of which I am president."
+
+"That is why you condescended to come up here yourself, for the first
+time for years," Thurgau said, with a sneer.
+
+"I wanted to try to talk you into a reasonable state of mind, since my
+letters were of no avail. You surely know how entirely my time is taken
+up."
+
+"Yes, yes, heaven knows it is! Nothing would induce me to run the
+perpetual race which you call life. What good do you get out of your
+millions and your incredible successes? Now here, now there, you are
+always on the wing, always burdened down with business and
+responsibility. There's where you get the wrinkles on your forehead and
+your gray hair. Look at me!" He sat upright and stretched his huge
+limbs. "I am a full year older than you!"
+
+"Very true; but then it is not given to every man to live up here with
+the marmots and shoot chamois. You resigned from the army ten years
+ago, although your ancient name would have insured you a brilliant
+career."
+
+"Because the service did not suit me. It never did suit the Thurgaus.
+You think that is what has brought them down in the world? I can see
+you do by your sneer. Well, there is not, it is true, much of the old
+splendour left, but I have at least a roof over my head, and the soil
+beneath my feet is my own; here no one has a right to order me
+about and control me, least of all your cursed railway. No offence,
+brother-in-law, we will not quarrel over the matter, and neither has a
+right to reproach the other, for if I am obstinate you are domineering.
+You hector your precious company until they are almost blind and deaf,
+and if one of them dares to contradict you he is simply tossed aside
+neck and crop."
+
+"What do you know about it?" asked Nordheim, piqued by the last words.
+"As a rule, you trouble yourself very little about our affairs."
+
+"True, but I was talking awhile ago with a couple of engineers who were
+up here surveying, and who, of course, had no idea of the relationship
+between us; they scolded away at a great rate about you and your
+tyranny, and favouritism. Oh, I heard a deal that was extremely
+interesting."
+
+The president shrugged his shoulders with an air of indifference: "My
+appointment of the superintendent for this district was probably
+distasteful to the gentlemen. They certainly threatened an open revolt
+because I advanced to be their superior officer a young man of
+seven-and-twenty who has more in his head than all the rest of them put
+together."
+
+"But they maintain that he is a fellow who would shun no means, so it
+might promote his advancement," Thurgau said, bluntly. "You, as
+president of the company, had nothing to do with the appointment,--the
+engineer-in-chief alone has the right to appoint his staff."
+
+"Officially it is so, and I do not often bring my influence to bear in
+his department; when I do so I expect due deference to be paid to my
+wishes. Enough, Elmhorst is superintendent and will remain so. If it
+does not suit the gentlemen they can resign their posts; their opinion
+is of very little consequence."
+
+In his words there was all the arrogant self-assertion of a man
+accustomed to have his own way, regardless of consequences. Thurgau was
+about to reply, but at the moment the door opened, or rather was flung
+wide, and a something made up of drenched clothes and floating curls
+flew past the president and eagerly embraced the Freiherr; a second
+something, equally wet and very shaggy, followed, and also rushed
+towards the master of the house, springing upon him with loud and
+joyful barks of recognition. The noisy and unexpected intrusion was
+almost an attack, but Thurgau must have been used to such onslaughts,
+for he showed no impatience at the damp caresses thus bestowed upon
+him.
+
+"Here I am, papa!" cried a clear girlish voice, "wet as a nixie; we
+were up on the Wolkenstein all through the storm; just see how we look,
+Griff and I!"
+
+"Yes, it is plain that you come directly from the clouds," Thurgau
+said, laughing. "But do you not see, Erna, that we have a visitor? Do
+you recognize him?"
+
+Erna turned about; she had not perceived the president, who had risen
+and stepped aside upon her entrance, and for a few seconds she seemed
+uncertain as to his identity, but she finally exclaimed, delightedly,
+"Uncle Nordheim!" and hurried towards him. He, however, put out his
+hands and stood on the defensive.
+
+"Pray, pray, my child; you are dripping at every step. You are a
+veritable water-witch. For heaven's sake do not let the dog come near
+me! Would you expose me to a rain-storm here in the room?"
+
+Erna laughed, and, taking the dog by the collar, drew him away. Griff
+showed a decided desire to cultivate an acquaintance with the visitor,
+which in his dripping condition would hardly have been agreeable. In
+fact, his young mistress did not look much better; the mountain-shoes
+which shod her little feet very clumsily, her skirt of some dark
+woollen stuff, kilted high, and her little black beaver hat, were all
+dripping wet. She seemed to care very little about it, however, as she
+tossed her hat upon a chair and stroked back her damp curls.
+
+The girl resembled her father very slightly; her blue eyes and fair
+hair she had inherited from him, but otherwise there existed not the
+smallest likeness between the Freiherr's giant proportions and
+good-humoured but rather expressionless features and the girl of
+sixteen, who, lithe and slender as a gazelle, revealed, in spite of her
+stormy entrance, an unconscious grace in every movement. Her face was
+rosy with the freshness of youth; it could not be called beautiful, at
+least not yet: the features were still too childish and undeveloped,
+and there was an expression bordering on waywardness about the small
+mouth. Her eyes, it is true, were beautiful, reminding one in their
+blue depths of the colour of the mountain-lakes. Her hair, confined
+neither by ribbon nor by net, and dishevelled by the wind, hung about
+her shoulders in thick masses of curls. She certainly did not look as
+if she belonged in a drawing-room, she was rather the personification
+of a fresh spring rain.
+
+"Are you afraid of a few rain-drops, Uncle Nordheim?" she asked. "What
+would have become of you in the rain-spout to which we were exposed
+just now? I did not mind it much, but my companion----"
+
+"Why, I should have thought Griff's shaggy hide accustomed to such
+drenchings," the Freiherr interposed.
+
+"Griff? Oh, I had left him as usual at the sennerin's hut; he cannot
+climb, and from there one must rival the chamois. I mean the stranger
+whom I met on the way. He had strayed from the path, and could not find
+his way down in the mist; if I had not met him, he would be on the
+Wolkenstein at this moment."
+
+"Yes, these city men," said Thurgau,--"they come up here with huge
+mountain-staffs, and in brand-new travelling-suits, and behave as if
+our Alpine peaks were mere child's play; but at the first shower they
+creep into a rift in the rocks and catch cold. I suppose the fine
+fellow was in a terrible fright when the storm came up?"
+
+Erna shook her head, but a frown appeared on her forehead.
+
+"No, he was not afraid; he stayed beside me with entire composure while
+the lightning and rain were at their worst, and in our descent he
+showed himself courageous, although it was evident he was quite unused
+to that sort of thing. But he is an odious creature. He laughed when I
+told him of the mountain-sprite who sends the avalanches down into the
+valley every winter, and when I grew angry he observed, with much
+condescension, 'True, this is the atmosphere for superstition; I had
+forgotten that.' I wished the mountain-sprite would roll an avalanche
+down upon his head on the spot, and I told him so."
+
+"You said that to a stranger whom you had met for the first time?"
+asked the president, who had hitherto listened in silence, with an air
+of surprise.
+
+Erna tossed her head: "Of course I did! We could not endure him, could
+we, Griff? You growled at him when he reached the sennerin's hut with
+me, and you were right,--good dog! But now I really must change my wet
+clothes; Uncle Nordheim will else catch cold from merely having me near
+him."
+
+She hurried off as quickly as she had come; Griff tried to follow her,
+but the door was shut in his face, and so he decided upon another
+course. He shook from his shaggy hide a shower of drops in every
+direction, and lay down at his master's feet.
+
+Nordheim took out his pocket-handkerchief and ostentatiously brushed
+with it his black coat, although not a drop had reached it.
+
+"Forgive me, brother-in-law; I must say that the way in which you allow
+your daughter to grow up is inexcusable."
+
+"What?" asked Thurgau, apparently extremely surprised that any one
+could possibly find anything to object to in his child. "What is the
+matter with the girl?"
+
+"Everything, I should say, that could be the matter with a Fraeulein von
+Thurgau. What a scene we have just witnessed! And you allow her to
+wander about the mountains alone for hours, making acquaintance with
+any tourist she may chance to meet."
+
+"Pshaw! she is but a child!"
+
+"At sixteen? It was a great misfortune for her to lose her mother so
+early, and since then you have positively let her run wild. Of course
+when a young girl grows up under such circumstances, without
+instruction, without education----"
+
+"You are mistaken," the Freiherr interrupted him. "When I removed to
+Wolkenstein Court, after the death of my wife, I brought with me a
+tutor, the old magister, who died last spring. Erna had instruction
+from him, and _I_ have brought her up. She is just what I wished her to
+be; we have no use up here for such a delicate hot-house plant as your
+Alice. My girl is healthy in body and mind; she has grown up free as a
+bird of the air, and she shall stay so. If you call that running wild,
+so be it, for aught I care! My child suits me."
+
+"Perhaps so, but you will not always be the sole ruling force in her
+life. If Erna should marry----"
+
+"Mar--ry?" Thurgau repeated in dismay.
+
+"Certainly, you must expect her to have lovers, sooner or later."
+
+"The fellow who dares to present himself as such shall have a lesson
+from me that he'll remember!" roared the Freiherr in a rage.
+
+"You bid fair to be an amiable father-in-law," said Nordheim, dryly. "I
+should suppose it was a girl's destiny to marry. Do you imagine I shall
+require my Alice to remain unmarried because she is my only daughter?"
+
+"That is very different," said Thurgau, slowly, "a very different
+thing. You may love your daughter,--you probably do love her,--but you
+could give her to some one else with a light heart. I have nothing on
+God's earth save my child; she is all that is left to me, and I will
+not give her up at any price. Only let the gentlemen to whom you allude
+come here as suitors; I will send them home again after a fashion that
+shall make them forget the way hither."
+
+The president's smile was that of the cold compassion bestowed upon the
+folly of a child.
+
+"If you continue faithful to your educational theories you will have no
+cause to fear," he said, rising. "One thing more: Alice arrives at
+Heilborn to-morrow morning, where I shall await her; the physician has
+ordered her the baths there, and the mountain-air."
+
+"No human being could ever get well and strong in that elegant and
+tiresome haunt of fashion," Thurgau declared, contemptuously. "You
+ought to send the girl up here, where she would have the mountain-air
+at first hand."
+
+Nordheim's glance wandered about the apartment, and rested with an
+unmistakable expression upon the sleeping Griff; finally he looked at
+his brother-in-law: "You are very kind, but we must adhere to the
+physician's prescriptions. Shall we not see you in the course of a day
+or two?"
+
+"Of course; Heilborn is hardly two miles away," said the Freiherr, who
+failed to perceive the cold, forced nature of his brother-in-law's
+invitation. "I shall certainly come over and bring Erna."
+
+He rose to conduct his guest to his conveyance; the difference of
+opinion to which he had just given such striking expression was in his
+eyes no obstacle to their friendly relations as kinsmen, and he bade
+his brother-in-law farewell with all the frank cordiality native to
+him. Erna too came fluttering down-stairs like a bird, and all three
+went out of the house together.
+
+The mountain-wagon which had brought the president to Wolkenstein Court
+a couple of hours previously--not without some difficulty in the
+absence of any good road--drove into the court-yard, and at the same
+moment a young man made his appearance beneath the gate-way and
+approached the master of the house.
+
+"Good-day, doctor," cried the Freiherr in his jovial tones, whilst
+Erna, with the ease and freedom of a child, offered the new-comer her
+hand. Turning to his brother-in-law, Thurgau added: "This is our
+AEsculapius and physician-in-ordinary. You ought to put your Alice under
+his care; the man understands his business."
+
+Nordheim, who had observed with evident displeasure his niece's
+familiar greeting of the young doctor, touched his hat carelessly, and
+scarcely honoured the stranger, whose bow was somewhat awkward, with a
+glance. He shook hands with his brother-in-law, kissed Erna on the
+forehead, and got into the vehicle, which immediately rolled away.
+
+"Now come in, Dr. Reinsfeld," said the Freiherr, who did not apparently
+regret this departure. "But it occurs to me that you do not know my
+brother-in-law,--the gentleman who has just driven off."
+
+"President Nordheim,--I am aware," replied Reinsfeld, looking after the
+vehicle, which was vanishing at a turn in the road.
+
+"Extraordinary," muttered Thurgau. "Everybody knows him, and yet he has
+not been here for years. It is exactly as if some potentate were
+driving through the mountains."
+
+He went into the house; the young physician hesitated a moment before
+following him, and looked round for Erna; but she was standing on the
+low wall that encircled the court-yard, looking after the conveyance as
+with some difficulty it drove down the mountain.
+
+Dr. Reinsfeld was about twenty-seven years old; he did not possess the
+Freiherr's gigantic proportions, but his figure was fine, and
+powerfully knit. He certainly was not handsome, rather the contrary,
+but there was an undeniable charm in the honest, trustful gaze of his
+blue eyes and in his face, which carried written on its brow kindness
+of heart. The young man's manners and bearing, it is true, betrayed
+entire unfamiliarity with the forms of society, and there was much
+to be desired in his attire. His gray mountain-jacket and his old
+beaver hat had seen many a day of tempest and rain, and his heavy
+mountain-shoes, their soles well studded with nails, showed abundant
+traces of the muddy mountain-paths. They bore testimony to the fact
+that the doctor did not possess even a mountain-pony for his visits to
+his patients,--he went on foot wherever duty called him.
+
+"Well, how are you, Herr Baron?" he asked when the two men were seated
+opposite each other in the room. "All right again? No recurrence of the
+last attack?"
+
+"All right," said Thurgau, with a laugh. "I cannot understand why you
+should make so much of a little dizzy turn. Such a constitution as mine
+does not give gentlemen of your profession much to do."
+
+"We must not make too light of the matter. At your years you must be
+prudent," said the young physician. "I hope nothing will come of it, if
+you only follow my advice,--avoid all excitement, and diet yourself to
+a degree. I wrote it all down for you."
+
+"Yes, you did, but I shall not pay it any attention," the Freiherr
+said, pleasantly, leaning back in his arm-chair.
+
+"But, Herr von Thurgau----"
+
+"Let me alone, doctor! The life that you prescribe for me would be no
+life at all. I take care of myself! I, accustomed as I am to follow a
+chamois to the topmost peak of our mountains without any heed of the
+sun's heat or the winter's snow,--always the first if there is any
+peril to be encountered,--I give up hunting, drink water, and avoid all
+agitation like a nervous old maid! Nonsense! I've no idea of anything
+of the kind."
+
+"I did not conceal from you the grave nature of your attack, nor that
+it might have dangerous consequences."
+
+"I don't care! Man cannot balk his destiny, and I never was made for
+such a pitiable existence as you would have me lead. I prefer a quick,
+happy death."
+
+Reinsfeld looked thoughtful, and said, in an undertone, "In fact, you
+are right. Baron, but----" He got no further, for Thurgau burst into a
+loud laugh.
+
+"Now, that's what I call a conscientious physician! When his patient
+declares that he cares not a snap for his prescriptions, he says 'you
+are right!' Yes, I am right; you see it yourself."
+
+The doctor would have protested against this interpretation of his
+words, but Thurgau only laughed more loudly, and Erna made her
+appearance with Griff, her inseparable companion.
+
+"Uncle Nordheim is safe across the bridge, although it was half
+flooded," she said. "The engineers all rushed to his assistance and
+helped to draw the carriage across, after which they drew up in line on
+each side and bowed profoundly."
+
+She mimicked comically the reverential demeanour of the officials, but
+the Freiherr shrugged his shoulders impatiently.
+
+"Fine fellows those! They abuse my brother-in-law in every way behind
+his back, but as soon as he comes in sight they bow down to the ground.
+No wonder the man is arrogant."
+
+"Papa," said Erna, who had been standing beside her father's chair, and
+who now put her arm around his neck, "I do not think Uncle Nordheim
+likes me: he was so cold and formal."
+
+"That is his way," said Thurgau, drawing her towards him. "But he has a
+great deal of fault to find with you, you romp."
+
+"With Fraeulein Erna?" asked Reinsfeld, with as much astonishment and
+indignation in look and tone as if the matter in question had been high
+treason.
+
+"Yes; she ought to conduct herself like a Fraeulein von Thurgau. Oh,
+yes, child, awhile ago he offered to have you come to him to be trained
+for society with his Alice by all sorts of governesses! What do you say
+to such an arrangement?"
+
+"I do not want to go to my uncle, papa. I will never go away from you.
+I mean to stay at Wolkenstein Court as long as I live."
+
+"I knew it!" said the Freiherr, triumphantly. "And they insist that you
+will marry some day,--go off with a perfect stranger and leave your
+father alone in his old age! We know better, eh, Erna? We two belong
+together and we will stay together."
+
+He stroked his child's curls with a tenderness pathetic in the bluff,
+stalwart man, and Erna nestled close to him with passionate ardour. It
+was plain to see that they belonged together; each was devoted to the
+other, heart and soul.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER II.
+
+                            A MORNING CALL.
+
+
+"Well, Herr Superintendent, you are at your post already? It is one of
+difficulty and responsibility, especially for a man of your years, but
+I hope nevertheless that you are quite competent to fulfil its duties."
+
+The young man to whom President Nordheim addressed these words bowed
+respectfully, but in no wise humbly, as he replied, "I am perfectly
+aware that I must show myself worthy of the distinction which I owe
+principally to your influence in my behalf, Herr President."
+
+"Yes, there was much against you," said Nordheim. "First of all, your
+youth, which was regarded as an obstacle by those in authority, the
+rather that older and more experienced applicants look upon their
+rejection as an offence, and finally there was a decided opposition to
+my interference in your favour. I need not tell you that you must take
+all these things into account; they will make your position far from an
+easy one."
+
+"I am prepared for that," Elmhorst replied, quietly, "and I shall not
+yield a jot to the hostility of my fellow-workers. I have hitherto,
+Herr President, had no opportunity to express my gratitude to you save
+by words; I trust I shall be able to show it by deeds at some future
+time."
+
+His answer seemed to please the president, and, far more graciously
+than was his wont, he signed to his favourite to sit down,--for such
+Elmhorst was already considered in circles that were quite conscious of
+the value of the president's preference.
+
+The young superintendent-engineer, who, upon this official visit, wore,
+of course, the livery of the company, was extremely attractive in
+appearance, tall and slender, with regular, decided features, to which
+a complexion browned by the sun, and a dark beard and moustache, lent a
+manly air. Thick brown hair was parted above a broad brow which
+betokened keen intelligence, and the eyes would have been extremely
+fine had they not been so cold and grave in expression. They might
+observe keenly, and perhaps flash with pride and energy, but they could
+hardly light up with enthusiasm, or glow with the warmer impulses of
+the heart; there was no youthful fire in their dark depths. The man's
+manner was simple and calm, perfectly respectful to his superior, but
+without a shadow of servility.
+
+"I am not quite satisfied with what I see here," Nordheim began again.
+"The men are taking a great deal of time for the preliminary work, and
+I doubt if we can begin the construction next year; there is no display
+of eagerness or energy. I begin to fear that we have made a mistake in
+putting ourselves into the hands of this engineer-in-chief."
+
+"He is considered a first-class authority," Elmhorst interposed.
+
+"True, but he has grown old, physically and mentally, and such a work
+as this demands the full vigor of manhood,--a famous name is not all
+that is required. The undertaking depends greatly upon the conductors
+of the individual sections, and your section is one of the most
+important on the entire line."
+
+"The most important, I think. We have every possible natural obstacle
+to overcome here; I am afraid we shall not always succeed, even with
+the most exact calculations."
+
+"My opinion precisely; the post requires a man capable of calculating
+upon the unforeseen, and ready in an emergency to lend a hand himself.
+I therefore nominated you, and carried through your appointment, in
+spite of all opposition; it is for you to justify my confidence in
+you."
+
+"I will justify it," was the decided reply. "You shall not find
+yourself mistaken in me, Herr President."
+
+"I am seldom deceived in men," said Nordheim, with a searching glance
+at the young man's countenance, "and of your technical capacity you
+have given proof sufficient. Your plan for bridging over the
+Wolkenstein chasm shows genius."
+
+"Herr President----"
+
+"No need to disclaim my praise, I am usually very chary of it; as a
+former engineer I can judge of such matters, and I repeat, your plan
+shows genius."
+
+"And yet for a long time it was not only not accepted, it was entirely
+disregarded," said Elmhorst, with some bitterness. "Had I not conceived
+the happy idea of requesting a personal interview with you, at which I
+explained my plans to you, they never would have been accorded the
+slightest notice."
+
+"Possibly not; talent out at elbows, with difficulty finds a hearing;
+'tis the way of the world, and one from which I, myself, suffered in my
+youth. But one conquers in the end, and you come off conqueror with
+your present position. I shall know how to maintain you in it if you do
+your duty. The rest is your own affair."
+
+He rose, and waved his hand in token of dismissal. Elmhorst also rose,
+but lingered a moment; "May I make a request?"
+
+"Certainly; what is it?"
+
+"A few weeks ago I had the honour in the city of seeing Fraeulein Alice
+Nordheim, and of being hastily presented to her as she was getting into
+the carriage with you. She is now, I hear, in Heilborn,--may I be
+permitted to inquire personally after her health?"
+
+Nordheim was startled, and scanned the bold petitioner keenly. He was
+wont to have none save business relations with his officials, and was
+considered very exclusive in his choice of associates, and here was
+this young man, only a simple engineer a short time previously, asking
+a favour which signified neither more nor less than the _entree_ of the
+house of the all-powerful president. It seemed to him a little strong;
+he frowned and said in a very cold tone, "Your request is a rather bold
+one, Herr--Elmhorst."
+
+"I know it, but Fortune favours the bold."
+
+The words might have offended another patron, but not the man to whom
+they were spoken. Influential millionaire as he was, Nordheim had
+enough of flattery and servility, and despised both from the bottom of
+his soul. This quiet self-possession, not a whit destroyed by his
+presence, impressed him; he felt it was something akin to his own
+nature. 'Fortune favours the bold!' It had been his own maxim by which
+he had mounted the social ladder, and this Elmhorst looked as if he
+never would be content with remaining on its lower rounds. The frown
+vanished from his brow, but his eyes remained fixed upon the young
+engineer's face as if to read his very soul,--his most secret thoughts.
+After a pause of a few seconds he said, slowly, "We will admit the
+proverb to be right this time. Come!"
+
+In Elmhorst's eyes there was a flash of triumph; he bowed low, and
+followed Nordheim through several rooms to the other wing of the house.
+
+Nordheim was occupying one of the most beautiful and elegant villas in
+the fashionable spa. Half hidden by the green shade of the shrubberies,
+it enjoyed a charming prospect of the mountain-range, and its interior
+was wanting in none of the luxuries to which spoiled and wealthy guests
+are accustomed. In the drawing-room the glass door alone was open, the
+jalousies were closed to keep out the glare of sunlight, and in the
+cool, darkened room sat two ladies.
+
+The elder, who held a book, and was apparently reading, was no longer
+young. Her dress, from the lace cap covering her gray hair to the hem
+of her dark silk gown, was scrupulously neat, and she sat up stiff and
+cool and elegant, an embodiment of the rules of etiquette. The younger,
+a girl of sixteen at most, a delicate, pale, frail creature, was
+sitting, or rather reclining, in a large arm-chair. Her head was
+supported by a silken cushion, and her hands were crossed idly and
+languidly in the lap of her white, lace-trimmed morning-gown. Her face,
+although hardly beautiful, was pleasing, but it wore a weary, apathetic
+expression which made it lifeless when, as at present, the eyes were
+half closed and the young lady seemed to be dozing.
+
+"Herr Wolfgang Elmhorst," said the president, introducing his
+companion. "I believe he is not quite a stranger to you, Alice. Frau
+Baroness Lasberg."
+
+Alice slowly opened her eyes, large brown eyes, which, however, shared
+the apathetic expression of her other features. There was not the
+slightest interest in her glance, and she seemed to remember neither
+the name nor the person of the young man. Frau von Lasberg, on the
+other hand, looked surprised. Only Wolfgang Elmhorst and nothing more?
+Gentlemen without rank or title were not wont to be admitted to the
+Nordheim circle; there surely must be something extraordinary about
+this young man, since the president himself introduced him.
+Nevertheless his courteous bow was acknowledged with frigid formality.
+
+"I cannot expect Fraeulein Nordheim to remember me," said Wolfgang,
+advancing. "Our meeting was a very transient one; I am all the more
+grateful to the Herr President for his introduction to-day. But I fear
+Fraeulein Nordheim is ill?"
+
+"Only rather fatigued from her journey," the president made answer in
+his daughter's stead. "How are you to-day, Alice?"
+
+"I feel wretched, papa," the young lady replied in a gentle voice, but
+one quite devoid of expression.
+
+"The heat of the sun in the narrow valley is insufferable," Frau von
+Lasberg observed. "This sultry atmosphere always has an unfavourable
+effect upon Alice; I fear she will not be able to bear it."
+
+"The physicians have ordered her to Heilborn, and we must await the
+result," said Nordheim, in a tone that was impatient rather than
+tender. Alice said not a word; her strength seemed exhausted by her
+short reply to her father's inquiry, and she left it to Frau von
+Lasberg and her father to continue the conversation.
+
+Elmhorst's share in it was at first a very modest one, but gradually
+and almost imperceptibly he took the lead, and he certainly understood
+the art of conversation. His remarks were not commonplaces about the
+weather and every-day occurrences; he talked of things which might have
+been thought foreign to the interest of the ladies,--things which had
+to do with the railway enterprise among the mountains. He described the
+Wolkenstein, its stupendous proportions, its heights which dominated
+the entire mountain-range, the yawning abyss which the bridge was to
+span, the rushing mountain-stream, and the iron road which was to wind
+through cliffs and forests above streams and chasms. His were no dry
+descriptions, no technical explanations,--he unrolled a brilliant
+picture of the gigantic undertaking before his listeners, and he
+succeeded in enthralling them. Frau von Lasberg became some degrees
+less cool and formal; she even asked a few questions, expressing her
+interest in the matter, and Alice, although she persisted in her
+silence, evidently listened, and sometimes bestowed a half-surprised
+glance upon the speaker.
+
+The president seemed equally surprised by the conversational talent of
+his _protege_, with whom, hitherto, he had talked about official and
+technical matters only. He knew that the young man had been bred in
+moderate circumstances, and that he was unused to 'society' so called,
+and here he was in this drawing-room conversing with these ladies as if
+he had been accustomed to such intercourse all his life. And there was
+an entire absence in his manner of anything like forwardness; he knew
+perfectly well how to keep within the bounds assigned by good breeding
+for a first visit.
+
+In the midst of their conversation a servant appeared, and with a
+rather embarrassed air announced, "A gentleman calling himself Baron
+Thurgau wishes----"
+
+"Yes, wishes to speak to his illustrious brother-in-law," a loud, angry
+voice interrupted him, as he was thrust aside by a powerful arm.
+"Thunder and lightning, what sort of a household have you got here,
+Nordheim? I believe the Emperor of China is more easy of access than
+you are! We had to break through three outposts, and even then the
+betagged and betasselled pack would have denied us admittance. You have
+brought an entire suite with you."
+
+Alice had started in terror at the sound of the stentorian voice, and
+Frau von Lasberg rose slowly and solemnly in mute indignation, seeming
+to ask by her looks the meaning of this intrusion. The president too
+did not appear to approve of this mode of announcement; but he
+collected himself immediately and advanced to meet his brother-in-law,
+who was followed by his daughter.
+
+"Probably you did not at first mention your name," he said, "or such a
+mistake could not have occurred. The servants do not yet know you."
+
+"Well, there would have been no harm in admitting any simple, honest
+man to your presence," Thurgau growled, still red with irritation. "But
+that is not the fashion here, apparently; it was only when I added the
+'Baron' that they condescended to admit us."
+
+The servant's error was undeniably excusable, for the Freiherr wore his
+usual mountaineer's garb, and Erna hardly looked like a young Baroness,
+although she had not donned her storm-costume to-day. She wore a simple
+gown of some dark stuff, rather more suitable for a mountain ramble
+than for paying visits, and as simple a straw hat tied over her curls,
+which were, however, confined to-day in a silken net, against which
+they evidently rebelled. She seemed to resent their reception even more
+than did her father, for she stood beside him with a frown and a
+haughty curl of the lip, gloomily scanning those present. Behind the
+pair appeared the inevitable Griff, who had shown his teeth angrily
+when the servant attempted to shut him out of the room, and who
+maintained his place in the unshaken conviction that he belonged
+wherever his mistress was.
+
+The president would have tried to smooth matters, but Thurgau, whose
+wrath was wont to evaporate as quickly as it was aroused, did not allow
+him to speak. "There is Alice!" he exclaimed. "God bless you, child,
+I'm glad to see you again! But, my poor girl, how you look! not a drop
+of blood in your cheeks. Why, this is pitiful!"
+
+Amid such flattering remarks he approached the young lady to bestow
+upon her what he considered a tender embrace; but Frau von Lasberg
+interposed between Alice and himself with, "I beg of you!" uttered in a
+sharp tone, as if to shield the girl from an assault.
+
+"Come, come, I shall do my niece no harm," Thurgau said, with renewed
+vexation. "You need not protect her from me as you would a lamb from a
+wolf. Whom have I the honour of addressing?"
+
+"I am the Baroness Lasberg!" the lady explained, with due emphasis upon
+the title. Her whole manner expressed frigid reserve, but it availed
+her nothing here. The Freiherr cordially clasped one of the hands she
+had extended to ward him off, and shook it until it ached again.
+
+"Extremely happy, madame, extremely so. My name you have heard, and
+this is my daughter. Come, Erna, why do you stand there so silent? Are
+you not going to speak to Alice?"
+
+Erna approached slowly, a frown still on her brow, but it vanished
+entirely at sight of her young cousin lying so weary and pale among her
+cushions; suddenly with all her wonted eagerness she threw her arms
+round Alice's neck and cried out, "Poor Alice, I am so sorry you are
+ill!"
+
+Alice accepted the caress without returning it; but when the blooming,
+rosy face nestled close to her colourless cheek, when a pair of fresh
+lips pressed her own, and the warm, tender tones fell on her ear,
+something akin to a smile appeared upon her apathetic features and she
+replied, softly, "I am not ill, only tired."
+
+"Pray, Baroness, be less demonstrative," Frau von Lasberg said, coldly.
+"Alice must be very gently treated; her nerves are extremely
+sensitive."
+
+"What? Nerves?" said Thurgau. "That's a complaint of the city folks.
+With us at Wolkenstein Court there are no such things. You ought to
+come with Alice to us, madame; I'll promise you that in three weeks
+neither of you will have a single nerve."
+
+"I can readily believe it," the lady replied, with an indignant glance.
+
+"Come, Thurgau, let us leave the children to make acquaintance with
+each other; they have not seen each other for years," said Nordheim,
+who, although quite used to his brother-in-law's rough manner, was
+annoyed by it in the present company. He would have led the way to the
+next room, but Elmhorst, who during this domestic scene had
+considerately withdrawn to the recess of a window, now advanced, as if
+about to take his leave, whereupon the president, of course, presented
+him to his relative.
+
+Thurgau immediately remembered the name which he had heard mentioned in
+no flattering fashion by the comrades of the young superintendent,
+whose attractive exterior seemed only to confirm the Freiherr in his
+mistrust of him. Erna too had turned towards the stranger; she suddenly
+started and retreated a step.
+
+"This is not the first time that I have had the honour of meeting the
+Baroness Thurgau," said Elmhorst, bowing courteously. "She was kind
+enough to act as my guide when I had lost my way among the cliffs of
+the Wolkenstein. Her name, indeed, I hear to-day for the first time."
+
+"Ah, indeed. So this was the stranger whom you met?" growled Thurgau,
+not greatly edified, it would seem, by this encounter.
+
+"I trust the Baroness was not alone?" Frau von Lasberg inquired, in a
+tone which betrayed her horror at such a possibility.
+
+"Of course I was alone!" Erna exclaimed, perceiving the reproach in the
+lady's words, and flaming up indignantly. "I always walk alone in the
+mountains, with only Griff for a companion. Be quiet, Griff! Lie down!"
+
+Elmhorst had tried to stroke the beautiful animal, but his advances had
+been met with an angry growl. At the sound of his mistress's voice,
+however, the dog was instantly silent and lay down obediently at her
+feet.
+
+"The dog is not cross, I hope?" Nordheim asked, with evident annoyance.
+"If he is, I must really entreat----"
+
+"Griff is never cross," Erna interposed almost angrily. "He never hurts
+any one, and always lets strangers pat him, but he does not like this
+gentleman at all, and----"
+
+"Baroness--I beg of you!" murmured Frau von Lasberg, with difficulty
+maintaining her formal demeanour. Elmhorst, however, acknowledged
+Erna's words with a low bow.
+
+"I am excessively mortified to have fallen into disgrace with Herr
+Griff, and, as I fear, with his mistress also," he declared, "but it
+really is not my fault. Allow me, ladies, to bid you good-morning."
+
+He approached Alice, beside whom Frau von Lasberg was standing guard,
+as if to protect her from all contact with these savages who had
+suddenly burst into the drawing-room, and who could not, unfortunately,
+be turned out, because, setting aside the relationship, they were Baron
+and Baroness born.
+
+On the other hand, this young man with the bourgeois name conducted
+himself like a gentleman. His voice was gentle and sympathetic as he
+expressed the hope that Fraeulein Nordheim would recover her health in
+the air of Heilborn; he courteously kissed the hand of the elder lady
+when she graciously extended it to him, and then he turned to the
+president to take leave of him also, when a most unexpected
+interruption occurred.
+
+Outside on the balcony, which overhung the garden and was half filled
+with blossoming shrubs, appeared a kitten, which had probably found its
+way thither from the garden. It approached the open glass door with
+innocent curiosity, and, unfortunately, came within the range of
+Griff's vision. The dog, in his hereditary hostility to the tribe of
+cats, started up, barking violently, almost overturned Frau von
+Lasberg, shot past Alice, frightening her terribly, and out upon the
+balcony, where a wild chase began. The terrified kitten tore hither and
+thither with lightning-like rapidity without finding any outlet of
+escape and with its persecutor in close pursuit; the glass panes of the
+door rattled, the flower-pots were overturned and smashed, and amidst
+the confusion were heard the Freiherr's shrill whistle and Erna's voice
+of command. The dog, young, not fully broken, and eager for the chase,
+did not obey,--the hurly-burly was frightful.
+
+At last the kitten succeeded in jumping upon the balustrade of the
+balcony and thence down into the garden. But Griff would not let his
+prey escape him thus; he leaped after it, overturning as he did so the
+only flower-pot as yet uninjured, and immediately afterwards there was
+a terrific barking in the garden, mingled with a child's scream of
+terror.
+
+All this happened in less than two minutes, and when Thurgau
+hurried out on the balcony to establish peace it was already too
+late. Meanwhile, the drawing-room was a scene of indescribable
+confusion,--Alice had a nervous attack, and lay with her eyes closed in
+Frau von Lasberg's arms; Elmhorst, with quick presence of mind, had
+picked up a cologne-bottle and was sprinkling with its contents the
+fainting girl's temples and forehead, while the president, scowling,
+pulled the bell to summon the servants. In the midst of all this the
+two gentlemen and Frau von Lasberg witnessed a spectacle which almost
+took away their breath. The young Baroness, the Freifraeulein von
+Thurgau, suddenly stood upon the balustrade of the balcony, but only
+for an instant, before she sprang down into the garden.
+
+This was too much! Frau von Lasberg dropped Alice out of her arms and
+sank into the nearest armchair. Elmhorst found himself necessitated to
+come to her relief also with cologne, which he sprinkled impartially to
+the right and to the left.
+
+Below in the garden Erna's interference was very necessary. The child
+whose screams had caused her to spring from the balcony was a little
+boy, and he held his kitten clasped in his arms, while before him stood
+the huge dog, barking loudly, without, however, touching the little
+fellow. The child was in extreme terror, and went on screaming until
+Erna seized the dog by the collar and dragged him away.
+
+Baron Thurgau, meanwhile, stood quietly on the balcony observing the
+course of affairs. He knew that the child would not be hurt, for Griff
+was not at all vicious. When Erna returned to the house with the
+culprit, now completely subdued, while the child unharmed ran off with
+his kitten, the Freiherr turned and called out in stentorian tones to
+his brother-in-law in the drawing-room, "There! did I not tell you,
+Nordheim, that my Erna was a grand girl?"
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER III.
+
+                              EXPLANATORY.
+
+
+President Nordheim belonged to the class of men who owe their success
+to themselves. The son of a petty official, with no means of his own,
+he had educated himself as an engineer, and had lived in very narrow
+circumstances until he suddenly appeared before the public with a
+technical invention which attracted the attention of the entire
+profession. The first mountain-railway had just been projected, and the
+young, obscure engineer had devised a locomotive which could drag the
+trains up the heights. The invention was as clever as it was practical;
+it instantly distanced all competing devices, and was adopted by the
+company, which finally purchased the patent from the inventor at a
+price which then seemed a fortune to him, and which certainly laid the
+foundation of his future wealth, for he took rank immediately among men
+of enterprise.
+
+Contrary to expectation, however, Nordheim did not pursue the path in
+which he had made so brilliant a _debut_; strangely enough, he seemed
+to lose interest in it, and adopted another, although kindred, career.
+He undertook the formation and the financial conduct of a large
+building association, of which in a few years he made an enormous
+success, meanwhile increasing his own property tenfold.
+
+Other projects were the consequence of this first undertaking, and with
+the increase of his means the magnitude of his schemes increased, and
+it became clear that this was the field for the exercise of his
+talents. He was not a man to ponder and pore for years over technical
+details,--he needed to plunge into the life of the age, to venture and
+contrive, making all possible interests subservient to his success, and
+developing in all directions his great talent for organization.
+
+In his restless activity he never failed to select the right man for
+the right place; he overcame all obstacles, sought and found sources of
+help everywhere, and fortune stood his energy in stead. The enterprises
+of which Nordheim was the head were sure to succeed, and while he
+himself became a millionaire, his influence in all circles with which
+he had any connection was incalculable.
+
+The president's wife had died a few years since,--a loss which was not
+especially felt by him, for his marriage had not been a very happy one.
+He had married when he was a simple engineer, and his quiet,
+unpretending wife had not known how to accommodate herself to his
+growing fortunes and to play the part of _grande dame_ to her husband's
+satisfaction. Then too the son which she bore him, and whom he had
+hoped to make the heir of his schemes, died when an infant. Alice was
+born some years afterwards, a delicate, sickly child, for whose life
+the greatest anxiety was always felt, and whose phlegmatic temperament
+was antagonistic to the vivid energy of her father's nature. She was
+his only daughter, his future heiress, and as such he surrounded her
+with every luxury that wealth could procure, but she made no part of
+his life, and he was glad to intrust her education and herself to the
+Baroness Lasberg.
+
+Nordheim's only sister, who had lived beneath his roof, had bestowed
+her hand upon the Freiherr von Thurgau, then a captain in the army. Her
+brother, who had just achieved his first successes, would have
+preferred another suitor to the last scion of an impoverished noble
+family, who possessed nothing save his sword and a small estate high up
+among the mountains, but, since the couple loved each other tenderly
+and there was no objection to be made to Thurgau personally, the
+brother's consent was not withheld.
+
+The young people lived very modestly, but in the enjoyment of a
+domestic happiness quite lacking in Nordheim's wealthy household, and
+their only child, the little Erna, grew up in the broad sunshine of
+love and content. Unfortunately, Thurgau lost his wife after six years
+of married life, and, sensitive as he was, the unexpected blow so
+crushed him that he determined to leave the army, and to retire from
+the world entirely. Nordheim, whose restless ambition could not
+comprehend such a resolve, combated it most earnestly, but in vain; his
+brother-in-law resisted him with all the obstinacy of his nature. He
+quitted the service in which he had attained the rank of major, and
+retired with his daughter to Wolkenstein Court, the modest income from
+which, joined to his pension, sufficing for his simple needs.
+
+Since then there had been a certain amount of estrangement between the
+brothers-in-law; the mediating influence of the wife and sister was
+lacking, and in addition their homes were very wide apart. They saw
+each other rarely, and letters were interchanged still more rarely
+until the construction of the mountain-railway and the necessity for
+purchasing Thurgau's estate brought about a meeting.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER IV.
+
+                           THE LAST THURGAU.
+
+
+About a week had passed since the visit to Heilborn, when Dr. Reinsfeld
+again took his way to Wolkenstein Court, but on this occasion he was
+not alone, for beside him walked Superintendent Elmhorst.
+
+"I never should have dreamed, Wolfgang, that fate would bring us
+together again here," said the young physician, gaily. "When we parted
+two years ago, you jeered at me for going into 'the wilderness,' as you
+were pleased to express yourself, and now you have sought it yourself."
+
+"To bring cultivation to this wilderness," Wolfgang continued the
+sentence. "You indeed seem very comfortable here; you have fairly taken
+root in the miserable mountain-village where I discovered you, Benno; I
+am working here for my future."
+
+"I should think you might be contented with your present." Benno
+observed. "A superintendent-engineer at twenty-seven,--it would be hard
+to surpass that. Between ourselves, your comrades are furious at
+your appointment. Take care, Wolf, or you will find yourself in a
+wasps'-nest."
+
+"Do you imagine I fear to be stung? I know all you say is true, and I
+have already given the gentlemen to understand that I am not inclined
+to tolerate obstacles thrown in my way, and that they must pay me the
+respect due to a superior. If they want war, they shall have it!"
+
+"Yes, you were always pugnacious; I never could endure to be
+perpetually upon a war-footing with those about me."
+
+"I know it; you are the same peace-loving old Benno that you always
+were, who never could say a cross word to anyone, and who consequently
+was maltreated by his beloved fellow-beings whenever an opportunity
+offered. How often have I told you that you never could get on in the
+world so! and to get on in the world is what we all desire."
+
+"You certainly are striding on in seven-league boots," said Reinsfeld,
+dryly. "You are the acknowledged favourite, they say, of the omnipotent
+President Nordheim. I saw him again lately at Wolkenstein Court."
+
+"Saw him again? Did you know him before?"
+
+"Certainly, in my boyhood. He and my father were friends and
+fellow-students; Nordheim used to come to our house daily; I have sat
+upon his knee often enough when he spent the evening with us."
+
+"Indeed? Well, I hope you reminded him of it when you met him."
+
+"No; Baron Thurgau did not mention my name----"
+
+"And of course you did not do so either," said Wolfgang, laughing.
+"Just like you! Chance brings you into contact with an influential man
+whose mere word would procure you an advantageous position, and you
+never even tell him your name! I shall repair your omission; the first
+time I see the president I shall tell him----"
+
+"Pray do no such thing. Wolf," Benno interrupted him. "You had better
+say nothing about it."
+
+"And why not?"
+
+"Because--the man has risen to such a height in life that he might not
+like to be reminded of the time when he was a simple engineer."
+
+"You do him injustice. He is proud of his humble origin, as all clever
+men are, and he could not fail to be pleased to be reminded of an early
+friend."
+
+Reinsfeld gently shook his head. "I am afraid the memory would be a
+painful one. Something happened later,--I never knew what,--I was a boy
+at the time; but I know that the breach was complete. Nordheim never
+came again to our house, and my father avoided even the mention of his
+name; they were entirely estranged."
+
+"Then of course you could not reckon upon his favour," said Elmhorst,
+in a disappointed tone. "The president seems to me to be one who never
+forgives a supposed offence."
+
+"Yes, they say he has grown extremely haughty and domineering. I wonder
+that you can get along with him. You are not a man to cringe."
+
+"That is precisely why he likes me. I leave cringing and fawning to
+servile souls who may perhaps thus procure some subordinate position.
+Whoever wishes really to rise must hold his head erect and keep his
+eyes fixed upon the goal above him, or he will continue to crawl on the
+ground."
+
+"I suppose your goal is a couple of millions," Benno said, ironically.
+"You never were very modest in your plans for the future. What do you
+wish to be? The president of your company?"
+
+"Perhaps so at some future time; for the present only his son-in-law."
+
+"I thought there was something of the kind in your mind!" exclaimed
+Benno, bursting into a laugh. "Of course you are sure to be right,
+Wolf; but why not rather pluck down yonder sun from the sky? It would
+be quite as easy."
+
+"Do you fancy I am in jest?" asked Wolfgang, coolly.
+
+"Yes, I do take that liberty, for you cannot be serious in aspiring to
+the daughter of a man whose wealth and consequence are almost
+proverbial. Nordheim's heiress may choose among any number of Freiherrs
+and Counts, if indeed she does not prefer a millionaire."
+
+"Then all the Freiherrs and Counts must be outdone," said the young
+engineer, calmly, "and that is what I propose to do."
+
+Dr. Reinsfeld suddenly paused and looked at his friend with some
+anxiety; he even made a slight movement as if to feel his pulse.
+
+"Then you are either a little off your head or in love," he remarked,
+with decision. "For a lover nothing is impossible, and this visit to
+Heilborn seems to be fraught with destiny for you. My poor boy, this is
+very sad."
+
+"In love?" Wolfgang repeated, a smile of ineffable contempt curling his
+lip. "No, Benno, you know I never have either time or inclination to
+think of love, and now less than ever. But do not look so shocked, as
+if I were talking high treason. I give you my word that Alice Nordheim,
+if she marries me, shall never repent it. She shall have the most
+attentive and considerate of husbands."
+
+"Indeed you must forgive me for finding all this calculation most
+sordid," the young physician burst forth indignantly. "You are young
+and gifted; you have attained a position for which hundreds would envy
+you, and which relieves you from all care; the future lies open before
+you, and all you think of is the pursuit of a wealthy wife. For shame,
+Wolfgang!"
+
+"My dear Benno, you do not understand," Wolfgang declared, enduring his
+friend's reproof with great serenity. "You idealists never comprehend
+that we must take into account human nature and the world. You will, of
+course, marry for love, spend your life slaving laboriously in some
+obscure country town to procure bread for your wife and children, and
+at last sink noiselessly into the grave with the edifying consciousness
+that you have been true to your ideal. I am of another stripe,--I
+demand of life everything or nothing."
+
+"Well, then, in heaven's name win it by your own exertions!" exclaimed
+Benno, growing every moment more and more indignant. "Your grand model,
+President Nordheim, did it."
+
+"He certainly did, but it took him more than twenty years. We are now
+slowly and laboriously plodding up this mountain-road in the sweat of
+our brows. Look at that winged fellow there!" He pointed to a huge bird
+of prey circling above the abyss. "His wings will carry him in a few
+minutes to the summit of the Wolkenstein. Yes, it must be fine to stand
+up there and see the whole world at his feet, and to be near the sun. I
+do not choose to wait for it until I am old and gray. I wish to mount
+_now_ and, rely upon it, I shall dare the flight sooner or later."
+
+He drew himself up to his full height; his dark eyes flashed, his fine
+features were instinct with energy and ambition. The man impressed you
+as capable of venturing a flight of which others would not even dream.
+
+There was a sudden rustling among the larches on the side of the road,
+and Griff came bounding down from above, and leaped about the young
+physician in expectation of the wonted caress. His mistress also
+appeared on the height, following the course which the dog had taken,
+springing down over stones and roots of trees, directly through the
+underbrush, until at last, with glowing cheeks, she reached the road.
+
+Frau von Lasberg would certainly have found some satisfaction in the
+manner in which the greeting of the Herr Superintendent was returned,
+with all the cool dignity becoming a Baroness Thurgau, while a
+contemptuous glance was cast at the elegance of the young man's
+costume.
+
+Elmhorst wore to-day an easy, loose suit bearing some similitude to the
+dress of a mountaineer, and very like that of his friend, but it became
+him admirably; he looked like some distinguished tourist making an
+expedition with his guide. Dr. Reinsfeld with his negligent carriage
+certainly showed to disadvantage beside that tall, slender figure; his
+gray jacket and his hat were decidedly weather-worn, but that evidently
+gave him no concern. His eyes sparkled with pleasure at sight of the
+young girl, who greeted him with her wonted cordial familiarity.
+
+"You are coming to us, Herr Doctor, are you not?" she asked.
+
+"Of course, Fraeulein Erna; are you all well?"
+
+"Papa was not well this morning, but he has nevertheless gone shooting.
+I have been to meet him with Griff, but we could not find him; he must
+have taken another way home."
+
+She joined the two gentlemen, who now left the mountain-road and took
+the somewhat steep path leading to Wolkenstein Court. Griff seemed
+scarcely reconciled to the presence of the young engineer: he greeted
+him with a growl and showed his teeth.
+
+"What is the matter with Griff?" Reinsfeld asked. "He is usually kindly
+and good-humoured with everybody."
+
+"He does not seem to include me in his universal philanthropy," said
+Elmhorst, with a shrug. "He has made me several such declarations of
+war, and his good humour cannot always be depended upon; bestirred up a
+terrible uproar in Heilborn, in the Herr President's drawing-room,
+where Fraeulein von Thurgau achieved a deed of positive heroism in
+comforting a little child whom the dog had nearly frightened to death."
+
+"And, meanwhile, Herr Elmhorst applied himself to the succour of the
+fainting ladies," Erna said, ironically. "Upon my return to the
+drawing-room I observed his courteous attentions to both Alice and Frau
+von Lasberg,--how impartially he deluged both with cologne. Oh, it was
+diverting in the extreme!"
+
+She laughed merrily. For an instant Elmhorst compressed his lips with
+an angry glance at the girl, but the next he rejoined politely: "You
+took such instant possession of the heroic part in the drama, Fraeulein
+von Thurgau, that nothing was left for me but my insignificant _role_.
+You cannot accuse me of timidity after meeting me upon the Wolkenstein,
+although in my entire ignorance of the locality I did not reach the
+summit."
+
+"And you never will reach it," Reinsfeld interposed. "The summit is
+inaccessible; even the boldest mountaineers are checked by those
+perpendicular walls, and more than one foolhardy climber has forfeited
+his life in the attempt to ascend them."
+
+"Does the mountain-sprite guard her throne so jealously?" Elmhorst
+asked, laughing. "She seems to be a most energetic lady, tossing about
+avalanches as if they were snowballs, and requiring as many human
+sacrifices yearly as any heathen goddess."
+
+He looked up to the Wolkenstein,[1] which justified its title: while
+all the other mountain-summits were defined clearly against the sky,
+its top was hidden in white mists.
+
+"You ought not to jest about it, Wolfgang," said the young physician,
+with some irritation. "You have never yet spent an autumn and winter
+here, and you do not know her, our wild mountain-sprite, the fearful
+elemental force of the Alps, which only too frequently menaces the
+lives and the dwellings of the poor mountaineers. She is feared, not
+without reason, here in her realm; but you seem to have become quite
+familiar with the legend."
+
+"Fraeulein von Thurgau had the kindness to make me acquainted with the
+stern dame," said Wolfgang. "She did indeed receive us very
+ungraciously on the threshold of her palace, with a furious storm, and
+I was not allowed the privilege of a personal introduction."
+
+"Take care,--you might have to pay dearly for the favour!" exclaimed
+Erna, irritated by his sarcasm. Elmhorst's mocking smile was certainly
+provoking.
+
+"Fraeulein von Thurgau, you must not expect from me any consideration
+for mountain-sprites. I am here for the express purpose of waging war
+against them. The industries of the nineteenth century have nothing in
+common with the fear of ghosts. Pray do not look so indignant. Our
+railway is not going over the Wolkenstein, and your mountain-sprite
+will remain seated upon her throne undisturbed. Of course she cannot
+but behold thence how we take possession of her realm and girdle it
+with our chains. But I have not the remotest intention of interfering
+with your faith. At _your_ age it is quite comprehensible."
+
+He could not have irritated his youthful antagonist more deeply than by
+these words, which so distinctly assigned her a place among children.
+They were the most insulting that could be addressed to the girl of
+sixteen, and they had their effect. Erna stood erect, as angry and
+determined as if she herself had been threatened with fetters; her eyes
+flashed as she exclaimed, with all the wayward defiance of a child, "I
+wish the mountain-sprite would descend upon her wings of storm from the
+Wolkenstein and show you her face,--you would not ask to see it again!"
+
+With this she turned and flew, rather than ran, across the meadow, with
+Griff after her. The slender figure, its curls unbound again to-day,
+vanished in a few minutes within the house. Wolfgang paused and looked
+after her; the sarcastic smile still hovered upon his lips, but there
+was a sharp tone in his voice.
+
+"What is Baron Thurgau thinking of, to let his daughter grow up so? She
+would be quite impossible in civilized surroundings; she is barely
+tolerable in this mountain wilderness."
+
+"Yes, she has grown up wild and free as an Alpine rose," said Benno,
+whose eyes were still fixed upon the door behind which Erna had
+disappeared. Elmhorst turned suddenly and looked keenly at his friend.
+
+"You are actually poetical! Are you touched there?"
+
+"I?" asked Benno, surprised, almost dismayed. "What are you thinking
+of?"
+
+"I only thought it strange to have you season your speech with
+imagery,--it is not your way. Moreover, your 'Alpine rose' is an
+extremely wayward, spoiled child; you will have to educate her first."
+
+The words were not uttered as an innocent jest; they had a harsh,
+sarcastic flavour, and apparently offended the young physician, who
+replied, irritably, "No more of this, Wolf! Rather tell me what takes
+you to Wolkenstein Court. You wish to speak with the Freiherr?"
+
+"Yes; but our interview can hardly be an agreeable one. You know that
+we need the estate for our line of railway; it was refused us, and we
+had to fall back upon our right of compulsion. The obstinate old Baron
+was not content: he protested again and again, and refused to allow a
+survey to be made upon his soil. The man positively fancies that his
+'no' will avail him. Of course his protest was laid upon the table, and
+since the time of probation granted him has expired and we are in
+possession, I am to inform him that the preliminary work is about to
+begin."
+
+Reinsfeld had listened in silence with an extremely grave expression,
+and his voice showed some anxiety as he said, "Wolf, let me beg you not
+to go about this business with your usual luck of consideration. The
+Freiherr is really not responsible on this head. I have taken pains
+again and again to explain to him that his opposition must be
+fruitless, but he is thoroughly convinced that no one either can or
+will take from him his inheritance. He is attached to it with every
+fibre of his heart, and if he really must relinquish it, I am afraid it
+will go nigh to kill him."
+
+"Not at all! He will yield like a reasonable man as soon as he sees the
+unavoidable necessity. I certainly shall be duly considerate, since he
+is the president's brother-in-law; otherwise I should not have come
+hither to-day, but have set the engineers to work. Nordheim wishes that
+everything should be done to spare the old man's feelings, and so I
+have undertaken the affair myself."
+
+"There will be a scene," said Benno, "Baron Thurgau is the best man in
+the world, but incredibly passionate and violent when he thinks his
+rights infringed upon. You do not know him yet."
+
+"You mistake; I have the honour of knowing him, and his primitive
+characteristics. He gave me an opportunity of observing them at
+Heilborn, and I am prepared to-day to meet with the roughest usage. But
+you are right; the man is irresponsible in matters of grave importance,
+and I shall treat him accordingly."
+
+They had now reached the house, which they entered. Thurgau had just
+come in; his gun still lay on the table, and beside it a couple of
+moor-fowl, the result of his morning's sport. Erna had probably advised
+him of the coming visitors, for he showed no surprise at sight of the
+young superintendent.
+
+"Well, doctor," he called out to Reinsfeld, with a laugh, "you are just
+in time to see how disobedient I have been. There lie my betrayers!" He
+pointed to his gun and the trophies of his chase.
+
+"Your looks would have informed me," Reinsfeld replied, with a glance
+at the Freiherr's crimson, heated face. "Moreover, you were not well
+this morning, I hear."
+
+He would have felt Thurgau's pulse, but the hand was withdrawn: "Time
+enough for that after a while; you bring me a guest."
+
+"I have taken the liberty of calling upon you, Herr von Thurgau," said
+Wolfgang, approaching; "and if I am not unwelcome----"
+
+"As a man you are certainly welcome, as a superintendent-engineer you
+are not," the Freiherr declared, after his blunt fashion. "I am glad to
+see you, but not a word of your cursed railway, I entreat, or, in spite
+of the duties of hospitality, I shall turn you out of doors."
+
+He placed a chair for his guest and took his own accustomed seat.
+Elmhorst saw at a glance how difficult his errand would be; he felt as
+a tiresome burden the consideration he was compelled by circumstances
+to pay, but the burden must be shouldered, and so he began at first in
+a jesting tone.
+
+"I am aware of what a fierce foe you are to our enterprise. My office
+is the worst of recommendations in your eyes; therefore I did not
+venture to come alone, but brought my friend with me as a protection."
+
+"Dr. Reinsfeld is a friend of yours?" asked Thurgau, in whose
+estimation the young official seemed suddenly to rise.
+
+"A friend of my boyhood; we were at the same school, and afterwards
+studied at the same university, although our professions differed. I
+hunted up Benno as soon as I came here, and I trust we shall always be
+good comrades."
+
+"Yes, we all lived here very pleasantly so long as we were by
+ourselves," the Freiherr said, aggressively. "When you came here with
+your cursed railway the worry began, and when the shrieking and
+whistling begin there will be an end of comfort and quiet."
+
+"Now, papa, you are transgressing your own rule and talking of the
+railway," Erna cried, laughing. "But you must come with me, Herr
+Doctor. I want to show you what my cousin Alice has sent me from
+Heilborn; it is charming."
+
+With the eager impatience of a child, who cannot wait to display its
+treasures, she carried off the young physician into the next room, thus
+giving the Herr Superintendent fresh occasion to disapprove of her
+education, or rather of the want of it. On this point he quite agreed
+with Frau Lasberg. What sort of way was this to behave towards a young
+man, were he even ten times a physician and the friend of the family!
+
+Benno as he followed her glanced anxiously at the two left behind; he
+knew what topic would now be discussed, but he relied upon his friend's
+talent for diplomacy, and, moreover, the door was left open. If the
+tempest raged too fiercely, he might interfere.
+
+"Yes, yes, the matter cannot be avoided," the Freiherr growled, and
+Elmhorst, glad to come to business, took up his words.
+
+"You are quite right, Herr Baron, it will not be ignored, and on peril
+of your fulfilling your threat and really turning me out of doors, I
+must present myself to you as the agent of the railway company
+intrusted with imparting to you certain information. The measurements
+and surveys upon the Wolkenstein estate cannot possibly be delayed any
+longer, and the engineers will go to work here in the course of a few
+days."
+
+"They will do no such thing!" Thurgau exclaimed, angrily. "How often
+must I repeat that I will not allow anything of the kind upon my
+property!"
+
+"Upon your property? The estate is no longer your property," said
+Elmhorst, calmly. "The company bought it months ago, and the
+purchase-money has been lying ready ever since. That business was
+finished long ago."
+
+"Nothing has been finished!" shouted the Freiherr, his irritation
+increasing. "Do you imagine I care a button for judgments that outrage
+all justice, and which your company procured God only knows by what
+rascality? Do you suppose I am going to leave my house and home to make
+way for your locomotives? Not one step will I stir, and if----"
+
+"Pray do not excite yourself thus, Herr von Thurgau," Wolfgang
+interrupted him. "At present there is no idea of driving you away,--it
+is only that the preliminary surveys must be begun; the house itself
+will remain entirely at your disposal until next spring."
+
+"Very kind of you!" Thurgau laughed, bitterly. "Till next spring! And
+what then?"
+
+"Then, of course, it must go."
+
+The Freiherr was about to burst forth again, but there was something in
+the young man's cool composure that forced him to control himself. He
+made an effort to do so, but his colour deepened and his breath was
+short and laboured, as he said, roughly,--
+
+"Does that seem to you a matter 'of course'? But what can you know of
+the devotion a man feels for his inheritance? You belong, like my
+brother-in-law, to the century of steam. He builds himself three--four
+palaces, each more gorgeous than its predecessor, and in none of them
+is he at home. He lives in them one day and sells them the next, as the
+whim takes him. Wolkenstein Court has been the home of the Thurgaus for
+two centuries, and shall remain so until the last Thurgau closes his
+eyes, rely----"
+
+He broke off in the midst of his sentence, and, as if suddenly attacked
+by vertigo, grasped the table, but it was only for a few seconds;
+angry, as it were, at the unwonted weakness, he stood erect again and
+went on with ever-increasing bitterness: "We have lost all else; we did
+not understand how to bargain and to hoard, and gradually all has
+vanished save the old nest where stood the cradle of our line; to that
+we have held fast through ruin and disaster. We would sooner have
+starved than have relinquished it. And now comes your railway, and
+threatens to raze my house to the ground, to trample upon rights
+hundreds of years old, and to take from me what is mine by the law of
+justice and of God! Only try it! I say no,--and again no. It is my last
+word."
+
+He did indeed look ready to make good his refusal with his life, and
+another man might either have been silent or have postponed further
+discussion. But Wolfgang had no idea of anything of the kind; he had
+undertaken to bring the matter to a conclusion, and he persisted.
+
+"Those mountains outside," he said, gravely, "have been standing longer
+than Wolkenstein Court, and the forests are more firmly rooted in the
+soil than are you in your home, and yet they must yield. I am afraid
+Herr von Thurgau, that you have no conception of the gigantic nature of
+our undertaking, of the means at its disposal, and of the obstacles it
+must overcome. We penetrate rocks and forests, divert rivers from their
+course, and bridge across abysses. Whatever is in our path must give
+way. We come off victorious in our battle with the elements. Ask
+yourself if the will of one man can bar our progress."
+
+A pause of a few seconds ensued. Thurgau made no reply; his furious
+anger seemed dissipated by the invincible composure of his opponent,
+who confronted him with perfect respect and an entire adherence to
+courtesy. But his clear voice had an inexorable tone, and the look
+which encountered that of the Freiherr with such cold resolve seemed to
+cast a spell upon Thurgau. He had hitherto shown himself entirely
+impervious to all persuasion, all explanation; he had, with all the
+obstinacy of his character, intrenched himself behind his rights, as
+impregnable, in his estimation, as the mountains themselves. To-day for
+the first time it occurred to him that his antagonism might be
+shattered, that he might be forced to succumb to a power that had laid
+its iron grasp thus upon the mountains. He leaned heavily upon the
+table again and struggled for breath, while speech seemed denied him.
+
+"You may rest assured that we shall proceed with all possible regard
+for you," Wolfgang began again. "The preliminary work which we are
+about to undertake will scarcely disturb you, and during the winter you
+will be entirely unmolested; the construction of the road will not
+begin until the spring, and then, of course----"
+
+"I must yield, you think," Thurgau interposed, hoarsely.
+
+"Yes, you _must_, Herr Baron," said Elmhorst, coldly.
+
+The fateful word, the truth of which instantly sank into his
+consciousness, robbed the Freiherr of the last remnant of composure; he
+rebelled against it with a violence that was almost terrifying, and
+that might well have caused a doubt as to his mental balance.
+
+"But I will not,--will not, I tell you!" he gasped, almost beside
+himself "Let rocks and mountains make way before you, _I_ will not
+yield. Have a care of our mountains, lest, when you are so arrogantly
+interfering with them, they rush down upon you and shatter all your
+bridges and structures like reeds. I should like to stand by and see
+the accursed work a heap of ruins; I should like----"
+
+He did not finish his sentence, but convulsively clutched at his
+breast; his last word died away in a kind of groan, and on the instant
+the mighty frame fell prostrate as if struck by lightning.
+
+"Good God!" exclaimed Dr. Reinsfeld, who had appeared at the door of
+the next room just as the last sentences were being uttered, and who
+now hurried in. But Erna was before him; she first reached her father,
+and threw herself down beside him with a cry of terror.
+
+"Do not be distressed, Fraeulein Erna," said the young physician, gently
+pushing her aside, while with Elmhorst's help he raised the unconscious
+man and laid him on the sofa. "It is a fainting-fit,--an attack of
+vertigo such as the Herr Baron had a few weeks ago. He will recover
+from this too."
+
+The young girl had followed him, and stood beside him with her hands
+convulsively clasped and her eyes riveted upon the face of the speaker.
+Perhaps she saw there something that contradicted the consoling words.
+
+"No, no!" she gasped. "You are deceiving me; this is something else!
+Papa! papa! it is I. Do you not know your Erna?"
+
+Benno made no rejoinder, but tore open Thurgau's coat; Elmhorst would
+have helped him, but Erna thrust away his hand with violence.
+
+"Do not touch him!" she exclaimed, in half-stifled accents. "You have
+killed him, you have brought ruin to our household. Leave him! I will
+not let you even touch his hand!"
+
+Wolfgang involuntarily recoiled and looked in dismay that was almost
+terror at the girl, who at this moment was no longer a child. She had
+thrown herself before her father with outspread arms as if to shield
+and defend him, and her eyes flashed with savage hatred as though she
+were confronting a mortal foe.
+
+"Go, Wolfgang," Reinsfeld said in a low tone, as he led him away. "The
+poor child in her anguish is unjust, and, moreover, you must not stay.
+The Baron may possibly recover consciousness, and if so he must not see
+you."
+
+"May recover?" Elmhorst repeated. "Do you fear----"
+
+"The worst! Go, and send old Vroni here; she must be somewhere in the
+house. Wait outside, and I will bring you tidings as soon as possible."
+
+With these whispered words he conducted his friend to the door.
+Wolfgang silently obeyed; he sent into the room the old maid-servant,
+whom he found in the hall, and then went out into the open air, but
+there was a dark cloud on his brow. Who could have foreseen such an
+issue!
+
+A quarter of an hour might have elapsed, when Benno Reinsfeld again
+made his appearance. He was very pale, and his eyes, usually so clear,
+were suffused.
+
+"Well?" Wolfgang asked, quickly.
+
+"It is all over!" the young physician replied in an undertone. "A
+stroke of apoplexy, undoubtedly mortal. I saw that at once."
+
+Wolfgang was apparently unprepared for this reply; his lips quivered as
+he said in a strained voice, "The affair is intensely painful, Benno,
+although I am not in the least to blame. I went to work with the
+greatest caution. The president must be informed."
+
+"Certainly; he is the only near relative, so far as I know. I shall
+stay with the poor child, who is suffering intensely. Will you
+undertake to send a messenger to Heilborn?"
+
+"I will drive over myself to inform Nordheim. Farewell."
+
+"Farewell," said Benno, as he returned to the house.
+
+Wolfgang turned to go, but suddenly paused and walked slowly to the
+window, which was half open.
+
+Within the room Erna was on her knees, with her hands clasped about her
+father's body. The passionate man who had been standing here but one
+short quarter of an hour ago in full vigour, obstinately resisting a
+necessity, now lay motionless, all unconscious of the despairing tears
+of his orphan child. Fate had decreed that his words should be true;
+Wolkenstein Court had remained in the possession of the ancient race
+whose cradle it had been until the last Thurgau had closed his eyes
+forever.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER V.
+
+                       THE LOVER AND THE SUITOR.
+
+
+The house which President Nordheim occupied in the capital bore
+abundant testimony in its princely magnificence to the wealth of its
+possessor. It reared its palatial proportions in the most fashionable
+quarter of the city, and had been built by one of the first architects
+of the day; there was lavish splendour in its interior arrangements,
+and a throng of obsequious lackeys was always at hand; in short,
+nothing was wanting that could minister to the luxurious life of its
+inmates.
+
+At the head of the household the Baroness Lasberg had held sway for
+years. Widowed and without means, she had been quite willing to accept
+such a position in the establishment of the wealthy parvenu to whom she
+had been recommended by some one of her highborn relatives. Here she
+was perfectly free to rule as she pleased, for Nordheim, with all his
+strength of will, could not but regard it as a great convenience to
+have a lady of undoubted birth and breeding control his servants,
+receive his guests, and supply the place of mother to his daughter and
+niece. For three years Erna von Thurgau had now been living beneath the
+roof of her uncle, who was also her guardian, and who had taken her to
+his home immediately after the death of her father.
+
+The president was in his study, talking with a gentleman seated
+opposite him, one of the first lawyers in the city and the legal
+adviser of the railway company of which Nordheim was president. He
+seemed also to belong among the intimates of the household, for the
+conversation was conducted upon a footing of familiarity, although it
+concerned chiefly business matters.
+
+"You ought to discuss this with Elmhorst personally," said the
+president. "He can give you every information upon the subject."
+
+"Is he here?" asked the lawyer, in some surprise.
+
+"He has been here since yesterday, and will probably stay for a week."
+
+"I am glad to hear it; our city seems to possess special attractions
+for the Herr Superintendent; he is often here, it seems to me."
+
+"He certainly is, and in accordance with my wishes. I desire to be more
+exactly informed with regard to certain matters than is possible by
+letter. Moreover, Elmhorst never leaves his post unless he is certain
+that he can be spared; of that you may be sure, Herr Gersdorf."
+
+Herr Gersdorf, a man of about forty, very fine-looking, with a grave,
+intellectual face, seemed to think his words had been misunderstood,
+for he smiled rather ironically as he rejoined, "I certainly do not
+doubt Herr Elmhorst's zeal in the performance of duty. We all know he
+would be more apt to do too much than too little. The company may
+congratulate itself upon having secured in its service so much energy
+and ability."
+
+"It certainly is not owing to the company that it is so," said
+Nordheim, with a shrug. "I had to contest the matter with energy when I
+insisted upon his nomination, and his position was at first made so
+difficult for him, that any other man would have resigned it. He met
+with determined hostility on all sides."
+
+"But he very soon overcame it," said Gersdorf, dryly. "I remember the
+storm that raged among his fellow-officials when he assumed authority
+over them, but they gradually quieted down. The Herr Superintendent is
+a man of unusual force of character, and has contrived to gather all
+the reins into his own hand in the course of the last three years. It
+is pretty well known now that he will tolerate no one as his superior
+or even equal in authority, save only the engineer-in-chief, who is now
+entirely upon his side."
+
+"I do not blame him for his ambition," the president said, coolly.
+"Whoever wishes to rise must force his way. My judgment did not play me
+false when it induced me to confirm in so important an office, in spite
+of all opposition, a man so young. The engineer-in-chief was prejudiced
+against him, and only yielded reluctantly. Now he is glad to have so
+capable a support; and as for the Wolkenstein bridge,--Elmhorst's own
+work,--he may well take first rank upon its merits."
+
+"The bridge promises to be a masterpiece indeed," Gersdorf assented. "A
+magnificently bold structure; it will doubtless be the finest thing in
+the entire line of railway. So you wish me to speak with the
+superintendent himself; shall I find him at his usual hotel?"
+
+"No, at present you will find him here. I have invited him to stay with
+us this time."
+
+"Ah, indeed?" Gersdorf smiled. He knew that officials of Elmhorst's
+rank were sometimes obliged to await Nordheim's pleasure for hours in
+his antechamber; this young man had been invited to be a guest beneath
+his roof. Still more wonderful stories were told of his liking for
+Elmhorst, who had been his favourite from the first.
+
+For the present, however, the lawyer let the matter drop, contenting
+himself with remarking that he would see Herr Elmhorst shortly. He had
+other and more important affairs in his head apparently, for he took
+his leave of the president rather absently, and seemed in no hurry to
+seek out the young engineer; the card which he gave to the servant in
+the hall was for the ladies of the house, whom he asked to see.
+
+The reception-rooms were in the second story, where Frau von Lasberg
+was enthroned in the drawing-room in all her wonted state. Alice was
+seated near her, very little changed by the past three years. She was
+still the same frail, pale creature, with a weary, listless expression
+on her regular features,--a hot-house plant to be guarded closely from
+every draught of air, an object of unceasing care and solicitude for
+all around her. Her health seemed to be more firmly established, but
+there was not a gleam of the freshness or enthusiasm of youth in her
+colourless face.
+
+There was no want of them, however, to be detected in the young lady
+seated beside the Baroness Lasberg, a graceful little figure in a most
+becoming walking-suit of dark blue trimmed with fur. A charming, rosy
+face looked out from beneath her blue velvet hat; the eyes were dark,
+and sparkling with mischief, and a profusion of little black curls
+showed above them. She laughed and talked incessantly with all the
+vivacity of her eighteen years.
+
+"Such a pity that Erna is out!" she exclaimed. "I had something very
+important to discuss with her. Not a syllable of it shall you hear,
+Alice; it is to be a surprise for your birthday. I hope we are to have
+dancing at your ball?"
+
+"I hardly think so," said Alice, indifferently. "This is March, you
+know."
+
+"But the middle of winter, nevertheless. It snowed only this morning,
+and dancing is always delightful." As she spoke, her little feet moved
+as if ready for an instant proof of her preference. Frau von Lasberg
+looked at them with disapprobation, and remarked, coldly,--
+
+"I believe you have danced a great deal this winter, Baroness Molly."
+
+"Not nearly enough," the little Baroness declared. "How I pity poor
+Alice for being forbidden to dance! It is good to enjoy one's youth;
+when you're married there's an end of it. 'Marry and worry,' our old
+nurse used to say, and then burst into tears and talk of her dear
+departed. A mournful maxim. Do you believe in it, Alice?"
+
+"Alice bestows no thought upon such matters," the old lady observed,
+severely. "I must frankly confess to you, my dear Molly, that this
+topic seems to me quite unbecoming."
+
+"Oh!" exclaimed Molly "do you consider marriage unbecoming, then,
+madame?"
+
+"With consent and approval of parents, and a due regard for every
+consideration,--no."
+
+"But it is just then that it is most tiresome!" the young lady
+asserted, rousing even Alice from her indifference.
+
+"But, Molly!" she said, reproachfully.
+
+"Baroness Ernsthausen is jesting, of course," said Frau von Lasberg,
+with an annihilating glance. "But even in jest such talk is extremely
+reprehensible. A young lady cannot be too guarded in her expressions
+and conduct. Society is, unfortunately, too ready to gossip."
+
+Her words had, perhaps, some concealed significance, for Molly's lips
+quivered as if longing to laugh, but she replied with the most innocent
+air in the world,--
+
+"You are perfectly right, madame. Just think, last summer everybody at
+Heilborn was gossiping about the frequent visits of Superintendent
+Elmhorst. He came almost every week----"
+
+"To see the Herr President," the old lady interposed. "Herr Elmhorst
+had made the plans and drawings for the new villa in the mountains and
+was himself superintending its construction; frequent consultations
+were unavoidable."
+
+"Yes, everybody knew that, but still they gossiped. They talked about
+Herr Elmhorst's baskets of flowers and other attentions, and they
+said----"
+
+"I must really beg you, Baroness, to spare us further details," Frau
+von Lasberg interposed, rising in indignant majesty. The inconsiderate
+young lady would probably have received a much longer reprimand had not
+a servant announced that the carriage was waiting. Frau von Lasberg
+turned to Alice: "I must go to the meeting of the Ladies' Union, my
+child, and of course you cannot drive out in this rough weather.
+Moreover, you seem to be rather out of sorts; I fear----"
+
+A very significant glance completed her sentence, and testified to her
+earnest desire for the visitor's speedy departure, but quite in vain.
+
+"I will stay with Alice and amuse her," Molly declared, with amiable
+readiness. "You can go without any anxiety, madame."
+
+Madame compressed her lips in mild despair, but she knew from
+experience that there was no getting rid of this _enfant terrible_ if
+she had taken it into her head to stay; therefore she kissed Alice's
+forehead, inclined her head to her young friend, and made a dignified
+exit.
+
+Scarcely had the door closed after her when Molly danced about like an
+india-rubber ball with, "Thank God, she has gone, high and mighty old
+duenna that she is! I have something to tell you, Alice, something
+immensely important,--that is, I wanted to confide it to Erna, but,
+unfortunately, she is not here, and so you must help me,--you must! or
+you will blast forever the happiness of two human beings!"
+
+"Who? I?" asked Alice, who at such a tremendous appeal could not but
+open her eyes.
+
+"Yes, you; but you know nothing yet. I must explain everything
+to you, and there goes twelve o'clock, and Albert will be here in a
+moment,--Herr Gersdorf, I mean. The fact is, he loves me, and I love
+him, and of course we want to marry each other, but my father and
+mother will not consent because he is not noble. Good heavens, Alice,
+do not look so surprised! I learned to know him in your house, and it
+was in your conservatory that he proposed to me a week ago, when that
+famous violinist was playing in the music-room and all the other people
+were listening."
+
+"But----" Alice tried to interpose, but without avail; the little
+Baroness went on, pouring out the story of her love and her woes.
+
+"Do not interrupt me; I have told you nothing yet. When we went home
+that evening I told my father and mother that I was betrothed, and that
+Albert was coming the next day to ask their consent. Oh, what a row
+there was! Papa was indignant, mamma was outraged, and my granduncle
+fairly snorted with rage. He is a hugely-important person, my
+granduncle, because he is so very rich, and we shall have his money.
+But he must die first, and he has no idea of dying, which is very bad
+for us, papa says, for we have nothing; papa never makes out with his
+salary, and my granduncle, while he lives, never will give us a penny.
+There, now you understand!"
+
+"No, I do not understand at all," said Alice, fairly stupefied by this
+overwhelming stream of confidence. "What has your granduncle to do with
+it?"
+
+Molly wrung her hands in despair at this lack of comprehension: "Alice,
+I entreat you not to be so stupid! I tell you they actually passed
+sentence upon me. Mamma said she was threatened with spasms at the mere
+thought of my ever being called Frau Gersdorf; papa insisted that I
+must not throw myself away, because at some future time I should be a
+great match, at which my granduncle made a wry face, not much edified
+by this reference to the heirship, and then he went on to make a
+greater row than any one else about the _mesalliance_. He enumerated
+all our ancestors, who would one and all turn in their graves. What do
+I care for that? let the old fellows turn as much as they like; it will
+be a change for them in their tiresome old ancestral vault.
+Unfortunately, I took the liberty of saying so, and then the storm
+burst upon me from all three sides at once. My granduncle raised his
+hand and made a vow, and then I made one too. I stood up before him,
+so,"--she stamped her foot on the carpet,--"and vowed that never, never
+would I forsake my Albert!"
+
+The little Baroness was forced to stop for a moment to take breath, and
+she availed herself of this involuntary pause to run to the window,
+whence came the sound of a carriage rolling away; then flying back
+again, she exclaimed, "She has gone,--the duenna. Thank God, we are rid
+of her! She suspects something; I knew it by the remarks with which she
+favoured me this morning! But she has gone for the present; her meeting
+will last for at least two hours. I reckoned upon that when I laid my
+plans. You must know, Alice, that I have been strictly forbidden either
+to speak or to write to Albert; of course I wrote to him immediately,
+and I must speak with him besides. So I made an appointment with him
+here in your drawing-room, and you must be the guardian angel of our
+love."
+
+Alice did not appear greatly charmed by the part thus assigned her. She
+had listened to the entire story in a way which positively outraged the
+eager Molly, without any 'ah's' or 'oh's,' and in mute astonishment
+that such things could be. A betrothal without, and even against, the
+consent of parents was something quite outside of the young lady's
+power of comprehension. Frau von Lasberg's training did not admit of
+such ideas. So she sat upright, and said, with a degree of decision,
+"No, that would not be proper."
+
+"What would not be proper? your being a guardian angel?" Molly
+exclaimed, indignantly. "Are you going to betray my confidence? Do you
+wish to drive us to despair and death? For we shall die, both of us, if
+we are parted. Can you answer it to your conscience?"
+
+Fortunately, there was no time to settle this question of conscience,
+for Herr Gersdorf was announced, and there was a distressing moment of
+hesitation. Alice really seemed inclined to declare that she was ill
+and could not receive the visitor, but Molly, in dread of some such
+disaster, advanced and said aloud and quite dictatorially, "Show Herr
+Gersdorf in."
+
+The servant vanished, and with a sigh Alice sank back again in her
+arm-chair. She had done her best, and had tried to resist, but since
+the words were thus taken out of her mouth she was not called upon for
+further effort, but must let the affair take its course.
+
+Herr Gersdorf entered, and Molly flew to meet him, ready to be clasped
+in his arms, instead of which he kissed her hand respectfully, and,
+still retaining it in his clasp, approached the young mistress of the
+house.
+
+"First of all, Fraeulein Nordheim, I must ask your forgiveness for the
+extraordinary demands which my betrothed has made upon your friendship.
+You probably know that, after her consent to be my wife, I wished
+immediately to procure that of her parents, but Baron Ernsthausen has
+refused to see me."
+
+"And he locked _me_ up," Molly interpolated, "for the entire forenoon."
+
+"I then wrote to the Baron," Gersdorf continued, "and made my proposal
+in due form, but received in return a cold refusal without any
+statement of his reasons therefor. Baron Ernsthausen wrote me----"
+
+"A perfectly odious letter," Molly again interposed, "but my granduncle
+dictated it. I know he did, for I listened at the keyhole!"
+
+"At all events it was a refusal; but, since Molly has freely accorded
+me her heart and hand, I shall assuredly assert my rights, and
+therefore I believed myself justified in availing myself of this
+opportunity of seeing my betrothed, although without the knowledge of
+her parents. Once more I entreat your forgiveness, Fraeulein Nordheim.
+Be sure that we shall not abuse your kindness."
+
+It all sounded so frank, so cordial and manly, that Alice began to find
+the matter far more natural, and in a few words signified her
+acquiescence. She could not indeed comprehend how this grave, reserved
+man, who seemed absorbed in the duties of his profession, had fallen in
+love with Molly, who was like nothing but quicksilver, nor that his
+love was returned, but there was no longer any doubt of the fact.
+
+"You need not listen, Alice," Molly said, consolingly. "Take a book and
+read, or if you really do not feel quite well, lay your head back and
+go to sleep. We shall not mind it in the least, only do not let us be
+interrupted."
+
+With which she led the way to the recess of a window half shut off from
+the room by Turkish curtains looped aside. Here the conversation of the
+lovers was at first carried on in whispers, but the vivacious little
+Baroness soon manifested her eagerness by louder tones, so that at last
+Alice could not choose but hear. She had taken up a book, but it
+dropped in her lap as the terrible word 'elopement' fell on her ear.
+
+"There is no other way," Molly said, as dictatorially as when she had
+ordered the servant to admit her lover. "You must carry me off, and it
+must be the day after to-morrow at half-past twelve. My granduncle
+leaves for his castle at that time, and my father and mother go with
+him to the railway-station; they always make so much of him. Meanwhile,
+we can slip off conveniently. We'll travel as far as Gretna Green,
+wherever that is,--I have read that there are no tiresome preliminaries
+to be gone through with there,--and we can return as man and wife. Then
+all my dead ancestors may stand on their heads, and so may my
+granduncle, for that matter, if I may only belong to you."
+
+This entire scheme was advanced in a tone of assured conviction, but it
+did not meet with the expected approval; Gersdorf said, gravely and
+decidedly,--
+
+"No, Molly, that will not do."
+
+"Not? Why not?"
+
+"Because there are laws and injunctions which expressly forbid such
+romantic excursions. Your fanciful little brain has no conception as
+yet of life and its duties; but I know them, and it would ill become
+me, whose vocation it is to defend the law, to trample it underfoot."
+
+"What do I care for laws and injunctions?" said Molly, deeply offended
+by this cool rejection of her romantic scheme. "How can you talk of
+such prosaic things when our love is at stake? What are we to do if
+papa and mamma persist in saying no?"
+
+"First of all we must wait until your granduncle has really gone home.
+There is nothing to be done with that stiff old aristocrat; in his eyes
+I, as a man without a title, am perfectly unfitted to woo a Baroness
+Ernsthausen. As soon as his influence is no longer present in your
+household I shall surely have an interview with your father, and shall
+try to overcome his prejudice; it will be no easy task, but we must
+have patience and wait."
+
+The little Baroness was thunderstruck at this declaration, this utter
+ruin of all her air-built castles. Instead of the romantic flight and
+secret marriage of which she had dreamed, here was her lover
+counselling patience and prudence; instead of bearing her off in his
+arms, he talked as if he were ready to institute legal proceedings for
+her possession. It was altogether too much, and she burst out angrily,
+"You had better declare at once that you do not care for me, after all;
+that you have not the courage to win me. You talked very differently
+before we were betrothed. But I give you back your troth; I will part
+from you forever; I----" Here she began to sob. "I will marry some man
+with no end of ancestors whom my granduncle approves of, but I shall
+die of grief, and before the year is out I shall be in my grave."
+
+"Molly!"
+
+"Let go my hand!" But he held it fast.
+
+"Molly, look at me! Do you seriously doubt my love?"
+
+This was the tender tone which Molly remembered only too well,--the
+tone in which the words had been spoken that evening in the fragrant,
+dim conservatory, to which she had listened with a throbbing heart and
+glowing cheeks. She stopped sobbing and looked up through her tears at
+her lover as he bent above her.
+
+"Darling Molly, have you no confidence in me? You have given yourself
+to me, and I shall keep you for my own in spite of all opposition. Be
+sure I shall not let my happiness be snatched from me, although some
+time may pass before I can carry home my little wife."
+
+It sounded so fervent, so faithful, that Molly's tears ceased to flow;
+her head leaned gently on her lover's shoulder, and a smile played
+about her lips, as she asked, half archly, half distrustfully, "But,
+Albert, we surely shall not have to wait until you are as old as my
+granduncle?"
+
+"No, not nearly so long, my darling," Albert replied, kissing away a
+tear from the long lashes, "for then, wayward child that you are, ready
+to fly off if I do not obey your will on the instant, you would have
+nothing to say to me."
+
+"Oh, yes, I should, however old you were!" exclaimed Molly. "I love you
+so dearly, Albert!"
+
+Again the voices sank to whispers, and the close of the conversation
+was inaudible. In about five minutes the lovers advanced again into the
+drawing-room, just in time to meet the Herr Superintendent Elmhorst,
+who, as the guest of the house, entered unannounced.
+
+Wolfgang had gained much in personal appearance during the last three
+years; his features had grown more decided and manly, his bearing was
+prouder and more resolute. The young man who when we saw him last had
+but just placed his foot on the first round of the ladder, which he was
+determined to ascend, had now learned to mount and to command, but in
+spite of the consciousness of power, which was revealed in his entire
+air, there was nothing the least offensive in his demeanour; he seemed
+to be one whose superiority of nature had involuntarily asserted
+itself.
+
+He had brought with him a bunch of lovely flowers, which he presented
+with a few courteous words to the young mistress of the house. There
+was no need of an introduction to Gersdorf, who had often seen him, and
+Molly had made his acquaintance at Heilborn, where she had passed the
+preceding summer. There was some general conversation, but Gersdorf
+took his leave shortly, and ten minutes afterwards Molly too departed.
+She would have been glad to stay, to pour out her heart to Alice, but
+this Herr Elmhorst did not seem at all inclined to go; indeed, in spite
+of all his courtesy the little Baroness could not help feeling that he
+considered her presence here superfluous; she took her leave, but said
+to herself as she passed down the staircase, "There's something going
+on there."
+
+She was perhaps right, but the 'something' did not make very rapid
+progress. Alice smelled at her bouquet of camellias and violets, but
+looked very listless the while. The wealthy heiress, who had always
+been the object of devoted attention on all sides, had been loaded with
+flowers, and took no special pleasure in them. Wolfgang sat opposite
+her and entertained her after his usual interesting fashion; he talked
+of the new villa which Nordheim had had built in the mountains and
+which the family were to occupy for the first time the coming summer.
+
+"The interior arrangements will all be complete before you arrive," he
+said. "The house itself was finished in the autumn, and the vicinity of
+the line of railway made it possible for me to superintend everything
+personally. You will soon feel at home among the mountains, Fraeulein
+Nordheim."
+
+"I know them already," said Alice, still trifling with her flowers. "We
+go to Heilborn regularly every summer."
+
+"Merely a summer promenade, with the mountains for a background,"
+Elmhorst said. "Those are not the mountains which you will learn to
+know in your new home; the situation is magnificent, and I flatter
+myself that you will be pleased with the home itself. It is indeed only
+a simple mountain-villa, but as such I was expressly ordered to
+construct it."
+
+"Papa says it is a little masterpiece of architecture," Alice remarked,
+quietly.
+
+Wolfgang smiled and, as if accidentally, moved his chair a little
+nearer: "I should be very glad to acquit myself well as an architect.
+It is not exactly my _metier_, but _you_ were to occupy the villa,
+Fraeulein Alice, and I could not leave it to other hands. I obtained
+permission from the president to build the little mountain-home, which
+he tells me he intends shall be your special property."
+
+The significance of his words was sufficiently plain, as was also his
+intimation of her father's approval, but the young lady neither blushed
+nor seemed confused; she merely said, with her usual indifferent
+lassitude,--
+
+"Yes, papa means the villa shall be a present to me; therefore he did
+not wish me to see it until it was entirely finished. It was very kind
+of you, Herr Elmhorst, to undertake its construction."
+
+"Pray do not praise me," Wolfgang hastily interposed. "On the contrary,
+it was rank selfishness that caused me to thrust myself forward in the
+matter. Every architect asks to be paid, and the recompense for which I
+sue may well seem to you presumptuous. Nevertheless may I speak--may I
+ask of you what it has long been in my heart to entreat?"
+
+Alice slowly raised her large brown eyes to his with an inquiring
+expression that was almost melancholy and that seemed fain to read the
+truth in the young man's resolute face. She read there eager
+expectation, but nothing more, and the questioning eyes were again
+veiled beneath their long lashes. She made no reply.
+
+Wolfgang seemed to consider her silence as an encouragement; he
+arose and approached her chair, as he went on: "My request is a bold
+one, I know it, but 'Fortune favours the bold.' So I told the Herr
+President when I first besought of him the honour of an introduction to
+you. It has always been my motto, and I cling to it to-day. Will you
+listen to me, Alice?"
+
+She slightly inclined her head, and made no resistance when he took her
+hand and carried it to his lips. He went on, making a formal proposal
+for her hand in well-chosen, courteous terms, his melodious voice
+adding greatly to the eloquence of his words. All that was lacking was
+ardour; this was a suit for her hand, not a declaration of love.
+
+Alice listened mutely in no surprise; it had long been an open secret
+to her that Elmhorst was her suitor, and she knew, too, that her
+father, discouraging as he had shown himself hitherto to the advances
+of other men, favoured Elmhorst's suit. He permitted the young man a
+freedom of intercourse in his house accorded to no other, and he had
+frequently expressly declared in his daughter's presence that Wolfgang
+Elmhorst had a brilliant career before him, worth in his eyes
+incalculably more than the scutcheons of men of rank, who were fain to
+rehabilitate the faded splendour of their names with a wife's money.
+Alice herself was too docile to have any will in the matter; it had
+been impressed upon her from earliest childhood that a well-bred young
+lady should marry in accordance with her parents' wishes, and she
+might have found nothing wanting in this extremely correct proposal
+had not Molly hit upon the idea of making her the guardian angel of a
+love-affair.
+
+That scene in the window-recess had been so very different; those
+whispered tones, caressing, cajoling the wayward girl, whose whole
+heart seemed, nevertheless, devoted to the grave man so much her
+senior! With what tenderness he had treated her! This suitor
+respectfully requested the hand of the wealthy heiress,--her hand:
+there had been no mention whatever made of her heart.
+
+Wolfgang finished and waited for a reply, then stooped and, looking in
+her face, said, reproachfully, "Alice, have you nothing to say to me?"
+
+Alice saw clearly that something must be said, but she was unaccustomed
+to decide for herself, and she made answer, as was befitting a pupil of
+Frau von Lasberg's,--
+
+"I must first speak with papa; his wishes----"
+
+"I have just left him," Elmhorst interposed, "and I come with his
+permission and entire approval. May I tell him that my suit has found
+favour in your eyes? May I present my betrothed to him?"
+
+Alice looked up with the same anxious inquiry in her eyes as before,
+and replied, softly, "You must have great consideration for me. I have
+been so ill and wretched all through my childhood that I am still
+oppressed with a sense of my weakness. You will suffer from it, and I
+am afraid----"
+
+She broke off, but there was a childlike pathos in her tone, in the
+entreaty for forbearance from the young heiress, who, with her hand,
+bestowed a princely fortune. Wolfgang, perhaps, felt this, for for the
+first time there was something like ardour in his, manner as he
+declared,--
+
+"Do not speak thus, Alice! I know that yours is a delicate temperament
+needing to be guarded and protected, and I will shield you from every
+rude contact in life. Trust me, confide your future to me, and I
+promise you by my----" "love" he was going to say, but his lips refused to
+utter the falsehood. The man was proud, he might coolly calculate, but
+he could not feign, and he completed his sentence more slowly,--"by my
+honour you never shall repent it!"
+
+The words sounded resolute and manly, and he was in earnest. Alice felt
+this; she laid her hand willingly in his, and submitted to be clasped
+in his arms. Her suitor's lips touched her own, he expressed his
+gratitude, his joy, called her his beloved; in short, they were duly
+betrothed. A trifle only was lacking,--the exultant confession made
+just before by little Molly amid tears and laughter, 'I love you so
+dearly, so very dearly!'
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VI.
+
+                        AT PRESIDENT NORDHEIM'S.
+
+
+The reception-rooms of the Nordheim mansion were brilliantly lighted
+for the celebration not only of the birthday of the daughter of the
+house, but also of her betrothal. It was a surprising piece of news for
+society, which, in spite of all reports and gossip, had never seriously
+believed in the possibility of an alliance so unheard-of. It was
+incredible that a man, notoriously one of the wealthiest in the
+country, should bestow his only child upon a young engineer without
+rank, of unpretending origin, and possessing nothing save distinguished
+ability, which, to be sure, was warrant for his future.
+
+That it was scarcely an affair of the heart every one knew; Alice had
+the reputation of great coldness of nature; she was probably incapable
+of very deep sentiment. Nevertheless she was a most enviable prize, and
+the announcement of her betrothal caused many a bitter disappointment
+in aristocratic circles where the heiress had been coveted. This
+Nordheim, it was clear, did not understand how to prize the privileges
+which his wealth bestowed upon him. With it he might have purchased a
+coronet for his daughter, instead of which he had chosen a son-in-law
+from among the officials of his railway. There was much indignation
+expressed, nevertheless every one who was invited came to this
+entertainment. People were curious to see the lucky man who had
+distanced all titled competitors, and whom fate had so suddenly placed
+on life's pinnacle, in that he had been chosen as the future lord of
+millions.
+
+It was just before the beginning of the entertainment when the
+president with Elmhorst entered the first of the large reception-rooms.
+He was apparently in the best of humours and upon excellent terms with
+his future son-in-law.
+
+"You have your first introduction to the society of the capital this
+evening, Wolfgang," said he. "In your brief visits you have seen only
+our family. It is time for you to establish relations here, since it
+will be your future place of residence. Alice is accustomed to the
+society life of a great city, and you can have no objection to it."
+
+"Of course not, sir," Wolfgang replied. "I like to be at the centre of
+life and activity, but hitherto it has been incompatible with the
+duties of my profession. That it will not be so in the future I see
+from your example. You conduct from here all your various
+undertakings."
+
+"This activity, however, is beginning to oppress me," said Nordheim. "I
+have latterly felt the need of a support, and I depend upon your
+partially relieving me. For the present you are indispensable in the
+completion of the railway line; the engineer-in-chief, in his present
+state of feeble health, is the head of the work only in name."
+
+"Yes, it is in fact entirely in my hands, and if he retires,--I know he
+is thinking seriously of doing so,--I have your promise, sir, that I
+shall succeed him?"
+
+"Assuredly, and this time I am not afraid of meeting with any
+opposition. It is, to be sure, the first time that so young a man has
+been placed at the head of such an undertaking, but you have shown your
+ability in the Wolkenstein bridge, and the position can scarcely be
+refused to my future son-in-law."
+
+"In admitting me to your family, Herr Nordheim, you give me much.--I
+know it," said Elmhorst, gravely; "in return I can give you only a
+son."
+
+The president's eyes rested thoughtfully upon the face of the speaker,
+and with an access of warmth extremely rare in the man of business, he
+replied, "I had an only son, in whom all my hopes were centred; he died
+in early childhood, and I have often reflected bitterly that some
+spendthrift idler would probably scatter abroad what I had taken such
+pains to accumulate. I think better of you; you will continue and
+preserve what I have begun, complete what I leave unfinished. I am glad
+to make you my intellectual as well as my material heir."
+
+"I will not disappoint you," Wolfgang said, pressing the hand extended
+to him.
+
+Here were two kindred natures, but surely the conversation was a
+strange one for the evening of a betrothal and while awaiting a
+promised bride. Both men had spoken of their schemes and undertakings;
+Alice had not been mentioned. The father had demanded of his future
+son-in-law much, but there had been no allusion to his daughter's
+happiness; and the lover, who seemed entirely sensible of the
+advantages of the family connection in prospect, never mentioned the
+name of his betrothed. They talked of construction and bridges, of the
+engineer-in-chief and the railway company, as coolly and in as
+business-like a fashion as if the matter in question were a partnership
+to be formed between them; and in fact it was nothing else,--either
+could easily have foregone the additional relationship. They were
+interrupted, however: a servant entered to ask for orders from the
+president with relation to the arrangement of the table, and Nordheim
+thought best to betake himself to the dining-hall to decide the matter.
+It was still too early for the arrival of the guests, and the ladies of
+the house had not yet made their appearance. The servants were all at
+their posts, and for the moment Wolfgang was left alone in the
+reception-rooms, which occupied the entire upper story of the mansion.
+
+From the large apartment where he was, with its rich crimson rugs and
+velvet hangings, and its profusion of gilding, he could look through
+the entire suite of rooms, the splendour of which was most striking in
+their present deserted, empty condition. Everywhere there was a lavish
+wealth of costly objects, everywhere pictures, statues, and other works
+of art, each one worth a small fortune, and the long suite ended, as in
+some fairy realm, in a dimly-lit conservatory filled with exotic plants
+of rare magnificence. In an hour these brilliant, fragrant apartments
+would be crowded with the most distinguished society of the capital,
+all ready to accept the hospitality of the railway king.
+
+Wolfgang stood still and looked slowly about him. It was indeed a
+bewildering sensation, that of knowing himself a son of this house, the
+future heir of all this magnificence. No one could blame the young man
+if at the thought he stood proudly erect, while his eyes gleamed
+exultantly. He had kept the vow made to himself,--he had executed the
+bold scheme which he had once confided to his friend,--he had dared the
+flight and had reached the summit. At an age when others are beginning
+to shape their future he had clutched success in a firm grasp. He was
+now standing upon the height of which he had dreamed, and the world lay
+fair indeed at his feet.
+
+The drawing-room door opened; Elmhorst turned and advanced a few steps
+towards it, then paused suddenly, for instead of his expected betrothed
+Erna von Thurgau entered. She was much changed since she had been met
+by the strayed young superintendent among the cliffs of the
+Wolkenstein. The wayward child who had grown up free and untrammelled
+among her mountains had not without result passed three years in her
+uncle's luxurious home, under the training of Frau von Lasberg. The
+little Alpine rose had been transformed to a young lady, who with
+perfect grace but also with entire formality returned Wolfgang's
+salutation. This was a beautiful woman, a gloriously beautiful woman.
+
+Her childish features had become perfectly regular, and although the
+rich bloom of health still coloured her cheek, her face expressed a
+degree of cool gravity unknown to the joyous daughter of the Freiherr
+von Thurgau. Her eyes no longer laughed as of old; there lay hidden in
+their depths a mystery akin to that of the mountain-lakes of her home,
+whose colour they had borrowed,--a mystery as powerfully attractive as
+that of the lakes themselves. She looked singularly lovely as she stood
+in the full light of the chandelier, dressed in pure mist-like white,
+her only ornaments single water-lilies scattered here and there among
+its whiteness. Her hair no longer fell in masses about her shoulders,
+but fashion permitted its full luxuriance to be appreciated, and pale
+lily-buds gleamed amid its waves.
+
+"Alice and Frau von Lasberg will be here presently," she said, as she
+entered. "I thought my uncle was here."
+
+"He has gone for a moment to the dining-hall," Elmhorst replied, after
+a salutation quite as formal as her own.
+
+For an instant Erna seemed about to follow her uncle, but, apparently
+recollecting that this might be discourteous towards a future relative,
+she paused and let her gaze wander through the long suite of rooms.
+
+"I think you see these rooms fully lighted to-night for the first time,
+Herr Elmhorst? They are very fine, are they not?"
+
+"Very fine; and upon one coming, as I do, from the winter solitude of
+the mountains, they produce a dazzling impression."
+
+"They dazzled me too when I first came here," the young lady said,
+indifferently; "but one easily becomes accustomed to such surroundings,
+as you will find by experience when you take up your residence here. It
+is settled that you are to be married in a year, is it not?"
+
+"It is,--next spring."
+
+"Rather a long time to wait. Have you really consented to such a period
+of probation?"
+
+The lover seemed, oddly enough, to be rather averse to this allusion to
+his marriage. He examined with apparent interest a huge porcelain vase
+which stood near him, and replied, evidently desirous of changing the
+subject, "I cannot but consent, since for the present I am master
+neither of my time nor of my movements. The first thing to be attended
+to is the completion of the railway, of the construction of which I am
+superintendent."
+
+"Are you, then, so fettered?" Erna asked, with gentle irony. "I should
+have thought you would find it easy to liberate yourself?"
+
+"Liberate myself,--from what?"
+
+"From a profession which you must certainly resign in the future."
+
+"Do you consider that as a matter of course, Fraeulein von Thurgau?"
+Wolfgang asked, nettled by her tone. "I cannot see what should induce
+such a course on my part."
+
+"Why, your future position as the husband of Alice Nordheim."
+
+The young engineer flushed crimson; he glanced angrily at the girl who
+ventured to remind him that he was marrying money. She was smiling, and
+her remark sounded like a jest, but her eyes spoke a different
+language, the language of contempt, which he understood but too well.
+He was not a man, however, to rest quietly under the scorn which
+pursues a fortune-hunter; he too smiled, and rejoined, with cool
+courtesy, "Pardon me, Fraeulein von Thurgau, you are mistaken. My
+profession, my work, are necessities of existence for me. I was not
+made for an idle, inactive enjoyment of life. This seems
+incomprehensible to you----"
+
+"Not at all," Erna interposed. "I perfectly understand how a true man
+must depend solely upon his own exertions."
+
+Wolfgang bit his lip, but he parried this thrust too: "That I may
+accept as a compliment, for I certainly depended entirely upon my own
+exertions when I planned the Wolkenstein bridge, and I trust my work
+will bring me credit, even as 'the husband of Alice Nordheim.' But
+excuse me; these are matters which cannot interest a lady."
+
+"They interest me," Erna said, bluntly. "My home was destroyed by the
+Wolkenstein bridge, and your work demanded yet another and far dearer
+sacrifice of me."
+
+"Which you never can forgive me, I know," Wolfgang went on. "You
+reproach me for an unhappy accident, although your sense of justice
+must tell you that I am not to blame, that I do not deserve it."
+
+"I do not blame you, Herr Elmhorst."
+
+"You did in that most wretched hour, and you do it still."
+
+Erna did not reply, but her silence was eloquent enough. Elmhorst
+appeared to have expected a denial, if only a formal one, for there was
+an added bitterness in his tone as he continued: "I regret infinitely
+that I should have been the one chosen to conduct the last business
+arrangements with Baron Thurgau. They had to be made, and their tragic
+conclusion lay beyond human foresight. It was not I, Fraeulein Thurgau,
+but iron necessity that required of you the sacrifice of your home; the
+Wolkenstein bridge is not less guilty than I am."
+
+"I know it," Erna observed, coldly; "but there are cases in which one
+finds it impossible to be just,--you should see that, Herr Elmhorst.
+You are now a member of our family, and may rest assured that I shall
+show you all the consideration due to a relative; for my feelings I
+cannot be called to account."
+
+Wolfgang looked her full and darkly in the face: "In other words, you
+detest my work and--myself?"
+
+Erna was silent: she had long outgrown the childish waywardness that
+had once prompted her to tell the stranger to his face that she could
+not endure him or his sneers at her mountain-legends. The young lady
+never dreamed of conduct so unbecoming, and she confronted him now in
+entire self-possession. But her eyes had not forgotten their language,
+and at this moment they declared that the girlish nature was quelled
+only in appearance,--it still slumbered untamed in the depths of her
+soul. There was a lightning-flash in them which uttered a quick,
+vehement 'yes' in answer to Wolfgang's last question, although the lips
+were mute.
+
+It was impossible for Elmhorst to misunderstand it, and yet he gazed
+into the blue depths of those hostile eyes as if they had the power to
+hold him spell-bound; only for a few seconds, however, for Erna turned
+away, saying, lightly, "We certainly are having a very odd
+conversation, talking of sacrifice, blame, and hatred, and all on the
+day of your betrothal."
+
+"You are right, Fraeulein Thurgau; let us talk of something else,"
+Wolfgang rejoined.
+
+But they did not talk of anything else; on the contrary, an oppressive
+silence ensued. Erna seated herself and became apparently absorbed in
+an examination of the pictures on her fan, while her companion walked
+to the door of the next room as if to admire its magnificence. His
+face, however, no longer showed the proud satisfaction which had
+informed it a quarter of an hour before: he looked irritated and ill at
+ease.
+
+Again the drawing-room door opened and Alice and Frau von Lasberg
+entered, the latter with a certain air of resignation; a darling wish
+of hers was to be frustrated to-night. She had looked forward to seeing
+Alice, whom she had trained entirely according to her own ideas,
+enrolled in the ranks of the aristocracy, and one of the young girl's
+distinguished suitors, the scion of an ancient noble line, had enjoyed
+the Baroness's special favour, and now Wolfgang Elmhorst was carrying
+off the prize! He was indeed the only man without a title whom Frau von
+Lasberg could have forgiven for so doing,--he had long since succeeded
+in winning her regard,--but it was nevertheless a painful fact that a
+man so perfectly well-bred, so agreeable to the strict old lady,
+possessed not the ghost of a title.
+
+Alice, in a pale-blue satin gown rather overtrimmed with costly lace,
+and with a long train, did not look particularly well. The heavy folds
+of the rich material seemed to weigh down her delicate figure, and the
+diamonds sparkling on her neck and arms--her father's birthday gift to
+her--did not avail to relieve her want of colour. Such a frame did not
+suit her; an airy flower-trimmed ball-dress would have been much more
+becoming.
+
+Wolfgang hastened to meet his betrothed, and carried her hand to his
+lips. He was full of tender consideration for her, and he was courtesy
+itself to the Baroness Lasberg, but the cloud did not vanish from his
+brow until the president returned and the guests began to arrive.
+Gradually the rooms were filled with a brilliant assemblage. Those
+present were indeed the foremost in the capital, the aristocracy by
+birth and by talent, those distinguished both in the world of finance
+and in the domain of art, the best names in military and diplomatic
+circles. Splendid uniforms alternated with costly toilets, and the
+throng glittered and rustled as only such an assemblage can,--an
+assemblage thoroughly in keeping with the magnificence of the Nordheim
+establishment.
+
+The centre of attraction was found in the betrothed pair, or rather in
+the lover, who, an entire stranger to most of those present, was doubly
+an object of interest. He certainly was an extremely handsome man, this
+Wolfgang Elmhorst, no one could deny that, and there was no doubt of
+his capacity and his talent, but these gifts alone hardly entitled him
+to the hand of a wealthy heiress, who might well look for something
+more. And then, too, the young man appeared to take his good fortune,
+which would have fairly intoxicated any one else, quite as a matter of
+course. Not the slightest embarrassment betrayed that this was
+the first time he had been thus surrounded. With his betrothed's
+hand resting on his arm he stood proudly calm beside his future
+father-in-law, was presented to every one, received and acknowledged
+with easy grace all congratulations, and played admirably the principal
+part thus assigned him. He was entirely the son of the house, accepting
+his position as such as a foregone conclusion, and even at times
+seeming to dominate the entire assembly.
+
+Among the guests was the Court-Councillor von Ernsthausen, a stiff,
+formal bureaucrat, who in the absence of his wife had his daughter on
+his arm. The little Baroness was charming in her pink tulle ball-dress,
+with a wreath of snow-drops on her black curls, and she was beaming
+with delight and exultation in having, after a hard combat, succeeded
+in being present at the entertainment. Her parents had at first refused
+to allow her to come, because Herr Gersdorf was also invited, and they
+dreaded the renewal of his attentions. The Herr Papa was armed to the
+teeth against attack from the hostile force; he kept guard like a
+sentinel over his daughter, and seemed resolved that she should not
+leave his side during the entire evening.
+
+But the lover showed no inclination to expose himself to the danger of
+another repulse; he contented himself with a courteous salutation from
+a distance, which Baron Ernsthausen returned very stiffly. Molly
+inclined her head gravely and decorously, as if quite agreed with her
+paternal escort; of course she had devised the plan of her campaign,
+and she proceeded to carry it out with an energy that left nothing to
+be desired.
+
+She embraced and congratulated Alice, which necessitated her leaving
+her father's arm; then she greeted Frau von Lasberg with the greatest
+amiability in return for a very cool recognition on that lady's part,
+and finally she overwhelmed Erna with demonstrations of affection,
+drawing her aside to the recess of a window. The councillor looked
+after her with a discontented air, but, as Gersdorf remained quietly at
+the other end of the room, he was reassured, and apparently conceived
+that his office of guardian was perfectly discharged by keeping the
+enemy constantly in sight. He never suspected the cunning schemes that
+were being contrived and carried out behind his back.
+
+The whispered interview in the window-recess did not last long, and at
+its close Fraeulein von Thurgau vanished from the room, while Molly
+returned to her father and entered into conversation with various
+friends. She managed, however, to perceive that Erna returned after a
+few minutes, and, approaching Herr Gersdorf, addressed him. He looked
+rather surprised, but bowed in assent, and the little Baroness
+triumphantly unfurled her fan. The action had begun, and the guardian
+was checkmated for the rest of the evening.
+
+Meanwhile, the president had missed his niece and was looking about for
+her rather impatiently, while talking with a gentleman who had just
+arrived, and who was not one of the _habitues_ of the house. He was
+undoubtedly a person of distinction, for Nordheim treated him with a
+consideration which he accorded to but few individuals. Erna no sooner
+made her appearance again than her uncle approached her and presented
+the stranger.
+
+"Herr Ernst Waltenberg, of whom you have heard me speak."
+
+"I was so unfortunate as to miss the ladies when I called yesterday,
+and so am an entire stranger to Fraeulein von Thurgau," said Waltenberg.
+
+"Not quite: I talked much of you at dinner," Nordheim interposed. "A
+cosmopolitan like yourself, who after the tour of the world comes to us
+directly from Persia, cannot fail to interest, and I am sure you will
+find an eager listener to your experiences of travel in my niece. Her
+taste is decidedly for the strange and unusual."
+
+"Indeed, Fraeulein von Thurgau?" asked Waltenberg, gazing in evident
+admiration at Erna's lovely face.
+
+Nordheim perceived this and smiled, while, without giving his niece a
+chance to reply, he continued:
+
+"You may rely upon it. But we must first of all try to make you more at
+home in Europe, where you are positively a stranger. I shall be glad if
+my house can in any wise contribute to your pleasure; I pray you to
+believe that you will always be welcome here."
+
+He shook his guest's hand with great cordiality and retired. There was
+a degree of intention in the way in which he had brought the pair
+together and then left them to themselves, but Erna did not perceive
+it. She had been in no wise interested in the presentation of the
+new-comer,--strangers from beyond the seas were no rarity in her
+uncle's house,--but her first glance at the guest's unusual type of
+countenance aroused her attention.
+
+Ernst Waltenberg was no longer young,--he had passed forty, and
+although not very tall his frame was muscular and well-knit, showing
+traces, however, of a life of exposure and exertion. His face, tanned
+dark brown by his sojourn for years in tropical countries, was not
+handsome, but full of expression and of those lines graven not by
+years, but by experience of life. His broad brow was crowned by close
+black curls, and his steel-gray eyes beneath their black brows could
+evidently flash on occasion. There was something strangely foreign
+about him that set him quite apart from the brilliant but mostly
+uninteresting personages that crowded Nordheim's rooms. His voice too
+had a peculiar intonation,--it was deep, but sounded slightly foreign,
+possibly from years of speaking other tongues than his own. Evidently
+he was perfectly versed in the forms of society; the manner in which he
+took his seat beside Fraeulein von Thurgau was entirely that of a man of
+the world.
+
+"You have but lately come from Persia?" Erna asked, referring to what
+her uncle had said.
+
+"Yes, I was there last; for ten years I have not seen Europe before."
+
+"And yet you are a German? Probably your profession kept you away thus
+long?"
+
+"My profession?" Waltenberg repeated, with a fleeting smile. "No; I
+merely yielded to my inclination. I am not of those steadfast natures
+which become rooted in house and home. I was always longing to be out
+in the world, and I gratified my desire absolutely in this respect."
+
+"And in all these ten years have you never been homesick?"
+
+"To tell the truth, no! One gradually becomes weaned from one's home,
+and at last feels like a stranger there. I am here now only to arrange
+various business affairs and personal matters, and do not propose to
+stay long. I have no family to keep me here; I am quite alone."
+
+"But your country should have a claim upon you," Erna interposed.
+
+"Perhaps so; but I am modest enough to imagine that it does not need
+me. There are so many better men than I here."
+
+"And do you not need your country?"
+
+The remark was rather an odd one from a young lady, and Waltenberg
+looked surprised, especially when the glance that met his own
+emphasized the reproach in the girl's words.
+
+"You are indignant at my admission, Fraeulein Thurgau, but nevertheless
+I must plead guilty," he said, gravely. "Believe me, a life such as
+mine has been for years, free of all fetters, surrounded by a nature
+lavish in beauty and luxuriance, while our own is meagre enough, has
+the effect of a magic draught. Those who have once tasted it can never
+again forego it. Were I really obliged to return to this world of
+unrealities, this formal existence in what we call society, beneath
+these gray wintry skies, I think I----but this is rank heresy in the
+eyes of one who is an admired centre of this same society."
+
+"And yet she can perhaps understand you," Erna said, with a sudden
+access of bitterness. "I grew up among the mountains, in the
+magnificent solitude of the highlands, far from the world and its ways,
+and it is hard, very hard, to forego the sunny, golden liberty of my
+childhood!"
+
+"Even here?" Waltenberg asked, with a glance about him at the brilliant
+rooms, now crowded with guests.
+
+"Most of all here."
+
+The answer was low, scarcely audible, and the look that accompanied it
+was strangely sad and weary, but the next moment the young girl seemed
+to repent the half-involuntary confession; she smiled and said,
+jestingly,--
+
+"You are right, this is heresy, and my uncle would disapprove; he
+evidently hopes to make you really at home among us. Let me make you
+acquainted with the gentleman now approaching us; he is one of our
+celebrities and will surely interest you."
+
+Her intention of breaking off a conversation that had become unusually
+grave was evident, and Waltenberg bowed silently, but with an
+expression of annoyance. He was presented to the 'celebrity,' with whom
+he conversed but for a few moments, however, before seeking out Herr
+Gersdorf, whom he had long known; they had been college-friends.
+
+"Well, Ernst, are you beginning to be at home among us?" the lawyer
+asked. "You seemed much interested in your talk with Fraeulein Thurgau.
+A handsome girl, is she not?"
+
+"Yes, and really worth the trouble of talking to," Ernst replied,
+retiring somewhat from the throng with his friend, who laughed, as he
+said in an undertone,--
+
+"Extremely complimentary to all the other ladies. I suppose it is not
+worth the trouble to talk with them?"
+
+"No, it is not," Waltenberg coolly replied, in a still lower tone. "I
+really cannot bring myself to take part in their vapid talk through an
+entire evening. It is particularly tiresome around the betrothed
+couple,--a perfect chorus of utterly senseless remarks. Moreover, the
+lady looks very insignificant, and is very uninteresting."
+
+Gersdorf shrugged his shoulders: "Nevertheless her name is Alice
+Nordheim, and that was quite enough for her lover. There is many a one
+here who would gladly stand in his shoes, but he had the wit to gain
+her father's favour, and so won the prize."
+
+"Marrying for money, then? A fortune-hunter?"
+
+"If you choose to call him so,--yes; but very talented, very
+energetic,--sure to succeed. He already rules the various officials of
+his railway as absolutely as his future father-in-law does the
+directors, and when you see his _chef-d'[oe]uvre_, the Wolkenstein
+bridge, you will admit that his talent is of no common order."
+
+"No matter for that, I detest fortune-hunting from my very soul. One
+might forgive it in a poor devil with no other chance to rise in the
+world, but this Elmhorst seems to have force of character, and yet
+sells himself and his liberty for money. Contemptible!"
+
+"My dear Ernst, you are evidently just from the wilds," Gersdorf
+rejoined. "Such things are very usual in our much-lauded 'society,' and
+among very respectable people. Of course money is no consideration to
+you, with your hundreds of thousands. Are you never going to cease
+wandering to and fro on the earth and try sitting beside your own
+hearthstone?"
+
+"No, Albert, I never was made for that. Liberty is my bride, and I
+shall be faithful to her."
+
+"I said the same thing," the lawyer rejoined, with a laugh; "but time
+brings one experience of this same bride's rather chilly nature, and if
+in addition one meets with the misfortune of falling in love, liberty
+loses all attraction and the whilom bachelor is glad enough to turn
+into an honest married man. I am just about to undergo this
+transformation."
+
+"I condole with you."
+
+"No need; it suits me extremely well. But you know all the story of my
+love and woe; what do you think of the future Frau Gersdorf?"
+
+"I think her so charming that she excuses in a measure your desertion
+of your colours. She is lovely, with that rosy, laughing little face."
+
+"Yes, my little Molly is an embodiment of sunshine," Albert said,
+heartily, his glance seeking out the young girl. "The barometer at her
+home points to 'stormy' at present; but although the court-councillor
+and his entire family, with the famous granduncle,--who, by the bye, is
+the worst of all,--should take the field against me, I am resolved to
+come off victorious."
+
+"Herr Waltenberg, may I request you to escort my niece to supper?" said
+the president as he passed the young men.
+
+"With pleasure," Waltenberg assented, hurrying away, with such sincere
+satisfaction expressed in his face, that Gersdorf could not help
+looking after him with a mocking smile.
+
+"I doubt whether I shall long be the only one of us two to desert his
+colours," he said to himself as his friend joined Fraeulein von Thurgau,
+looking like anything rather than a misogynist.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VII.
+
+                             A NEW SCHEME.
+
+
+The doors of the supper-room were opened and the assemblage began to
+enter it by couples. Baron Ernsthausen offered his arm to the Baroness
+Lasberg, having been assigned her as his neighbour at table, and having
+learned from her with much satisfaction that Lieutenant von Alven was
+to be his daughter's escort, and that Herr Gersdorf's place was at the
+opposite end of the table. The distinguished couple slowly advanced
+followed by a crowd of others, but, strangely enough, Lieutenant von
+Alven offered his arm to another young girl, and Herr Gersdorf
+approached the Baroness Ernsthausen.
+
+"What does this mean, Molly?" he asked, in a low tone. "Am I to take
+you to supper, as Fraeulein von Thurgau tells me? Did you prevail on
+Frau von Lasberg----?"
+
+"Oh, she is a firm ally of my father and mother," Molly whispered,
+taking his arm. "Only fancy, she had the entire length of the table
+between us! Mamma is at home with a headache, but she enjoined it upon
+papa not to let me out of his sight, and Frau von Lasberg was to be
+guard number two. But they have no idea with whom they have to deal; I
+have outwitted them all."
+
+"What is it that you have done?" Gersdorf asked, rather uneasily.
+
+"Changed the table-cards!" Molly declared, exultantly, "or rather
+persuaded Erna to change them. She did not want to at first, but when I
+asked her whether she could answer it to her conscience to plunge us
+both into fathomless despair, she really could not, and so she
+consented."
+
+The phrases which the little Baroness used to beguile the guardian
+angels of her love came trippingly from her tongue; her lover, however,
+did not seem greatly edified by her stroke of policy; he shook his
+head, and said, reproachfully, "But, my dear Molly, it cannot possibly
+be concealed, and when your father sees us----"
+
+"He'll be furious!" Molly completed the sentence very placidly. "But
+you know, Albert, he always is that, and a little more or a little less
+really makes no difference. And now do not look so frightfully grave. I
+believe you would actually like to scold me for my brilliant idea."
+
+"I ought to," said Albert, smiling in spite of himself; "but who could
+find fault with you, you wayward little sprite?"
+
+In the buzz of conversation the lovers' whispered tones were unheard as
+they entered the supper-room, where the councillor was already seated
+beside his companion. The pleasures of the table were dear to his
+heart, and the prospect of a good supper attuned his soul to
+benevolence. But suddenly his face grew rigid as if from a sight of the
+Gorgon, although it was only upon perceiving the extremely happy face
+of his little daughter as she appeared upon Herr Gersdorf's arm.
+
+"Madame, for heaven's sake, look there!" he whispered. "You told me
+that Lieutenant von Alven----"
+
+"Was to take Molly to supper; and in accordance with your express wish
+Herr Gersdorf----"
+
+Frau von Lasberg stopped in the middle of her sentence and also became
+petrified as she perceived the couple just taking their seats near the
+other end of the table.
+
+"Beside him!" The councillor darted an annihilating glance down the
+long table, past thirty seated guests, at the lawyer.
+
+"I cannot understand this; I arranged the places at table myself."
+
+"Perhaps some mistake of the servants----"
+
+"No, it is a plot of the Baroness's," Frau von Lasberg interposed,
+indignantly. "But pray let us have no scene. When supper is over----"
+
+"I shall take Molly directly home!" Ernsthausen concluded the sentence,
+opening his napkin with an energy that boded no good to his disobedient
+daughter.
+
+The supper began and followed its course with all the splendour to be
+expected from an entertainment in the Nordheim mansion. The tables were
+almost overloaded with heavy silver and glittering glass, among which
+bloomed the rarest flowers. There was an endless variety of food, with
+the finest kinds of wine. The usual toasts to the betrothed couple were
+offered, the usual speeches made, and over it all brooded the weariness
+inseparable from such displays of princely wealth.
+
+Nevertheless certain of the younger folk enjoyed themselves
+excessively; notably Baroness Molly, who, quite unaffected by her
+approaching doom, laughed and talked with her neighbour at table, while
+Gersdorf would have been no lover had he not forgotten all else and
+quaffed full draughts of the unexpected happiness of this interview.
+
+Not less eager, if graver and of more significance, was the
+conversation carried on at the upper end of the table between Fraeulein
+von Thurgau, who as the nearest relative of the family had her place
+opposite the betrothed couple, and Ernst Waltenberg, who was a
+distinguished guest. Hitherto he had seemed to take but little interest
+in the assemblage and had been rather silent, but now he made it plain
+that where it pleased him to charm by his conversation he was fully
+able to do so.
+
+He did indeed tell of distant lands and peoples, but he described them
+so vividly that his hearer seemed to see them. As he spoke of the charm
+of the southern seas, the splendour of the tropical landscape, Erna,
+listening with sparkling eyes, seemed carried away. Now and then
+Wolfgang, beside Alice on the opposite side of the table, scanned the
+pair with an oddly searching glance; his conversation with his
+betrothed did not seem to be of a particularly lively nature, master of
+the art though he were.
+
+At last supper was over, and all returned to the reception-rooms. The
+universal mood seemed less constrained, laughter and talk were louder,
+and so general was the mingling of various groups that it was difficult
+to single out any particular individual, as Baron Ernsthausen found to
+his vexation, for his young daughter had disappeared for the time.
+
+Ernst Waltenberg had conducted Erna to the conservatory, and was seated
+beside her, deep in the conversation begun at supper, when the
+betrothed couple entered. Wolfgang started as he perceived the pair, he
+bowed coldly to Waltenberg, who sprang up to offer his place to
+Fraeulein Nordheim, and said, "Alice complains of weariness and thinks
+it will be quieter here. We are not intruding?"
+
+"Upon whom?" Erna asked, quietly.
+
+"Upon yourself and Herr Waltenberg. You were in such earnest
+conversation, and we should be very sorry----"
+
+Instead of replying, Erna took her cousin's hand and drew her down
+beside her: "You are right, Alice, you need rest. It is a hard task
+even for those stronger than you to be the centre of such an
+entertainment."
+
+"I only wanted to withdraw for a few moments," said Alice, who really
+did look fatigued. "But we seem to have disturbed you; Herr Waltenberg
+was in the midst of a most interesting description, which he broke off
+when we entered."
+
+"I was telling of my last visit to India," Waltenberg explained, "and I
+took the opportunity to make a request of Baroness Thurgau, which I
+should like to make of you also, Fraeulein Nordheim. In the course of my
+ten years of absence from Europe I have collected a quantity of foreign
+curiosities. They were all sent home, and form a veritable museum which
+I am just having arranged by an experienced hand. May I entreat the
+ladies to honour me with a visit,--with yourself, of course, Herr
+Elmhorst? I think I can show you much that will interest you."
+
+"I fear my engagements will not allow me to accept your kind
+invitation," Elmhorst replied, with rather cool courtesy. "I must leave
+town in a couple of days."
+
+"So shortly after your betrothal?"
+
+"I must. In the present condition of our work I cannot allow myself a
+longer leave of absence."
+
+"Do you agree to this, Fraeulein Nordheim?" Waltenberg appealed to
+Alice. "I should think under present circumstances you would have the
+first claim."
+
+"Duty has the first claim upon me, Herr Waltenberg,--in my opinion, at
+least."
+
+"Must you take it so seriously,--even now?"
+
+"Wolfgang's eyes flashed. He understood this 'even now?' and understood
+also the look which he encountered; he had seen the same expression on
+another face a few hours ago. He bit his lip; for the second time he
+was reminded that he was considered in society only as 'Alice
+Nordheim's future husband,'--one who could with her fortune in prospect
+purchase immunity from duties which he had undertaken to fulfil.
+
+"To fulfil a duty is with me a point of honour," he replied, coldly.
+
+"Yes, we Germans are fanatics for duty," Waltenberg said, negligently.
+"I have lost somewhat of this national characteristic in foreign
+countries. Oh, Fraeulein von Thurgau, not that disapproving look, I
+entreat. My unfortunate frankness will ruin me in your estimation, but
+remember I come from quite another world, and am absolutely uncivilized
+according to European ideas."
+
+"You certainly seem so with respect to some of your views," Erna said,
+lightly, but withal with a shade of severity.
+
+He smiled, and, leaning over the back of her chair, said, in a lower
+tone, "Yes, I need to be harmonized with mankind, and with our worthy
+Germans. Perhaps some one will have pity upon me and undertake the
+task. Do you think it would be worth the trouble?"
+
+"Can you really endure this close, stifling temperature, Alice?"
+Wolfgang asked, with ill-concealed impatience. "I fear it is worse for
+you than the heat of the rooms."
+
+"But there is such a crowd of people there. Pray let us stay here,
+Wolfgang."
+
+He bit his lip, but naturally yielded to a wish of his betrothed's so
+distinctly expressed.
+
+"The air here is tropical," said Waltenberg.
+
+"It is indeed. Oppressive, and debilitating for any one accustomed to
+breathe freely."
+
+The words sounded almost rude, but he to whom they were addressed took
+no heed; he was still gazing at Erna as he went on: "These palms and
+orchids require it. Look, Fraeulein von Thurgau, they enchant the eye
+even here in captivity. In the tropics, where they climb and twine in
+liberty, they are wonderful indeed."
+
+"Yes, that world must be beautiful," Erna said, softly, while her eyes
+wandered dreamily over the foreign splendour of the blossoms gleaming
+among the green on every side and filling the conservatory with their
+sweet but enervating fragrance.
+
+"Was your stay in the East a long one, Herr Waltenberg?" Alice asked,
+in her cool, uninterested way.
+
+"I passed some years there, but I am at home all over the world, and
+can even boast having penetrated far into Africa."
+
+Wolfgang's attention was roused by these last words: "Probably as a
+member of some scientific expedition?" he observed.
+
+"No, that would have had no charm for me. I detest nothing so much as
+constraint, and it is impossible in such expeditions to preserve one's
+personal freedom. One is bound by the rules of the expedition, by the
+wishes of one's companions, by all sorts of things, and I am wont to
+follow my own will only."
+
+"Ah, indeed?" A half-contemptuous smile played about Wolfgang's lips.
+"I beg pardon; I really thought you had gone to Africa as a scientific
+pioneer."
+
+"Good heavens, how in earnest you are about everything, Herr Elmhorst!"
+Waltenberg said, with a scarcely perceptible sneer. "Must life perforce
+be labour? I never coveted fame as an explorer; I have enjoyed the
+freedom and beauty of the world, and have renewed my youth and strength
+in quaffing long draughts of such enjoyment. To put it to positive use
+would destroy its romance for me."
+
+Elmhorst shrugged his shoulders, and remarked, with apparent
+indifference, in which there was nevertheless a spice of insolence,
+"Certainly a most convenient way of arranging one's existence. And yet
+hardly to my taste, and quite impossible for most people. So to live
+one should be born to great wealth."
+
+"No, not of necessity," Waltenberg retorted, in the same tone. "Some
+lucky chance may endow one with wealth."
+
+Wolfgang looked annoyed, and he was evidently about to make a sharp
+reply, when Erna, perceiving this, hastened to give the conversation
+another turn.
+
+"I fear my uncle must resign all hope of making you at home among us,"
+said she. "You are so entirely under the spell of your tropical world,
+that everything here will seem petty and meagre to you. I hardly think
+that even our mountains could move you to admiration, but there you
+will find me a determined antagonist."
+
+Waltenberg turned towards her,--perhaps he saw in her face, or was
+conscious himself, that he had gone too far. "You do me injustice,
+Fraeulein Thurgau," he replied. "I have never forgotten the Alpine
+world of my native country,--its lofty summits, its deep-blue
+lakes, and the lovely creations of its legends by which it is
+peopled,--creatures"--his voice sounded veiled--"compounded as it were
+of air and Alpine snow, with the white fairy-like flowers of its waters
+crowning their fair hair."
+
+The compliment was too bold, but the manner in which it was uttered
+took from it all presumption, as the speaker's eyes rested in
+admiration upon the beautiful girl before him in her white, misty
+ball-dress.
+
+"Alice, are you rested?" Wolfgang asked, aloud. "We really ought not to
+remain away from the other room so long. Let us go back."
+
+His words sounded almost like a command. Alice arose, put her hand
+within his arm, and they left the conservatory together.
+
+"Herr Elmhorst seems to have a decided predilection for command,"
+Waltenberg said, ironically, looking after them. "His tone was
+decidedly that of the future lord and master, and upon the very day of
+his betrothal. Fraeulein Nordheim's choice seems surprising to me in
+more than one sense."
+
+"Alice's is a very gentle, docile nature," Erna observed.
+
+"So much the worse. Her lover seems to have no conception that it is
+this connection alone that raises him to a position to which he could
+not personally lay any claim."
+
+The young girl had risen and approached a group of plants, whose heavy
+crimson blossoms hung amid dark green leaves. After a moment's pause
+she rejoined, "I do not think Wolfgang Elmhorst a man to allow himself
+to be 'raised.'"
+
+"Why, then, should her---- Pardon me, I ought not to say one word in
+disapproval of your future relative."
+
+Erna did not reply, and he seemed to take her silence as a permission
+to proceed, for he continued, very gravely: "Do you think inclination
+plays any part in his suit?"
+
+"No."
+
+The word was uttered with a certain harshness, as the girl's face
+leaned half hidden among the crimson flowers.
+
+"Nor do I, and my opinion of Herr Elmhorst is based upon that
+conviction. Pray, Fraeulein Thurgau, do not inhale the fragrance of
+those blossoms so closely; I know the plant,--its odour is delicious
+but mischievous, and will give you headache. Be careful."
+
+"You are right," she said, with a deep breath, passing her hand across
+her forehead and standing erect. "It is, besides, time that we returned
+to the other rooms. May I trouble you, Herr Waltenberg?"
+
+He seemed hardly to agree with this, but nevertheless instantly offered
+his arm and conducted her to the ball-room, which was still full.
+
+The court-councillor was sitting in a corner nursing his wrath with
+Fran von Lasberg, who seemed inclined to fan the flame. She had
+ascertained by questioning the servants that the cards on the table had
+really been changed, and her indignation was extreme. She harangued the
+unfortunate father of such a daughter in low but expressive tones, and
+concluded her discourse with the annihilating declaration, "In short,
+the conduct of Herr Gersdorf seems to me outrageous!"
+
+"Yes, it is outrageous!" Ernsthausen murmured in a fury. "And,
+moreover, I have been looking for Molly for half an hour to take her
+home, and I cannot find her. She is a terrible child!"
+
+"Under no circumstances should I have allowed her to attend this
+entertainment," the old lady began again. "When the Frau Baroness
+opened her heart to me about the affair, I urged it upon her to have
+recourse to vigorous measures."
+
+"And so we have," Ernsthausen declared; "but it is of no use. My wife
+is ill with all this worry and vexation, and her indisposition may,
+probably will, last for days. I am occupied with my official duties.
+Who is to stand guard over the girl meanwhile and frustrate all her
+insane schemes?"
+
+"Send Molly to the country to her granduncle," was Frau von Lasberg's
+advice. "There no personal intercourse with Gersdorf will be possible,
+and if I know the old Baron he will find a means of preventing any
+exchange of letters."
+
+The councillor looked as if a ray of light had suddenly invaded the
+darkness of his soul; he adopted the suggestion with enthusiasm.
+
+"That is an idea!" he cried. "You are right, madame, perfectly right!
+Molly shall go to my uncle immediately,--the day after to-morrow. He
+was beside himself at learning of the affair, and will certainly be the
+best of guardians. I will write to him early to-morrow morning."
+
+He was so possessed with this thought that he hastily arose, and made a
+fresh attempt to find his daughter, but it was a difficult undertaking.
+He might as well have given chase to a butterfly, for Molly possessed a
+wonderful talent for disappearing just as her father was about to
+confront her. Ernst Waltenberg, who had been taken into council by the
+lovers twice, acted as a lightning-conductor on this occasion, in view
+of the approaching storm, which he diverted by his conversation.
+Meanwhile, the little Baroness would disappear among a crowd of her
+friends, to come to light again in an entirely different place. She
+seemed to regard the company as an assemblage of guardian-angels, to be
+used according to her good pleasure, and even the minister, her
+father's illustrious chief, who was present, was obliged to serve her
+purpose, for she finally took refuge with His Excellency, and
+complained in the most moving terms that her father was insisting upon
+driving home, when she wanted to stay so much. The old gentleman
+instantly espoused the cause of the charming child, and when the
+councillor appeared with a stern "Molly, the carriage is waiting," he
+kindly interposed with, "Let it wait, my dear councillor. Youth claims
+its rights, and I promised the Baroness to intercede for her. You will
+stay, will you not?"
+
+Ernsthausen was inwardly raging, while his outward man bowed in polite
+assent, in recognition of which his chief engaged him in conversation,
+and did not release him until a quarter of an hour had passed. Then,
+however, the Baron was determined; he invaded the hostile camp, where
+his daughter was seated in great content between Waltenberg and
+Gersdorf. The latter approached him with extreme courtesy.
+
+"Herr Councillor, will you kindly appoint an hour when I can call upon
+you, either to-morrow or the day after?"
+
+Ernsthausen gave him an annihilating glance: "I regret extremely, Herr
+Gersdorf, that pressing business----"
+
+"Quite right, it is that about which I wish to consult with you,"
+Gersdorf interposed. "The matter concerns the railway company, whose
+legal representative I am, as you know, and His Excellency the minister
+has referred me to you. Permit me, however, to visit you at your home
+instead of at your office, since I have a private matter also to
+discuss with you."
+
+The Baron was unfortunately in no uncertainty as to what this private
+matter was, but since he could not refuse to receive the lawyer in his
+legal capacity, he stood erect with much dignity and answered, coolly,
+"The day after to-morrow, at five in the afternoon, I shall be at your
+service."
+
+"I shall be punctual," said Gersdorf, bowing as he took leave of Molly,
+who thought best at last to comply with the paternal command and to
+allow herself to be taken home. On the staircase, however, she
+declared, resolutely, "Papa, the day after to-morrow I will not be
+locked up again. I mean to be there when my lover presents himself."
+
+"The day after to-morrow you will be in the country," Ernsthausen
+asserted, with emphasis. "You will depart by the early train; I shall
+myself see you safely to the railway-carriage, and when you arrive your
+grand uncle will receive you, and will keep you with him for the
+present."
+
+Molly's curly head emerged from her white hood in speechless horror.
+But only for a moment was she silent; then she assumed a warlike
+attitude: "I will not go, papa. I will not stay with my granduncle; I
+will run away and come back to town on foot."
+
+"You will hardly do that," said the councillor. "I should think you
+knew the old gentleman and his principles better. After his death you
+will be a most distinguished match,--remember that!"
+
+"I wish my granduncle would go to Monaco and gamble away all his
+money," Molly retorted, sobbing angrily, "or that he would adopt some
+orphan and leave her every penny he possesses!"
+
+"Good heavens, child, you are mad, absolutely mad!" Ernsthausen
+exclaimed in desperation, but the little Baroness went on excitedly:
+
+"Then I should be no match at all, and could marry Albert. I mean to
+pray fervently that my granduncle may commit some such folly, in spite
+of his seventy years!"
+
+Still sobbing, she sprang into the carriage and buried her face in the
+cushions. Her father followed her, muttering, "A terrible child!"
+
+The brilliant rooms gradually became more empty and more quiet. One
+after another the guests took their leave, until finally the president,
+having bidden farewell to the last, was left alone with Wolfgang in the
+spacious reception-room.
+
+"Waltenberg bus invited us to inspect his collection of curios," he
+said. "I shall hardly have time to go, but you----"
+
+"I shall have still less," Elmhorst interposed. "The three days at my
+disposal are already fully occupied."
+
+"I know, I know, but nevertheless you must escort Alice; she and Erna
+have accepted Waltenberg's invitation, and I wish them to go."
+
+Wolfgang was surprised; he looked keenly at his future father-in-law
+for an instant, and then asked, hastily, "Who and what is this
+Waltenberg, sir? You treat him with extraordinary consideration, and
+yet he appeared in your house to-night for the first time. Have you
+known him long?"
+
+"Certainly. His father took part in several of my schemes. A capital,
+prudent man of business, who would have amassed millions had he lived
+longer. Unfortunately, the son has inherited none of his practical
+ability. He prefers to travel all over the earth and to consort with
+all kinds of savage nations. Well, his property permits him to pursue
+such follies, and it has just been nearly doubled. His aunt, his
+father's only unmarried sister, died a few months ago, leaving him her
+heir. He came home, indeed, only to arrange his affairs, and is already
+talking of going away again. An incomprehensible man!"
+
+The tone in which Nordheim spoke of the man for whom he had shown
+such consideration betrayed his entire want of sympathy with him
+personally, and Elmhorst seemed to be of the same mind, for he
+instantly observed,--
+
+"I think him insufferable! At table he talked exclusively of his
+travels, and precisely as if he were delivering a lecture. All you
+heard was of 'blue depths of water,' 'waving palms,' and 'dreamy
+lotus-blossoms.' It was intolerable! Fraeulein von Thurgau, however,
+seemed quite carried away by it. I must confess, sir, I thought all
+this poetic Oriental talk far too confidential for a first interview."
+
+The words were meant to be ironical, but they hardly concealed the
+speaker's irritation. The president, however, did not observe it, but
+replied, quietly, "In this case I have no objection to such
+confidences; quite the contrary."
+
+"That means--you have intentionally brought them together."
+
+"Certainly," Nordheim replied, in some surprise at the eager haste with
+which the question was put. "Erna is nineteen; it is time to think
+seriously of her settlement in life, and as her relative and guardian
+it is my duty to provide for it. The girl is greatly admired in
+society, but no one has as yet presented himself as her suitor. She has
+no money."
+
+"No, she has no money," Wolfgang repeated as if mechanically, and his
+look sought the adjoining room, where the ladies still lingered. Alice
+was sitting on the sofa, and Erna stood before her, her slender white
+figure framed in by the door-way.
+
+"I cannot blame the men," the president continued. "Erna's only
+inheritance is the couple of thousand marks paid for Wolkenstein Court;
+and although I shall of course furnish my niece with a trousseau, that
+would be nothing for a man whose demands upon life are at all great.
+Waltenberg has no need of money,--he is wealthy himself, and of
+excellent family; in short, a brilliant match. I planned it immediately
+upon his return, and I think it will succeed."
+
+He explained everything in a cool, business-like fashion, as if the
+matter under discussion were some new speculation. In fact, the
+'settlement' of his niece was for him an affair of business, as had
+been his daughter's betrothal. In the one case money was necessary in
+exchange for a bride, in the other intelligence and ability, and
+Nordheim could express himself with perfect freedom to his future
+son-in-law, who occupied the same point of view and had acted upon
+principles similar to his own. But just now the young man's face was
+strangely pale, and there was an odd expression in the eyes fixed upon
+the picture framed in by the arched door-way and brilliantly
+illuminated in the candle-light.
+
+"And you think Fraeulein von Thurgau is agreed?" he asked, slowly, at
+last, without averting his gaze.
+
+"She will not be such a fool as to reject such good fortune. The girl
+is, to be sure, possessed by unaccountable fancies, obstinate as her
+father, and on certain points not to be controlled. We scarcely
+harmonize in our views, any one can see that, but this time I think we
+shall agree. Such a man as Waltenberg with his eccentricities is
+precisely after Erna's taste. I think her quite capable of accompanying
+him in his wanderings, if he cannot make up his mind to relinquish
+them."
+
+"And why not?" Wolfgang said, harshly. "It is so uncommonly romantic
+and interesting, life in foreign lands with no occupation and no
+country. With no duties to exercise any controlling influence, life can
+be dreamed away beneath the palms in inactive enjoyment. To me such an
+existence, however, seems pitiable; it would be impossible for me."
+
+"You are really indignant," said Nordheim, amazed at this sudden
+outburst. "You forget that Waltenberg has always been wealthy. You and
+I must work to attain eminence; no such necessity exists for him,--he
+has always occupied the height towards which we must climb. Such men
+are rarely fit for serious exertion."
+
+He turned to a passing servant and gave him an order. But Wolfgang
+stood motionless and gloomy, his gaze still fixed upon the white figure
+'compounded as it were of air and Alpine snow, with the white fairylike
+flower of its waters crowning its fair hair,' and inaudibly but with
+intense bitterness he muttered, "Yes, he is rich, and so he has a right
+to be happy."
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER VIII.
+
+                             ANOTHER CLIME.
+
+
+Waltenberg's dwelling was somewhat remote from the central portion of
+the city; it was a fine, spacious villa, surrounded by a garden which
+was almost a park. It had been built by the father of the present
+possessor, and had been occupied by him until his death. Since then it
+had been empty, for the son, always travelling in distant lands, was
+far too wealthy to think of renting it. He left it in charge of a
+trustworthy person, whose duty it had been to receive, to unpack, and
+to arrange the various chests and packages sent home by his master from
+time to time, until now, after the lapse of a decade, the closed doors
+and windows were again opened, and the desolate rooms showed signs of
+occupation.
+
+The large balconied apartment in the middle of the house was still
+furnished precisely as it had been in the lifetime of its former
+master. There was no magnificence here as in the Nordheim mansion, but
+on every hand was to be observed the solid comfort of a well-to-do
+burgher. The persons present at this time in the room, however, looked
+strangely foreign. A negro black as night, with woolly hair, and a
+slender, brown Malay lad, both in fantastic Oriental costume, were busy
+arranging a table with flowers and all kinds of fruits, while a third
+individual stood in the middle of the room giving the necessary
+directions.
+
+The dress of this last was European in cut, and seemed to be something
+between the garb of a sailor and that of a farmer. Its wearer was an
+elderly man, very tall and thin, but at the same time most powerfully
+built. His close-cut hair was grizzled here and there, and his
+furrowed, sunburned face was scarcely less brown than that of the
+Malay. But from the brown face looked forth a pair of genuine German,
+blue eyes, and the words that issued from the man's lips were such
+pure, unadulterated German as is spoken only by those to whom it is the
+mother-tongue.
+
+"The flowers in the centre!" he ordered. "Herr Waltenberg wishes it to
+be romantic; he must have his way. Said, boy, don't stand the silver
+epergnes close together like a pair of grenadiers; put them at either
+end of the table, and the glasses on the side-table where the wine is to
+be served. Do you understand?"
+
+"Oh, yes, master," the negro replied, in English.
+
+"And speak German. Do you not know that we are in Germany, on this
+God-forsaken soil where you freeze stiff in March, and where the sun
+appears once a month, and then only at the command of the authorities?
+I detest it, as does Herr Waltenberg. But you must learn German, or,
+true as my name is Veit Gronau, you'll repent it. You're still half a
+heathen, and Djelma there is a whole one. See how he stares! Do you
+understand a word I say, boy?"
+
+The Malay shook his head. Evidently his progress in the German tongue
+was slow, and the negro, who was much farther advanced, was obliged to
+come to his assistance frequently.
+
+"It is the master's fault; he talks your gibberish to you too often,"
+Veit Gronau grumbled. "If I did not insist upon your speaking German
+neither of you would understand a syllable of it. There! now the table
+is ready. All fruit and flowers, and nothing really fit to eat and
+drink. That, I suppose, is romantic; I think it crazy, which is very
+much the same thing, after all."
+
+"Are there ladies coming?" Said asked, inquisitively.
+
+"Unfortunately, yes. It is no pleasure, but an honour, for in this
+country they are treated with immense respect, very differently from
+your black and brown women; so behave yourselves!"
+
+He would probably have continued his admonitions, but at this moment
+the door opened and the master of the house entered. He glanced at the
+table loaded with flowers and fruit, signed to Said to retire to the
+antechamber, spoke a few words in some Indian tongue to Djelma, who
+straightway disappeared, and then turning to Veit Gronau, said,
+"President Nordheim has sent an excuse, but the rest are coming; Herr
+Gersdorf has also accepted. You will escape for this time the encounter
+you have so dreaded, Gronau."
+
+"Dreaded?" the other repeated. "Hardly that! It certainly would have
+given me no great pleasure to meet an old playmate with whom I was once
+on most familiar terms, and to be honoured by him with a condescending
+nod when I was presented to him as a kind of servant."
+
+"As my secretary?" Waltenberg said, with emphasis. "I should not
+suppose such a position could be in any wise humiliating."
+
+Gronau shrugged his shoulders: "Secretary, steward, travelling
+companion, all in one. True, you have always treated me like a
+fellow-countryman, and not as an inferior, Herr Waltenberg. When you
+picked me up in Melbourne I was very near starvation, and I should have
+starved but for you. God requite you!"
+
+"Nonsense!" said Ernst, repudiating his gratitude almost harshly. "You
+were a priceless discovery for me, with your knowledge of languages and
+your practical experience, and I think we have been well content with
+each other for these six years. So the president was one of your
+playmates?"
+
+"Yes, we were the children of neighbours, and grew up together until
+life parted us, sending one hither and the other thither. He always
+prophesied to me, and to Benno Reinsfeld, who was one of us, that I
+should be a poor devil."
+
+Waltenberg had gone to the window, and was looking out with some
+impatience while nevertheless listening attentively. The youth of the
+man whom he had known only in the midst of wealth and luxury seemed to
+interest him.
+
+"Of course all three of us entertained vast schemes for the future,"
+Veit continued, with good-humoured self-ridicule. "I was to go abroad
+and return a wealthy nabob, Reinsfeld was to astound the world with
+some wonderful invention; we were boys who imagined that the universe
+belonged to us. But Nordheim, the wise, poured cold water upon our
+heated brains. 'Neither of you will ever achieve anything,' said he,
+'for you do not understand expediency.' We jeered at the calculator of
+twenty with his wonderful sagacity, but he was right. I have wandered
+about the world, and have tried my hand at everything, but I have
+always been poor as a church mouse, and Reinsfeld with all his talent
+was left in the lurch as a paltry engineer, while our comrade Nordheim
+is a millionaire and a railway king,--because he understood
+expediency."
+
+"He certainly has always understood that," Waltenberg said, coolly. "He
+occupies an extremely influential position---- But there come our
+guests."
+
+He hastily left the window and went to receive his friends. A carriage
+had drawn up before the door, bringing Frau von Lasberg and Alice,
+escorted by Elmhorst. Wolfgang had not succeeded in evading the duty of
+accompanying his betrothed, and he had no excuse for refusing an
+invitation which his future father-in law regarded with such favour. He
+therefore submitted to necessity, but any one who knew him could see
+that, in spite of the extreme courtesy with which he greeted his host,
+he was making a great sacrifice. The two men, who had instinctively
+disliked each other from the first, hid their antipathy under a
+strictly courteous demeanour.
+
+"Fraeulein von Thurgau is late; she drove to the court-councillor's to
+call for Baroness Ernsthausen." Frau von Lasberg, who gave this
+information, was rather surprised by it herself. She had supposed that
+Molly was in the country under the secure guardianship of her
+granduncle; instead of which a note had arrived in the morning for Erna
+begging her to call for her on her way to Herr Waltenberg's. Her
+journey must have been postponed, probably for several days. But the
+old lady's surprise was transformed to indignation upon the entrance of
+Herr Gersdorf. Actually a rendezvous! And the ladies of Nordheim's
+family were made accomplices as it were, since Molly was under their
+protection. This must not be concealed from the girl's parents: they
+should hear of it this very day; and Frau von Lasberg, who was not at
+all inclined to play the part of a guardian-angel, received Herr
+Gersdorf with icy coldness. Unfortunately, it did not produce the
+slightest impression upon him; there was an expression of great content
+upon his grave features, and he took part in the conversation with
+unusual readiness.
+
+Meanwhile, Erna had called at the court-councillor's, where she had
+waited in the carriage for five minutes before the little Baroness
+appeared in a state of great agitation, quite startling her friend by
+the stormy embrace with which she greeted her.
+
+"What is the matter, Molly?" she asked. "You seem quite beside
+yourself."
+
+"I am betrothed!--betrothed to Albert," the girl exclaimed, "and we are
+to be married in three months! Oh, my granduncle is the dearest, most
+delightful of men! I could kiss him if he were not so very ugly!"
+
+Erna's composure was not so easily shaken as Molly's, but, knowing as
+she did the views of the entire Ernsthausen family, this news was
+certainly surprising.
+
+"Your parents have given their consent?" she asked. "And so suddenly?
+It seemed quite impossible a few days ago."
+
+"Nothing is impossible!" Molly cried, in a rapture. "Oh, I prayed so
+fervently that my granduncle would commit some folly! But I never
+dreamed of this; and you will hardly believe it, Erna,--you cannot!"
+
+"Do talk sensibly. Pray explain yourself," said Erna.
+
+"He has married! Seventy, and married! He is a bridegroom. Oh, I shall
+die of laughter!" And she did laugh until the tears came.
+
+"The old Baron--married?" Erna repeated, incredulously.
+
+"Yes, to an old maid of irreproachable descent. The affair was arranged
+long ago; but it was kept secret, because he was afraid of a scene with
+my father and mother. He came to town simply and solely to alter his
+will, which was left with his attorney, and immediately after his
+return he had the knot tied fast by church and state, and papa says he
+has left all his money to his bride, and we shall not have a penny, so
+I am no match at all. Think what good luck!"
+
+The young girl ran on without pausing for an instant, so that it was
+impossible to interpose a word. She scarcely gave herself time to
+take breath before she began again: "They had actually formed a
+conspiracy,--papa and your wise old duenna, to whom I owe something for
+her conduct as long as I live. I was to be tied up like a parcel and
+sent to my granduncle's address. My prayers and tears were of no
+avail,--my trunks were packed. Suddenly my granduncle's letter
+announcing his marriage fell into the midst of us like a bombshell.
+Papa looked ready to have a stroke, mamma went into violent hysterics,
+and I danced about my room tossing the things out of my trunks, for of
+course the journey was out of the question. The next morning was like
+the calm after ten thunder-storms; my granduncle was excommunicated
+with bell, book, and candle. There was a secret conference between my
+parents, and when Albert came in the afternoon, he was accepted without
+a word."
+
+"And you were absolutely happy, I am sure," Erna at last contrived to
+interpose.
+
+"No; at first I was angry," Molly declared, with a little grimace,
+"Albert behaved so prosaically. Instead of talking of our eternal love
+and our half-broken hearts, he told my father the exact amount of his
+income, and explained his prospects. Of course I was listening in the
+next room, and I was outraged; but papa and mamma seemed really quite
+gentle and amiable. At last they called me in, and there was general
+embracing and emotion. Of course I cried too, although I would far
+rather have danced, and I was provoked with Albert for not shedding a
+single tear! A telegram was despatched to my granduncle,--it will
+embitter his honeymoon,--and to-morrow the announcements of the
+betrothal are to be sent out, and in three months we are to be
+married."
+
+In the excess of her happiness the little Baroness threw her arms
+around her friend and embraced her afresh. The carriage, however, now
+reached its destination, and Molly's supreme moment of triumph was at
+hand. While the master of the house was receiving Fraeulein von Thurgau,
+Gersdorf, secure in his lately-acquired right, hastened towards his
+betrothed, thus provoking an indignant glance from Frau von Lasberg. "I
+supposed you had already left town, Baroness," she remarked, in her
+sharpest tone.
+
+"Oh, no, madame," Molly replied, with the most innocent air. "I did, it
+is true, propose to pay my granduncle a visit, but as he is just
+married----"
+
+"What?" asked the old lady, imagining she had not heard correctly.
+
+"The marriage of my granduncle, Baron Ernsthausen of Frankenstein, and
+my betrothal took place at the same time. Allow me, madame, to present
+my betrothed to you."
+
+The smile on Waltenberg's face at these words showed that he was in the
+secret, but Frau von Lasberg sat quite dumfounded, and it was not until
+all the rest had eagerly pressed around Molly with their wishes for her
+happiness that she made up her mind to utter a few formal,
+congratulatory words, which the girl received with a smile that was not
+without malice. But Molly was too happy to-day to have refused
+forgiveness to her worst enemy, and her brilliant gaiety was
+contagious. All present seemed greatly to enjoy the occasion, although,
+as Gronau expressed it, 'there was nothing fit to eat.' He required
+some refreshment more solid than fruit, rare as such exquisite fruit
+was at this season of the year, and something better to drink than the
+heavy, fragrant cordial, which could be but sparingly sipped. The
+ladies, however, did not seem to share his opinion, and all left the
+table in a most cheerful mood to inspect the host's collection, which
+occupied the entire upper story.
+
+Waltenberg conducted his guests up the staircase, and when the tall
+folding-doors opened into the suite of rooms, the entire party seemed
+suddenly transported as by magic from the gray wintry atmosphere of
+this northern March day to the sunny, glowing East.
+
+Foreign treasures from every zone were here heaped up in such lavish
+profusion as only years spent abroad, and abundant means, could make
+possible; but the arrangement of this almost priceless collection would
+have driven a man of science to despair. There was not the faintest
+attempt at order of a scientific kind,--picturesque effect alone was
+aimed at, and this was achieved; groups of exotic plants placed here
+and there combined to present a picture before which all preconceived
+ideas of a genuine 'collection' vanished.
+
+Rugs of the richest Oriental fabrics and colours covered the walls and
+draped the windows and tables; gorgeously ornamented weapons were hung
+against these tapestries; cabinets contained specimens of glass and
+porcelain exquisite in hue and shape; skins of tigers and lions were
+spread upon the floor; and Said and Djelma in their fantastic costume
+added to the foreign effect, which was heightened by the yellow light
+which penetrated the coloured glass of the windows and bathed the whole
+in what seemed a magical southern sunshine.
+
+Waltenberg was a delightful cicerone. He led his guests from one room
+to another, explaining and pointing out rare objects of art, and
+enjoying to the full their appreciation of his treasures. As he told of
+how and where this and that article had been obtained, his hearers were
+impressed with the strange, unreal character of the life the man had
+led. It was natural that he should address himself especially to Erna,
+for the girl's remarks showed intense interest in the fantastic
+character of her surroundings. Elmhorst preserved a courteous but cold
+reserve in his expressions of admiration, and Alice and Frau von
+Lasberg were soon wearied.
+
+Gersdorf, who was familiar with his friend's collection, played the
+part of guide to his betrothed; by no means an easy task, for while
+Molly desired to see and to admire everything, her chief object of
+interest was her Albert. She fluttered about like some gay butterfly
+just escaped from the chrysalis, and was so like a joyous child at
+sight of each new and rare object, that Frau von Lasberg felt it her
+duty to interfere, although she knew well how little such interference
+would avail. She actually barred the young girl's way while Gersdorf
+was talking with Alice.
+
+"My dear Baroness, I really must remind you that there are proprieties
+which a young girl must observe when she is betrothed. She should
+preserve her feminine dignity, and not proclaim to all the world that
+she is quite beside herself with delight. A betrothal is----"
+
+"Something heavenly!" Molly interrupted her. "I should like to know how
+my granduncle behaved; if he longed to dance all day long as I do?"
+
+"One would suppose you still a child, Molly," the old lady said,
+indignantly. "Look at Alice; she too is betrothed, and has been so for
+only a few days."
+
+Molly clasped her hands with an expression of mock horror: "Oh, yes,
+but heaven defend me from a lover like hers!"
+
+"Baroness, you forget yourself!"
+
+"Indeed I cannot help it, madame; but Alice is quite content, and Herr
+Elmhorst is the pink of courtesy. All that one hears is, 'Does this
+please you, my dear Alice?' and, 'Just as you choose, my dear Alice.'
+Always polite, always considerate. But if Albert should treat me with
+such cool deference, his manner always at the freezing-point, I should
+straightway send him back his ring."
+
+Frau von Lasberg heaved a long sigh. It was plainly impossible to
+impress Molly with a sense of decorum, and she held her peace,
+whereupon the girl, forgetting all the old Baroness's admonitions, shot
+off like an arrow to rejoin her lover.
+
+Meanwhile, Elmhorst had entered into conversation with Veit Gronau, who
+had been presented to him as to the rest as Waltenberg's private
+secretary, and who, true to his expressed opinion that the presence of
+ladies was an honour but not a pleasure, held himself aloof from them.
+Of course they talked of the objects about them, and Wolfgang said,
+pointing to the negro and the Malay, who were busy in bringing forward
+for closer inspection various articles indicated by their master, "Herr
+Waltenberg seems to prefer foreigners for servants; and you too, Herr
+Secretary, in spite of your name and your German tongue, appear to me
+more than half a foreigner."
+
+"You are right," Gronau assented. "I have been away from Germany for
+twenty-five years, and never thought to see old Europe again. I met
+Herr Waltenberg in Australia; that black fellow there, Said, we brought
+back from an African tour, and we picked up Djelma only the year before
+last, in Ceylon, which is why he is still so stupid. We lack only a
+pig-tailed Chinaman and a cannibal from the South Seas to make our
+menagerie complete."
+
+"There is no disputing about tastes," Elmhorst said, with a shrug; "but
+I am afraid that Herr Waltenberg has become so entirely estranged from
+his native land in all his habits of life that he will find it
+impossible to live here."
+
+"We have no idea of doing so," Veit replied, with blunt frankness. "How
+under heaven could we ever reconcile ourselves to the dull existence
+led here? We shall leave Germany as soon as possible."
+
+Involuntarily Wolfgang breathed a sigh of relief. "You appear to have
+no special love for your native land," he observed.
+
+"None at all. As Herr Waltenberg says, one must outgrow all national
+prejudices. He delivered me a long sermon upon that text when on the
+ship coming home a bragging American undertook to revile Germany."
+
+"What! you quarrelled with him for so speaking?"
+
+"Not exactly. I only knocked him down," Veit said, coolly. "It did not
+come to a quarrel; he picked himself up and ran to the captain, who
+made himself rather disagreeable, but Herr Waltenberg finally
+interfered, and paid the man for his outraged dignity, and I was quite
+a distinguished person thereafter. Not another word was uttered in
+dispraise of Germany."
+
+"I had a deal of trouble, however, in arranging the affair," said
+Waltenberg, who overheard the last words. "If the man had refused to be
+appeased, we should have had no end of annoyance. You behaved like an
+irritable game-cock, Gronau, and the provocation was not worth it."
+
+"Why, what would you have had me do?" growled Gronau.
+
+"Shrug your shoulders and keep silent. Of what importance is the
+opinion of a stranger? The man had a right to his views, as you had to
+yours."
+
+"You seem indeed to have outgrown all 'national prejudice,' Herr
+Waltenberg," Wolfgang said, with evident irony.
+
+"I certainly consider it an honourable distinction to be as free from
+prejudice as possible."
+
+"But under certain circumstances one neither could nor should be thus
+free. Doubtless you are right, but I should have been in the wrong with
+Herr Gronau; I should have acted as he did."
+
+"Indeed, Herr Elmhorst? Such sentiments from you surprise me."
+
+"Why from _me_?" The tone in which the question was put was sharp and
+cold.
+
+"Because you seem to me perfectly capable of preserving your
+self-control. Your entire personality is indicative of such decision,
+such perfect command of circumstances, that I am convinced you always
+know what you are about. Unfortunately, that is not so with us
+idealists; we ought to learn of you."
+
+The words sounded courteous, but the sting in them made itself felt,
+and Elmhorst was not a man to allow them to pass unresented. His look
+grew dark: "Ah, indeed? You consider yourself an idealist, Herr
+Waltenberg?"
+
+"I do,--or do you count yourself among them?"
+
+"No," Wolfgang said, coldly; "but among those quick to resent an
+insult."
+
+His attitude and manner were so provoking that Waltenberg perceived the
+necessity for moderation, although his nature rebelled against yielding
+to the 'fortune-hunter' who confronted him so proudly. What turn the
+conversation might have taken, however, it is impossible to say, for
+Herr Gersdorf here interrupted it. He had no suspicion of what was
+going on, and turned to Wolfgang with, "I have just heard, Herr
+Elmhorst, that you leave town to-morrow. May I beg you to carry my warm
+remembrances to my cousin Reinsfeld?"
+
+"I will do so with pleasure, Herr Gersdorf. I may tell him of your
+betrothal?"
+
+"Certainly. I shall write to him shortly, and trust we may see him upon
+our wedding-tour."
+
+Waltenberg had turned away, quite conscious that he could not possibly
+provoke a quarrel with his guest, and well pleased that Gersdorf had
+intervened. Veit Gronau, however, seemed suddenly interested.
+
+"Pardon me, gentlemen," said he: "you mentioned a name which I remember
+from the time of my boyhood. Are you speaking of the engineer Benno
+Reinsfeld?"
+
+"No, but of his son," Gersdorf said, in some surprise,--"a young
+physician, and a friend of Herr Elmhorst's."
+
+"And the father?"
+
+"Dead, more than twenty years ago."
+
+Gronau's rugged features worked strangely, and he hastily passed his
+hand across his eyes:
+
+"Ah, yes, I might have known it. When one inquires after twenty-five
+years he finds death has been busy among his friends and comrades. And
+so Benno Reinsfeld is gone! He was the best of us all, and the most
+talented. I suppose his inventive genius never brought him wealth?"
+
+"Had he a gift that way?" asked Gersdorf. "I never heard of it, and it
+was never recognized, for he died a simple engineer. His son has had to
+make his own way in the world, and has become a very clever physician,
+as Herr Elmhorst will tell you."
+
+"An extremely skilful physician," Elmhorst declared; "only too modest.
+He has no capacity for bringing himself and his talent into notice."
+
+"Just like his father," said Gronau. "He always allowed himself to be
+thrust aside and made use of by any one who knew how to do so. God rest
+his soul! he was the kindest, most faithful comrade man ever had!"
+
+Meanwhile, Waltenberg had joined Erna von Thurgau at the other end of
+the room. He had just shown her a rarely beautiful specimen of coral,
+and as he replaced it he said, "Have you been at all interested? I
+should be so glad if my 'treasures,' as you call them, could arouse
+more than a fleeting interest with you; I might then look for some
+indulgence in those grave eyes, in which I seem always to read
+reproach. Confess, Fraeulein von Thurgau, that you cannot forgive the
+cosmopolite for becoming so entirely estranged from his home."
+
+"At least I can now make excuses for him," said Erna, smiling. "This
+enchanted domain is fascinatingly bewildering; it is difficult, nay,
+almost impossible, to withstand its spell."
+
+"And yet these are only the mute, dead witnesses of a life
+inexhaustible in beauty and charm. If you could see it all in its home
+where it belongs, you would understand why I cannot exist beneath these
+cold northern skies, why I am so powerfully attracted to lands of
+sunshine. You too would find their charm irresistible."
+
+"Perhaps so. And still I might be possessed in your lands of sunshine
+by intense yearning for the cool mountains of my home. But we will not
+dispute about a question that only a trial could decide, a trial that I
+shall hardly make."
+
+"Why should you not make it?"
+
+"Because such an amount of freedom is not accorded to my sex. We cannot
+wander about the world alone at will as you do."
+
+"Alone!" Ernst repeated, in a low tone. "But you might trust yourself
+to a protector, a guide who would reveal this new world to you, whose
+delight it would be to unlock its pleasures for you. You may visit it
+some day with such a one beside you."
+
+His last words were spoken so as to be audible to Erna alone. She
+looked up at him in surprise, and encountered a glance of such
+unmistakable passion that she changed colour and involuntarily turned
+aside.
+
+"It is very improbable," she said, coldly. "One must have a natural
+inclination for such a life, and I----"
+
+"You are made for it," he eagerly interrupted her,--"you alone among
+hundreds of women. I am sure of it."
+
+"Are you so wonderfully gifted with insight, Herr Waltenberg?" the girl
+asked, calmly. "We meet today for the second time,--surely your
+estimate of the character of a stranger is overbold."
+
+The rebuff was evident; Waltenberg bit his lip. "You are right,
+Fraeulein von Thurgau," he replied, "perfectly right. In this world of
+forms and unrealities one may easily be mistaken in an estimate of
+character. There is no intensity of feeling here, and an ardent word
+that rises involuntarily to the lips may well be accounted overbold.
+All here must conform to times and rules. I beg pardon for my
+inadvertence."
+
+He bowed and joined the other ladies. Erna felt relieved by his
+absence; she had received his evident attentions without attaching any
+importance to them, without a suspicion of her uncle's plans. It
+certainly was bold to address her thus in a second interview, but it
+was not offensive, and she--she liked what was bold and unusual,
+inconsistent with form and rule. Why did she so shrink from his
+half-concealed declaration? Why did a kind of terror possess her at the
+thought of ever being obliged to face the question at which he had
+hinted? She could not answer.
+
+Frau von Lasberg now rose to go. In truth, the visit had been greatly
+prolonged, and all took leave. Farewells and courteous expressions of
+pleasure were interchanged, and Ernst Waltenberg took pains to show
+himself to the last the amiable, courteous host. But he hardly
+succeeded in controlling the mood which his conversation with Erna had
+induced. There was a degree of constraint in his manner of taking leave
+of his guests, and he was relieved by their departure. He stood looking
+gloomily after the carriages as they rolled away, and then turned back
+to the deserted rooms.
+
+He was deeply wounded and vexed by the rebuff he had met with. It
+grated upon his impassioned nature like a breath from the icy north
+which he so detested; he retired to his beloved Orient, which here
+surrounded him with its lights and colour. But something of the chill
+seemed to linger here,--everything looked dreary and colourless,--it
+was, after all, but a lifeless image of the reality.
+
+"Mister Gronau, what ails the master?" asked Said, who appeared after a
+while with Djelma in the balconied room to clear away the table. "He
+wants to be alone; he's in a very bad humour."
+
+"Yes, very bad," Djelma added, quick to use the few German words he
+knew.
+
+Veit Gronau had also observed the master's change of mood, but could
+find no explanation for it. However, in his reply to the servants he
+unconsciously hit the nail upon the head. He said, briefly, "It is all
+because he invited ladies. Wherever there are ladies there is always
+sure to be trouble."
+
+"What, always?" asked Said, who seemed hardly to understand.
+
+"Always!" Gronau declared, impressively. "No matter whether they are
+white or brown or black, they always make trouble. And so the only
+thing to do is to keep out of their way. Remember that, you
+scoundrels."
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER IX.
+
+                       THE HERR PRESIDENT SPEAKS.
+
+
+Summer had come; it was only early summer still however, in the
+mountains, for it was the middle of June; but the woods and meadows
+were clothed in fresh green, and only the loftiest peaks wore the
+mantle of snow which was never laid aside. Up there neither spring,
+summer, nor autumn had any existence: winter reigned in eternal, icy
+splendour.
+
+The extensive Alpine valley which three years ago lay undisturbed in
+its solemn, dreary solitude, now showed all the traces of the human
+intellect which was then just invading it with its host of obedient
+forces. Dark openings yawned in the walls of rock, and from the depths
+a narrow path wound upward in serpentine lines,--the iron road to which
+forest and rock had been forced to yield,--while across the Wolkenstein
+chasm the masterpiece of the whole gigantic undertaking, the bridge,
+now wellnigh completed, seemed to hover in air above the dizzy depths.
+
+It had been no easy task to build this railway, and the Wolkenstein
+domain had presented the greatest obstacles to its completion. They
+seemed actually to spring out of the ground at every step; the
+most careful calculations continually turned out to be imperfect,
+well-devised schemes proved ineffectual, unforeseen catastrophes
+occurred, and more than once imperilled the success of the undertaking.
+
+But the man who conducted the road through the Wolkenstein section was
+equal to every difficulty, was daunted by no obstacle, discouraged by
+no catastrophe. He proceeded on his way with his myrmidons, step by
+step subjecting to his sway the rugged and hitherto unquelled nature of
+the Alpine fastnesses.
+
+The railway company was well aware of the force it possessed in its
+superintending engineer, and now extolled the wisdom of its president
+in the choice it had at first opposed. Gradually a power to act almost
+without limits was placed in the hands of the young man, and he knew
+well how to keep and to use it. The engineer-in-chief had long given
+nothing save his name to the undertaking; every project, every
+decision, was the work of his energetic and talented chief of staff,
+and when the young man was betrothed to Nordheim's daughter and became
+the probable heir to millions, all opposition was mute,--everything
+bowed before him.
+
+Every trace of Wolkenstein Court had vanished; it was levelled to the
+ground the year in which its master closed his eyes forever. There was
+no longer any need to regard the feelings of the eccentric old man
+whose heart had been broken by the invasion of his home. On the spot
+where the ancestral abode of the Thurgaus had once stood there was now
+a stately structure, the future railway-station, built just at the
+entrance of the huge bridge. Until the line of railway should be opened
+in the coming spring, the building was occupied by various offices, and
+Superintendent Elmhorst had his rooms in the upper story. It formed, so
+to speak, the head-quarters of the Wolkenstein section, and the centre
+of gravitation of the entire railway.
+
+Wolfgang had established himself here after the manner which had become
+a necessity to him since his salary had been increased. The bright,
+spacious apartments had a most comfortable aspect, the pleasantest
+being his office, with its dark hangings and rugs, its carved oaken
+furniture, and its well-filled bookshelves. The corner window before
+which the writing-table was placed commanded the entire view of the
+great bridge. The bold structure was always before the eyes of its
+architect.
+
+Elmhorst sat at his writing-table talking with Benno Reinsfeld, who had
+just appeared. The young physician was unchanged in person and manner,
+except that he had become rather more unconventional and awkward. Long
+years passed in a retired mountain-village, the laborious nature of the
+practice of a country doctor, and constant intercourse with men for
+whom the forms of society did not exist, had produced their effect.
+
+At present, indeed, the Herr Doctor was in full dress; he wore a black
+coat, which saw the light only on state occasions; unfortunately, its
+cut was that of ten years previous. He certainly did not show in it to
+advantage, it pinched him too much; his gray jacket and felt hat were
+infinitely more comfortable. There was no denying that Reinsfeld looked
+a good deal like a peasant, and he was probably conscious of it
+himself, for he was enduring with a very meek air the reproaches of his
+friend, who shook his head as he looked at him.
+
+"Do you want me to present you to the ladies in that coat?" he said,
+irritably. "Why did you not put on your dress-coat, at least?"
+
+"I have no dress-coat," Benno said, by way of excuse. "There is no use
+for one here, and it would have been a needless expense; but I have had
+my old hat ironed out, and I bought myself a pair of gloves in
+Heilborn."
+
+He produced from his pocket as he spoke a huge pair of gloves,
+intensely yellow of hue, and displayed them with much self-satisfaction
+to his friend, who looked at them in dismay.
+
+"But, good heavens, you are not going to wear those monsters!" he
+cried. "They are a great deal too big for you."
+
+"But they are quite new, and such a fine yellow," Benno rejoined,
+disappointed, for he had reckoned upon some expression of approval of
+his unwonted outlay in the interest of his toilet, having made up his
+mind to such expense only after due consideration.
+
+"You will cut a pretty figure at the Nordheims'," said Elmhorst,
+shrugging his shoulders. "There is positively nothing to be done with
+you."
+
+"Wolf, must I pay this visit?" the doctor asked, in a tone of piteous
+entreaty.
+
+"Yes, Benno, you must. I want you to treat Alice while she is here, for
+her wretched health makes me very anxious. She has had all sorts of
+physicians in town and at Heilborn, but each one's diagnosis is
+different from all the rest, and not one of them has done her any good.
+You know how highly I rate your medical skill, and you will not refuse
+to do me this favour."
+
+"Certainly not, if you desire it; but you know my reasons for wishing
+to avoid any personal intercourse with the president."
+
+"What! that old difference with your father? After all these years, who
+remembers it? Hitherto, in accordance with your wishes, I have not
+mentioned your name, but now when I ask your help for my betrothed
+I am forced to introduce you. Besides, you will not meet my future
+father-in-law, for he was going back to town this morning. Confess,
+Benno, your true reason is that you are so used to practising among
+your peasants that you would if you could avoid intercourse with
+ladies."
+
+Perhaps he was right in this conjecture, for Reinsfeld did not
+contradict him, he only sighed profoundly.
+
+"You will absolutely degenerate in the life you lead," Wolfgang went
+on, impatiently. "Here you have been planted for five years in this
+wretched little mountain-nest with a practice which makes the most
+tremendous demands upon you, and brings you but the poorest
+remuneration, and here you will perhaps stay all your life, only
+because you have not the courage to grasp anything else that offers.
+How can you endure such an existence?"
+
+"My home certainly does present an aspect unlike that of your rooms,"
+said Benno, good-humouredly, as he looked around him. "But you always
+had the tastes of a millionaire, and years ago you determined to be
+one, and you understand how to grasp fortune boldly; no one can deny
+that."
+
+Elmhorst frowned, and replied, in an irritated tone, "What! you too?
+Must I always be assailed by these hints as to Nordheim's wealth, as if
+my importance were entirely due to my betrothal? Am I nothing of myself
+any longer?"
+
+Reinsfeld looked at him in surprise: "What do you mean, Wolf? You know
+that I enjoy your good fortune with all my heart, but you are strangely
+sensitive whenever I allude to it, although you certainly have every
+reason to be proud, for if ever a man achieved a speedy and brilliant
+success, you are that man."
+
+Upon Wolfgang's writing-table stood a photograph of Alice in a
+richly-carved frame. It was a likeness, but a very unflattering one;
+there was little justice done to the delicacy of her features, and the
+eyes were entirely without expression. That slender, overdressed girl
+produced the impression of one of those nervous, superficial creatures
+who are so frequently to be met with in the fashionable world. This
+seemed to be Dr. Reinsfeld's opinion; he looked at his friend and then
+at the picture, remarking, drily, "Your attainment of your goal,
+however, has not made you happy."
+
+Wolfgang turned upon him: "Why not? What do you mean?"
+
+"Come, come, do not be angry again. I cannot help it, you are much
+changed from the Wolfgang of a few months ago. I hear of your
+betrothal, and expect you to return to me beaming with the triumphant
+consciousness of the realization of all your plans, instead of which
+you are now always grave, not to say out of humour, and irritable to a
+degree,--you who used to be so even-tempered. What is the matter with
+you, Wolf? tell me."
+
+"Nothing. Let me alone," was the rather peevish reply; but Benno went
+up to him and laid his hand upon his shoulder:
+
+"If your betrothal had been an affair of the heart I should think
+something there had gone wrong, but----"
+
+"I have no heart; you have told me so often enough," Wolfgang
+interposed, bitterly.
+
+"No, you have nothing but ambition,--absolutely nothing," Reinsfeld
+rejoined, seriously.
+
+Elmhorst made an impatient gesture: "Don't lecture me again, Benno! You
+know we never shall understand each other on that point. You are, and
+always will be----"
+
+"An overstrained idealist who would rather eat dry bread with the
+darling of his heart than drive about in a gorgeous equipage beside a
+grand wife whom he did not love. Yes, I am unpractical in the extreme,
+and since at present I have not bread enough for two, it is fortunate
+that there is no darling of my heart."
+
+"We must go," said Wolfgang, rising; "Alice expects me at twelve
+o'clock. And now do me the favour to look your best. I do not believe
+you know even how to make a bow."
+
+"My patients are glad enough to be cured without one," said Benno,
+defiantly. "And if I do you no credit in your betrothed's society, it
+is your own fault: why do you take me there like a lamb led to the
+slaughter? I suppose Fraeulein von Thurgau is there too?"
+
+"She is."
+
+"And has she grown to be a grand lady too?"
+
+"I suppose you would call her so."
+
+These answers were not very reassuring to the poor doctor, who looked
+forward to this visit with positive dread. He did not rebel, however,
+for he was accustomed to yield to his friend. So he took from the table
+his hat, which, in spite of its late ironing, did not belie its years,
+and prepared to draw on the yellow gloves, saying, submissively, "Well,
+then, what must be, must."
+
+Beyond the line of railway, about half a mile from the future station,
+lay the president's new villa. The house, built after the fashion
+common in the mountains, with an overhanging roof and graceful
+galleries, accorded well with its surroundings, while everything within
+was arranged to suit the grand scale upon which Nordheim's mode of life
+was conducted. The views of the finest portions of the mountain-range
+were magnificent, the meadows about the villa had been laid out in
+gardens, and the adjoining forest so cleared as to form a natural park.
+There had been an immense outlay of money that the place might serve
+for a six-weeks' residence in the summer, but Nordheim never took the
+expense into account when he laid his plans, and had given his
+architect _carte blanche_. Elmhorst had, in fact, created a masterpiece
+of beauty in this mountain-retreat, and it was to be his wife's
+property.
+
+Within, all appearance of simplicity vanished. The sunlight came
+through costly coloured glass to fall upon brilliant rugs and hangings,
+while carpeted stairs and corridors led to suites of apartments which,
+if not so splendid as those in the city, quite equalled them in luxury,
+and from every room there was an exquisite distant view.
+
+Hither the president had now brought his family, and Alice was to pass
+the summer months here for the sake of the mountain-air which had been
+prescribed for her. As usual, Nordheim himself had no time to spend in
+relaxation; he stayed only long enough to oversee the work on the
+railway before he was recalled to town by business. He had intended to
+take his departure in the early morning, but several letters had
+arrived to which he was obliged to attend, and this had delayed him for
+a few hours. His carriage was waiting while he himself sought out his
+niece, with whom he wished to speak before leaving for town.
+
+Erna's room was in the upper story; the glass door leading out upon the
+balcony was open, and outside lay Griff comfortably stretched out in
+the sunshine.
+
+The dog was almost the only relic left the girl of her home; but Griff
+she had insisted upon taking with her when she left Wolkenstein Court,
+in spite of the opposition of her uncle and of Frau von Lasberg, who
+could not endure 'the creature.' At the suggestion of leaving it behind
+there had been a scene; Erna had positively refused to go from the
+house unless Griff accompanied her, and Nordheim had yielded at
+last upon condition that the dog was never to be admitted to the
+drawing-room.
+
+This condition had been fulfilled; and, moreover. Griff had grown
+extremely well behaved, and it would now never have occurred to him to
+raise a riot in any room. He was no longer a puppy, but had developed
+into a magnificent animal. There was something lionlike in his
+appearance as he lay with huge, tawny paws stretched out, his large
+black eyes following every movement of his young mistress.
+
+Something special must have occurred to bring the president thus to
+Erna. He was wont to have neither time nor inclination for the joys of
+domesticity; he was absent from his home for weeks and months at a
+time, and when there, was seen by his family only at meal-times. Even
+his relations with his daughter were far from intimate, and with his
+niece he stood on a very formal footing. He lived and moved in the
+world of affairs; everything else was subordinate to his business
+interests.
+
+He entered Erna's room in his travelling-suit, and said, without
+sitting down and as if by the way, "I wanted to tell you that an hour
+ago I had a letter from Waltenberg. He came to Heilborn yesterday,
+intending to spend some weeks there, and will probably pay you a visit
+to-morrow."
+
+The words seemed to be carelessly spoken, but they were accompanied by
+a keen glance at Erna, who received the intelligence with indifference,
+and replied, "Indeed? I will let Alice and Frau von Lasberg know."
+
+"Frau von Lasberg knows it already, and will pay him all requisite
+attention; but I should wish a certain regard accorded him
+from--another quarter. Do you hear, Erna?"
+
+"I was not aware, uncle, that I had seemed regardless of your guest."
+
+"My guest? As if you did not know as well as I what attracts him to
+this house, and what has brought him to Heilborn. He wishes to know his
+fate with certainty, and I cannot blame him for wearying, after being
+trifled with all these months."
+
+"I have never trifled with Herr von Waltenberg," Erna rejoined, coolly.
+"I merely thought it best to maintain a degree of reserve with him,
+since he seems to imagine that he has only to stretch out his hand to
+obtain whatever he may desire."
+
+"Well, we will not dispute about that, for you seem to have pursued
+precisely the right course, with your cool reserve. Men like
+Waltenberg, who make a positive cult of their liberty, and regard all
+family ties as so many fetters, need to be dealt with very carefully.
+Too ready a welcome might have made him shy. What is withheld attracts
+him."
+
+The girl's eyes flashed indignantly: "Such calculation is yours, uncle,
+not mine!"
+
+"No matter, if it is correct," said Nordheim, paying no heed to the
+reproach contained in her words. "I have refrained from interfering
+hitherto because I saw that the affair was progressing as I would have
+it, but now I desire you no longer to avoid a declaration on
+Waltenberg's part. I have no doubt that he will shortly propose to you,
+and your answer----"
+
+"May, perhaps, not accord with his wishes," Erna completed the
+sentence.
+
+The president turned and looked searchingly at his niece: "What does
+that mean? You would not be insane enough to reject him?"
+
+She was silent, but the same obstinacy was legible in her face that had
+characterized the girl of sixteen. Nordheim probably recognized the
+look and what it foreboded, for he frowned darkly.
+
+"Erna, I confidently expect to find no obstacles in the way of my
+serious and well-considered plans. The matter in question is your
+marriage with a man----"
+
+"Whom I do not love," she interrupted him.
+
+Nordheim smiled, half contemptuously, half compassionately: "I supposed
+there was some exaggerated nonsense in the background. Love! What are
+called love-matches always end in disappointment. A marriage should be
+contracted upon a more sensible basis, and Alice sets you an example.
+Do you suppose that she was influenced by any romantic ideas in her
+betrothal, or that they have any weight with Wolfgang?"
+
+"Oh, no; least of all with _him_," Erna said, with evident contempt.
+
+"Which, of course, amounts to a crime in your eyes! Nevertheless I
+confide to him my daughter's future in the conviction that he will be
+to her an excellent husband. I certainly should not have chosen an
+enthusiast for my son-in-law. Waltenberg indeed can allow himself any
+luxury in the way of romance,--his means are ample. He is as eccentric
+as yourself; in fact, you are extremely alike, and I cannot understand
+what objection you can have to him."
+
+"His egotism! He lives only for himself and for what he considers the
+enjoyment of life. He knows neither country nor profession, neither
+duty nor ambition, nor does he choose to know them, because they might
+disturb his enjoyment. Such a man can never live a life of earnest
+endeavour; he has no future, nor can he love a wife, for he loves
+himself alone."
+
+"He offers you his hand, however, and that is the matter to be
+considered at present. If you require in your future husband only
+ambition and energy, you should have married Wolfgang. He _has_ a
+future,--for that I'll go warrant."
+
+Erna shrank from him, and her tone was almost sharp as she exclaimed,
+"Spare me such jests, uncle, I pray you."
+
+"I am not given to jesting; but, by the way, Erna, your relations with
+Wolfgang are very unpleasant, and the manner in which you conduct
+yourselves towards each other is most disagreeable for those about you.
+Let me seriously request you to modify the extreme coldness of your
+manner to him. But to return to the subject of our talk. You seem to
+think that you have but to make your choice among a crowd of suitors of
+one who shall conform to your ideal. I regret being obliged to show you
+your mistake, but the truth is, you have no choice. A girl without
+means will certainly be admired and flattered if she is beautiful, but
+married she will not be, for men are very calculating. This offer is
+the first you have had, and will probably be the only one; moreover, it
+is a more brilliant one than you had any right to expect. There is
+every reason why you should accept it."
+
+His words were not uttered in a tone of well-meant admonition; there
+was something indescribably heartless and offensive in the way in which
+President Nordheim explained to his niece that in spite of her beauty
+she had no claim to be loved and wooed, since she was poor. Erna turned
+pale, and her lip quivered, but her face was by no means expressive of
+docility.
+
+"And if, notwithstanding all this, I do not accept it?" she asked,
+slowly.
+
+"Then you must abide by the consequences. Your position will hardly be
+an enviable one if you remain unmarried. Alice is to be married next
+year, as you know."
+
+"And in the same year I shall be of age--and free!"
+
+"Free!" sneered Nordheim. "How grand it sounds! Have you, then, been
+fettered in chains in my house, where you were received as a daughter?
+or are you longing for your patrimony? It is the merest pittance, and
+you are accustomed to the requirements of a lady."
+
+"I lived with my father in the simplest way," said Erna, bitterly, "and
+we were happy. I have never been so in your house."
+
+The president shrugged his shoulders: "Yes, you are emphatically your
+father's daughter. He too preferred to live in a peasant's hut rather
+than, with his ancient name, to have a career in the world. Well,
+Waltenberg offers you the freedom for which you pine. As his wife you
+can have wealth and position; he will fulfil your every wish, gratify
+your every whim, if you but understand how to manage him. For the last
+time I entreat you to take a rational view of the matter. If you refuse
+to do so, you and I have done with each other. I have no toleration for
+exaggerations, which appear to be hereditary in the Thurgau family."
+
+Erna made no reply, and her uncle seemed to expect none, for he turned
+to go, pausing, however, on the threshold of the door to say, with
+frigid emphasis, "I confidently hope to find you betrothed when I
+return. Farewell!"
+
+He left the room, and a few minutes afterwards his carriage rolled down
+the road.
+
+Erna threw herself into an arm-chair, more agitated than she had cared
+to show to a man so cold,--a man who regarded her marriage as solely a
+business arrangement.
+
+Betrothed! She had a dread of the word, so apt to beguile a maiden's
+ear; and yet she was beloved by this man: the only one who never
+questioned whether she were rich or poor, but asked only to carry her
+from this house, where money was all in all, far away into a world of
+freedom and beauty! Perhaps she might learn to love him, perhaps, in
+spite of all, he was worthy to be loved. Could she not overcome
+herself?
+
+She covered her face with her hands. Suddenly she was aware of a gentle
+touch. Griff had approached unperceived, and was close beside her. He
+laid his huge head in her lap, and looked at her inquiringly out of his
+beautiful, large eyes as if he felt his young mistress's grief. She
+looked up; the dog was the only thing preserved to her from the time of
+her sunny, happy youth among the mountains with her father, whose
+idolized darling she had been. He had long been at peace in the grave,
+his dear old home had vanished from the face of the earth, and his only
+child lived among those who were strangers to her in spite of the ties
+of kinship.
+
+Suddenly the girl sobbed aloud, and as she threw her arms about the
+dog's neck she whispered, "Oh, Griff, if we were only in Wolkenstein
+Court once more! if these strangers had only never come! They brought
+death to your master, and to me what was far worse!"
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER X.
+
+                         A PROFESSIONAL VISIT.
+
+
+The president's carriage was rolling along the mountain-road, the only
+one available until the railway should be opened, when Elmhorst and
+Reinsfeld left the former's rooms and took their way to the villa.
+Elmhorst of course did not wait to be announced,--the servants bowed
+low before the future son-in-law of the house, and he conducted his
+friend to the drawing-room. If the doctor had dreaded the visit
+beforehand, he was now completely crushed by his unaccustomed
+surroundings.
+
+The room, with its luxurious carpets, its curtains admitting only a
+half light, its pale-blue hangings and furniture, seemed to him like
+some fairy realm. There were a few pictures on the walls, and a
+statuette of white marble peeped forth from a group of flowering plants
+that perfumed the air. All here was as fresh and delicate as though it
+had been Elf-land.
+
+Unfortunately, Benno was not accustomed to the society of elves. He
+stumbled over the carpet, dropped his hat, and in stooping to pick it
+up wellnigh overturned a little table, which nothing but Wolfgang's
+dexterity preserved from a fall. He mutely endured the unavoidable
+introduction, made an awkward bow, and when Frau von Lasberg's cold,
+stern face arose upon his vision scanning 'this strange person' with
+evident surprise, he lost all self-possession.
+
+Elmhorst frowned: he had not fancied it would be quite so bad as this;
+still, there was no retreat: the interview had to be gone through with,
+although, to poor Benno's great relief, he made it as short as
+possible. The embarrassed visitor held the recovered hat tightly in the
+hands adorned with the yellow gloves which were far too large, while
+his friend presented him to his betrothed.
+
+"You have promised me, dear Alice, to consult Dr. Reinsfeld, and this
+is he. You know how anxious I am about your health."
+
+The tone in which the words were spoken was anxious and considerate,
+but there was no tenderness in it. Reinsfeld, who had been quite
+crushed by the magnificence of the Baroness, scarcely dared to lift his
+eyes to the young heiress, who, he was sure, must be infinitely
+haughtier and more magnificent. He stood like a victim at the altar,
+when suddenly the gentlest voice in the world addressed him: "I am so
+very glad to see you, Herr Doctor; Wolfgang has told me so much about
+you."
+
+He looked up amazed into a pair of large brown eyes in which there was
+certainly no disdain. His head had been filled with the satin-clad and
+lace-shrouded lady of the photograph, but in her stead he saw a
+delicate little figure in a thin, white morning-gown, her light-brown
+hair twisted in a loose knot, her lovely face pale and weary, but the
+reverse of haughty. He was positively startled, and stammered something
+about 'exceeding pleasure,' and 'great honour,' soon, however, coming
+to a stand-still.
+
+Wolfgang came to his aid with some remark as to the purpose of the
+visit, wishing to afford his friend an opportunity to show himself at
+his best as the skilful physician. But to-day Benno belied his entire
+nature. He asked several questions, but his manner was that of one
+suing for mercy; he stammered, he blushed like a girl, and, worse than
+all, he was conscious of how unbecoming was his behaviour. This robbed
+him of the last remnant of self-possession; he sat gazing at the young
+lady imploringly, as if entreating her forgiveness for annoying her by
+his presence.
+
+Whether it were this same imploring expression or the childlike
+sincerity and gentleness, which, in spite of the young man's
+embarrassment, were evident in the dark-blue eyes lifted to her own,
+that touched Alice, she suddenly felt moved to say, with extreme
+kindness, "You will hardly be able to judge of my health in this first
+visit, Herr Doctor, but be sure that I shall place implicit confidence
+in Wolfgang's friend."
+
+And she held out to him a transparent little hand, which lay like a
+rose-leaf in his own as he said, with far more earnestness than the
+occasion warranted, "Oh, thank you, thank you, Fraeulein Nordheim!"
+
+Frau von Lasberg's face plainly showed her doubt of the capacity of a
+physician whose first visit to a patient so overwhelmed him with
+stammering confusion, and who was so profusely grateful for nothing.
+And this man was Elmhorst's friend, and Alice seemed quite content. The
+old lady shook her head, and said, with much reserve, "You are wont to
+be very chary of your confidence, my dear Alice."
+
+"I am all the more pleased that she should make an exception in my
+friend's favour," Wolfgang interposed. "You will not regret it, Alice.
+I assure you, Benno's acquirements and skill will bear comparison with
+those of his most distinguished fellows. I am always remonstrating with
+him for not exercising them in a wider field. He is sacrificing his
+life here in a subordinate position, and only last year he refused a
+most advantageous offer."
+
+"But you know, Wolf----" Reinsfeld attempted to interrupt this praise.
+
+"Yes, I know that a couple of little peasants who were ill so absorbed
+you that you let the opportunity slip."
+
+"Ah, was that the reason?" Alice asked, in an undertone, glancing again
+at the young man, who looked as if he were being accused of some crime.
+
+"The Herr Doctor practises among the peasantry, if I understand
+aright?" said Frau von Lasberg. "Do you really drive up the mountains
+to the secluded cottages scattered here and there?"
+
+"No, madame, I walk," Reinsfeld explained, simply. "I have, it is true,
+been obliged of late years to buy a mountain-pony for extreme
+distances, but I usually walk."
+
+The lady cleared her throat and looked significantly at the engineer,
+who was intrusting his betrothed's health to a doctor of peasants.
+Benno was now entirely out of her good graces. Wolfgang understood her
+look, and smiled rather contemptuously as he said, "Yes, madame, he
+walks; and when he reaches his home after an expedition through snow
+and ice, he works away at a scientific treatise that will one day make
+him famous. But no one must know anything about that. I discovered it
+only by chance."
+
+"Pray, pray, Wolf!" Benno protested, in such embarrassment that
+Elmhorst could not but release him. He observed that his friend had a
+medical visit to pay, and thus allowed him to take his leave. How this
+leave was taken the poor doctor never quite understood; he only knew
+that the delicate white hand was held out to him in token of farewell,
+and that the kindly brown eyes were lifted half compassionately to his
+own. Then Elmhorst took his arm, piloted him past all the flowers and
+statuettes, and then the door was closed between him and the fairy
+realm.
+
+In the antechamber he asked, timidly, "Wolf--did it go off so very
+badly?"
+
+"God knows, it could hardly have been worse," was Elmhorst's irritated
+reply.
+
+"I told you before, I am unused to society," Benno said, piteously.
+
+"But you are a man nearly thirty, and can be resolute enough by the
+bedside of a patient; while to-day you behaved like a school-boy who
+has not learned his task."
+
+Thus he hectored his friend after his usual fashion, and Benno meekly
+submitted. Only when he was entreated earnestly to collect himself and
+be more sensible the next time, did he ask, in a half-frightened,
+half-pleased tone, "May I come again, then?"
+
+Elmhorst fairly lost patience: "Benno, I really do not know what to
+think of you. Have I not begged you to take charge of my betrothed's
+health?"
+
+"But the old lady was much displeased,--I could see that," Reinsfeld
+observed, dejectedly, "and I am afraid that Fraeulein Nordheim too
+thinks----" He paused and looked down.
+
+"I do not ask the Baroness Lasberg's permission in my plans for my
+betrothed," Wolfgang said, haughtily. "And my influence with Alice is
+supreme. Since it is my wish, she has accepted you for her physician."
+
+The doctor eyed him askance: "Wolf, you really do not deserve your good
+fortune."
+
+"Why not? Because I take the helm into my own hands thus early? You do
+not understand, Benno. When a man without means, like myself, enters a
+family like Nordheim's, he must choose whether to rule, or to occupy a
+very subordinate position. I prefer to rule."
+
+"You are a monster to talk of ruling that delicate creature!" Benno
+broke out, angrily.
+
+"Of course I did not mean Alice," Wolfgang rejoined, coolly; "her
+nature is extremely gentle, and she is used to yield to the will of
+another. I merely take care that this other shall be myself. You need
+not look at me so angrily; my wife will never find me a tyrant. I know
+she needs the greatest forbearance and care, and she shall always find
+them at my hands."
+
+"Yes, because she brings you a million," Benno muttered, as he turned
+to go. Elmhorst detained him.
+
+"You have not told me your opinion of Alice?"
+
+"At present I have formed none. She seems to be in an extremely nervous
+condition, but I must have more opportunity of observation."
+
+"As much as you please. _Au revoir_."
+
+"Adieu."
+
+They parted, and while Wolfgang returned to his betrothed the doctor
+left the villa. He seemed in haste, for he strode quickly up a
+mountain-path, and did not stay his steps or look back until he had
+reached a distant point.
+
+There, behind those windows with white lace curtains, lay the fairy
+realm, where they were now ridiculing and laughing at the awkward
+fellow who had so plainly, in every word and gesture, shown his
+unfitness for the Nordheim drawing-room. Involuntarily he glanced at
+his gloves, which had seemed to him so extremely elegant an hour
+before, and in a sudden fit of impatience he tore them off and tossed
+the innocent yellow things into the thicket of pines. One fell on the
+ground, but the other was caught upon a bough, where it dangled and
+nodded like a huge sunflower. This irritated its owner still more, and
+he was half minded to send his hat after it, when he bethought himself
+in time that he really could not dispose of his entire wardrobe thus.
+
+"You cannot help it, old fellow!" he said, sadly, looking at his
+venerable beaver. "I am not used to polite society. I wonder whether
+_she_ is laughing too?"
+
+There was no explanation as to whom the 'she' referred to, but
+certainly for a time Dr. Reinsfeld was as miserable a man as could be
+found among the mountains. The consciousness of his want of society
+tact oppressed him terribly.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XI.
+
+                              ON THE ALM.
+
+
+
+Saint John's day!--the people's holiday from legendary times, preceding
+Midsummer day, all redolent with mystery, when hidden treasures rise
+from the depths and allure wondrously, when the slumbering forces of
+magic awaken, and the entire elfin world of the mountains reveals
+itself in its wonder-working power. The people have not forgotten the
+ancient festival of the sun's turning, and legend still throws its veil
+about the sacred midsummer-time, when the sun mounts highest, when the
+earth shows fairest, and warm, fresh life courses throughout nature.
+
+In the country about Wolkenstein this day was one of the grand yearly
+festivals. The inhabitants of the lonely, secluded Alpine valley which
+the railway was to open to the world the ensuing year were devoted to
+their customs and habits, and clung closely to their superstitions.
+Here the Mountain-Sprite still held undisputed sway, and not merely as
+a devastating force of nature with snow-storm and avalanche; for most
+of the people she was enthroned bodily on the veiled summit of the
+Wolkenstein, and the beacon-fires which flamed up everywhere on St.
+John's evening had some hidden connection with the dreaded Spirit of
+the Mountain. Nothing was known here of the pagan significance of the
+bale-fire, nor of Christian legend gathered about it; the people in
+their superstition clung directly to their own mountain-legends, which
+they credited fully.
+
+The clear, mild, June day was near its close; the sun had set; a
+crimson glow still lingered about the loftiest mountain-tops. All the
+other heights were lightly veiled in blue mists, while the valleys lay
+in deep shadow.
+
+High above the forests which clothed the foot of the Wolkenstein, where
+the projecting cliff's of the huge mountain began their rise, there was
+a smooth, green meadow, whereon stood a low hut. It was usually very
+lonely up here, and seldom visited by strangers, since the ascent of
+the Wolkenstein was deemed impossible, but to-day it was enlivened by
+an unwonted stir and bustle. A huge wood-pile had been built upon the
+spacious meadow, many an ancient pine and hemlock having contributed to
+its erection. Gigantic logs of wood, dry branches, old roots, towered
+high in air. The bale-fire on the Wolkenstein was always one of the
+largest, and gleamed far and wide abroad over the country, for was it
+not lighted upon the legendary throne of the entire range, at the very
+feet of the Mountain-Sprite?
+
+Around the pile was assembled a circle of mountaineers, mostly
+shepherds and woodsmen, with girls among them from the neighbouring
+alms, all powerful, sunburned figures, who lived up on the heights in
+sunshine and storm all through the summer, descending into the valley
+only when autumn reigned there. All were in merry mood: there were
+endless shouts and laughter; for people who worked hard day after day,
+and whose monotonous existence was rarely interrupted by any
+relaxation, the old popular festival was a joyous one.
+
+To-day, however, they were not entirely left to themselves; there was a
+little group of spectators who had taken up a position on one side upon
+a low eminence. This was an unaccustomed sight for the mountaineers,
+and under other circumstances would have been an unwelcome one, for on
+such occasions they liked to feel themselves undisputed lords of their
+domain. But the young lady sitting on the mossy stone was no stranger
+among them, nor was the huge lion-like dog at her feet. The two had
+lived among these mountains for years, in old Wolkenstein Court, not a
+stone of which was now standing. True, the wild, joyous child of those
+days had grown to be a grand young lady and lived in the fine Nordheim
+villa, which was nothing short of a fairy castle in their eyes, but the
+Fraeulein came among them just as she used to do, and talked with them
+in their patois as of old; no one dreamed of thinking her a stranger.
+
+Moreover, Sepp was with her; he had been ten years in the service of
+Baron Thurgau, and had superintended the affairs of the little estate,
+and the two strangers who had accompanied her did not look at all, with
+their brown faces, like city people. One of them had made Sepp bring
+him directly into the circle of mountaineers, where he was found to
+speak the patois perfectly, and was not one whit behind the rest in
+enjoyment of the fun. The other, who looked a far finer gentleman, with
+black hair and thick black eyebrows, stayed close beside the young
+lady, and had just leaned over her to ask rather anxiously, "Are you
+tired, Fraeulein Thurgau? We never stopped once to rest as we came up."
+
+Erna shook her head, smiling: "Oh, no, I have not yet forgotten how to
+climb. I used to go much higher, greatly to Griff's disgust; he
+regularly made a halt here when I clambered up the rocks, and he still
+remembers the place."
+
+"Yes, I saw with admiration how lightly and easily you walked up. I
+fancy you would find the difficulties of travel mere child's play where
+other women could not possibly confront them. I am very proud of being
+your escort upon this bale-fire expedition."
+
+"I should else hardly have been permitted to come. Frau von Lasberg was
+horrified at the idea of a nightly expedition among the mountains, and
+Alice is not strong enough to undertake anything of the kind. Sepp
+indeed long ago offered to accompany me, but he was not thought
+sufficiently trustworthy, although he lived with us for ten years."
+
+There was a shade of bitterness in the words, which did not escape the
+hearer.
+
+"You would not have been permitted?" he asked, surprised. "Do you
+really allow yourself to be governed by others in such matters?"
+
+Erna was silent, knowing well what a scene there had been when she
+expressed a desire to make this expedition. Frau von Lasberg had been
+almost beside herself at so eccentric and unbecoming an idea,--wishing
+to mingle among peasants after nightfall, and to witness their rude
+festivities. But it chanced that Ernst Waltenberg and his secretary
+arrived from Heilborn in the afternoon. He immediately offered to
+escort the young girl, and, as he was already regarded in the Nordheim
+household as Erna's future husband, the privilege was accorded him
+which had been denied to faithful old Sepp. Ernst was about to pursue
+his inquiries, when a stranger approached and said, half shyly, half
+familiarly,--
+
+"Welcome home, Fraeulein von Thurgau!"
+
+"Dr. Reinsfeld!" exclaimed Erna, in delighted surprise, offering him
+her hand with the same confidence with which as a child she had treated
+him upon his visits to her father. He seemed at first amazed, but his
+face instantly lit up with pleasure as he grasped the offered hand with
+answering cordiality. In a moment Griff had recognized his old friend,
+and was leaping about him with every mark of delight.
+
+"I did not have a glimpse of you yesterday when you were at our house,"
+said Erna. "I did not know of your visit until you had gone."
+
+"And I did not venture to ask for you; I did not know whether you would
+like to have me claim acquaintance with you."
+
+"Could you entertain such a doubt?"
+
+There was reproach in her tone, but Reinsfeld evidently was not
+depressed by it, and he looked at the girl with sparkling eyes. He
+could see how much more beautiful, how much graver, she had become, but
+she was the same to him as of old, nor did he in her presence feel any
+of the timidity and embarrassment which had made him so awkward on the
+previous day.
+
+"I had such a dread of seeing you a fine lady," he said, simply. "But,
+thank God, you are not that!"
+
+The ejaculation seemed to come so directly from his heart that Erna
+laughed,--the same merry, childlike laugh to which she had for years
+been a stranger.
+
+Waltenberg had at first observed with evident dismay the familiar
+greetings thus exchanged, and the look with which he had scanned
+Reinsfeld was darkly suspicious. Its result, however, could not but be
+satisfactory. This Herr Doctor in jacket and felt hat could hardly be a
+dangerous rival; the very ease and familiarity of his intercourse with
+Erna was the best of warrants that he was merely a friend of her
+childhood. Ernst Waltenberg was quite capable of perceiving this, and
+his manner when Reinsfeld was presented to him was extremely cordial.
+
+"We are but just arrived," said the doctor, after the introduction had
+taken place, "and in all this merry turmoil we did not at first
+perceive you. But where has Wolfgang gone? I brought your future
+relative with me, Fraeulein Thurgau. Wolf, where are you?"
+
+His call was quite unnecessary, for Elmhorst was standing fifty paces
+off, looking fixedly at the group. Apparently he had not intended to
+join it; he now slowly approached, and Benno could not but be surprised
+at the formality of the greetings interchanged between the 'future
+relatives.' Wolfgang bowed formally, and Erna's manner seemed to
+indicate that this meeting was anything but agreeable to her.
+
+"I thought you were to be in Oberstein this evening, Herr Elmhorst?"
+said she. "You spoke yesterday of going there."
+
+"I did, and I have been there with Benno, but he persuaded me to come
+up to the alm with him."
+
+"That he may see a veritable bale-fire," Benno interposed. "There is
+one kindled in Oberstein too, but there the entire village, all the
+labourers on the railway, the engineers, and a crowd of guests from
+Heilborn are assembled, and so the fine old custom comes to be only a
+noisy spectacle for strangers. Up here we have the genuine
+unadulterated mountain-life. And there is Sepp! How are you, old
+fellow? Yes, we are here. You would rather we were not to-night, I
+know, and therefore I said not one word in Oberstein of our expedition.
+You must put up with us,--that is, with the Herr Superintendent and the
+stranger gentleman there,--for Fraeulein von Thurgau and I belong here."
+
+"Yes, you belong here," said Sepp, solemnly. "You surely ought not to
+be absent."
+
+"I should like to protest against being treated as an entire stranger,"
+said Wolfgang. "I have been living for three years in the mountains."
+
+"But in constant war with them," Waltenberg interposed, half
+ironically. "That would hardly establish your right to feel at home
+among them, it seems to me."
+
+"At most only the right of the conqueror;" Erna said, coldly. "Herr
+Elmhorst upon his arrival here was wont to boast that he would take
+possession of the realm of the Mountain-Sprite and bind it in chains."
+
+"You see, however, Fraeulein Thurgau," Wolfgang replied, in the same
+tone, "that it was no empty boast. We _have_ brought her under
+subjection, the haughty ruler of the mountains. She made it difficult
+enough for us, so intrenching herself in her forests and fields that we
+were obliged to contend for every step of our way; but she was
+conquered at last. By the end of autumn the last structures will be
+completed, and next spring our trains will thunder through this entire
+Wolkenstein domain."
+
+"I am sorry for the magnificent valley," said Waltenberg. "All its
+beauty will be lost when steam once takes possession of it and the
+shrill whistle of the locomotive invades the sublime repose of the
+mountains."
+
+Wolfgang shrugged his shoulders: "I am sorry, but such romantic
+considerations cannot have any weight where the question is one of
+furnishing the world with roads for travel."
+
+"The world which belongs to you! Here in Europe you have mastered it
+with steam and iron. We who would find some quiet valley wherein to
+dream undisturbed shall finally be obliged to seek it in some distant
+island in the ocean."
+
+"Assuredly, Herr Waltenberg, if such dreaming seem to you the sole aim
+of existence. For us it is action."
+
+Ernst bit his lip: he saw that Erna was listening, and to be thus
+reproved in her presence was more than he could bear; adopting,
+therefore, the same indifferent, high-bred tone with which he had tried
+to humiliate the 'fortune-hunter' at their first interview, he said,
+"The old dispute, begun in the Herr President's conservatory! I never
+doubted your activity, Herr Elmhorst; you have certainly by its aid
+achieved brilliant results."
+
+Wolfgang involuntarily held himself more erect; he knew what result was
+meant, but he merely smiled contemptuously. Here he was not merely 'the
+future husband of Alice Nordheim' as in society in the capital; here he
+was in his own domain, and with all the proud self-consciousness of a
+man perfectly aware of his talent and of his achievements, he replied,
+"You allude to my work as an engineer? The Wolkenstein bridge is
+indeed my first work, but it will hardly be my last."
+
+Waltenberg was silenced. He had seen the gigantic structure spanning
+the yawning abyss, and he felt that he must give up treating as an
+adventurer the man who had devised it. Though he should aspire ten
+times over to the hand of the millionaire's daughter, there was stuff
+in this Elmhorst, even his antagonist must admit, however unwillingly.
+
+"I have indeed admired the engineer of that magnificent work," he
+replied, after a pause.
+
+"I am greatly flattered by your saying so,--you have seen all the
+finest bridges in the world."
+
+The words sounded courteous, but the glances which the men exchanged
+were like rapiers. Each felt at this moment that something more than
+dislike--that positive hatred divided them.
+
+Hitherto Erna had taken no part in the conversation; she probably
+perceived with whom the victory lay, for her voice betrayed annoyance
+as she interposed at last: "You had better give up contending with Herr
+Elmhorst. He is of iron, like his work, and there is no place in his
+world for romance. You and I belong to quite another one, and the abyss
+between his and ours no bridge can span."
+
+"You and I,--yes!" Ernst repeated quickly, turning to her. All strife
+was forgotten and all hatred dissolved in the joy that sparkled in his
+eyes as he said, almost triumphantly, 'you and I!'
+
+Wolfgang retired so suddenly that Benno looked amazed. The doctor was
+talking with Veit Gronau, who had approached when he heard from Sepp
+the name Reinsfeld, and had introduced himself.
+
+"You cannot possibly remember me," he was saying, "You were a very
+little fellow when I went abroad, so you must believe upon the evidence
+of my face that I was a friend of your father's when he was young. He
+died long ago, I know, but his son will not refuse me the hand which my
+old Benno cannot give me."
+
+"Most certainly not," Benno assured him, pressing the offered hand
+cordially. "And now let me hear how it happens that you have returned
+to Europe."
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XII.
+
+                             THE BALE-FIRE.
+
+
+The last crimson reflection of sunset had long vanished, field and
+forest were covered with dew, and the darkness was softly creeping up
+from the valleys to the heights, while above the snow-peaks began to
+gleam with a silvery lustre,--the herald of the rising moon, which was
+not yet visible.
+
+Then flames began to dart forth from the heaped-up wood on the
+Wolkenstein; at first only fitfully, crackling and smoking, until the
+fire caught the giant logs, and then it leapt aloft wildly with a
+magnificent ruddy glare, hailed by cheers from the circle of men around
+it,--the ancient bale-fire of the mountains.
+
+It was wonderfully picturesque,--the scene to which the growing
+darkness added much in effect,--the flaming altar sending its
+sparks towards heaven, and around it in the red light the crowd of
+brown-visaged mountaineers in joyous motion. They chased and chaffed
+one another, and leaped around the fire, snatching and waving aloft the
+burning brands in unrestrained delight, to which the crackling and
+roaring of the flames added intensity, while above it all the smoke
+rolled and floated in thick clouds, now half veiling and anon revealing
+the scene below.
+
+Erna and Waltenberg had not left their place,--probably preferring to
+keep somewhat aloof from the noisy crowd. At a little distance stood
+Wolfgang with folded arms, apparently lost in contemplation of the
+fantastic spectacle. Probably by chance, he had taken up a position
+where he was almost entirely in the shadow; all the more brilliant did
+the light seem which was thrown upon the little group on the hillock,
+the slender, graceful figure of the girl, the tall, dark form beside
+her, and the shaggy dog lying motionless at their feet, his head
+resting upon his huge paws.
+
+Benno, standing near the fire with Gronau, now and then glanced towards
+them, but that other pair of eyes watched them intently from the gloom,
+and if sometimes their owner resolutely looked away towards the busy,
+happy throng, some mysterious force seemed to compel his gaze to rest
+again upon the pair, who looked as if they already belonged to each
+other.
+
+Erna, who had grown warm from climbing, had taken off her hat and laid
+it upon the mossy stone that served her for a seat, while Waltenberg
+leaned above her, conversing in a low tone. What he said had, perhaps,
+no special significance, but his look sought hers with a passionate
+eagerness which he took no pains to conceal. His eyes could well
+express the emotion which thrilled his whole being. The man whose
+thirst for freedom had so long defied the fetters of love was now
+hopelessly enthralled.
+
+The conversation was carried on in an undertone, but Wolfgang
+distinguished every word; through all the shouting and laughter,
+through all the crackling and hissing of the flames, every syllable
+distinctly fell on his ear, for every nerve was strung in the effort to
+listen, as if for him life and death depended upon what was said.
+
+"Inaccessible do you call the Wolkenstein?" asked Waltenberg. "That
+only means that no one has yet ascended it. It can be subdued, that
+haughty peak."
+
+"Hitherto no one has subdued it, however," Erna replied. "Several have
+ventured up through the rocks to the foot of the topmost cliff, but
+there every one has been stayed; even my father, who was not easily
+daunted by any ascent and pursued the chamois to the highest summits,
+often declared, 'The Wolkenstein peak is inaccessible.'"
+
+Ernst looked up at the peak, now only partially visible, and smiled:
+"Do you know, Fraeulein Thurgau, your description tempts me to venture
+the ascent?"
+
+She looked up at him in dismay: "Herr Waltenberg, you would not----?"
+
+"Climb the Wolkenstein peak? At least I shall attempt it."
+
+"Impossible! You are jesting."
+
+"Do you think so? I hope to prove to you that I am in earnest."
+
+"But why? What for?"
+
+"Why does one undertake any adventure? Because the danger excites;
+because it is a victory, a triumph, to achieve the apparently
+impossible."
+
+"And if this triumph should cost you your life? You would not be the
+first victim of the peak. Ask Sepp; he can tell you a sad story."
+
+"Bah! I am no novice in such attempts. I have climbed higher mountains
+than your dreaded Wolkenstein."
+
+His tone betrayed the defiant persistence of a man accustomed to
+danger, apt indeed to seek it. Nordheim was right: he longed only for
+what was withheld from him, and life had thus far withheld from him
+little enough. To climb a mountain-summit which no human foot had
+ever before trod, or to win a beautiful, proud woman who met his
+advances with coy reserve,--either attempt attracted him. He must win,
+subdue,--nothing was impossible.
+
+The wind, which was rising, blew the flames to one side; they flickered
+and leaped, and a shower of sparks fell upon Wolfgang, who hardly
+noticed it. He remained motionless in the ruddy glare, which did not
+reveal his extreme pallor. The entire pile was now one mountain of
+flame, whence huge tongues soared aloft, higher and higher, invading
+the night with a fiery breath. The cool, dewy meadow, the dark forests,
+the steep declivities of the Wolkenstein,--all looked strangely
+transformed in the red, darting light beneath the clouds of smoke
+rolling overhead.
+
+And there was a reflection of the glowing fire in the face of the man
+who endured mutely, with compressed lips, the torture that he would not
+flee. He felt the hot breath of the flames, but he could not tear
+himself from the spot where those low, half-whispered words reached his
+ear.
+
+"Take care. It is the legendary stronghold of our mountains; there is a
+spell upon it. Its ruler permits no human foot to press her throne."
+
+"Until he comes who subdues her. The German legends all end thus. He
+whose courage wins the summit clasps the enchantress in his arms."
+
+"And dies beneath the Mountain-Sprite's icy kiss. Yes, so runs the
+legend."
+
+Waltenberg laughed contemptuously: "Yes, the tale may terrify children
+and simple peasants. Thence comes the inaccessibility of the
+Wolkenstein,--not from the danger, but from superstition! Nevertheless
+I hope to make it mine, that mysterious kiss."
+
+"You will not persist?" Erna interposed, between entreaty and command.
+"Give up so foolhardy an idea!"
+
+"No, no, Fraeulein von Thurgau, not even at your command."
+
+"But if I entreat?"
+
+There was an instant's pause; in the brilliant light Wolfgang could
+distinguish every feature in the girl's face turned upward in genuine
+entreaty, and in that of the man who bent over her so close that he
+wellnigh touched her curls. The daring, reckless tone had vanished from
+his voice; it sounded low, but infinitely tender, as he rejoined,
+"_You_ entreat me?"
+
+"Yes--from my heart! Do not persist in such folly. It troubles me."
+
+Ernst smiled, and replied, in a voice strangely gentle for one so
+impatient of control,--
+
+"You shall be obeyed. Sweet as it would be to know, were I in any
+danger, that one human being was anxious on my account, I relinquish my
+project."
+
+The sharp needles of the pine bough about which Wolfgang had clasped
+his hand in a nervous grasp pierced his flesh, but he did not feel
+them. The hill of fire, which was still glowing erect, tottered, some
+of the logs gave way, and the burning pile fell into ruins, crashing
+and crackling, while from the dazzling heap a thousand tongues of flame
+curled along the ground, illuminating now only a comparatively narrow
+circle, while the meadow and the hillock vanished in darkness.
+
+"It was a magnificent sight, was it not?" Benno asked gaily,
+approaching his friend and laying his hand upon the one clasping the
+pine. "But, Wolf, what is the matter with you? You have an attack of
+fever,--you are trembling, and your hand is icy cold."
+
+"There is nothing the matter," said Wolfgang. "I may have taken a
+little cold here in the damp."
+
+"Taken cold on this summer evening? a fellow of your iron constitution?
+You are ill."
+
+But Elmhorst withdrew the hand the doctor would have taken: "Pray do
+not make so much of a slight indisposition; such attacks go as quickly
+as they come. I felt it as we were walking up here."
+
+Benno shook his head; he had not before perceived any symptoms of
+indisposition. "We had better set out upon our way back," he said. "The
+fire is going out, and we have a good mile to walk down the mountain."
+
+"You are right; we are going too," said Waltenberg, approaching. "Sepp
+proposes to take us down by the Vulture Cliff, but that shorter way
+seems slightly perilous."
+
+"It certainly is by moonlight."
+
+"Then we will give it up. I promised Frau von Lasberg to return
+early, and I must keep my word. Gronau can descend with the guide by
+the cliff, since he seems to want to do so. He can meet us on the
+high-road."
+
+The little party set out together, Gronau and Sepp agreeing to meet it
+at an appointed spot in the road below. The meadow with the flickering
+flames soon vanished, and the silence of the mountain-forest replaced
+the shouting and laughter on the height. Silence also fell upon the
+descending group; they were obliged to walk heedfully, for the path,
+although neither steep nor perilous, lay in the shadow of the dense
+pine forest, which hid the moonlight except for a brilliant ray here
+and there. Waltenberg walked close beside Erna; the other two followed.
+Thus descending, they reached the edge of the forest in about half an
+hour and emerged upon the cleared mountainside.
+
+"The heights all around are still flaming," said Waltenberg, pointing
+upward, where, upon the other summits, the fires were yet blazing. "The
+Wolkensteiners lit their pile early. Her Majesty the Mountain-Sprite
+takes precedence, and she seems actually to mean to unveil in honour of
+the night."
+
+He was right. The clouds that during the entire evening had hovered
+about the summit of the Wolkenstein and had veiled its peak were
+beginning to float away.
+
+"I wonder that Gronau and Sepp are not here," Erna remarked. "They
+ought to have been here before us, since they took the shorter path."
+
+"Perhaps they have met with some ghostly hinderance," said Benno,
+laughing. "It is Midsummer Eve, and the mountains are alive with
+fairies and spirits. I'll wager either that they have encountered some
+phantom, or that they are now searching for the treasures which rise
+from hidden depths to the surface on this night in the year. Ah, there
+they are!"
+
+In fact, Sepp made his appearance on the other side of the road, but he
+was alone, and the haste of his approach boded ill.
+
+"What is the matter?" said Waltenberg, going to meet him. "Has anything
+happened? Where is Herr Gronau?"
+
+Sepp pointed in the direction of the Vulture Cliff: "Up there! We have
+had an accident. The gentle man slipped on the rocks, and his foot----"
+
+"There are no bones broken?"
+
+"No, 'tis not so bad as that, for we got down to even ground, but he
+could not go any farther. The gentleman is up there in the forest, and
+cannot move his foot, and I came to ask the Herr Doctor to look after
+him."
+
+"Of course I must look after him," said Reinsfeld, instantly turning to
+go. "Where did you leave him? Far from here?"
+
+"No; only a short quarter of a mile up."
+
+"I will go with you," said Waltenberg, hastily. "I must see after
+Gronau. Pray stay here, Fraeulein von Thurgau; you hear it is not far,
+and we shall return immediately."
+
+"Would it not be better that we should all go up together?" asked
+Elmhorst. "My aid might be necessary."
+
+"Oh, a sprained ankle, or even a broken limb, is not dangerous," said
+Benno. "We three can do all that is necessary, even although we should
+be obliged to carry Herr Gronau; and Fraeulein von Thurgau cannot be
+left here alone."
+
+"Certainly not; Herr Elmhorst must stay with her," Ernst said,
+decidedly. "We will be as quick as possible, rely upon it, Fraeulein von
+Thurgau."
+
+The arrangement was a very natural one; fearless as the young lady
+might be, she could not be left here in the night alone, and Wolfgang,
+almost a member of her family, was, of course, the one to be left to
+take care of her. Nevertheless neither of them seemed pleased. Erna
+objected, and thought it would be better to accompany the doctor. But
+Waltenberg would not hear of it; he hurried away with Reinsfeld and
+Sepp over the meadow, and then all three vanished in the opposite wood.
+
+Those left behind were obliged to accommodate themselves to
+circumstances. They exchanged a few remarks about the accident and its
+possible consequences, and then there was a long silence.
+
+The midsummer night with its deep, mysterious stillness brooded above
+the mountains, but without the darkness of night. The full moon, now
+high in the heavens, bathed everything in its dreamy radiance. In its
+light the fires upon the mountains gleamed but dimly. They no longer
+flamed aloft, but looked like glowing stars fallen from the firmament
+and shining on the heights in clear, quiet beauty. By day there was a
+distant view from this meadow, now the mountain world was veiled in a
+delicate mist that left only certain detached features distinctly
+visible. The rigid lines of the tall summits were softened, the thick
+forests were massed in bluish shadow; below, where yawned the
+Wolkenstein abyss, darkness still reigned, although the moonlight
+already silvered the bridge. It reached from rock to rock, like a
+narrow, shining plank, discernible by keen eyes even at this height.
+
+The Wolkenstein summit alone, close at hand, was defined sharply
+against the clear sky of night. The forests at its feet, the jagged
+outlines of the billowy sea of rocks, and the gigantic proportions of
+the steep wall rising from them,--all were flooded with snowy lustre.
+Around its head there was still a fleecy vapour, which seemed slowly
+melting away in the moonbeams; at times each icy peak would be revealed
+clearly, to half vanish again in a semi-transparent veil. Erna had
+seated herself on the stump of a felled tree on the border of the
+forest. The scene fascinated her, as it did her companion, who was,
+nevertheless, the first to break the long silence.
+
+"Herr Waltenberg could hardly achieve that ascent," he said. "It was
+scarcely necessary to warn him off so seriously; he certainly would
+have turned back at the foot of the rocky wall."
+
+"You heard what we said?" the girl asked, without looking away from the
+Wolkenstein.
+
+"I did. I was standing very near you."
+
+"Then you heard that the attempt was relinquished."
+
+"At _your_ request."
+
+"I was interested that it should be so; there is something distressing
+to me in all aimless foolhardiness."
+
+"In _all_? I think Herr Waltenberg attached another significance to
+your words; and was he not justified in so doing?"
+
+Erna turned and bestowed upon him a glance of disapproval: "Herr
+Elmhorst, you evidently consider yourself as already belonging to our
+family, but I cannot, nevertheless, accord you the right to ask such
+questions."
+
+The rebuff was sufficiently plain. Wolfgang bit his lip.
+
+"Pardon me, Fraeulein von Thurgau, if I was indiscreet; but, from the
+remarks of my future father-in-law, I judged the matter to be no longer
+a secret."
+
+"My uncle spoke of it to you? And before his departure?"
+
+"Assuredly. And he also did so three weeks ago, when I was in the
+city."
+
+A dark flush mounted to the girl's cheek. So the president had even
+then confided to his prospective son-in-law his plans for disposing of
+his niece, probably before her personal acquaintance with Waltenberg.
+All the pride of her nature was in revolt as she replied, "I know my
+uncle puts a price upon everything, and why not upon my hand? But in
+this case the decisive word is mine, as both he and you seem to have
+forgotten."
+
+"I?" said Wolfgang, indignantly. "Can you suppose me to have any share
+in his plan?"
+
+She looked at him, with a strange expression which he could not
+unriddle, and there was a shade of scorn in her voice as she replied,
+"No, certainly not in this plan."
+
+"You would do me gross injustice by such a suspicion. Moreover, I have
+no liking for Herr Waltenberg, and I feel sure that, despite all his
+brilliant qualities, he is not fitted to make another human being
+happy."
+
+"That is your opinion," Erna said, coldly. "In such a case all that a
+woman takes into consideration is whether she is beloved without
+calculation or reserve."
+
+"Ought that alone to be decisive? I should suppose there might be a
+question as to whether she herself loves."
+
+The words came slowly and almost with hesitation from his lips, and
+yet his eyes were riveted in breathless eagerness upon the face so
+clearly revealed in the bright moonlight. There was no reply; Erna's
+glance avoided his: her eyes were fixed upon the distant scene. The
+mountain-fires were growing fainter; the largest, upon the Wolkenstein,
+still gleamed with starlike radiance.
+
+Above these the wreathing mist was still floating, and the moonbeams
+called forth from it strange shapes, which, when the eye would have
+seized and held them fast, eluded it and melted away. Slowly, however,
+from among them the topmost peak emerged white and gleaming, the
+inaccessible throne of the Alpine Fay in her garment of eternal ice and
+snow.
+
+Wolfgang approached the young girl and stood close beside her as
+he continued, in an undertone: "I have no right, I know, to ask
+this question, but doubtless you have put it to yourself, and the
+answer----"
+
+A low, angry growl interrupted him. Griff had not forgotten his early
+antipathy for the superintendent; he could not endure to have him
+approach his mistress, and, as if to defend her, thrust himself between
+them. Erna laid her hand caressingly upon the dog's head, and he was
+instantly silent; then she asked, "Why do you hate Ernst Waltenberg?"
+
+"I?" Elmhorst was apparently amazed by this counter-question, which
+found him entirely unprepared to reply.
+
+"Yes. Can you deny that it is so?"
+
+"No," said Wolfgang, with defiant frankness. "I confess it. I hate
+him!"
+
+"You must have some reason for so doing."
+
+"I have a reason. But you must allow me to follow your example and
+withhold the answer to your question."
+
+"I will answer it myself. Because in Ernst Waltenberg you see my future
+husband."
+
+Elmhorst started and looked at her with an expression of dismay,--nay,
+of positive terror: "You--know?"
+
+"Do you suppose a woman cannot feel when she is loved, even though
+every means be resorted to to conceal it from her?" Erna asked, with
+extreme bitterness.
+
+A long, oppressive pause ensued; Wolfgang's eyes were downcast; at last
+he said, in a low, dull voice, "Yes, Erna, I have loved you--for
+years!"
+
+"And you wooed--Alice!"
+
+There was harsh condemnation in her words; he stood silent with bent
+head.
+
+"Because she is rich; because her hand can confer the wealth which I do
+not possess. Nevertheless Alice will not be unhappy; she neither knows
+nor demands happiness in the higher sense of the word, while I should
+be unutterably wretched bound to a man whom I despised."
+
+"Erna!" he exclaimed, in torture.
+
+"Herr Elmhorst?" she rejoined, haughtily.
+
+He accepted the rebuff, and controlled himself by an effort: "Fraeulein
+von Thurgau, you have felt yourself obliged to hate me since the hour
+of your father's death, and you have avenged yourself richly for a
+supposed injury. Well, then, I will endure your hate if so it must be,
+but _not_ your contempt. I will not suffer any longer from the cold
+scorn which I always see in your eyes. You well know how to wound with
+it, but I pray you--do not drive me to extremes."
+
+He really looked as if the farthest limit of his self-control were
+reached. The man usually so cool and calculating, of such iron
+resolution, absolutely trembled in the fever of his agitation.
+
+Griff was still pugnacious, following with an angry eye every movement
+of him whom he considered a foe, and who seemed to be threatening his
+young mistress, who, however, took the dog by the collar and held him
+fast.
+
+"Can you compel my esteem?" she asked.
+
+"Yes, by heaven I can and will!" he broke forth. "I compelled respect
+but now from that insolent egotist, who despises money merely because
+he possesses it in abundance, and who parades as romanticism his dreamy
+idle existence. You heard how he was silenced by my reference to my
+work. He does not know what it is to be poor, and to have bare, hard
+reality staring him in the face. But I drained that cup to the dregs in
+my needy youth; life for me possessed no poetry, no ideals. I felt
+within me the power to excel in my profession, and was tied down by
+hard mechanical labour. I had to submit to men my inferiors in
+intellect, and to obey where now I command. The plan of the Wolkenstein
+bridge, now regarded as such a wonder, was rejected again and again
+because I had no patronage, because a poor, unknown man is sure to be
+despised. But, in spite of it all, I determined to rise; not for the
+money's sake, not that I might revel in idle luxury, but that I might
+work with freedom, undeterred by all the petty hinderances, to soar
+above which wealth gives wings. There stands my work!" He pointed to
+the narrow road, which gleamed like silver above the abyss. "Whether
+you hate its designer or not, it must force even you to respect him!"
+
+With like proud, bold self-assertion Wolfgang Elmhorst was wont to
+silence his opponents and to win the victory, but it stood him in no
+stead here. Erna had risen and stood confronting him, the scorn which
+he would not brook still looking from her eyes.
+
+"No!" she said, decidedly. "That work of yours condemns you. The man
+capable of achieving that should have had the courage to depend upon
+himself, and to go forward alone, for he carried his future within him.
+My uncle recognized your talent long before you wooed his daughter; he
+had opened the way for you, and you could have attained your goal even
+without him. But that indeed would have cost time and trouble, and you
+wanted to take fortune by storm."
+
+Wolfgang gazed sadly at the girl's agitated face. "Yes," he said, "I
+did. And I have paid a high price for it; perhaps--too high."
+
+"The price now is your freedom; in future it may possibly be your
+honour."
+
+"Erna! Have a care! Do not insult me!"
+
+"I do not insult you. I only give utterance to what you do not yet
+choose to confess to yourself. Do you imagine that you can with
+impunity pledge yourself to a man like my uncle? You still have
+ambition; he has long been done with it, and now cares only for gain.
+He has, it is true, won millions, and gold flows into his coffers from
+every quarter, but he is not content. The magnitude of his undertakings
+does not affect him, except as it brings him money, and once completely
+in his power he will require you to be the same. You will no longer
+create, you will only accumulate."
+
+Wolfgang looked down gloomily; he knew that she spoke the truth; he had
+long known this side of the president's character, but his pride
+rebelled against the part thus assigned him.
+
+"Do you think me so wanting in energy as to be unable to preserve my
+independence?" he asked. "I have a will, and if necessary can assert
+it, even in my present position."
+
+"Then you will be given an alternative, and you will be obliged to
+submit. You have not chosen the hard, lonely path trodden by so many
+great men who could call nothing their own save their talent and their
+faith in themselves. For me,"--there was a kind of passionate
+inspiration in the girl's eyes,--"I have always imagined that in the
+striving and struggling there must be happiness perhaps even greater
+than that of attainment. To ascend thus from the depths, to be
+conscious that one's power increases with every step forward, with
+every obstacle overcome, and then at last to stand on the free heights
+in the joy of victory won by one's own exertions,--I have had some
+sensation akin to it when I have been climbing a difficult Alpine
+ascent, and not for worlds would I have accepted another's aid."
+
+Carried away by the enthusiasm of the moment, she was again the free,
+unconventional child of the mountains, whom Wolfgang had once found
+amidst the abysses of the Wolkenstein, her curls waving, and quick
+to love as to hate. Together they had then bidden defiance to the
+tempest; in fancy he again heard her joyous, reckless laughter amid the
+hurly-burly, and it seemed to him that he had then been happy,
+supremely happy, as never again since then.
+
+"And could you have loved a man who had risen thus?" he asked at last,
+with suppressed suffering in his tone. "Could you have stood beside him
+in toil and danger, perhaps in defeat? Answer me, Erna,--I entreat
+you!"
+
+Erna shivered; the light in her eyes faded, as she replied, coldly,
+"What need to ask? The question comes too late! One thing I know: the
+man who denied and crushed out his love for the sake of the gold which
+another hand could bestow, who bought his future because he lacked
+courage to create it, I never could have loved,--never!"
+
+She took a long breath, as if with the words she cast aside a burden,
+and turned her back to him. Griff suddenly became restless; he
+perceived the approach of the rest although their advance was as yet
+inaudible; his mistress understood him.
+
+"Are they coming?" she asked, in an undertone. "Let us go to meet them,
+Griff."
+
+She slowly crossed the meadow, where the dew lay heavy and glistening.
+Wolfgang made no attempt to detain her: he stood motionless. The last
+of the mountain-fires had just sunk to ashes; it glimmered aloft for a
+few moments like a faint and fading star and then vanished.
+
+The peak of the Wolkenstein, on the contrary, was plainly visible; the
+mists that had been hovering around it seemed to melt in the moonlight,
+and the ice-crowned summit stood forth distinct and glistening. She had
+unveiled herself, the haughty sovereign of the mountain-range, and sat
+enthroned aloft in her phantom-like beauty, while above her realm
+brooded the silent mystery of the midsummer night, with its ghostly
+hint of buried treasures ascending from hidden depths and awaiting
+discovery,--the ancient, solemn midsummer-eve of St. John.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XIII.
+
+                           AN OUTRAGED WIFE.
+
+
+The Sunday following St. John's day had always been a great holiday in
+Oberstein. The little mountain-village where Dr. Reinsfeld lived had,
+it is true, lost somewhat of its secluded character by the invasion of
+the railway in the vicinity. The labourers on the road frequented it,
+and some of the young engineers had their quarters in the little inn,
+but the place was still very humble in appearance.
+
+The doctor's house was in no contrast to its surroundings; it was a
+small cottage, scantily furnished,--indeed barely provided with the
+necessities of life. The sexton's widow acted as the young physician's
+housekeeper, and her ideas of the duties of her position were primitive
+in the extreme. Only a nature as content and unassuming as Benno's
+could have long endured existence here. His predecessors had never
+remained long, while this was the fifth year that he had passed in this
+place, undaunted by its hardships, and with no present prospect of
+leaving it.
+
+His study was indeed a contrast to the charming, comfortable apartments
+inhabited by Superintendent Elmhorst. The whitewashed walls were
+destitute of decoration save for a couple of portraits of Reinsfeld's
+parents. An old worm-eaten writing-table, with an arm-chair covered
+with leather which had once been black, a very hard sofa with a coarse
+linen cover, and a table and chairs of equal antiquity,--such was the
+furniture, all purchased from the former occupant, of the room in which
+the doctor lived, and laboured, and gave advice, and even, as on the
+present occasion, received visits. His cousin Albert Gersdorf was with
+him.
+
+The lawyer had come from Heilborn the day before, and had found a guest
+already installed here, Veit Gronau, whom he also knew, and who was
+recovering here from the effects of his disaster on the Vulture Cliff.
+The painful sprain from which he was suffering was not serious, but
+prevented his walking. He had been with some difficulty brought as far
+down the mountain as Oberstein, and here Reinsfeld had offered to take
+charge of the patient until the sprain was cured; an offer which had
+been gratefully accepted.
+
+The two cousins had not met for years, and their interchange of letters
+had been infrequent, so that Benno's joyful surprise was natural when
+Gersdorf made his unexpected appearance. He had just persuaded him to
+protract his stay somewhat, and said, delightedly, "So, then, that is
+all arranged: you will stay until the day after to-morrow; that's
+right; and your young wife will have no objection to being left so long
+with her parents in Heilborn."
+
+"Oh, she is extremely content there," Gersdorf explained; but there was
+an unusual gravity in his voice and manner.
+
+The doctor gave him a keen glance: "See here, Albert: when you arrived
+yesterday it struck me that something was wrong. I thought you would
+bring your wife. Surely you have not quarrelled?"
+
+"No, Benno, 'tis not so bad as that. I have simply been forced to make
+my father- and mother-in-law understand that their untitled son-in-law
+is perfectly capable of maintaining his position."
+
+"Aha! 'sits the wind in that corner?' What has happened?"
+
+"Not much. As I told you, we promised to finish our wedding-tour by a
+visit to my wife's parents in Heilborn, where my mother-in-law is
+taking the waters. We found her there in a very exclusive circle,
+which graciously admitted me, although it made me quite sensible that I
+owed the honour to my having married a Baroness Ernsthausen. I showed
+but little appreciation of the amiable reception accorded me, inasmuch
+as I declined joining a picnic arranged for yesterday. Of course this
+provoked much aristocratic indignation; my respected mother-in-law
+declared me a tyrant, maintaining that her friends alone were fit
+associates for her daughter, and at last inducing Molly to be
+obstinate. I told her she was perfectly free to accept the invitation
+for herself, and she did so."
+
+"And went without you?"
+
+"Without me. An hour afterwards I was on my way to see you,--I meant at
+all events to see you before I went back to the city,--leaving behind
+me a brief note explaining my absence."
+
+"It was a great piece of audacity on your part to marry into so
+aristocratic a family," said Benno, shaking his head. "You see marriage
+by no means puts an end to your troubles."
+
+"No, but I was perfectly well aware that I should have to fight my way
+to independence."
+
+"Can you be quite sure of your wife?"
+
+Gersdorf smiled, both at the words and at the grave tone in which they
+were uttered: "Indeed I can. Molly is still a child, it is true,--a
+spoiled child who has never been trained,--but her heart is true as
+steel. Do you suppose I enjoyed leaving the wayward little creature?
+She must learn that a husband's rights are to be respected; if I had
+yielded to my mother-in-law on this occasion there would have been no
+end to her interference, and that I will not tolerate."
+
+It was plain to see that it had not been easy for the young fellow to
+keep his resolution; his eyes turned longingly to the window that
+looked out on the road to Heilborn, while Benno sat lost in admiration
+of his cousin's strength of character. He himself would have made any
+sacrifice to a tyrannical mother-in-law rather than grieve a woman whom
+he loved.
+
+They were interrupted by the entrance of Veit Gronau. He still limped,
+but otherwise seemed quite well, as he deposited a large package on the
+table.
+
+"What have you there?" asked Gersdorf.
+
+"Genuine Turkish tobacco," Gronau replied; "and Herr Waltenberg sends
+his regards and he will come over this afternoon with the ladies from
+Wolkenstein, who wish to see the holiday dance. Said brought the
+message and this tobacco, which I asked Herr Waltenberg to send in pity
+for the doctor, who smokes wretched stuff, begging his pardon. Let me
+fill the pipes; I understand that business."
+
+"That's true," said Benno, laughing. "You and Herr Waltenberg would
+smoke up my entire income in a year. I cannot afford to be fastidious."
+
+Veit, who was entirely at home here, hobbled to a little cupboard,
+whence he took three pipes, which he proceeded to prepare, and the
+three men were soon filling the room with clouds of fragrant smoke.
+
+Suddenly the door opened, and a most unexpected apparition appeared
+upon the threshold, in the person of a young lady in a very elegant
+travelling-dress, a veil wound about her hat, and a handsome
+travelling-bag in her hand. She was about to enter hastily, but paused
+as if petrified by the scene which was presented to her gaze. Gronau in
+all his length of limb lay stretched out on the sofa; the doctor, in
+his shirt-sleeves, was comfortably established in his arm-chair;
+Gersdorf sat near him astride of a chair, while the room was filled
+with a thick but unfortunately transparent cloud of blue tobacco-smoke.
+
+"Herr Doctor," the voice of the old housekeeper was heard to say
+from the corridor behind the stranger, "a young lady has arrived, and
+wants----"
+
+"I want my husband," the young lady interposed, in a resolute tone,
+advancing into the room, where she created a sensation indeed.
+
+Gronau sprang up from the sofa, uttering a cry of pain as he did so,
+for his ankle resented the sudden motion; Benno started up in dismay
+and began looking for his coat, which it seemed impossible to find; and
+Gersdorf emerged from the cloud of smoke, exclaiming, in a tone of
+delighted surprise, "Molly I--is it you?"
+
+"Yes,--it is I!" Frau Gersdorf declared in accents so annihilating that
+one might have supposed her husband had just been detected in the
+commission of a crime, and as she spoke she advanced with extreme
+dignity into the middle of the room, where, unfortunately, the smoke
+interfered with the solemnity of the occasion, for she began to cough
+and seemed almost ready to choke.
+
+Poor Benno was crushed. He had privately exulted when he had learned
+that there was no danger of a visit from his new distinguished
+relative, of whom he stood in such awe that for her reception he would
+have donned his grandest attire, and now here she was, and he in his
+shirt-sleeves! In his confusion he took his pocket-handkerchief and
+tried to flap away the smoke, but, unfortunately, he flapped it
+directly into the young lady's face, at the same time sweeping his
+clay pipe off the table where he had laid it, and overthrowing his
+arm-chair, the leg of which was broken in the fall. At last Gersdorf
+seized him by the arm: "Pray stop, Benno, or you will make things
+worse," he said, kindly. "First of all let me present you to my wife.
+My cousin, Benno Reinsfeld, Molly dear."
+
+Molly bestowed a most ungracious glance upon this man in his
+shirt-sleeves who was presented to her as a relative,--really it was
+exceedingly provoking.
+
+"I regret extremely having disturbed the gentlemen," she said, with a
+withering look at her husband. "My husband informed me that he should
+pay you a visit. Dr. Reinsfeld, but no time was appointed for his
+return."
+
+"Madame," stammered Benno, in great confusion, "it is a great
+honour--and certainly----"
+
+"I am glad to hear it," the lady interrupted him without more ado. "My
+luggage is outside; pray have it brought in. I shall stay here for a
+while."
+
+This was too much; the doctor was in despair. He thought of the bare
+little garret room which was all he had had to offer to his cousin, and
+now here was a Baroness Ernsthausen about to occupy it also! Suddenly
+his wild, wandering glances fell upon the jacket he had been looking
+for so anxiously: it lay on the floor beside him; he snatched it up,
+and vanished into the next room. Gronau, whose distaste for 'the
+ladies' was as decided as it was respectful, hobbled after him, closing
+the door, as he left the room, with a crash that shook the house.
+
+"Have I fallen among savages?" Molly asked, indignant at this
+reception. "One shrieks, another runs away, and the third----!" She
+fairly shuddered at the thought that this third was her husband.
+
+But Gersdorf cared not a whit for the frown upon her pretty face. Now
+that they were alone, he hurried towards her with outstretched arms:
+"And you really came, Molly?"
+
+Molly withdrew from his embrace, retreated a step, and declared
+solemnly, "Albert,--you are a monster!"
+
+"But, Molly----!"
+
+"A monster!" she repeated, with emphasis. "Mamma says so, and she
+thinks I ought to requite you with scorn. That is why I came."
+
+"Ah, indeed, is that why?" said Albert, relieving her of her
+travelling-bag. She allowed this attention, but maintained her
+dignified attitude.
+
+"You have deserted me,--me, your lawful wedded wife,--deserted me
+shamefully, and upon our wedding-tour!"
+
+"Pardon me, my child, you deserted me," Gersdorf protested. "You drove
+off with the picnic-party----"
+
+"For a few hours! And when I returned you were gone,--gone to the
+wilderness,--for this Oberstein is no less,--and now here you sit in
+this detestable tobacco-smoke, smoking and laughing and joking. Don't
+deny it, Albert, you were laughing. I heard your voice plainly from
+outside."
+
+"I certainly was laughing, but that is no crime."
+
+"When your wife was away!" Molly exclaimed, angrily,--"when your
+deeply-injured wife was at that very moment bewailing the fate that has
+fettered her to a heartless husband! Oh, how could you!"
+
+She sobbed aloud, and in her despair threw herself upon the sofa;
+bouncing up again instantly, however, in dismay at its extreme
+hardness.
+
+"Molly," her husband said, seriously, as he approached her, "you knew
+why I wished to avoid those people, and I thought my wife would have
+stood by me. I was very sorry to find myself mistaken."
+
+The reproof went home; Molly cast down her eyes and replied, meekly "I
+care nothing for all those stupid people; but mamma thought I ought not
+to allow myself to be tyrannized over."
+
+"And you complied with your mother's request rather than with mine, and
+preferred to mine the company of strangers."
+
+"You did so too," sobbed Molly; "you drove away without a thought of
+your poor wife consumed with grief and longing!"
+
+Albert put his arm around her caressingly, as he said, tenderly, "And
+were you really unhappy, my little Molly? So was I."
+
+His young wife looked up at him through her tears, and nestled close to
+him: "When were you coming back?" she asked.
+
+"The day after to-morrow, if I could have managed to stay away so
+long."
+
+"And I came to-day. Is not that enough for you?"
+
+"Yes, my darling, quite enough!" said Gersdorf. "And if you choose we
+will return to Heilborn this very day."
+
+"No, we will not," said Molly, resolutely. "I have quarrelled with
+mamma, and with papa too; they did not want me to come. I have brought
+our luggage, and now we will stay here."
+
+"So much the better," said Albert, much relieved. "I went to Heilborn
+solely for your sake, and here we are really in the midst of the
+mountains. I am only afraid that we must try to find some other
+quarters; the doctor's house can hardly hold you with all your trunks."
+
+The little lady turned up her nose as she surveyed the room, where the
+smoke still lingered and the broken pipe and the three-legged chair
+encumbered the floor.
+
+"Yes, this seems a detestable bachelor establishment. You would grow
+careless enough with this cousin of yours, who rushes away like a
+madman if a lady makes her appearance. Has he no manners at all?"
+
+"Poor Benno was so terribly embarrassed," Albert said, by way of
+excuse. "He completely lost his head. Be kind to him, Molly, I pray
+you, for he is the best fellow in the world. And now let me go look
+after your luggage."
+
+He went, and Frau Gersdorf took her seat upon the sofa, with more
+caution than before. In a few moments another door was softly and
+timidly opened, and the master of the house appeared. He had employed
+the time of his absence in arranging his dress, and he now approached
+his guest with much humility. At first she seemed scarcely inclined to
+be as amiable as her husband had entreated her to be; on the contrary,
+she eyed her new cousin with judicial severity.
+
+"Madame," he began, with hesitation, "pray pardon me that, upon your
+unexpected arrival--I was very sorry for it, very sorry----"
+
+"For my arrival?" Molly interrupted him, indignantly.
+
+"God forbid, no!" exclaimed Benno. "I only meant--I wished to observe
+that I am a bachelor."
+
+"Unfortunately," said Molly, still ungraciously. "It is very sad to be
+a bachelor. Why do you not marry?"
+
+"I?" cried Benno, dismayed at the question.
+
+"Certainly; you must marry as soon as possible."
+
+The words sounded so dictatorial that the doctor did not venture to
+contradict them; he merely bowed so profoundly that Frau Molly began to
+feel her irritation evaporate, and she added, in a milder tone,--
+
+"Albert is married and likes it extremely. Do you doubt it?"
+
+"Oh, no, assuredly not," poor Benno hastened to reply; "but I----"
+
+"Well, you, Herr Doctor?" his new relative persisted.
+
+"I am not accustomed to ladies' society, and my manners are very rude,"
+he said, sadly,--"very rude, madame,--and that unfits me for social
+enjoyment."
+
+This confession found favour with Molly. A man who felt his
+deficiencies so profoundly deserved sympathy. She laid aside her air of
+severity and rejoined, kindly,--
+
+"They can easily be improved. Come, sit down, Herr Doctor, and let us
+discuss the matter."
+
+"What! Marriage?" Benno asked, in renewed dismay. This seemed like an
+immediate settlement of his future life, and he was naturally startled.
+
+"Oh, no: only your manners, for the present. You are anxious to learn,
+I can see; all you want is some one to advise and train you. I will do
+it!"
+
+"Oh, madame, how kind you are!" said the doctor, with so touching an
+expression of gratitude that his instructor of eighteen was entirely
+won over.
+
+"I am your cousin, and my name is Molly," she rejoined. "We must call
+each other by our first names; so, Benno, come and sit down by me."
+
+He complied with her invitation rather shyly, but the little lady soon
+put him entirely at his ease. She questioned him closely, and he soon
+grew very confidential; he told her about his awkwardness at the
+Nordheim villa, his consequent mortification, and his desperate but
+fruitless attempts to attain some degree of ease of manner. As he went
+on, all his awkwardness vanished and he showed himself as he was,
+frank, true, intelligent, and kindly. When Gersdorf returned at the end
+of a quarter of an hour, he found his wife and his cousin talking
+together like the best of friends.
+
+"I have had the luggage brought here for the present," he said, "and I
+have sent to know if we can have rooms at the inn."
+
+"Not at all necessary," said Molly; "we can stay here. I am sure Benno
+will make room for us; will you not, Benno?"
+
+"Of course I will," the doctor exclaimed, eagerly. "I shall move out.
+Gronau and I can move into the garret, and you can have the lower
+rooms, Molly. I will go and have it arranged immediately."
+
+He sprang up, and hurried out to do as he said.
+
+"Benno?--Molly? You seem to have made astonishing progress in a few
+minutes!"
+
+"Albert, your cousin is a very superior man," Molly declared. "We must
+befriend the young fellow; it is our duty as his relatives."
+
+Her husband burst out laughing: "The young fellow? Allow me to observe,
+madame, that he is just twelve years your senior."
+
+"I am a married woman," was the dignified reply, "and he,
+unfortunately, is a bachelor. But it is not his fault, and I shall have
+him married as soon as possible."
+
+"Good heavens!" exclaimed Gersdorf, "you have scarcely seen poor Benno,
+and you are already scheming to marry him? I beg you----"
+
+He got no further, for his wife confronted him with an indignant air:
+"'Poor,' do you call him, because he is to be married? You think
+marriage a misfortune, then. Is it because your own is unhappy? Albert,
+what can you mean by such words?"
+
+But Albert only laughed the more; undismayed by his wife's impressive
+manner, he clasped her in his arms, and said, "I mean that there is
+only one little woman in the world who can make her husband as happy as
+I am. Does this explanation content you?"
+
+And Frau Gersdorf was content.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XIV.
+
+                          MIDSUMMER BLESSING.
+
+
+The afternoon sun shone merrily down upon the gay assemblage on the
+green before the inn at Oberstein. Insignificant as the place was, it
+was a gathering-point for the inhabitants of all the scattered hamlets
+and farms in the country round, and all who could had come to the
+festival, which began with the service in church in the morning, while
+the afternoon was given over to the usual holiday enjoyments.
+
+The St. John's dance, which, in accordance with ancient custom, was
+always danced in the open air, had been going on for some time upon the
+improvised dancing-floor in front of the inn. The young peasants, both
+men and maidens, were engaged in it, while their elders were seated at
+small tables with their beer-glasses. The country musicians fiddled
+away unweariedly, and the children played hide-and-seek and ran hither
+and thither among the happy crowd. It was a lively, merry scene, and
+its charm was much enhanced by the picturesque holiday costumes of the
+mountaineers.
+
+The presence of the 'city folk,' who had just appeared, did not in the
+least disturb the festivities, for the young engineers quartered in
+Oberstein joined in the dance, and the two swarthy servants brought by
+the foreign gentleman from Heilborn were objects of admiring wonder for
+the peasants.
+
+Waltenberg and the Nordheim ladies were seated at a table in the little
+garden on one side of the inn, and here Herr Gersdorf and his wife
+joined them. Greatly pleased by this meeting, the entire party was in a
+very merry mood, with the exception of Frau von Lasberg.
+
+She took no pleasure in any peasant festivities, even as a spectator,
+and she had, besides, had a slight headache, so she had resolved to
+decline joining the party. Elmhorst, however, had sent word that it
+would be impossible for him to escort his betrothed on this occasion,
+as there had been some damage caused to the lower portion of the
+railway by a freshet, and he was obliged to drive down to inspect it.
+Upon this the old lady had resolved to sacrifice her comfort to her
+sense of propriety, which would not allow her to leave the two young
+ladies to be escorted only by Waltenberg, who was not as yet Erna's
+declared lover. She drove up the mountain with them, suffering an
+increase of headache in consequence, and now here was Molly, who had
+been in deep disgrace with the old lady since her marriage.
+
+Molly knew this perfectly well, and took no pains to regain the lost
+favour. She expressed an ardent desire to join in the dance, declared
+that the elegant seclusion of the garden was a great bore, and finally
+proposed to mingle with the peasantry; in short, she nearly drove poor
+Frau von Lasberg to desperation.
+
+"And if Benno comes, I shall dance with him although it should make
+Albert jealous," she said, with a glance towards her husband, who was
+standing with Erna and Waltenberg at the picket-fence looking on at the
+merriment on the green. "The poor doctor never has a moment's pleasure;
+just as we were setting out he was called to a patient, fortunately
+here in Oberstein, so he promised to follow us in half an hour. Alice,
+I hear that you are now under Benno's care."
+
+The young lady nodded assent, and Frau von Lasberg remarked,
+condescendingly, "Alice conforms to the wishes of her betrothed, but I
+greatly fear that Herr Elmhorst over-estimates his friend when he
+attaches more value to his diagnosis than to that of our first medical
+authorities. And there is, at all events, great risk in intrusting his
+betrothed to the care of a young physician who, by his own confession,
+has practised almost exclusively among peasants."
+
+"I think Herr Elmhorst perfectly right," Molly declared, with dignity.
+"Our cousin can easily compete with the 'first medical authorities,' I
+assure you, madame."
+
+Baroness Lasberg smiled rather contemptuously: "Ah, excuse me! I really
+forgot that Dr. Reinsfeld is now a relative of yours, my dear
+Baroness."
+
+"Frau Gersdorf, if you please," Molly corrected her. "I am very proud
+of my husband's name, and of my dignity as a married woman."
+
+"So I perceive!" the old lady remarked, with an indignant glance at the
+young wife who so paraded her matrimonial satisfaction, and who,
+nothing daunted, chattered on merrily,--
+
+"What did you think of Benno, Alice? He was perfectly inconsolable for
+his awkwardness on that first visit. Were you really as annoyed by it
+as he thinks you were?"
+
+"Your cousin's deportment was certainly not calculated to inspire
+confidence, Frau Gersdorf," the Baroness remarked, emphasizing the
+plebeian name; but to her immense surprise she here encountered
+opposition from her usually passive charge. Alice raised her head, and
+said, with unwonted decision, "Dr. Reinsfeld made a very agreeable
+impression upon me, and I entirely share Wolfgang's confidence in him."
+
+Molly glanced triumphantly at the old lady, and was about to launch
+forth in praise of her 'relative,' when the man himself made his
+appearance.
+
+To-day Benno was clad in his trim Sunday costume, which differed but
+little from that of the mountaineers of the district, and was generally
+adopted by gentlemen among the mountains. The gray jacket braided with
+green and the dark-green hat with its chamois beard became him
+admirably, setting off his powerful, well-knit frame to the best
+advantage; and here where all around him was familiar he almost lost
+his shyness. He greeted his relatives and Erna cordially, and received
+Waltenberg courteously; even his bow to Frau von Lasberg was quite
+correct. It was only when he turned to Alice that the composure
+hitherto so bravely maintained forsook him; he blushed, and stammered,
+and cast down his eyes. At first he hardly understood what she said to
+him, hearing only the sweet, gentle voice, as kind in its tone
+as it had been before in 'fairy-land.' He partially recovered his
+self-control only when she spoke of her companion. "Poor Baroness
+Lasberg is suffering from a violent headache, and it has been worse
+since she sacrificed herself by driving up here with us. Can you
+suggest a remedy?"
+
+Frau von Lasberg, who was sniffing at her vinaigrette, looked dismayed;
+she had no idea of intrusting her precious health to this peasant
+doctor. Reinsfeld modestly suggested that the pain had been increased
+by the broad sunshine and the noise, and proposed that she should
+retire for an hour to some cool, quiet room in the inn. He hurried away
+to call the hostess, who came immediately and conducted the old lady,
+who really felt quite ill and saw the advisability of taking the rest
+suggested, to a quiet room on the side of the house that looked away
+from the revellers.
+
+"Thank heaven, now we are left to ourselves, and can go to the dance!"
+said Molly, rising to lead the way.
+
+"What! among the peasants?" Alice asked, in alarm.
+
+"In their very midst," the young wife undauntedly replied. "Do not look
+so horrified. You ought to thank God that your duenna has the headache,
+for else she never would have let you go. Benno, offer your arm to
+Fraeulein Nordheim."
+
+Benno looked equally horrified at this command; but Molly had taken
+possession of her husband, and Waltenberg had given his arm to Erna, so
+there was nothing for it but to obey.
+
+"Fraeulein Nordheim,--will you allow me?" he asked, timidly.
+
+Alice hesitated a moment, but then, either tempted by the gaiety
+outside, or induced by the timid address, she smiled, and took the
+offered arm, to follow the others, who had already left the garden.
+
+The pair walked slowly; the doctor was a rather mute cavalier: he
+hardly spoke, but looked with shy admiration at the young girl beside
+him, who did not, however, seem to him half so unapproachable and
+distinguished as she had been on their first interview. She looked
+graceful and simple in her light-blue muslin and her flower-trimmed
+straw hat; it was just the frame for her face, if only the face were
+not so pale. She was apparently somewhat afraid of the crowd, and when
+loud shouting was heard from the dancing floor she paused, and looked
+up timidly at her escort.
+
+"Are you afraid, Fraeulein Nordheim?" he asked. "Then let us go back."
+
+Alice shook her head, and replied, in an undertone, "I am unused to it;
+but I do not believe the people are really rude."
+
+"Indeed they are not!" Benno declared. "There is nothing to fear from
+our Wolkensteiners,--that I can testify, having lived as long as I have
+among them."
+
+"Yes, for five years, Wolfgang tells me. How have you managed it?"
+
+The question was put in a tone of such compassion that Benno smiled:
+"Oh, it is not so terrible as you suppose. It is, to be sure, a lonely
+life, and at times a laborious one, but it has its pleasures."
+
+"Pleasures?" Alice repeated, dubiously, raising her large brown eyes to
+his, which so confused the doctor that he forgot to reply.
+
+Suddenly there was a movement among the crowd: they perceived Reinsfeld
+for the first time,--for on his arrival he had come through the
+inn,--and instantly a circle was formed about him. "The Herr Doctor!
+Our Herr Doctor! Here he is!" resounded from all sides, while twenty,
+thirty heads were bared, and as many brown hands were stretched out to
+the young physician. Old and young thronged about him eager for a word
+or a look or to bid 'God bless' him. There was an outburst of
+enthusiasm at sight of their 'doctor.'
+
+Reinsfeld glanced with some anxiety at his companion,--he feared she
+might be annoyed by these stormy demonstrations; but Alice seemed, on
+the contrary, to enjoy them; she clung rather closer to his arm, but
+she looked unusually happy and interested.
+
+No sooner did the doctor explain that the young lady wished to look on
+at the dance than all began eagerly to arrange a place for her. The
+entire crowd about the doctor accompanied them to the dancing-floor;
+the rows of spectators were ruthlessly parted asunder, a chair was
+brought, and a few moments later Alice was seated in the midst of all
+the joyous tumult of St. John's day, and the sturdy mountaineers formed
+a sort of _garde d'honneur_ on each side of her, taking care that the
+whirling couples did not fly past her close enough to brush the
+Fraeulein's skirt. There was a certain rude chivalry in the way in which
+they arranged the place for the companion of their doctor.
+
+"The people seem very fond of you," said Alice. "I did not imagine that
+the peasantry were so devoted to their physician."
+
+"They are not usually," was Reinsfeld's reply. "They are apt to see in
+him only a man who costs them money, and they try not to avail
+themselves of his help. But the relation between the Wolkensteiners and
+myself is exceptional. We have gone through some hard times together,
+and they give me credit for not leaving them in the lurch, and for
+going indiscriminately to every one who needs me, even although the
+poor wretch have only a 'God bless you!' by way of fee. There is a
+great deal of poverty among the people, and it is impossible to think
+only of one's self; at least I have found it so."
+
+"Yes, that I know," Alice interposed, with unusual vivacity. "You did
+not think of yourself when a better position was offered you. Wolfgang
+mentioned that during your visit the other day."
+
+As she referred to it Benno coloured slightly: "Do you really remember
+that remark of his? Yes, Wolf was very much provoked with me at the
+time, and I suppose he was right. The position was undoubtedly a good
+one, in a hospital in one of our large cities, and by a lucky chance I
+was preferred beyond any of my colleagues; but the condition attached
+was that I should report myself at the election, and enter immediately
+upon the duties of my office."
+
+"And you had patients here in the village who were very ill at the
+time?"
+
+"Not only here, but everywhere throughout the district. Diphtheria had
+broken out, and the children brought home contagion from school. One or
+two were lying ill in almost every house, and most of the cases were
+very serious, for the epidemic was particularly virulent,--and just
+when it was at its height the place was offered me! The nearest
+physician lived half a day's journey away, and my distinguished
+colleagues in Heilborn do not come up to the lonely farms through storm
+and snow,--it would cost the people too dear. I delayed my departure
+from day to day, and Wolfgang kept urging me, but I _could_ not go.
+Hansel, come here!"
+
+He beckoned to a boy of about six who had worked his way to the front
+and stood looking on delightedly at the dancers. He was a sturdy little
+fellow, with flaxen hair and a fresh, chubby face. He obeyed the call
+instantly, very proud to be summoned by the doctor, and looked up
+confidingly at the young lady to whom he was presented.
+
+"Look at this fellow, Fraeulein Nordheim," Reinsfeld went on; "he does
+not look as if, eight months ago, he lay very nearly dying, does he? He
+is the grandson of old Seppel, who used to be at Wolkenstein Court, and
+he has a little sister who was at the point of death also. Those two
+decided the matter! Just as I had resolved to set out, Sepp came to me
+on a stormy night; the old man cried bitterly, and the mother, a young
+peasant-woman, wailed out, 'Do not go, Herr Doctor! If you leave us the
+boy will die, and the girl too.' I knew better than they did the need
+in which they stood of medical aid, and there were others too who
+needed me sorely. This poor little rogue struggled so with the
+frightful disease, and looked up at me with such beseeching eyes, as if
+I were absolutely the Almighty,--and I stayed. I could not find it in
+my heart to leave the poor little things to suffer just that I might
+feather my own nest. I sent word, to be sure, why I was obliged to
+delay, but the gentlemen in authority in could not wait, of course;
+there were many other applicants, and one of them got the position."
+
+"And you?" Alice asked, gently.
+
+"I? Well, Fraeulein Nordheim, I never repented it, for I brought most of
+my little patients through, and since then the Wolkensteiners have been
+willing to go through fire and water to serve me."
+
+Alice made no rejoinder; she looked up for a moment at the man who
+related all this so simply and as if it were quite a matter of course
+that he should relinquish his future, and then she drew little Hansel
+towards her and gently kissed the boy's rosy cheek. There was something
+inexpressibly tender in the act, and Benno's eyes sparkled as he was
+conscious of the silent recognition thus conveyed.
+
+"Well, Benno, are you receiving the homage of the assembled populace?"
+cried Molly, approaching with her husband; and Gersdorf added, with a
+laugh,--
+
+"Yes, it was really a triumphal procession that escorted Fraeulein
+Nordheim and yourself to the dancing-floor. Pray allow us some share of
+your popularity."
+
+Waltenberg and Erna soon joined them, and the entire party made
+themselves comfortable in a corner of the dancing-floor. Poor Frau von
+Lasberg little dreamed what were the consequences of her headache.
+Alice, her charge, who had been so carefully shielded from every noise,
+from all undesirable association,--Alice was sitting close beside the
+ear-splitting music of the rural orchestra, in the midst of the shouts
+and whoops of the dancers, whose nail-shod soles stamped out the time
+amid the whirling dust, and, strange to say, she was extremely well
+entertained. There was a faint flush on her pale cheek, her eyes had
+lost their weary expression and beamed with pleasure, and Benno
+Reinsfeld was standing beside her chair, prouder and happier than he
+had ever been in his life before, conducting himself like the very pink
+of courtesy. Verily, it was a day of signs and wonders!
+
+The doctor's popularity, however, had its drawbacks, as was soon to
+appear. Little Hansel had been summoned by his mother with an air of
+mystery from the dancing-floor to be intrusted with an important
+mission. Old Sepp had brought from the Nordheim villa the intelligence
+that Fraeulein von Thurgau and the foreign gentleman from Heilborn were
+either already betrothed or were going to be, and that they were only
+waiting for the president's return to have their betrothal publicly
+announced. The young peasant-woman, Seppel's daughter, who had also
+been a servant at Wolkenstein Court until her marriage, and still
+cherished a loyal allegiance to its former mistress, was quite beside
+herself with joy at sight of her beloved Fraeulein, to whom she proudly
+presented her two children. Hansel was now to repeat the St. John's
+verse to the betrothed pair, and, accompanied by his sister, to present
+to them the bunch of flowers which obliged those receiving it to dance
+together. The Fraeulein knew the old custom and would be delighted to
+comply with it with her 'schatz.' From the fresh bouquet of Alpine
+flowers which decorated the inn parlour the finest were selected, and a
+rehearsal hurriedly took place, in which Hansel had sustained with
+great credit the part which he was now to play in public.
+
+There was a pause in the dancing, and the music was silent as Hansel
+again made his appearance on the floor, one hand full of Alpine
+flowers, while with the other he led along his little sister, who
+carried a nosegay equally large. With much gravity he advanced, as he
+had been instructed to do, towards the group of ladies and gentlemen;
+but the directions given him could not have been sufficiently clear,
+for the two children marched straight up to Alice and the doctor, and
+offered them the flowers, while Hansel began to recite his verse.
+
+"Gracious, Hansel, those are not the right ones!" his mother cried in a
+loud whisper, but Hansel was not to be deterred. For him there was but
+one 'right one,' and that was the Herr Doctor, with the young lady
+beside him. So he went bravely through his verse, and ended with
+emphasis,--
+
+
+                       "Do not refuse it,--
+                          Our offering of flowers,
+                        And midsummer's blessings
+                          Fall on you in showers."
+
+
+Alice, surprised, graciously accepted the bouquet which the little girl
+held out to her, but Benno, who understood the significance of the
+little comedy, was overwhelmed with embarrassment.
+
+"But, my boy,--my little girl, what are you thinking of?" he exclaimed,
+trying to turn the children aside. Hansel, however, stood his ground
+sturdily and thrust his nosegay into the doctor's hand.
+
+"Ah, take his flowers," Alice said, in entire unconsciousness. "What
+does it all mean?"
+
+"It is the ancient St. John's blessing," Erna explained, smiling, "and
+the flowers mean that you positively must dance with the doctor, Alice;
+I am afraid there is no help for it."
+
+"Oh, this is delightful!" Molly cried, clapping her hands. "Of course;
+Benno must dance by all means."
+
+Poor Reinsfeld was in despair, but Waltenberg and Gersdorf laughingly
+insisted, and even Erna, who probably guessed, from the young
+peasant-wife's face, the state of the case, entered into the jest. "You
+need only go once round the floor, Alice," she said. "Comply with the
+old custom; you will offend the people if you refuse their doctor, of
+whom they think so much, the dance to which, in their opinion, he has a
+right. It would be to reject the midsummer blessing which they so
+kindly invoke for you."
+
+Alice did not seem for her part to think the custom a very strange one;
+she merely smiled on perceiving the young physician's intense
+embarrassment, and, turning to him, said, in an undertone,--
+
+"We must comply with their wish, Herr Doctor; do you not think so?"
+
+Poor Benno, who had never danced save at these rural festivals, fairly
+grew giddy at these words.
+
+"Fraeulein Nordheim--would you?" he asked.
+
+In reply Alice arose and took his arm. Those standing about, who
+thought it all a matter of course, made room, the music struck up, and
+in another moment the couple were whirling away.
+
+Meanwhile, Frau von Lasberg was feeling much better,--the cool quiet of
+the secluded apartment had really done her good; she came rustling in
+great majesty to the door of the inn, where, to her intense annoyance,
+she found her egress barred by a crowd of people, among whom were
+Gronau with Said and Djelma, and the host and hostess. All were
+stretching their necks to gaze towards the dancing-floor, which could
+be seen very easily from the top of the inn steps, and where something
+remarkable seemed to be going on.
+
+The Baroness was naturally of too refined a nature to share in such
+vulgar curiosity, and she was annoyed that no one seemed to perceive
+her; she turned to Said, who stood near her, and said, authoritatively,
+"Said, stand aside; are the ladies still in the garden?"
+
+"No; on the dancing-floor," Said replied, delighted.
+
+Frau von Lasberg was indignant; she suspected some folly of Molly's,
+that _enfant terrible_: "And they have left Fraeulein Nordheim alone?"
+
+"No; the Fraeulein is dancing with the doctor!" Said explained, showing
+his white teeth in a grin.
+
+The Baroness shrugged her shoulders at the stupidity of the negro, with
+his broken German; but, involuntarily looking in the direction whither
+he pointed, she saw what almost paralyzed her,--the doctor's athletic
+figure with its arm about the waist of a young lady in a light
+summer-gown and a straw hat trimmed with flowers,--her pupil, Alice
+Nordheim. And they were dancing together! Fraeulein Alice Nordheim
+dancing with the peasant doctor!
+
+It was more than Frau von Lasberg's overtaxed nerves could endure. She
+very nearly fainted, and would have fallen had not Said received her in
+his arms, as was of course his duty; but in great embarrassment as to
+what was to be done with his burden, he called out, "Herr Gronau! Herr
+Gronau! I have got a lady!"
+
+"Well, you had better keep her, then," said Veit, who, quite unaware of
+what was going on, stood at some distance and did not even turn his
+head. The host and hostess, however, heard the distressed exclamation
+and hurried to the rescue. There was a vast stir and commotion, and
+Djelma was running off to the dancing-floor, when Gronau detained him:
+"Stop! Where are you going?"
+
+"To bring the doctor." But Veit held him fast.
+
+"Stay where you are!" Veit ordered. "Is the poor doctor never to have
+any pleasure? Let him have his dance out, and then he can restore the
+Frau Baroness."
+
+The crowd about the dancing-floor were quite unconscious of this
+episode, and the couple danced on. Benno's arm encircled the delicate
+waist, and his eyes rested with delight upon the lovely face, no longer
+pale, but tinged by the exercise a rosy pink, that was raised to his
+own, and as he gazed he forgot Oberstein and the entire world.
+Oberstein, however, was hugely delighted with the turn affairs had
+taken, and testified to its pleasure in unmistakable fashion: the
+musicians fiddled away with enthusiasm, the peasant lads and lasses
+shouted, Hansel and his little sister skipped about, keeping time to
+the waltz, and all the Wolkensteiners sang in chorus,--
+
+
+                       "Do not refuse it,--
+                          Our offering of flowers,
+                        And midsummer's blessings
+                          Fall on you in showers."
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XV.
+
+                              A BETROTHAL.
+
+
+Nearly four weeks had gone by, and July was approaching its close, when
+President Nordheim returned to his mountain-villa. Meanwhile, the
+engineer-in-chief, whose ill health had long necessitated his resigning
+his position into Elmhorst's hands in all save the name, had died, and
+there had been but one opinion as to the man who should succeed him;
+the future son-in-law of the president, the engineer of the Wolkenstein
+bridge, was unanimously chosen to fill the vacant post. He was thus at
+the head of the huge undertaking now so near its completion.
+
+Several hours after Nordheim's return he retired with Wolfgang to his
+study, there to discuss the matter, which they had not done hitherto
+save by letter. Both were well content.
+
+"Your election was a mere form," said the president. "There was
+no name save yours mentioned; nevertheless I congratulate you, Herr
+Engineer-in-Chief."
+
+Elmhorst smiled slightly, but with none of that proud
+self-consciousness with which he had formerly achieved his appointment
+as superintendent, and yet that had been only the starting-point of the
+career the goal of which was now attained so brilliantly. A change had
+taken place in him: he looked pale and depressed, and in the keen eyes,
+whose depths had seemed so cold, there glowed from time to time a fire
+which leaped to light, only to flicker unsteadily and then to be as
+quickly extinguished. In conversation, too, he no longer preserved his
+old deliberate composure; in spite of all his self-control the man
+seemed to be consumed by some inward struggle, which did not permit him
+to march forward to gratify his ambition without looking either to the
+right or to the left,--some racking, tormenting struggle barred his
+path.
+
+"Thank you, sir," he replied. "I value highly the proof thus given me
+of the confidence reposed in me, and I confess, besides, that I take
+satisfaction in knowing that the completion of the work to which I have
+given the best that is in me should be connected with my name."
+
+"Do you set such a value on that?" Nordheim asked, indifferently.
+"True, such an ambition is still natural at your age; but you will soon
+outgrow it when loftier interests come to the fore."
+
+"Loftier than the honour that attaches to the creation of a great
+work?"
+
+"More practical interests, I mean,--interests of more decisive
+weight,--and it is precisely of them that I wish to speak with you. You
+know that I have long cherished the desire to retire from the company
+as soon as the railway shall be opened?"
+
+"I do; you mentioned it to me some months ago, and surprised me
+exceedingly. Why should you wish to retire from an undertaking which
+you practically called into existence?"
+
+"Because it no longer seems to me sufficiently profitable," the
+president replied, coolly. "The costs of construction are very
+heavy,--much heavier than I thought; in fact, there was no possibility
+of foreseeing all the difficulties in our way, and then your
+predecessor had such a mania for building with solidity. He sometimes
+drove me to despair with that solidity of his; it was terribly costly."
+
+"Excuse me, sir, but I share that same 'mania,'" Wolfgang declared,
+with some emphasis.
+
+"Of course. Hitherto you have been simply an engineer of the railway,
+and it could make but little difference to you if it cost a few
+millions more or less. But when in future you engage in such
+undertakings as my son-in-law you will think very differently."
+
+"On such points--never!"
+
+"Oh, you must learn to do so. In this case we can specially emphasize
+the admirable quality of the structure when the appraisement is made,
+which will probably be this year. The stockholders must own the
+railway; I have resolved upon that, and have already taken steps to
+have it so arranged. My shares stand for millions where others have
+invested tens of thousands at the most; I can consider myself the
+practical proprietor of the entire concern. Consequently I can impose
+my own conditions, and therefore I am especially glad to have you at
+the head of affairs as engineer-in-chief; we need take no stranger into
+counsel, but can work together."
+
+"I am entirely at your service, sir, as you know; as matters stand, the
+appraisement will be tolerably high."
+
+"I hope so," Nordheim said, slowly and significantly. "Moreover, the
+calculations are for the most part already made. They should be ready
+long beforehand, and they demand the work of a thorough man of
+business. I could not, therefore, call upon you to make them; you have
+enough to do in the conduct of the technical part of the enterprise.
+You will merely be called upon to review and approve the appraisement,
+and in this regard I rely upon you absolutely, Wolfgang. The unbounded
+confidence which you enjoy, as the result of your labours hitherto,
+will make matters very easy for us."
+
+Wolfgang looked somewhat puzzled; it was a matter of course that he
+should do his duty and assist his father-in-law to the best of his
+ability, but there seemed some other meaning hidden behind the
+president's words: they sounded odd. There was no opportunity for
+further explanation, however, for Nordheim looked at his watch and
+arose.
+
+"Four o'clock already; it will soon be dinner-time. Come, Wolfgang, we
+must not keep the ladies waiting."
+
+"You brought Waltenberg with you," Elmhorst said, as he also rose.
+
+"Yes; he met me in Heilborn, and came over with me. His patience seems
+to have been put to a hard test in these last four weeks. I cannot
+understand the man. He is proud and self-willed, even arrogant in a
+certain way, and yet he allows himself to be the victim of a girl's
+caprice. I mean to have a serious talk with my niece. The matter must
+be decided."
+
+Meanwhile, they had passed through the adjoining room and entered the
+drawing-room, where a servant was employed in raising the curtains,
+which had been drawn down on account of the sun. Nordheim asked if the
+ladies were in the garden.
+
+"Only the Baroness Thurgau and Herr Waltenberg," was the reply.
+"Fraeulein Nordheim is in her room, where the Herr Doctor is paying her
+a visit."
+
+"Ah, the new physician whom you have discovered," said the president,
+turning to Wolfgang. "One of your early friends, I think you told me.
+He certainly seems to understand the matter, for Alice has changed
+greatly for the better in a short time. I was quite surprised by her
+appearance and her unusual sprightliness; the doctor seems to have
+worked wonders. What is the name of this Oberstein AEsculapius? You
+forgot to mention it in your letters."
+
+Wolfgang had purposely avoided doing so, but he felt no longer called
+upon to pay any regard to what he considered as his friend's whim, and
+he replied, quietly,--
+
+"Dr. Benno Reinsfeld."
+
+Nordheim turned upon him hastily: "Whom did you say?"
+
+"Benno Reinsfeld," Elmhorst repeated, amazed at the tone in which the
+question was put. He had supposed that the president would scarcely
+remember the name, and that he would not take the slightest interest in
+the old associations so foreign now to the millionaire. That they had a
+deep and lasting hold upon him was evident, however: Nordheim's face
+grew ghastly pale, and expressed dismay, and even terror, which also
+showed itself in his voice as he exclaimed, "What! that man in
+Oberstein,--and in my house?"
+
+Wolfgang was about to reply, but at that moment the door opened and
+Benno himself entered. He started slightly upon perceiving the
+president, but paused calmly and bowed. He had just heard from Alice of
+her father's arrival, and was prepared for this encounter.
+
+Nordheim immediately divined who the man was; perhaps he remembered the
+young physician whom he had seen for a moment three years before at
+Wolkenstein Court, without hearing his name, and he was man of the
+world enough to recover himself immediately. With apparent composure he
+greeted the young man whom Wolfgang now presented to him, but his
+impassible features were still ghastly pale.
+
+"Herr Elmhorst wrote me that he had availed himself of your skill on
+behalf of his betrothed," he said, with frigid courtesy, "and I must
+express my thanks to you, Herr Doctor, for your efforts seem to have
+achieved very favourable results; my daughter looks decidedly better.
+Your diagnosis, I hear, differs from that of her former physicians?"
+
+"Fraeulein Nordheim seems to me to be suffering from a derangement of
+the nerves," said Benno, modestly, "and I have treated her
+accordingly."
+
+"Indeed? The other gentlemen were tolerably well agreed in pronouncing
+her heart affected."
+
+"I know it, but I do not agree with them, and the result of my
+treatment seems to prove me in the right. I have induced Fraeulein
+Nordheim, who has been hitherto forbidden all exercise, to take
+walks and to increase their extent daily, and I have advised some
+mountain-climbing, and that she should spend as much time as possible
+in the open air, since this high atmosphere seems to suit her extremely
+well. Thus far I have cause to be satisfied with her improvement."
+
+"As we all have," the president assented, gazing meanwhile at the young
+physician as if to read his soul. "As I said, I am grateful to you. You
+live in Oberstein, Wolfgang wrote me. Have you been there long?
+
+"Five years, Herr President."
+
+"And you intend to remain?"
+
+"At least until some better position offers."
+
+"There should be no difficulty about that," Nordheim remarked, and then
+went on to converse with the young man, but with a degree of distant
+courtesy that entirely precluded familiar ease. Not a word, not a look
+betrayed any consciousness that the man before him was the son of his
+early friend; in spite of his apparent kindliness, his reserve was also
+apparent.
+
+Benno perceived this clearly, but was not at all surprised by it, for
+he had expected nothing else. He knew that the memories roused by his
+name were far from agreeable to the president, and in his modesty he
+never dreamed that the result of his medical treatment of the daughter
+could influence the father. He never thought of recalling associations
+so entirely ignored by the millionaire, and, as the meeting was an
+annoying one for him, he took his leave as soon as possible.
+
+Nordheim looked after him in silence for a few moments, and then,
+turning to Wolfgang with a frown, he asked, sharply, "How came you to
+make this acquaintance?"
+
+"As I have told you, Reinsfeld is one of my early friends, whom I met
+again here in Oberstein."
+
+"And you have known him for years without ever mentioning his name to
+me?"
+
+"I avoided doing so by Benno's express desire, for your name is as well
+known to him as his to you. You do not wish to be reminded that his
+father was your fellow-student,--I perceived that to-day."
+
+"What do you know about it?" the president asked, angrily. "Did the
+doctor speak to you about it?"
+
+"He did, and informed me that the former friendship had ended in entire
+alienation."
+
+Nordheim leaned his hand as if accidentally upon the back of the chair
+by which he was standing; his face had grown pale again, and his voice
+was rather tremulous as he asked, "Indeed! And what does he know about
+it?"
+
+"Nothing at all! He was a boy at the time, and never learned what
+caused the breach; but he was much too proud to approach you in any
+way, and therefore made me promise to avoid mentioning his name for as
+long as I could."
+
+Involuntarily Nordheim breathed a deep sigh; he made no rejoinder, but
+walked to the window.
+
+"It seems to me that Dr. Reinsfeld was entitled to a more cordial
+reception," Wolfgang began again, evidently hurt by the cool way in
+which his friend had been treated. "Of course I know nothing of what
+occurred formerly----"
+
+"Nor do I wish you to know," the president sharply interrupted him.
+"The affair was of a purely personal character, and one of which I
+alone can judge; but you knew that this Reinsfeld could not be
+agreeable to me, and I cannot understand how you came to introduce him
+into my house and intrust my daughter's health to him. It was an act of
+supererogation which I cannot approve."
+
+He was evidently much irritated by his encounter with Benno, and was
+wreaking his irritation upon his future son-in-law, who was, however,
+nowise inclined to submit to be addressed in a tone which he heard
+today for the first time.
+
+"I regret, sir, that the matter should annoy you," he said, coldly,
+"but there is no question here of supererogation. It is certainly my
+right to call in for my betrothed a physician in whom I have perfect
+confidence, and who, as you yourself must admit, has entirely justified
+my confidence. I could not possibly surmise that an old grudge, dating
+twenty years back, and of which Benno is as innocent as he is ignorant,
+could make you so unjust. Your former friend is long since dead, and
+all unpleasantness should be buried with him."
+
+"I am the only judge of that," Nordheim interrupted him, with a fresh
+access of anger. "Enough. I will not have this man coming to my house.
+I will send him a fee,--of course a very large fee,--and decline
+further visits from him upon any pretext whatsoever. And I also request
+you to discontinue your intercourse with him. I do not approve of it."
+
+The words sounded like a command, but the young engineer-in-chief was
+not the man to submit. His eyes flashed: "I think I have told you, sir,
+that Dr. Reinsfeld is my friend," he said, sternly, "and of course
+there can be no question of giving him up. It would insult him, after
+the pains he has taken with Alice's health, to dismiss him with a fee
+before her cure is complete. And I must beg you also to adopt another
+tone in speaking of him. Benno is a man deserving of the greatest
+regard; beneath an unpretending and even awkward exterior he possesses
+characteristics and talents worthy of all admiration."
+
+"Indeed?" The president laughed scornfully. "I am learning to know you
+to-day, Wolfgang, in an entirely new character,--that of an
+enthusiastic and self-sacrificing friend. I should hardly have thought
+it of you."
+
+"I am at least wont to stand up for my friends, and not to leave them
+in the lurch," was the very decided reply.
+
+"But I repeat that I do not choose to have this man in my house,"
+Nordheim said, dictatorially. "I suppose I am master here."
+
+"Certainly; but in _my_ future house Benno will always be a welcome
+guest, and I shall explain this to him unreservedly, in case I should
+be obliged by your dismissal of him to discuss the matter with him, and
+to--excuse you."
+
+The words left nothing to be desired in the way of emphasis. It was the
+first time that there had been a difference of opinion between the two
+men; hitherto their views and interests had been identical. Wolfgang;
+showed in this first encounter that he was no docile son-in-law, but
+could maintain his ground with entire resolution. He certainly would
+not yield, as the president could clearly see; and probably Nordheim
+had some reason for not pushing him to extremities, for he lowered his
+tone.
+
+"The matter is not worth a dispute," he said, with a shrug. "What, in
+fact, is this Dr. Reinsfeld to me? I would rather not be reminded by
+the sight of him of a disagreeable circumstance,--nothing more. In
+spite of your enthusiastic eulogy, I take the liberty of finding him as
+insignificant as was the incident that caused me to break with his
+father. Let the matter drop, for all I care."
+
+He could not have astounded Wolfgang more than by this unwonted
+acquiescence. This indifference was in direct contrast with his former
+feverish irritability. The young man was silent and appeared satisfied,
+but the ancient grudge had acquired a new significance in his eyes. He
+was now convinced that the cause of it had not been insignificant; a
+man like Nordheim would not have preserved for twenty years the memory
+of a mere bagatelle.
+
+Alice here made her appearance, to the evident relief of her father,
+who made no reference to the physician's visit, but began to talk of
+other things, and Wolfgang also took pains to conceal his annoyance.
+Alice did not perceive anything amiss; she was on her way to the garden
+to look for Erna, and her father, as well as her betrothed, joined her.
+
+The garden of the villa was scarcely in accord with its elevated
+situation, where the usual flowers and ornamental shrubs enjoyed but a
+short summer, and were buried beneath the snow during more than half
+the year. The beds that had been laid out on the former meadow were
+fresh and sunny, but the little pine forest adjoining the garden, and
+extending to the foot of the cliffs, offered a cool, shady retreat from
+the hot sun.
+
+It formed a kind of natural park, to which the moss-grown rocks,
+detached from their mountain-home in some ancient avalanche, and lying
+scattered here and there, lent a romantic charm.
+
+Upon a rustic seat at the base of one of these rocks sat the Baroness
+Thurgau, and before her stood Ernst Waltenberg, but not engaged in calm
+conversation; he had sprung up and planted himself before her as if to
+prevent her escape. He was greatly agitated. "No, no, Fraeulein Thurgau,
+you must stay and hear me!" he exclaimed. "You have repeatedly escaped
+me of late when I would fain have uttered what has been upon my lips
+for months. Stay, I entreat! I can endure suspense no longer."
+
+Erna could not but be conscious that he had a right to be heard. She
+made no further attempt to leave him, but the expression of her face
+betrayed her dread of the coming declaration. Neither by word nor by
+look did she give the slightest encouragement to the man who now
+continued, with ever-increasing ardour,--
+
+"I might have ended this uncertainty long ago, but, for the first time
+in my life, I have been and am a very coward. You cannot dream, Erna,
+of the misery you have caused me by your reserve, and avoidance of me!
+When I would have spoken I seemed to read in your eyes a 'no,' and that
+I could not endure."
+
+"Herr Waltenberg, listen to me," the girl said, gently.
+
+"_Herr_ Waltenberg!" he repeated, bitterly. "Have you no other name for
+me? Am I still such a stranger to you that you cannot, for once at
+least, let me hear you call me Ernst? You must have long known that I
+love you with all a man's passion,--that I sue for you as for the
+greatest of all blessings. There was a time when entire freedom was my
+highest ideal of happiness; when I shrank from the thought of any tie
+that could fetter me. All that is gone and forgotten. What is all the
+world to me--what is unfettered freedom--without you? On this broad
+earth I care for you, and for you only!"
+
+He had taken her hand, and she did not withdraw it from his clasp, but
+it lay there cold and passive, and when she raised her eyes to his they
+were veiled with sadness.
+
+"I know that you love me, Ernst," she said, slowly, "and I believe in
+the depth and sincerity of your affection, but I can give you no love
+in return."
+
+He dropped her hand suddenly: "And why not?"
+
+"A strange question to ask. Can love be forced?"
+
+"Ah, yes. A man's boundless, passionate devotion must beget love in
+return--if there is no rival in the way."
+
+Erna shivered, and the colour mounted slowly in her face, but she was
+silent. This change of colour did not escape Waltenberg, who was gazing
+at her with breathless eagerness. His dark face grew pale on a sudden,
+and there was something like a menace in the tone in which he said,
+"Erna, why have you avoided me hitherto? Why do you refuse to return my
+love? Tell me the truth at all hazards. Do you love another?"
+
+A short pause ensued. Erna would fain have refused to reply. How could
+she confess to another that which she shrank from acknowledging even to
+herself? But a glance into the agitated face of the man before her
+decided her.
+
+"I will be entirely frank with you," she said, firmly. "I have loved.
+It was a dream, followed by a bitter wakening."
+
+"Then the man was unworthy of you?"
+
+"He was unworthy of any pure and great affection, and when I learned
+this, I tore my love for him from my heart. I pray you, do not question
+me further. It is gone and buried."
+
+"Ah, he is dead, then?"
+
+There was a degree of savage triumph in the question, and still more
+cruel was the hatred that flashed in his eyes,--hatred for one whom he
+thought dead. Erna saw it, and for an instant a wave of terror
+overwhelmed her. Instinctively she bowed her head as before a
+threatened danger, and before she was conscious that by this gesture
+she confirmed him in his error the involuntary falsehood was told.
+
+Ernst drew a deep breath, and the colour slowly returned to his cheek:
+"Well, then, it is with the dead that I must strive. I will not fear a
+phantom; it must yield when once I clasp you in my arms. Erna, come to
+me!"
+
+She recoiled in dismay from the passion in his words: "What! you still
+persist? When I tell you that I have no love to bestow upon you, does
+not your pride stand you in stead?"
+
+"My pride,--where has it gone?" he broke forth. "Do you suppose that I
+could have gone on wooing you patiently for months without one word of
+encouragement from you, had I been the same Waltenberg who thought he
+needed but to ask of fate to attain his desire? Now I have learned to
+beg. The sight of you threw about me a spell to escape from which I
+struggle in vain. Erna, if you desire it I will resign my wandering
+life, and if you should wish for home in those sunny lands which I so
+long to show you, I will return with you to the cold, gloomy north, and
+for your sake assume the fetters of existence here. You do not know
+what a change you have already wrought in me, how all-powerful is your
+influence over me. Ah, do not be thus cold and impassive as your Alpine
+Fay upon her icy throne! I must win you for my own although your kiss
+were as deadly as that of the phantom of your legend."
+
+His words were prompted by passion, strong to sweep down all obstacles
+in its path; such tones are always intoxicating for a woman's ear, and
+here, moreover, they dropped like soothing balm upon a wound that was
+still bleeding. It had been so humiliating to the girl to know herself
+ignored, resigned, not for the sake of another,--Erna knew well that
+that other was as nought to the man whose ambition was his god, the
+idol to whom she had been sacrificed. And now she was beloved,
+idolized, encompassed by a passionate regard which knew no calculation
+and no bounds. She was desired for herself alone. It was a triumph for
+her pride. And she was assailed, too, by pity,--by the consciousness of
+power to bestow happiness. Everything urged her to utter the consent
+for which she was implored, and yet she was restrained by an invisible
+something, and at this decisive moment another face arose in her
+memory,--a face that had looked so pale in the moonlight as the white
+lips had faltered, 'And could you have loved a man who had risen thus?'
+
+"Erna, ah, do not keep me upon the rack!" Waltenberg exclaimed, with
+feverish impatience. "See! I kneel to implore you!" And he threw
+himself upon his knees before her and pressed her hand to his lips.
+
+As she turned away her eyes as if entreating help, she suddenly
+started, and in a hurried whisper exclaimed, "For heaven's sake, rise,
+Ernst! We are not alone."
+
+He sprang to his feet, and, following the direction of her eyes,
+perceived the president with his daughter and her betrothed just
+emerging in the distance from among the trees.
+
+They had all been witnesses of the scene for a few seconds, but
+Nordheim divined that the decisive word had not been spoken, and that
+his self-willed niece might thwart his plan at the last moment. He
+therefore made haste to render its fulfilment irrevocable, and,
+advancing quickly, exclaimed, with a laugh, "We ask a thousand pardons!
+Nothing was farther from our intention than to intrude, but, since we
+have done so, let me offer you my best wishes, my child, and,
+Waltenberg, I congratulate you from my heart! We are scarcely
+surprised, having seen for some time how matters stood with you, and
+upon my arrival I perceived a betrothal in the air. Come, Alice and
+Wolfgang, congratulate these lovers."
+
+He bestowed a paternal embrace upon his niece, shook Waltenberg warmly
+by the hand, and so overwhelmed the pair with congratulations and good
+wishes that no denial on Erna's part was possible. She passively
+allowed it all,--allowed Alice to embrace her and Ernst to clasp her
+hand in his as his betrothed, only fully recovering her consciousness
+when Wolfgang approached her.
+
+"Let me add my good wishes to the rest, Fraeulein von Thurgau," he said.
+His voice was calm, too calm, and his immovable countenance betrayed no
+breath of the tempest raging within him. Only for one instant did his
+eye meet hers, and that instant told her that she was amply revenged
+upon the man who had sacrificed his love to ambition and the love of
+gold. Now that he saw her in the arms of another, he felt how pitiable
+had been his choice, felt that he had bartered away the happiness of
+his life.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XVI.
+
+                              SUSPICIONS.
+
+
+"As I say, Wolf, I do not know what to think of it. I never applied for
+the position. I did not, in fact, know anything about it, and here it
+is offered to me,--to me in this secluded Oberstein at the other end of
+the kingdom. There, read for yourself."
+
+As he spoke, Benno Reinsfeld handed his friend a letter which he had
+received the day before. They were in the doctor's study, and Elmhorst
+also seemed surprised as he read the letter through attentively.
+
+"It certainly is an admirable position," he said. "Neuenfeld is one of
+our largest iron-works,--I know the place by name at least, and the
+working population form a colony there, while you can establish the
+pleasantest relations with the multitude of officials employed in the
+management of the factories. Why, your salary will amount to six times
+your present income. Of course you must accept it. You must not let
+your good fortune slip again."
+
+"But that other time I took infinite trouble to obtain the position. I
+sent in a scientific treatise that got me the preference, and then I
+was dropped, just because I could not come up to time. I have no
+association with Neuenfeld,--I do not know a soul there,--and with such
+advantages to offer there must be at least a dozen applicants for the
+post. How does the management know of the existence of a Dr. Reinsfeld
+in Oberstein?"
+
+Wolfgang looked down thoughtfully, then read over the letter again: "I
+think I can solve the riddle for you," he said at last. "The president
+has had a hand in it."
+
+"The president? Impossible!"
+
+"On the contrary, very probable. He is interested pecuniarily in the
+iron-works, and he put the present director there; his influence
+extends everywhere."
+
+"But he certainly would not exert that influence in my behalf. You
+yourself saw how coldly he received me on the only occasion when I have
+had the honour of meeting him."
+
+"Nor do I think that he has been induced to interfere thus for
+benevolence's sake, but---- Benno, do you really know nothing of the
+cause of the breach between your father and Nordheim? Can you not
+remember some expression, some hint, that would give you a clue to it?"
+
+Benno seemed to reflect, and then shook his head: "No, Wolf; no child
+heeds such things. I only know that afterwards, when I asked after
+'Uncle Nordheim,' my father, with a severity very unlike himself,
+forbade my speaking of him. Soon afterwards my parents died, and in the
+hard struggle that ensued I had too much to do to allow of my reviving
+childish memories. But why do you ask?"
+
+"Because I am now convinced that something very serious occurred then,
+the sting of which is still sharp after twenty years. It caused the
+only difference I have ever had with Herr Nordheim, who visits his
+anger upon you, who are entirely innocent of all offence."
+
+"Possibly; but that would be all the more reason why he should not
+obtain for me a lucrative position."
+
+"It is just what he would do, were there no other means of removing you
+from his vicinity, and I fear that this is the true state of the case.
+He even wished to put a stop to your professional visits to his
+daughter. I did not tell you of it, because I thought it might, with
+justice, offend you, and he apparently changed his mind; but I am quite
+sure that I see his hand in this offer to you, from an entirely
+unexpected quarter, of a position that will keep you confined to a spot
+quite as distant from here as from the capital."
+
+"Why, that would be a positive plot," Reinsfeld interposed,
+incredulously. "Do you really suspect the president of it?"
+
+"Yes," said Elmhorst, coldly. "But, however the case may stand, so
+advantageous a position is not likely to come in your way soon again:
+so accept it by all means."
+
+"Even if it be offered to me from such motives?"
+
+"They are only supposititious; and even were they actual, no one in
+Neuenfeld knows anything of the circumstances; there they merely accept
+the recommendation of an influential man. Perhaps he perceives the
+injustice of visiting an old grudge upon you and wishes to indemnify
+you, since your presence recalls disagreeable memories."
+
+Wolfgang knew well that this could not be so; his talk with the
+president had convinced him that he could be actuated by no sentiments
+of justice or magnanimity, but the young engineer wished to make the
+way easy for his friend, with whose sensitive delicacy he was familiar.
+Under all circumstances it was a piece of good fortune for Reinsfeld to
+be removed from his present obscure position, no matter whose was the
+influence to which he owed the change.
+
+"We will discuss it this evening when you come to me," Elmhorst
+continued, taking his hat from the table. "Now I must go; my conveyance
+is waiting outside; I am driving to the lower railway."
+
+"Wolf," said Benno, with a searching, anxious glance at his friend's
+face, "did you sleep at all last night?"
+
+"No; I had some work to do. That sometimes will happen."
+
+"Sometimes! It has come to be the rule with you. I believe you hardly
+sleep at all."
+
+"Not much, it is true, but there is no help for it. Every structure
+must be finished before the winter sets in. Of course that makes a deal
+of work, and as engineer-in-chief I must see to it all."
+
+"You are overworking yourself perilously. Hardly any other man could do
+as you are doing, and you cannot go on thus for long. How often I have
+told you----"
+
+"The same old story," Wolfgang interrupted him, impatiently. "Let me
+alone, Benno; there is no help for it."
+
+The doctor had, unfortunately, learned from experience that all his
+admonitions on this point would avail nothing, and he shook his head
+anxiously as he escorted his friend to the carriage. He himself was
+unwearied in the performance of his duties, but he knew nothing of the
+feverish state of mind that seeks forgetfulness in labour at whatever
+cost.
+
+In the hall they met Veit Gronau, who had come with Waltenberg from
+Heilborn, and had taken the opportunity to pay a visit to Oberstein.
+The gentlemen bade each other good-day, and then Elmhorst got into his
+carriage, while the two others returned to the study.
+
+"The Herr Engineer-in-Chief was in a great hurry," said Gronau,
+settling himself in the leathern arm-chair, the leg of which had,
+fortunately, been mended. "He scarcely took time to speak to me, and he
+looks very little like a happy lover. He's always as pale and gloomy as
+the marble guest! And yet he surely has reason to be contented with his
+lot."
+
+"Yes, I am anxious about Wolf," Benno declared. "He is not at all like
+himself, and I am afraid the post he so coveted will be his bane. Even
+his iron, constitution cannot stand the strain of feverish activity
+which fills his days and nights. He oversees the entire extent of
+railway, and he never gives himself an instant's rest, in spite of all
+I can say."
+
+"Yes, he is everywhere except with his betrothed," Gronau remarked,
+drily. "The lady seems to be of a remarkably unexacting temperament,
+else she could hardly endure having her lover entirely given over to
+locomotives, and tunnels, and bridges, or to have him declare as soon
+as he appears that he has not a moment to stay. But she takes it all as
+quite a matter of course. 'Tis an odd household, that of the Nordheim
+villa. With two pair of lovers, one would suppose all would go as
+merrily as a marriage-bell, but instead of that they all seem rather
+uncomfortable, not excepting Herr Waltenberg. Said and Djelma are
+always complaining to me of his temper. I explained to them that it was
+all because he was thinking of marrying; that matrimony was sure to
+make mischief; but the rogues persist in thinking it very fine."
+
+"Oh, you are a declared foe to matrimony, as we all know," said
+Reinsfeld, with a fleeting smile. "If Wolfgang is out of sorts,--and
+the responsibilities of his position may well make him so,--his
+betrothed is, in looks and temper, all that could be desired."
+
+"Yes, she is the gayest of all," Gronau assented. "That cure of yours
+is almost a miracle, Herr Doctor. What a poor, pining little plant she
+was, and now she is as fresh and blooming as a rose! Baroness Thurgau
+has grown grave and silent; and as for the two men,--one of them is
+always at the boiling-point, and is as jealous as a Turk, while the
+other is a perfect icicle, and they look at each other as if they would
+like to fly at each other's throats. What affectionate relatives they
+will be!"
+
+Benno suppressed a sigh; the mute hostility between Wolfgang and
+Waltenberg, which was barely concealed beneath the forms of
+conventional courtesy, had not escaped him, but he said nothing.
+
+"I am really sorry for Herr Waltenberg," Veit began again. "He cannot
+live without a sight of his betrothed every twenty-four hours, and he
+drives over from Heilborn daily. She, on the contrary, seems to have
+taken the famous mountain divinity for her model: she sits enthroned
+like the Alpine Sprite, and allows herself to be worshipped, while she
+remains entirely unmoved. Absolutely, doctor, you are the only sensible
+being among them all. You have no thoughts of matrimony,--hold fast to
+that!"
+
+"I certainly am not thinking of it, but of something else, which
+will be scarcely less of a surprise to you,--of going away. Very
+unexpectedly a lucrative position has been offered me."
+
+"Bravo! Accept it at once!"
+
+"I certainly must."
+
+Gronau burst into a laugh: "With what a long face you say that! I
+verily believe it goes to your heart to leave these honest Obersteiners
+who have been wearing you out for five years, to requite you with only
+a 'God reward you!' Just like my dear old Benno! He never would have
+died a poor man if he had understood the world and human nature. There
+he sat for years bothering over an idea which ought to have made
+his fortune, but he never knew how to push his claims, and timid
+requests and modest applications do no good with great capitalists
+and lords of finance. Finally others got before him with his invention,
+which was in the air, as it were, when they began to build
+mountain-railways, but nevertheless he was the first to devise the
+system of mountain-locomotives; all the later inventions are based upon
+his principle."
+
+"My father?" Benno asked, with a puzzled air. "You are mistaken; it is
+the Nordheim system upon which the locomotives of to-day are
+constructed."
+
+"I beg pardon: 'tis the Reinsfeld method," Gronau maintained.
+
+"You are mistaken, I assure you. Wolf told me himself that his future
+father-in-law laid the foundation of his fortunes by the sale of his
+method of constructing mountain-locomotives. It was purchased and used
+by the first mountain-railways. Afterwards, of course, all kinds of
+improvements were added, but the inventor made a goodly profit; they
+paid him a very large price for the patent."
+
+"Paid whom? Nordheim?" Veit shouted.
+
+"The president,--certainly."
+
+"And the engineer-in-chief told you this?"
+
+"He did; we were talking of it a little while ago. Moreover, the thing
+is well known; any engineer can tell you so."
+
+Gronau suddenly sprang up and approached the young physician. "Doctor,"
+he said, slowly and emphatically, "this is either a wretched mistake or
+a scoundrelly trick!"
+
+"Scoundrelly trick?" Benno repeated, startled. "What do you mean?"
+
+"I mean, or rather I know, that this invention was your father's, and
+Nordheim knows it as well as I do. If he has given it out for his
+own----"
+
+"In heaven's name, you would not call----"
+
+"The highly-respected president a scoundrel? Well, that remains to be
+seen. It was, of course, possible for a stranger to have hit upon the
+same invention,--every engineer was occupied with the problem at the
+time,--but Nordheim had his friend's completed plan in his possession,
+studied it thoroughly, praised and admired it; there is no possibility
+of his having happened upon the idea for himself. We must sift the
+matter. Consider, Benno, do you really know nothing of the cause of the
+estrangement of which you have told me?"
+
+"Nothing at all. I have just told Wolfgang so; he asked me the same
+question."
+
+"The engineer-in-chief? What made him do that?"
+
+"He thought he saw the president's hand in the offer that has just been
+made me, and he surmised--but no, no! Not a word more of such a
+shameful suspicion. It is impossible----"
+
+"Much seems impossible to you, doctor; you have preserved the heart of
+a child," Veit said, gravely. "But when a man has seen as much of men
+as I have, he comes to disbelieve in such impossibilities. You are sure
+that Nordheim took out a patent for the mountain-locomotive?"
+
+"Certainly; of that fact I am sure."
+
+"Then he is a thief!" Gronau exclaimed, in a burst of indignation,--"a
+trebly disgraced thief, for he robbed his friend!"
+
+"Hush, hush!" Benno interposed, but fruitlessly: Veit went on to prove
+his accusation.
+
+"Tell me why your father, who was loyalty itself to his friends, should
+have broken with the one who was nearest to him? Why did Nordheim, if
+he were possessed of so inventive a genius, never achieve more than one
+invention? and why did he entirely abandon engineering shortly
+afterwards? Can you answer these questions?"
+
+Reinsfeld was silent; under other circumstances he would have rejected
+all idea of such a suspicion, but the tone of conviction in which the
+terrible accusation was made, his conversation with Wolfgang, the
+mystery of the quarrel which had left so bitter a sting behind it that
+his gentle, amiable father had forbidden the mention of the name of a
+friend once so dear to him,--all this rushed upon his mind, almost
+paralyzing his power of thought.
+
+"We must be sure," Gronau said, resolutely. "Where are your father's
+old papers,--his drawings and sketches? You told me you had preserved
+them all carefully. There must be something to be found among them, and
+if not, I will go myself to the president and question him. I am
+curious to see how he will look. Where are the papers, Benno? Produce
+them; we have no time to lose."
+
+Benno pointed to a small cabinet in a corner of the room. "You will
+find there everything that I possess of my father's," he said, sadly.
+"Here is the key. Look through it; I----"
+
+"I trust you will help me. You are the interested party. Why do you
+hesitate?"
+
+The doctor was hesitating, in fact, but Veit had already opened the
+cabinet, and in a few minutes the rather meagre collection of papers
+belonging to the late engineer was spread out on the table. His old
+friend and comrade looked through them with the utmost care; every
+drawing was closely examined, every leaf turned, but in vain! There was
+nothing that bore any reference to the matter in question,--no sketch,
+no note, no memorandum, nothing that could confirm Gronau's suspicions.
+Benno, who had undertaken the search unwillingly, breathed a sigh of
+relief, while Veit pushed the papers aside in great dissatisfaction.
+
+"Fools that we are! We might have known it! Nordheim never would have
+played his rascally trick had anything existed that could betray him.
+He must have borrowed the plan from his friend upon some pretext and
+then insured himself against discovery. My old Benno was not the one to
+unmask such a fox unless he had been in possession of convincing proof
+of his treachery; and I, the only one cognizant of the truth of the
+case, was off in the wide world no one knew where. But I am here now,
+and I will not rest until the affair is brought to light."
+
+"But why?" Benno asked, gently. "Why rake up the old forgotten quarrel?
+It can do my poor father no good, and should you find the proof you
+speak of, it would be a terrible blow for--the president's family."
+
+Gronau stared at him for a moment speechless, as if he could not
+understand his words; then he burst forth, angrily, "Upon my word this
+is going too far! Any one else would be almost wild with such a
+discovery, would move heaven and earth to find out the truth and to
+brand the guilty, and you would fain restrain me because, forsooth, the
+engineer-in-chief is your friend,--because you are afraid of troubling
+the family of your worst enemy. You are the true son of your father; he
+would have done the very same thing."
+
+He was not quite right in his surmise. Benno had not thought of
+Wolfgang: a very different face had risen in his mind and gazed at him
+with brown eyes filled with troubled questionings, but not for worlds
+would he have revealed what made the confirmation of Gronau's
+suspicions so terrible to him, and why he would rather bury the whole
+affair in oblivion.
+
+Veit Gronau turned away, saying, in a tone expressing discontent and
+pity, "There is nothing to be done with you, Benno. Such unpractical
+sentimentalists are good for nothing in a matter of this kind.
+Fortunately, I am on hand. I am now upon the trail, and, cost what it
+may, I shall pursue it. My old friend shall have in his grave the
+recognition that was denied him while living!"
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XVII.
+
+                         UNFORESEEN OBSTACLES.
+
+
+President Nordheim was seated in his office in the capital, in
+consultation with Herr Gersdorf, for the consignment of the railway to
+the stockholders was now decided upon. Nordheim's resolve to withdraw
+from the company after the completion of the undertaking was regretted,
+but caused no surprise, for the man's restless activity was well known,
+and it was natural that he should have new schemes wherewith to employ
+his capital. The glory was his of having devised and executed a bold
+project which had opened a new highway for the world.
+
+The engineer-in-chief had promised that all building operations should
+be concluded before the beginning of winter, and as soon as they were
+finished the transfer was to be made. It would then be the business of
+the new management to effect the final preparations for the opening of
+the road, which was to take place the ensuing spring. All this had
+been settled for months, and Gersdorf, in his capacity of legal
+representative of the railway company, had had many consultations with
+the president.
+
+"The engineer-in-chief does in fact achieve almost the impossible," he
+said, "but yet I cannot understand how he can have all finished by the
+end of October. The month has begun, and four weeks seems a very short
+time for the completion of what remains to be done."
+
+"If Wolfgang has said the work shall be done, he will keep his word,"
+Nordheim rejoined, in a tone of calm conviction. "In such cases he
+spares neither himself nor his subordinates, and in this instance he is
+also driven by necessity. November brings the snowstorms which are most
+dangerous in the Wolkenstein district; it is very important to have the
+work finished."
+
+"Hitherto autumn has brought us only late summer weather," the lawyer
+observed, as he gathered together some papers scattered on the table.
+"I cannot wonder that your daughter lingers in the mountains and seems
+to have no idea of returning."
+
+"She, with Frau von Lasberg, will probably remain there for some weeks
+yet. The mountain-air has worked miracles for Alice; she is almost
+entirely well, and Dr. Reinsfeld advises her to extend her stay until
+the weather changes. I owe a debt of gratitude to your cousin, and I
+greatly regret that he is to leave Oberstein. I hear he has another
+medical position in prospect in--what is the name of the place?"
+
+"Neuenfeld."
+
+"Right,--Neuenfeld. The name had escaped me. I cannot wonder at the
+young physician for desiring a wider sphere of action; but, as I said,
+we all regret that he is going so far away. Wolfgang in especial will
+miss him much."
+
+The words sounded kindly, as though the president were really grateful
+to his daughter's physician and regretted losing him. Gersdorf, who had
+no reason to suspect his sincerity, was quite impressed.
+
+"Benno writes me that he shall not leave for his new post before the
+end of a couple of weeks," he said. "He stipulated for this delay that
+he might install his successor at Oberstein. Therefore we shall have an
+opportunity of seeing each other again, for I must go to Heilborn next
+week. The suit of the parishes of Oberstein and Unterstein against the
+railway for damage done to their forests in its construction is to be
+decided, and I represent the company of course."
+
+"Then we shall meet there," said Nordheim. "I am going to take a short
+holiday, and then return to town with my family. I have been
+overweighted with business of late, and am sadly in need of rest. I
+shall hope to see you at our villa; you will not forgot to come?"
+
+"Certainly not," said Gersdorf, rising to take leave.
+
+When he had gone the president rang for lights, for it was growing
+dark, and then, seating himself at his writing-table, he became
+absorbed in the papers lying there,--they must have been of a very
+important nature, for he examined them with the greatest care, his face
+expressing intense satisfaction as he did so, until it finally broke
+into a smile.
+
+"Everything arranged," he murmured. "It will be a brilliant
+transaction. The figures are rather boldly combined, it is true, but
+they will do their duty, and as soon as Wolfgang has approved them, and
+affixed his name to the entire estimate, it will be accepted without
+demur. And that man Reinsfeld is fortunately disposed of. I thought he
+could not refuse the bait of such a position. Neuenfeld is far enough
+away, and he can live there comfortably to the end of his days.--What
+is it? I do not wish to be disturbed again this evening."
+
+The last words were spoken to a servant who entered at the moment, and
+who now announced, "Herr Elmhorst has arrived."
+
+"The engineer-in-chief?" Nordheim asked, surprised.
+
+"Arrived a moment ago, Herr President."
+
+Nordheim rose quickly, and was about to go to meet the new-comer,
+but Wolfgang appeared at that moment on the threshold in his
+travelling-dress.
+
+"Have I startled you, sir, by my unexpected arrival?" he asked.
+
+"Rather; you sent me no telegram," the president replied, motioning to
+the servant to withdraw. As soon as the door closed behind him he
+asked, hastily, and evidently disturbed, "What has happened? Anything
+the matter with the railway?"
+
+"No; I left everything in perfect order."
+
+"And Alice is well, I hope?" This last question was far more composedly
+put than had been its predecessor.
+
+"Quite well; you have no cause for anxiety."
+
+"Thank heaven! I was afraid something unfortunate had occurred to
+account for your sudden appearance. What brings you here so
+unexpectedly?"
+
+"A matter of business, which I could not explain in writing," said
+Wolfgang, laying aside his hat. "I preferred to see you personally,
+although I could ill be spared from the railway."
+
+"Well, then, let us talk over your business," replied the president,
+who was always ready to discuss affairs. "We shall be entirely
+undisturbed this evening. But first take some rest. I will give orders
+to have your rooms----"
+
+"Thank you, sir," Elmhorst interrupted him, "but I should like to
+have the business that has brought me here settled at once; it is
+urgent,--at least for me. We are quite alone here?"
+
+"We are; I generally insure myself privacy in my own apartments. But
+for security's sake you can close the door of the next room also."
+
+Wolfgang complied, and then returned. As he advanced into the circle of
+light from the lamp his face looked pale and agitated. His pallor could
+hardly be the effect of fatigue from the long, unbroken ride; there was
+a frown on his brow, and his dark eyes had a stern, almost menacing
+expression.
+
+"Your business must be important," the president observed, as he sat
+down, "or you would hardly have come yourself. Well, then.--But will
+you not be seated?"
+
+The young man paid no heed to the request, but remained standing, with
+his hand resting on the back of a chair, as he began, in an apparently
+calm tone, "You sent me over the estimates and calculations which are
+to serve as the basis of the transfer of the railway to the
+stockholders."
+
+"I did. You remember I told you that I would spare you the details of
+these calculations. You have enough to do in attending to the technical
+conduct of the work. All you have to do is to look over and approve the
+estimates, your word as engineer-in-chief being decisive."
+
+"I am aware of that,--entirely aware of my responsibility in the
+matter, and therefore I wish to put a question to you: Who made these
+estimates?"
+
+Nordheim glanced in surprise at his future son-in-law; the question
+evidently astonished him.
+
+"Who? Why, my clerks and those who understand such matters."
+
+"That is not what I mean, sir. They simply made up the figures from the
+memoranda and calculations furnished them. What I want to know is,
+whose were those memoranda?--who put down the sums which are the basis
+of the estimates? It cannot possibly have been yourself."
+
+"Indeed? And why not, may I ask?"
+
+"Because all the accounts are falsified!" Wolfgang said, coldly but
+very decidedly.
+
+"Falsified? What do you mean?"
+
+"Is it possible that it escaped you?" Elmhorst asked, never taking his
+eyes from the president. "I discovered it at a glance. All the
+buildings are estimated at almost double the cost of their erection,
+and stations are brought into the calculations which do not exist. The
+obstacles and catastrophes that impeded us are reckoned up in an
+incredible fashion, as causing an outlay of hundreds of thousands where
+not half the amount was expended. In short, the whole sum exceeds by
+some millions the actual cost of the undertaking."
+
+Nordheim listened in silence, but with a frown, to this agitated
+explanation, by which, however, he seemed more surprised than offended;
+at last he said, coldly, "Wolfgang, I really do not understand you."
+
+"Nor did I understand your letter requiring me to approve and sign that
+estimate. I thought, and I still think, that there is some mistake, and
+I wanted to ask you personally about it. I trust you can explain it to
+me."
+
+The president shrugged his shoulders, but maintained the same cool,
+composed tone, as he replied, "You are a capital engineer, Wolfgang,
+but that you have no talent for business is quite clear. I hoped we
+should understand each other in this matter without many words, but,
+since that does not seem to be the case, we must come to an
+explanation. Do you suppose that I intend to withdraw from this
+undertaking with loss?"
+
+"With loss? In any case you receive back your capital with interest."
+
+"A transaction that brings in no more than that is to be reckoned as a
+losing one," said Nordheim. "I did not imagine you such a novice in
+business matters as to require to be told this. We have here a chance
+to make a profit,--a considerable profit. The railway, in fact, belongs
+to me. I called it into existence, my capital has been principally
+expended in its construction, the entire risk has been mine. I venture
+to think that you will not dispute my right to dispose of my property
+at any price I think fit."
+
+"If that price is to be gained only by the means you have adopted, I do
+most decidedly dispute the right you speak of. Should the company
+receive the railway under such conditions, its bankruptcy will be
+certain. Even if the road be employed to the fullest extent it cannot
+bring in a sufficient income to indemnify it approximately for the
+amount of loss sustained; the entire enterprise must either go to ruin,
+or fall into the hands of some unprincipled schemer."
+
+"And how does that concern us?" Nordheim asked, calmly.
+
+"How does it concern us?" Elmhorst broke forth, indignantly. "To have
+the work which you devised, to which I have devoted my best energies,
+at the head of which stand our united names, go miserably to ruin or be
+an instrument in the hands of swindlers? It concerns me deeply, as I
+trust I shall be able to show you."
+
+The president arose with an impatient wave of his hand: "Pray spare me
+such bursts of declamation, Wolfgang. They really are out of place in a
+business discussion."
+
+The young man drew himself up; all emotion vanished from his face,
+giving place to an expression of cool contempt, and his voice was every
+whit as cold as the president's own as he replied, "I shall not content
+myself with mere declamation, as you will find, sir. Let me ask once
+for all, calmly and briefly, who furnished the figures upon which the
+estimates you sent me are based?"
+
+"I, myself," was the quiet reply.
+
+"And you expected me to approve them and put my name to them?"
+
+"I expect every thing of my future son-in-law," Nordheim declared, with
+sharp emphasis.
+
+"Then you have misunderstood me. I cannot sign the estimates."
+
+"Wolfgang!" There was an evident menace in Nordheim's tone.
+
+"I will not sign them, I say. I never will lend my name to a
+falsehood."
+
+"You dare to use such language to me?" the president exclaimed,
+angrily.
+
+"What other language could be used if I should sanction estimates which
+I know to be false?" Wolfgang asked, with bitterness. "I am the
+engineer-in-chief, my word is decisive for the company and for the
+stockholders, who are utterly ignorant in the matter. The
+responsibility is mine alone."
+
+"Your word could never be questioned," Nordheim interposed. "I had no
+idea you were such a martinet. You know nothing of business, or you
+would see that I, in my position, could not possibly venture what I do
+were there any danger. The figures are so combined that it is
+impossible to prove an--error from them, and I have explanations
+prepared for every emergency. No one can blame either you or myself."
+
+At this assertion a smile of infinite scorn hovered upon Elmhorst's
+lips: "That was certainly the last thing to occur to me! We do indeed
+misunderstand each other. You fear discovery, I fear the fraud. In
+short, I will have nothing to do with a lie, and if I refuse my
+signature it cannot be told."
+
+The president walked close up to him; he was now much agitated, and his
+voice betrayed extreme irritation: "Your expressions are, to say the
+least, strong. Do you suppose you can dictate to me? Have a care,
+Wolfgang. You are not yet my son-in-law; the knot is not yet tied which
+was to link you to me. I can cut it at the last moment, and you are too
+clever not to know all that you would lose with my daughter's hand."
+
+"That means that you make it a condition?"
+
+"Yes,--your signature! Either that--or----!"
+
+As Nordheim spoke thus explicitly, Wolfgang's eyes were fixed gloomily
+on the ground. He pondered all the consequences of the president's
+'Either that--or----!' he was indeed 'clever enough' to know that
+millions would be lost to him with his betrothed,--the wealth, the
+brilliant future for which he had bartered his happiness. The moment
+had come in which he was required to barter something more, and
+suddenly memory recalled that hour on the Wolkenstein in the moonlit
+midsummer night when this moment had been sadly foretold him: 'The
+price now is your freedom; in future it may perhaps be your honour!'
+
+Nordheim interpreted the young man's silence after his own fashion; he
+laid his hand on Wolfgang's shoulder, and said, in a gentler tone, "Be
+reasonable, Elmhorst. We should both lose by a separation, and it is
+the last thing that I desire; but I can and must require my son-in-law
+to go hand in hand with me, and to make my interests his own. You give
+me your signature, and I will go surety for everything else. We will
+both forget this conversation, and divide the profit, which will make
+you a wealthy, independent man."
+
+"At the price of my honour!" Wolfgang exclaimed, in hot indignation.
+"No, by heaven, it shall never come to that! I ought to have known long
+ago whither your rule of life, your business principles, would lead,
+for since my betrothal to your daughter you have thrown off all
+reserve; but I chose to see and to know nothing, because I was fool
+enough to imagine that, in spite of it all, I could pursue my own path
+and do as I chose. Now I see that there is no halting in the downward
+course, that he who leagues himself with you cannot keep his honour
+unstained. I have been ambitious and reckless--yes. I reckoned upon our
+association in this undertaking as you did, and conceded more to it
+than my conscience could entirely justify, but I never will stoop to
+deceive. If you believed me ready to be a scoundrel for the sake of
+your wealth,--if the future of which I have dreamed is to be purchased
+only at such a price,--let it go. I will have none of it!"
+
+He stood erect, and with flashing eyes hurled his refusal at the
+president. There was something grand and overwhelming in this stormy
+outbreak from the man who thus at last threw off all the fetters of
+petty self-interest which had held him bound so long, whose better
+nature asserted itself and trampled down the alluring temptation. He
+knew that he was resigning the wealth which would make him independent
+of Nordheim's favour; that with it he should be free and unfettered to
+realize all his golden dreams of the future. There had been an instant
+of hesitation, and then he thrust the tempter from him and redeemed his
+honour!
+
+The president stood frowning darkly. He perceived now that he had been
+mistaken in supposing that he should find in the ambitious young
+engineer a willing instrument, a nature as unscrupulous as his own, but
+he had no mind to break entirely with the son-in-law he had chosen. He
+would lose most by the separation; in the first place, all the profit
+which Wolfgang's signature would insure him would be destroyed, and
+moreover, he said to himself, it would be dangerous to make an enemy of
+one so thoroughly acquainted with his schemes. It could not be; a
+breach must be avoided, at least for the present.
+
+"Let us drop this matter for to-day," he said, slowly. "It is too
+important, and we are neither of us in a mood to discuss it calmly. I
+am going to my mountain-villa in a week, and until then you can take
+the affair into consideration. I will not accept your present hasty
+decision."
+
+"You will be obliged to accept it at the end of the week," Wolfgang
+declared. "My answer will be precisely the same then. Let a true
+estimate be made of the cost of the railway, at its highest valuation,
+and I will not refuse to give it my sanction. I never will sign my name
+to the present one. That is my final word. Farewell!"
+
+"You are going back immediately?" Nordheim asked.
+
+"Certainly; the next express leaves in an hour, and the business that
+brought me here is concluded. My presence is indispensable at my post."
+
+He bowed and took his leave, not after the familiar fashion of the
+future son-in-law, but formally, as a stranger, and the president felt
+the significance of his manner.
+
+When Elmhorst reached the spacious vestibule he found there two
+servants awaiting him. His rooms had been prepared for him, and the
+lackeys asked for further orders, but he waved them aside: "Thanks, I
+am going directly back again, and shall not use the rooms."
+
+The men looked surprised. This was indeed a hurried visit. Would not
+Herr Elmhorst have the carriage to drive to the station?
+
+"No; I prefer to walk." As he spoke, Elmhorst once more glanced towards
+the broad staircase leading to the gorgeous apartments in the upper
+story, and then he left the house where for more than six months he had
+been regarded as a son, and upon which he was now turning his back
+forever.
+
+Outside, the October evening was cold and damp; the skies were
+starless, the air was full of mist, and a keen blast heralded the
+approach of winter. Involuntarily Wolfgang drew his travelling-cloak
+closer about his shoulders, as he strode forward at a rapid pace.
+
+It was over! He was perfectly aware of it, and he also clearly
+perceived Nordheim's desire to avoid a sudden breach for fear lest the
+man so lately his confidant should expose him by way of revenge. A
+contemptuous smile curled the young man's lip. Such a fear was quite
+superfluous; any such act was entirely beneath him. His thoughts
+wandered to where they had rarely been of late,--to his betrothed.
+Alice would not suffer if the betrothal were dissolved. She had
+accepted his suit without opposition in compliance with her father's
+wish, and she would bend to his will with the same docility should he
+sever the tie. There had never been any talk of love between them;
+neither would be conscious of loss.
+
+Wolfgang drew a deep breath. He was free again, free to choose; he
+could pursue his proud, lonely path, dependent only upon his own
+courage and capacity, but the voice which had roused him from the
+stupor of egotism and ambition would never again sound in his ears, the
+lovely face would never again smile upon him. That prize belonged to
+another, and, whatever he might achieve in the future, his happiness
+had been bartered away,--lost forever.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+                           A MOUNTAIN RAMBLE.
+
+
+Autumn this year had donned the aspect of a late summer. The days, with
+but few exceptions, were sunny and clear, the air was mild, and the
+mountains stood revealed in all their rarest beauty.
+
+The inmates of the Nordheim villa had prolonged their stay, which had
+been at first arranged for only the summer months, into October. They
+had been induced to do this, first out of consideration for Alice's
+health, and then in accordance with Erna's wish to spend as long a time
+as was possible among her beloved mountains. Since she had been
+betrothed to Waltenberg her position in the household had undergone a
+change; Frau von Lasberg no longer permitted herself to find fault with
+her, and the president was always ready to forestall his niece's
+wishes. Waltenberg himself, who disliked a city life with its
+conventionalities and restraints, was glad to be rid of it, and the
+Baroness alone sighed about the 'endless exile,' and comforted herself
+with the prospect of a winter more than usually gay. Now that Erna was
+also betrothed and that Elmhorst would be in the capital during the
+winter months, after his labours as engineer among the mountains were
+at an end, the Nordheim mansion would surely justify its reputation.
+There would doubtless be a series of entertainments in honour of the
+young couples, and Frau von Lasberg revelled in the contemplation of
+the prominent part it would be hers to play.
+
+Erna and Alice were sitting on the veranda of the villa, and the gay
+chatter heard thence absolutely came from the lips of Alice Nordheim.
+There was not a vestige of the air of indifference with which she used
+to speak formerly. The change that had taken place in her bordered on
+the miraculous: the sickly pallor the weary movements, the fatigued,
+unsympathetic expression, had all vanished; the cheeks were rosy, the
+eyes bright. Whether it were owing to the mountain-air which blew here
+so pure and fresh, or to the treatment of the young physician, the fact
+was that in a few months the girl had blossomed forth like some flower
+which, fading and sickly in the shade, expands into tender beauty in
+the clear, warm sunshine.
+
+"I wonder where Herr Waltenberg is?" she was just saying. "He is
+usually here before this time."
+
+"Ernst wrote me that he should be rather late today, since he meant to
+bring us a surprise from Heilborn," Erna replied. She was seated at her
+drawing, from which she did not look up, nor did she evince the
+slightest interest in the promised surprise.
+
+"'Tis strange that he should write to you so often, when he sees you
+every day," remarked Alice, who was quite unused to such attentions
+from her own lover. "And then he fairly overwhelms you with flowers,
+for which, it seems to me, you are not half grateful enough."
+
+"I am afraid that is Ernst's own fault," was the quiet reply. "He
+spoils me, and I am too ready to be spoiled."
+
+"Yes, there is something exaggerated in his manner of wooing," Alice
+interposed. "His love seems to me like a fire, which burns rather than
+illumines."
+
+"His is an unusual nature," said Erna. "He must not be judged by the
+standard we apply to others. Believe me, Alice, much, nay, everything,
+can be endured in the consciousness that one is supremely and ardently
+beloved."
+
+She laid down her pencil and looked dreamily abroad into space. It
+sounded odd, the word 'endured,' and its significance was not softened
+by so much as the shadow of a smile. Indeed, the expression of gravity
+was deepened in the young girl's face, and in her eyes there was an
+indescribable something which assuredly was not happiness.
+
+In the short pause that ensued, the noise of carriage-wheels became
+audible, and some vehicle drew up in front of the house. Erna shivered
+slightly; she knew who was at hand, although from where she sat the
+road could not be seen. She slowly closed her sketchbook and arose, but
+before she could leave the veranda, a young creature came flying out of
+the drawing-room and clasped her in an enthusiastic embrace, after
+which she turned just as eagerly to Alice.
+
+"Why, Molly, is this you?" both girls exclaimed, in a breath.
+
+It was in fact Frau Gersdorf, rosy, merry, and saucy as ever, and
+behind her appeared Ernst Waltenberg, evidently delighted with the
+success of his surprise.
+
+"Yes, it is really I," the new-comer began. "Albert had a tiresome,
+never-ending suit to attend to in Heilborn, and of course I came with
+him. The poor fellow's hard work must be made as tolerable as possible
+for him, so I always go with him upon these expeditions. I verily
+believe that if he should take it into his head to climb Mount Blanc,
+or the Himalayas, I should scramble up after him. Thank God, there are
+no cases to try up there, so there is no chance of his undertaking the
+ascents. And how are you all here? You have absolutely vanished from
+the capital. But there's no need to ask; Alice looks fresh as a rose,
+and Erna is planning her wedding-tour, I hear. Where is it to be? To
+the South Sea or the North Pole? I should advise the South Sea,--the
+climate is milder."
+
+She paused to take breath, and without waiting for a reply threw
+herself into an arm-chair and declared that she was too tired to say a
+single word.
+
+After the first exchange of greetings Ernst approached his betrothed
+and handed her a bouquet of costly foreign flowers, rich in colour and
+exhaling an overpowering fragrance.
+
+"Did I not keep my promise?" he said, pointing to Molly. "I planned
+this surprise with Albert yesterday afternoon, knowing I should surely
+be welcome so accompanied."
+
+"But that you always are," said Erna, taking the flowers from him with
+thanks.
+
+"Always?" he repeated. "Really always? Some times I doubt it."
+
+"Do not say that, Ernst."
+
+His eyes, filled with a passionate entreaty, met her reproachful
+glance, as together they walked down the veranda steps into the garden.
+"Are you a little glad when I come?" he went on, in a low tone. "I
+sometimes imagine you dread my approach and shrink from my embrace, and
+more than once I have fancied I could detect a sigh of relief when I
+left you."
+
+"Yes, you watch every look of mine, every breath that I draw, and
+convert it all into pain, both for yourself and for me," Erna said,
+gravely. "Your passionate surveillance torments me; how will it be when
+we are married?"
+
+"Ah, then I shall be calm," he said, with a sigh. "Then I shall know
+you for my own, my very own; no other will have any right to intrude
+between us, and then perhaps I may teach you to love me; hitherto I
+have tried in vain. That you can love I know. You loved--him!"
+
+She hastily withdrew the hand she had left in his: "Ernst, you promised
+me----"
+
+"Not to speak of that. Yes, I promised, but I did not know how hard it
+is to fight against a memory, to war with a mere phantom. Would that it
+were flesh and blood, that I might battle with it to the death!"
+
+His eyes flashed with the mortal hatred that had gleamed in them when
+he had learned that Erna had loved another. She turned pale, as she
+laid her hand soothingly upon his arm.
+
+"Ernst," she said, gently, "why torment yourself thus perpetually? You
+suffer terribly; I see it, and bitterly do I repent my confession. Have
+I no power to make you calmer and happier?"
+
+Her tone disarmed him at once; he took her hand, and kissed it eagerly:
+"Your power over me is boundless when you look and speak thus. Forgive
+me for paining you; indeed it shall not happen again."
+
+The promise had been made a hundred times before, and broken as often.
+Erna smiled, but she was still pale as they walked back to the house.
+
+"A scene from Othello seems to be going on there," said Molly, who,
+notwithstanding her great fatigue, had been chattering incessantly, and
+observing the lovers the while. "Ernst Waltenberg is perilously like
+that monster of a Moor. I believe he would make nothing of a murder if
+his jealousy were excited. It is to be hoped that Erna will put a
+little common sense into him when they are married; there is very
+little of it in his love for her at present. I told him about all sorts
+of interesting things that are going on in the capital, as we were
+driving over, but he never listened to one of them; he kept his eyes
+fixed upon the villa, and rushed out of the barouche the instant it
+stopped before the door. Ah! now he is kissing her hand and humbly
+begging her pardon. Albert never did that, even while we were
+betrothed; on the contrary, I was always the one to be forgiven! Albert
+is not sentimentally inclined, nor is your betrothed, Alice. Is your
+engineer not coming to-day?"
+
+"I hardly think he will be here," said Alice, allowed for the first
+time to interpose a word. "Wolfgang has so much to do; he could only be
+here for a few moments yesterday. The responsibilities of his position
+are very great."
+
+It sounded composed, too much so for a betrothed maiden who could not
+but feel herself neglected. Alice knew nothing as yet of what had taken
+place between her father and her lover a week before in the capital.
+Wolfgang had refrained from mentioning it even to his friend Reinsfeld;
+he wished to leave the president, whose arrival was shortly expected,
+to contrive a pretext for the final rupture. Meanwhile, he saw Alice as
+seldom as possible, availing himself of the plea of work, which had
+sufficed him hitherto.
+
+Frau von Lasberg now made her appearance on the veranda, and greeted
+Molly with great dignity and little cordiality. The young Frau was to
+remain until the next day, when her husband was to call for her, and
+they were to pay a visit at Benno's in Oberstein. Molly played the part
+of a hurricane in the quiet and elegant household at the villa; from
+the moment of her arrival all formality was scattered to the winds. Her
+clear, silvery laughter was heard everywhere; she chatted with Alice,
+she teased Erna, she disputed with Waltenberg about Oriental customs of
+which she knew absolutely nothing, provoking beyond measure the old
+Baroness, and withal fairly beaming with happiness and merriment.
+
+Thus the day wore on to noon, and the golden autumn sunlight tempted
+all into the open air. Waltenberg proposed a walk up one of the
+neighbouring heights, and all assented; even Alice, who a few months
+previously had been debarred from all such enjoyments, was ready to
+join the party, while Frau von Lasberg was, of course, obliged to
+remain at home. The little company walked leisurely up the gradual
+ascent, through the sunlit, fragrant forest, until they reached the
+foot of a rocky cliff, where the path became steep and stony.
+
+"You must stop here, Alice," said Erna. "The last part of the way is
+too steep and rough; you must be careful not to overtask your strength.
+Do you think you are equal to it, Molly?"
+
+"I am equal to anything," declared Molly, half offended at the
+question. "Do you suppose that Herr Waltenberg and yourself are the
+only mountaineers? I can outclimb either of you."
+
+Waltenberg smiled rather derisively at this audacious statement,
+casting a significant glance the while at the speaker's little
+high-heeled boots. "There is no danger in this ascent," he said: "the
+path is made quite easy with steps and hand-rails here and there. But
+then an accident is always possible, as my secretary found to his cost
+on the Vulture Cliff. He was lucky to escape with only a sprained
+ankle."
+
+"Oh, that immensely tall Herr Gronau!" exclaimed Molly. "What has
+become of him? I did not catch even a glimpse of him in Heilborn."
+
+"He asked for leave of absence for a few weeks, but I am now expecting
+him back again," replied Ernst, who had, in fact, been rather puzzled
+by Veit's long absence. He knew that his secretary had no relatives
+left in Germany, and he could not understand his sudden journey. Gronau
+had not even told him where he was going.
+
+Alice agreed to await the return of the party; and whilst the others
+pursued their way to the summit of the height, she seated herself on a
+mossy bit of rock at the foot of the ascent. The spot was a peaceful
+little nook in the forest depths which no autumnal blast seemed as yet
+to have touched. The dark pines and the soft moss had preserved their
+fresh green, and the noonday sun had dispelled the mists which were so
+apt to linger here and there among the trees. It was as sunny and warm
+as on a day in spring.
+
+Alice had been sitting alone about ten minutes, when she perceived at a
+little distance the familiar figure of Dr. Reinsfeld striding along
+among the trees. He was coming from a patient at one of the
+mountain-cottages, and was so lost in thought that he emerged upon the
+little clearing without perceiving the young girl until she called to
+him: "Herr Doctor, are you really going to hurry past without even a
+look for your patient?"
+
+Benno started at the sound of her voice, and paused in surprise: "You
+here, Fraeulein Nordheim, and entirely alone?"
+
+"Oh, I am not so unprotected as you suppose. Herr Waltenberg, with Erna
+and Molly, has just left me. I only stayed behind----"
+
+"Because you are tired?" was the anxious question.
+
+She shook her head, smiling: "Oh, no; I only wanted to husband my
+strength for the walk back, in accordance with your orders. You see how
+obedient I am."
+
+She moved slightly aside, and seemed to expect that the doctor would
+take his seat beside her. He hesitated for a few seconds, and then
+accepted her unspoken invitation, and sat down upon the mossy
+resting-place. They were no longer strangers to each other; in the last
+few months they had seen and talked with each other almost daily.
+
+Alice went on conversing cheerfully. There was an innocent delight in
+her gaiety, the delight of a freshly-aroused vitality asserting itself,
+still half timidly, after years of depressing ill health. No one could
+be more childlike and simple-minded than this young heiress, who was so
+little adapted to fill the position assigned her by her father's
+millions. Here, resting upon her mossy seat, free from all the
+splendour and pomp which fatigued her, with the golden sunlight playing
+upon the soft blond hair and the delicately-tinted face, there was an
+indescribable refinement and charm in her appearance.
+
+The young physician, on the other hand, was unusually grave and silent;
+he forced himself to smile and to reply gaily now and then, but the
+effort he made was perceptible. Alice observed it at last, and she too
+became more silent, until after a long pause, which Reinsfeld made no
+attempt to interrupt, she asked, "Herr Doctor, what is the matter?"
+
+"With me?" Benno started. "Oh, nothing,--nothing at all."
+
+"I am afraid that is not quite true. You looked very grave and sad as
+you were striding along so hurriedly, and it is not the first time I
+have seen you so. For weeks I have fancied that something has been
+depressing and troubling you, although you take great pains to conceal
+it. Will you not tell me what it is?"
+
+The girl's voice was so entreatingly sweet, and her brown eyes looked
+with so sympathetic a glance of inquiry into those of the young
+physician, that it was hard to withstand her, and yet Nordheim's
+daughter ought to be the last to learn the cause of Reinsfeld's mood.
+She had indeed seen aright; Benno had been suffering for weeks under
+the burden of the suspicion which Gronau had implanted in his soul.
+Nothing indeed had as yet been discovered to confirm it, but Reinsfeld
+divined that Veit's sudden departure and prolonged absence were
+connected with some clue which was being followed up. He hastily
+collected himself, and replied, "I find it hard to leave Oberstein.
+Fatiguing as my practice has been sometimes, and much as I have longed
+for a more extended sphere of activity, I feel now how attached I have
+become to the people whose joys and sorrows I have shared for years,
+and to the mountains where I have had my home. I leave so much behind
+me that it is hard to go away."
+
+His eyes were cast down as he spoke the last words, or he would have
+become aware of the instant change in the girl's face. She turned pale
+and her look of innocent gaiety vanished, while the wild-flowers that
+she had plucked on her way up the height dropped upon the moss at her
+feet. "Is your departure so near at hand?" she asked, gently.
+
+"It is indeed; I am only waiting for my successor to arrive, and he is
+expected in a week."
+
+"And then you go--forever?"
+
+"Yes,--forever!"
+
+Question and answer sounded sad enough, and a silence ensued. Alice
+stooped and picked up her scattered flowers, beginning to arrange them
+mechanically. She knew, of course, of the doctor's acceptance of his
+new position, but it had not occurred to her that he would leave before
+her own departure, beyond which her thoughts had not strayed. She had
+been so happy in the mountains, had resigned herself entirely to the
+enjoyment of the present, without a thought that it could come to an
+end, and now she was reminded how near at hand was this end.
+
+"I may go without anxiety," Benno began again. "The health of my
+district at present leaves nothing to be desired, and you, Fraeulein
+Nordheim, need me no longer. Only be careful for some time to come, and
+I think I can guarantee your entire recovery. I am very glad to have
+been able to keep my promise to my friend and to restore him his
+betrothed well and happy."
+
+"If indeed it makes much difference to him," Alice said, in a low tone.
+
+Reinsf----eld looked amazed: "Fraeulein Nordheim?"
+
+"Do you imagine, then, that Wolfgang cares for me? I do not think he
+does."
+
+There was no bitterness in her words; they were only sad, and the eyes
+which Alice raised to the young physician were as sad.
+
+"You do not believe in Wolfgang's love?" he asked, dismayed. "But why,
+then, should he have----" He broke off in the middle of his sentence,
+knowing well enough that love had borne no share in his friend's
+wooing. He remembered only too distinctly how the young engineer had
+coldly determined to win for a wife the president's daughter, and the
+contemptuous shrug with which he had repudiated the idea of sentiment
+in the affair. It was a speculation,--nothing else.
+
+"I have no fault to find with Wolfgang, none at all," Alice went on.
+"He is always most attentive, and so anxious about me, but I feel
+nevertheless how little I am to him, and I can see how his thoughts
+wander whenever he is with me. Formerly I scarcely perceived this, and
+if I did perceive it, it did not hurt me. I was always so weary; I had
+no pleasure in life,--it was one long illness for me. But when health
+began to relieve me of the oppression that had weighed down soul and
+body, I saw, and understood. Wolfgang loves his calling, the future to
+which he aspires, his great work, the Wolkenstein bridge, of which he
+is so proud. He never will love me!"
+
+Benno for a moment could find no reply to these words, which both
+startled and amazed him, from the girl whom he had supposed entirely
+indifferent in this matter, and who now thus clearly defined the true
+state of affairs.
+
+"Wolf's is not an ardent nature," he said at last, slowly. "With him
+ambition outweighs sentiment; it was his character as a boy, and it is
+far more evident in the man."
+
+Alice shook her head: "Herr Gersdorf's nature is cool and calm, and yet
+how he loves Molly! Awhile ago Ernst Waltenberg cared for nothing save
+untrammelled freedom, and see how love has transformed him! Frau
+Lasberg, to be sure, says such sentiment is the merest nonsense which
+hardly outlives the honey-moon, that there is no such thing as the
+enduring affection of a romantic girl's imagination, and that a woman,
+if she is wise and hopes for happiness in marriage, must banish all
+such ideas from her mind. She may be right, but such wisdom is terribly
+depressing. Do you share it, Herr Doctor?"
+
+"No!" said Reinsfeld, with so decided an emphasis that Alice looked up
+at him in surprise and with a sad smile.
+
+"Then we are both dreamers and fools, whom sensible people would
+despise."
+
+"Thank God that it is so!" Benno broke forth. "Never let 'such
+sentiment' be snatched from you, Fraeulein Nordheim; it is all that can
+make life happy or even worth the living. Wolf has always prophesied
+that I should never come to good, or make myself a fine position in the
+world. So be it. I do not care! I am happier than he with all his
+wisdom and his schemes. He takes no real pleasure in anything,--sees
+nothing anywhere save bare, forlorn reality, transfigured by no ray of
+inspiration. I have had a hard life. When my parents died I was knocked
+about the world, with scant favour from any one, and sometimes, as a
+student, was hard put to it for bread to eat; even now I possess merely
+the necessaries of life; but I would not exchange lots with my friend
+for all his brilliant future."
+
+He was carried away by his emotion, and did not perceive how his words
+accused Wolfgang; nor did Alice appear to take note of it, for she
+looked up with sparkling eyes at the young physician, wont to be so
+quiet and calm, who seemed for the moment transfigured. Usually shy and
+reserved; as is the case with all introspective natures, when once the
+barrier of reserve was overleaped he forgot that any such had ever
+existed, and went on, with what was almost passionate ardour, "When the
+sum of our lives is reckoned up, the gain may after all be mine. I
+question whether Wolfgang would not give all the results he has
+achieved for one draught from the fountain which flows inexhaustibly
+for me. We poor, ridiculed dreamers are, after all, the only happy
+human beings, for in spite of all experience we can love with all our
+hearts, can hope, and trust, and have faith in truth and goodness. And
+whatever of disappointment this world may have in store for us, nothing
+can deprive us of the belief in something higher. We attain heights to
+which others cannot soar; wings to reach it are worth all their vaunted
+worldly wisdom!"
+
+Alice listened in breathless silence to these words, the like of which
+she had never heard beneath her father's roof, but which nevertheless
+she comprehended at once with the instinct of a warm young heart
+thirsting for love and happiness. She did not dream that the
+consciousness of the man who spoke thus in eager defence of faith in
+all that is best in humanity was burdened with the knowledge of the
+bitterest failure in the faith and honour of her own father.
+
+"You are right!" she exclaimed, holding out both hands to him as in
+gratitude. "This faith is the highest, the only happiness in life, and
+we will not allow it to be snatched from us."
+
+"The only happiness?" Benno repeated, while, scarcely knowing what he
+did, he clasped and held fast the hands held out to him. "No, Fraeulein
+Nordheim, other joys also await you. Wolfgang's is a noble nature in
+spite of his ambition; in time you will learn to understand each other,
+and then he will make you truly happy, or he is utterly unworthy of
+you. I"--here his voice grew slightly unsteady--"I shall often hear
+from him and of his married life,--we are faithful correspondents,--and
+sometimes, perhaps, you will allow me to recall myself to your memory."
+
+Alice made no reply; her eyes filled with tears. Unable to conceal the
+first profound grief in her young life, at Benno's last words she hid
+her face in her hands and sobbed uncontrollably.
+
+For Benno this moment was one of intoxicating delight and of intense
+pain. Another man might perhaps have forgotten all else in the rapture
+of the revelation thus made, but for him Alice was sacred as the
+betrothed of his friend; not for the world would he have uttered one of
+the thousand expressions of love that rose to his lips. He slowly
+retreated a few paces, and said, almost inaudibly, "It is well that I
+am to go to Neuenfeld. I have long known how it was with me!"
+
+Neither of the pair had any idea that they were overheard. Just as the
+doctor had clasped the young girl's hands in his, the shrubbery at the
+foot of the rock had parted, and Molly, who had intended in jest to
+startle Alice by her sudden appearance, noiselessly emerged. Her merry
+face assumed, however, an expression of extreme surprise upon finding
+her friend, whom she had supposed alone, in Benno's society, and in
+such evident agitation.
+
+Among the praiseworthy qualities of Frau Gersdorf might be reckoned
+intense curiosity. She was instantly eager to know how this interesting
+interview would terminate. She therefore retreated unperceived, as
+noiselessly as she had appeared, and, hid among the bushes, overheard
+all that ensued, until Waltenberg's and Erna's approaching footsteps
+became audible as they descended the rocky pathway.
+
+Fortunately, the little lady was not lacking in presence of mind, and,
+moreover, since she had before her own marriage peremptorily claimed
+Alice's services as guardian angel, she felt called upon now to requite
+her after the same manner. So she retreated still farther into the
+shrubbery, and then called out aloud to the approaching couple that
+she had easily outstripped them. The result was all that could be
+desired, and when some minutes later the three new-comers reached the
+mountain-meadow, Alice was sitting as they had left her, and Benno,
+grave and silent, was standing beside her. Molly was, of course,
+immensely surprised at finding her cousin Benno, of whom she
+straightway took possession. She was resolved to extort a confession
+from him as soon as they should be alone, and from Alice also,--as
+guardian angel she had a right to their unreserved confidence.
+
+The little party took its way homewards, and Benno was plied by his
+young relative with questions, to which he replied absently and
+mechanically, while his eyes sought the slender, delicate figure
+walking silently beside Erna; he had not waited until to-day to know
+that she was dearer to him than aught else on earth.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XIX.
+
+                                NEMESIS.
+
+
+The president made his appearance at the appointed time; until the
+opening of the railway he was obliged to drive over from Heilborn, and
+he brought with him Herr Gersdorf, who was to come for his wife. The
+engineer-in-chief was 'accidentally' absent at a distant post, and
+could not receive his future father-in-law as usual. Nordheim knew what
+this meant,--he no longer reckoned upon Wolfgang's compliance,--but he
+also knew that matters must come to a final explanation.
+
+Molly immediately after dinner invited her husband to walk with her in
+the grove at the foot of the garden, that she might open her heart to
+him; but when she would have told her secret she prefaced the
+revelation by so many mysterious hints, such oracular sentences, that
+Gersdorf grew uneasy.
+
+"My dear child, pray tell me outright what has happened," he begged
+her. "I noticed nothing whatever unusual upon my arrival; what have you
+to tell me?"
+
+"A secret, Albert," she replied, with much solemnity,--"a profound
+secret, which I adjure you not to reveal. Incredible things have been
+happening,--here and at Oberstein."
+
+"At Oberstein? Has Benno anything to do with them?"
+
+"Yes!" And here Frau Gersdorf made a long, artistic pause, to give due
+effect to what was to follow. Then she said, in a tone of the deepest
+tragedy, "Benno--loves Alice Nordheim."
+
+Unfortunately, the revelation did not produce the desired effect; the
+lawyer merely shook his head, and observed, with exasperating
+indifference, "Poor fellow! It is well that he is going to Neuenfeld,
+where he will soon get such nonsense out of his head."
+
+"Nonsense, do you call it?" Molly exclaimed, indignantly. "And you
+suppose it can be easily got rid of? You probably could have done so if
+you had not married me, Albert, for you are a heartless monster!"
+
+"But an excellent husband," Gersdorf, who was quite used to such tragic
+outbursts from his wife, asserted with philosophic serenity. "Moreover,
+the case was not similar. I knew that in spite of obstacles I could win
+you, and then I was sure of your love."
+
+"And so is Benno. Alice loves him also," Molly explained, gratified to
+perceive that her husband took this announcement much more seriously.
+He listened in thoughtful silence, while, after her usual lively
+fashion, she told of the scene on the mountain-meadow, of her
+concealment among the trees, and of her extremely vigorous efforts to
+smooth matters, as she expressed it.
+
+"An hour later I had Benno alone by himself," she continued. "At first
+he would not confess,--not a word; but I should like to see any one
+conceal from me what I have resolved to find out. Finally I said to
+him, frankly, 'Benno, you are in love, desperately in love,' and then
+he denied it no longer, but said, with a sigh, 'Yes, and hopelessly
+so!' He was in despair, poor fellow, but I told him to take courage,
+for I would undertake to arrange the affair."
+
+"That must, of course, have consoled him greatly," the lawyer
+interposed.
+
+"No; on the contrary, he would not hear of it. Benno's
+conscientiousness is positively something frightful. Alice was the
+betrothed of his friend,--he could not even allow his thoughts to dwell
+upon her,--never would he see her again, but if possible he would start
+for Neuenfeld to-morrow, and a deal more of such nonsense. He forbade
+me to speak to Alice. Of course, as soon as his back was turned, I went
+to her and extorted a confession from her too. In short, they love each
+other dearly, intensely, inexpressibly. So there is nothing for them to
+do but to be married!"
+
+"Indeed?" said her husband, rather surprised by this conclusion.
+"You seem to have quite forgotten that Alice is betrothed to the
+engineer-in-chief."
+
+Frau Molly turned up her little nose contemptuously; that betrothal
+never had found favour in her eyes, and at present she was inclined to
+make short work of it.
+
+"Alice never loved that Wolfgang Elmhorst," she asserted, with
+decision. "She said yes because her father told her to, because she had
+not the energy then to say no, and he--well, what he wanted was a
+wealthy wife."
+
+"A very good reason, as you must admit, for disinclination to
+relinquish her."
+
+"I told you just now, Albert, that I was going myself to undertake the
+adjustment of the affair," Frau Molly declared, with dignity. "I shall
+see Elmhorst, and appeal to his generosity, representing to him that
+unless he wishes to make two people wretched he must withdraw. He will
+be touched and softened, he will bring the lovers together, and----"
+
+"There will be a most romantic scene," Albert concluded her sentence.
+"No, that is just what he will _not_ do. You little know the
+engineer-in-chief if you credit him with such sensibility. He is not
+the man to withdraw from a connection that insures him the future
+possession of millions, and he will soon console himself for lack of
+affection in his wife. And what do you suppose Nordheim will say to
+your romance?"
+
+"The president?" Molly asked, dejectedly. In the contemplation of her
+scheme in which she played the part of beneficent fairy, joining the
+hands of the lovers with all the emotion befitting the occasion, she
+had quite forgotten that Alice had a father whose word might be
+decisive in this matter.
+
+"Yes, President Nordheim, who brought about this betrothal, and who
+will hardly consent to dissolve it, and to bestow his daughter's hand
+upon a young country doctor, who, with all his courage and capacity,
+has nothing to give in return. No, Molly, the affair is perfectly
+hopeless, and Benno is quite right to resign all hope. Even if Alice
+really loves him, she has promised her hand to Wolfgang, and neither he
+nor her father will release her. There is no help for it, they must
+both submit."
+
+He might have gone on thus forever without convincing his wife. She
+knew what her own obstinacy had effected in uniting her with her lover,
+and she would not see why Alice could not persist in the same manner.
+She listened, indeed, attentively, and then cut short any further
+remarks from her husband by declaring, dictatorially,--
+
+"You do not understand it at all, Albert! They love each other. Then
+they ought to marry; and marry they shall!"
+
+What could Gersdorf say to refute such logic as this?
+
+Meanwhile, Alice Nordheim was in her father's study, which she rarely
+entered, and which she must have sought now for some important purpose,
+for she looked pale and agitated, and as she stood leaning against the
+window-frame, seemed to be undergoing an inward struggle; yet there was
+nothing in prospect save an interview between the father and daughter.
+There was, to be sure, nothing of confidence or intimacy in the
+relation existing between them. Nordheim, who had surrounded his
+daughter with all the luxury and splendour that wealth could procure,
+took, in fact, very little interest in her, as Alice had always felt,
+but in her docile compliance with whatever her father desired, there
+had never been any collision between them.
+
+For the first time this was otherwise; she was about to go to her
+father with a confession, which must, she knew, provoke his wrath, and
+she trembled at the thought, although her resolution never wavered.
+
+All at once the president's step was heard in the next room, and his
+voice said, "Herr Waltenberg's secretary? Certainly. Show him in!"
+
+Alice stood hesitating for a moment; her father, who did not suspect
+her presence here, was not alone, and, agitated as she was, she could
+not confront a stranger. Probably the man brought some message from
+Waltenberg, and his business would shortly be despatched. The young
+girl, therefore, slipped into her father's bedroom, which adjoined his
+office, and the door of which remained ajar. Nordheim immediately
+entered the room she had left, and was shortly joined there by his
+visitor.
+
+The president received him with affable ease. He knew that Ernst in his
+travels had picked up somewhere an individual who, ostensibly his
+secretary, played the part of his confidential friend, but he took
+further interest in the matter. He either had not heard or had not
+heeded his name; at all events, he did not recognize his former friend.
+Twenty-five years are long in passing, and such a life as Gronau's had
+been is a great disguiser. This man with his brown, deeply-furrowed
+face and gray hair had nothing in his appearance to recall the fresh,
+merry youth who had gone out into the world to seek his fortune.
+
+"You are Herr Waltenberg's secretary?" It was thus that Nordheim opened
+the conversation.
+
+"Yes, Herr President."
+
+Nordheim started at the sound of the voice, which aroused dim memories
+within him. He directed a keen glance towards the stranger, and,
+motioning to him to be seated, he went on:
+
+"I suppose we shall not see him to-day? Have you a message from him?
+Your name, if you please."
+
+"Veit Gronau," was the reply, as the speaker calmly seated himself.
+
+The president looked extremely surprised; he examined the
+weather-beaten features of his former friend, but the memories thus
+unexpectedly awakened seemed far from agreeable, and he was apparently
+not inclined to admit that there had ever existed any friendship
+between himself and his visitor. His manner distinctly indicated the
+inferior position which he chose to assign to his friend's secretary.
+
+"We are not, then, entire strangers to each other," he remarked. "I was
+acquainted in my youth with a Veit Gronau----"
+
+"The same who has the honour of waiting upon you at present," Gronau
+concluded the sentence.
+
+"It gives me pleasure to hear it." The pleasure was but coldly
+expressed. "And how have you thriven in the mean while? Well, it would
+seem, your position with Herr Waltenberg must be a very agreeable one."
+
+"I have every reason to be contented. I have hardly reached your
+heights, Herr President, but one must not expect too much."
+
+"True, true. Human destinies are very various."
+
+"And when men undertake to control them, it all depends upon who can
+best steer his own boat."
+
+The remark displeased the president as being too familiar; he desired
+no intimacy with his former comrade, so he said, evasively,--
+
+"But we are straying from the object of your visit. Herr Waltenberg
+sends you to----?"
+
+"No," Gronau replied, drily.
+
+Nordheim looked at him in surprise: "You do not bring me a message from
+him?"
+
+"No, Herr President. I have just returned from a journey, and have not
+yet seen Herr Waltenberg. I announced myself in my capacity of his
+secretary in order to make sure of your receiving me. I come about an
+affair of my own."
+
+At this disclosure the president became several degrees colder and more
+formal, for he suspected some favour to be asked; yet the man seated so
+calmly before him, looking at him with so searching an expression in
+his clear, keen eyes, did not look like a suppliant; there was
+something of defiance in his bearing which impressed Nordheim
+disagreeably.
+
+"Go on, then," he said, with perceptible condescension. "All relations
+between us are far in the past, nevertheless----"
+
+"Yes, they date from five-and-twenty years ago," Gronau interrupted
+him. "And yet it is precisely of what then occurred that I wish to
+speak,--to pray you to inform me what has become of our--excuse me--of
+my former friend, Benno Reinsfeld?"
+
+The question was so sudden and unexpected that Nordheim was silenced
+for a moment, but he was too entirely accustomed to self-control to be
+long disconcerted by such surprises. One suspicious glance he shot at
+his questioner, and then, with a shrug, he replied, coldly,--
+
+"You really demand too much of my memory, Herr Gronau. I cannot
+possibly call to mind all the acquaintances of my youth, and in this
+instance I do not even remember the name you mention."
+
+"Indeed? Then let me assist your memory, Herr President. I allude to
+the inventor of the first mountain-railway locomotive,--the engineer,
+Benno Reinsfeld."
+
+The men looked each other in the eye, and instantly the president knew
+that there was nothing accidental in his visitor's presence, that he
+was confronting a foe, and that the words which sounded so innocent
+barely disguised a menace. He must next know whether the man appearing
+thus after years of exile were really dangerous, or whether this were
+merely an attempt to extort money from his possible fears. Nordheim
+seemed inclined to the latter belief, for he said, frigidly, "You must
+be falsely informed, _I_ invented the first mountain-locomotive, as is
+shown by my patent."
+
+Gronau suddenly rose, his dark face flushed still darker. He had
+devised a regular scheme of action, arranged in his mind how he should
+attack his opponent and drive him into a corner, until not a chance of
+escape was left him, but at such audacious falsehood all his prudent
+plans fell to pieces, and honest indignation got the upper hand of him.
+
+"You dare to tell me that to my face!" he burst out, angrily. "To me,
+who was present when Benno showed us his invention, and explained it,
+and you admired it, and praised him! Does your memory play you false
+there also?"
+
+The president calmly reached for the bell-rope: "Will you leave the
+house, Herr Gronau, or must I call the servants? I am not inclined to
+submit to insult beneath my own roof."
+
+"I advise you to let the bell alone," Gronau burst forth, furiously.
+"Take your choice, whether what I have to say shall be said to you
+alone, or to all the world. Refuse to listen,--I can find a hearing
+everywhere else."
+
+The threat was not without effect; Nordheim slowly withdrew his hand.
+He saw that it would not be easy to deal with this resolute, determined
+man, and that it would be best not to provoke him further, but his
+voice was still impassive as he said, "Well, then, what have you to say
+to me?"
+
+Veit Gronau stepped up to his former comrade, and his eyes flashed:
+"That you are a scoundrel, Nordheim, neither more nor less!"
+
+The president started, but in an instant burst out, "What! you dare?"
+
+"Oh, yes; and I dare far more, for this is not a matter to be hushed up
+easily. Poor Benno, indeed, neither could nor would defend himself; he
+bowed his head beneath the stroke, and suffered more, I fancy, from the
+consciousness of the treachery of a friend than from the treachery
+itself. Had I been here at the time you would not have got off with
+your booty so easily. Don't trouble yourself to look indignant. 'Tis of
+no use with mc. I know you, and we are alone; no need for play-acting.
+You had better make up your mind what answer to make when I accuse you
+in public."
+
+In his excitement his voice rang out clear and distinct. Nordheim made
+no further attempt to check his words, but he must have felt quite
+secure, for he never for an instant lost his bearing of calm
+superiority.
+
+"What answer to make?" he said, with a shrug. "Where are your proofs?"
+
+Gronau laughed bitterly: "I thought you would ask that. Therefore I did
+not come instantly to you when I heard the sorry tale from poor Benno's
+son in Oberstein. I have spent three weeks in following up traces. I
+have been in the capital, in Benno's last place of residence,--even in
+the town where we were all three born."
+
+"And are they found,--these proofs of yours?" The question was
+pronounced in a tone of extreme contempt.
+
+"No, nothing; that is, that could convict you. You insured yourself
+well against discovery, and Reinsfeld meanwhile delayed applying for a
+patent for his invention because he did not consider it yet complete.
+That was the time when I left home and you accepted a position in the
+capital. Poor Benno worked away at his invention and perfected it,
+building many a castle in the air the while, until one fine day he
+heard that his invention had been bought and patented; but the patent
+and the money were both in the pocket of his best friend, of whom they
+made a millionaire."
+
+"And this is the precious tale you mean to relate to the world?" the
+president sneered. "Do you actually believe that the assertion of an
+adventurer like yourself could ruin a man of my standing? Why, you
+yourself admit the absence of proof."
+
+"Of all direct proof; but what I have learned is quite enough to make
+the ground hot beneath your feet. Reinsfeld himself made an effort to
+recover his rights; of course he was unsuccessful, although he found
+credence here and there. Then he lost courage and gave up all hope. But
+the matter was talked of; you were forced to defend yourself against
+suspicion, and now you have as an antagonist not poor, inexperienced
+Benno, but myself. Look to yourself in this encounter. I have sworn to
+indemnify the son of my friend as far as is possible for the wrong done
+to his father, and I am wont to keep my word, whether for good or for
+evil. As an 'adventurer' I have nothing to lose, and I shall proceed
+against you ruthlessly and resolutely; I shall forge weapons against
+you out of all that I have lately learned, and shall publish to the
+world the suspicion, the knowledge of which was formerly confined to a
+very narrow circle. We shall see whether the truth can die away unheard
+when an honest man is ready to vindicate it with his very life."
+
+There was an iron determination in his words and manner, and Nordheim
+was quite able to measure the power of this antagonist. He seemed
+engaged in a mental conflict for a minute or two, and then he asked, in
+a low tone, "What is your price?"
+
+Gronau's lip quivered with a contemptuous smile: "Ah, you are ready to
+barter, then?"
+
+"It may come to that. I do not deny that such a scandal as you threaten
+to raise would be very disagreeable to me, although I am far from
+perceiving any danger in it. If you should propose reasonable
+conditions I might, perhaps, bring myself to make a sacrifice.
+Therefore, what do you ask?"
+
+"Very little for a man of your stamp. Pay to Benno's son, young Dr.
+Reinsfeld, the entire sum which you formerly received for the patent.
+It is his lawful inheritance, and would be wealth to him in his present
+circumstances. Moreover, you must confess the truth to him,--privately,
+for all I care,--and give to the dead his due, at least in his son's
+eyes. This done, I will answer for it that the matter shall be
+immediately dropped."
+
+"Your first condition I accept," Nordheim replied, as though he were
+settling some business transaction, "but not the second. You must
+content yourselves with the money, which, indeed, will amount to a
+considerable sum. I suppose you will go shares in it."
+
+"Is that your opinion?" Gronau asked, scornfully. "But how indeed
+should you know anything of honest, unselfish friendship? Benno
+Reinsfeld does not even know that I have come to you, or of the
+conditions I propose, and I shall have trouble enough, God knows, to
+induce him to accept what is lawfully his, and his only. I should
+consider it a disgrace to touch a penny of it. But enough of this. Will
+you accept both conditions?"
+
+"No; only the first."
+
+"I will retract nothing. I must have both the money and the
+confession."
+
+"Which will place me completely in your power? Never!"
+
+"Good! Then we have done with each other. If you wish for war you shall
+have war!"
+
+Gronau turned and walked towards the door; the president made as if he
+would have detained him, then apparently changed his mind, and in
+another moment it was too late: the door had closed behind Veit.
+
+When Nordheim was alone, he began to pace the room rapidly to and fro.
+Now when there were no witnesses present it was evident that the
+interview had nowise left him as indifferent as he had feigned to be.
+There was a deep furrow in his brow, and in his face anger and anxiety
+strove for the mastery; gradually he began to be calmer, and at last he
+paused and said, half aloud, "'Tis folly to allow this to discompose me
+thus. He has no proof. I deny everything."
+
+He turned towards his writing-table, when suddenly he stood rooted
+to the spot, and a low cry escaped his lips. The door of his
+sleeping-apartment had opened noiselessly, and upon the threshold stood
+Alice, ashy pale, both hands clasped against her breast, and her large
+eyes riveted upon her father, who recoiled from her as from some
+spectre.
+
+"You here?" he said, harshly. "How did you come here? Have you heard
+anything of what has been said?"
+
+"Yes,--I heard everything," the young girl replied, scarce audibly.
+
+Then for the first time Nordheim changed colour. His daughter present
+at that interview! But the next moment he had collected himself; it
+surely could not be difficult to divest of all suspicion the mind of
+this innocent, inexperienced girl who had always yielded so readily to
+his authority. "It certainly was not meant for your ears," he said,
+with asperity. "I really cannot understand your playing the part of
+eavesdropper when you must have heard that a purely business matter was
+under discussion. You have now been witness to an attempt to blackmail
+your father,--an attempt which I ought perhaps to have repulsed more
+decidedly. But such audacious liars have the best men at a
+disadvantage. The world is ever too ready to credit a falsehood, and
+where a man is, like myself, engaged in great undertakings, demanding
+principally the entire confidence of the public, he cannot afford to
+expose himself to the faintest suspicion. It is better to be rid of
+such fellows as this man, who live by blackmail, at the expense of a
+sum of money;----but you understand nothing of it all! Go to your room,
+and pray do not visit mine in secret again."
+
+His words did not produce the desired effect: Alice stood motionless.
+She made no reply; she did not stir; and her silence seemed to irritate
+the president still further.
+
+"Do you not hear me?" he said. "I wish to be alone, and I require that
+no word of what you have heard should pass your lips. Now go!"
+
+Instead of obeying, Alice slowly approached him, and said, in a
+strange, nervous tone, "Papa, I have something to say to you."
+
+"About what? Not this attempt at blackmail, I trust? I have explained
+to you how matters stand, and you will hardly give credence to that
+scoundrel."
+
+"That man was no scoundrel," the young girl replied, in the same
+strange tone.
+
+"Indeed?" the president burst forth. "And what am I, then, in your
+eyes?"
+
+No answer, only the same rigid distressed look riveted upon her
+father's face. There was no longer any question in it, but a
+condemnation, and Nordheim could not bear it. He had confronted his
+accuser with a brazen brow, before his child's eyes his own sought the
+ground.
+
+Alice caught her breath; at first her voice failed her, but it gained
+in firmness as she went on:
+
+"I came here to make a confession, papa, to tell you something that
+might have angered you. I do not care to speak of it now. I have only
+one question to ask you: Are you going to afford--Dr. Reinsfeld the
+satisfaction required of you?"
+
+"Not at all, I shall abide by my last words."
+
+"Then I shall give it to him in your stead."
+
+"Alice, are you bereft of your senses?" the president, now really
+alarmed, exclaimed; but she went on, undeterred:
+
+"He does not indeed need your confession, for he knows the truth; he
+must have long known it. Now I know why he changed so suddenly, why he
+often looked at me so sadly, and never would betray what troubled him.
+He knows everything. And yet he has shown me nothing save kindness and
+compassion, has used every effort to restore me to health,--me, the
+daughter of the man who----" She could not finish the sentence.
+
+Nordheim made no further attempt to appear indignant, for he saw that
+Alice was not to be imposed upon, and he also saw that he must give up
+the attempt to control her by severity. She had foolishly resolved upon
+what might ruin him; her silence must be secured at all hazards.
+
+"I, too, am convinced that Dr. Reinsfeld has nothing to do with the
+matter," he said, more calmly; "that he is sufficiently wise to see the
+folly of such threats. As for your silly purpose to speak of them to
+him, I am sure you are not in earnest. What is the affair to you?"
+
+The young girl stood erect, and her face took on an indescribably stern
+expression quite foreign to it: "It ought indeed to be much more to
+you, papa! You knew that Dr. Reinsfeld dwelt near us, that he laboured
+night and day, in absolute poverty, and you never even tried to make
+good to him the wrong done to his father. Life and mankind have been so
+cruel to him: he was thrust out into the world in his childhood; as a
+student he lacked every means of support, while you won millions with
+that money, built palaces, and lived in luxury. At least do what Gronau
+asks, papa. You must,--or I shall attempt it myself."
+
+"Alice!" Nordheim exclaimed, between anger and utter amazement at
+finding his daughter, the gentle, docile creature who had never before
+ventured to contradict him, now laying down the law for him. "Have you
+no idea of the meaning of the affair? Would you deliver up your father
+to his worst enemy, who----"
+
+"Benno Reinsfeld is not your enemy," Alice interrupted him. "If he
+were, he would long since have made use of the secret to extort from
+you something quite different from that demanded by Gronau,--for--he
+loves me!"
+
+"Reinsfeld--loves you?"
+
+"Yes,--I know it, although he has never told me so. I am betrothed to
+another, and he, who could obtain from you what he chose by threats, is
+going from here without one demand, without even a word with you,
+because he would fain spare me the terrible knowledge, which,
+nevertheless, is now mine. You do not dream of the extent of this man's
+magnanimity. I now know it all!"
+
+The president stood speechless; he was not prepared for this turn of
+affairs, for it required no great amount of perspicacity to perceive
+that Benno's love was returned. The girl's passionate indignation spoke
+plainly enough, and if Reinsfeld really knew the story of the past--and
+that he did so seemed beyond a doubt--there was in fact but one
+explanation of his reserve and his silence in a matter so nearly
+concerning him. He had relinquished the advantage which his knowledge
+gave him that she whom he loved might be saved from disgrace. There was
+nothing therefore to apprehend from him; the father of the girl whom he
+loved was secure from his revenge, and perhaps he might induce Gronau
+also to be silent.
+
+"This is an astounding piece of news!" Nordheim said, slowly, after a
+short pause, during which he had watched his daughter narrowly. "And I
+hear it rather late. You spoke just now of a confession. What had you
+to tell me?"
+
+Alice cast down her eyes, and a burning blush replaced the pallor of
+her cheek: "That I do not love Wolfgang, nor does he love me," she
+answered, in a low tone. "I did not know it at first myself, but it has
+become clear to me within the last few days."
+
+She confidently expected a burst of anger from her father, but nothing
+of the kind ensued; on the contrary, his voice was quite changed, as he
+said, in an unusually gentle tone, "Why have you no confidence in me,
+Alice? I would not force my only daughter to contract a marriage in
+which her heart had no share; but this must be well considered and
+reflected upon. For the present I only ask that you will not be
+overhasty in your resolves, but will leave it to me to find a solution
+of the difficulty. Trust your father, my child; you shall have no cause
+for dissatisfaction with him."
+
+He stooped to press a paternal kiss upon her forehead, but she shrank
+away from the caress with an evident expression of dislike.
+
+"What does this mean?" Nordheim asked, with a frown. "Are you afraid of
+me? Do you not believe me?"
+
+She raised her eyes to his with the same hard, accusing look in them,
+and her voice, usually so gentle, was inexorably stern, as she replied,
+"No, papa; I believe neither in your love nor in your kindness. I shall
+never believe you again,--never!"
+
+Nordheim bit his lip and turned away, mutely motioning to her to leave
+the room. As mutely she obeyed.
+
+She had rightly divined that the president never for a moment
+entertained the idea of a marriage between his daughter and the young
+physician, although he had no scruples in hinting at such a possibility
+in order to avert for the moment a threatening danger. But he had
+miscalculated his daughter's insight; the young, inexperienced girl had
+seen through his device, and, man of iron though he was, he could not
+endure it. He had preserved his composure in presence of Wolfgang's
+haughty indignation and of Gronau's threats. His anger had been
+aroused, and at most he had experienced a vague dread. Now for the
+first time in his life he felt the sting of shame. Even although the
+danger menacing him should be averted, he could not away with the
+consciousness that he was judged and condemned by his only child.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XX.
+
+                       BLASTS AND COUNTERBLASTS.
+
+
+The construction of the railway was pushed forward with feverish haste.
+In fact, it was no easy task to have the work completed at the promised
+time; but Nordheim was right in declaring that the engineer-in-chief
+would spare neither himself nor his subordinates. Elmhorst spurred on
+his workmen to incredible exertions; he was present everywhere,
+superintending and directing, giving to his staff of engineers an
+example of unwearied devotion to duty that inspired their emulation.
+Under his leadership their capacity for work seemed doubled, and he
+actually attained his end. The numerous structures on the line of
+mountain-railway were now all but finished, and the last touches were
+being put to the Wolkenstein bridge.
+
+Wolfgang had just returned from his day's expedition. He had dismissed
+his vehicle in Oberstein, that he might pursue the rest of his way on
+foot, and now he was standing upon a cliff above the Wolkenstein abyss,
+watching the workmen, swarming like busy ants upon the trestles and
+framework of the bridge. A few days more would witness the completion
+of the work, which already excited universal admiration, and which in
+the course of a year or two would arouse the wonder of thousands; but
+he who had created it stood gazing at it as gloomily as if all pleasure
+in his creation had departed.
+
+He had evaded for to-day an interview with the president, testifying by
+his absence to his adhesion to his refusal; but some explanation was
+unavoidable. That the breach between them was final both knew; Nordheim
+was scarcely the man to accept for his son-in-law one who had so
+frankly and contemptuously defied him, and from whom he could expect in
+future no support in his schemes. The question was now how the
+separation was to be made, since the interests of each required that it
+should take place as quietly as possible. This was all that was to be
+arranged, and this was to be settled on the morrow.
+
+The sound of a horse's hoofs close at hand roused Elmhorst from his
+reflections, and turning he perceived Erna von Thurgau upon one of the
+rough ponies purchased for use among the mountains. She drew rein,
+evidently surprised, as she recognized the engineer-in-chief.
+
+"Back already, Herr Elmhorst? We thought your expedition would take up
+an entire day."
+
+"I finished my inspection sooner than I anticipated. But you cannot
+ride on for a few moments, Fraeulein von Thurgau: they are blasting just
+below there; it will be all over, however, in ten minutes."
+
+The young lady had already perceived the obstacle; the road leading
+down the descent and past the bridge was temporarily barricaded, while
+beyond a number of workmen were busied in blasting a large fragment of
+rock.
+
+"I am in no hurry," she said, indifferently, "and, besides, I must wait
+for Herr Waltenberg, who begged me to ride on while he spoke with Herr
+Gronau, whom he met just now quite unexpectedly. I do not wish to be
+too far in advance of him."
+
+She let her bridle hang loose, and seemed to bestow all her attention
+upon the workmen. The previous night had brought an entire change
+in the weather,--a cold rain had obscured all the sunny, fragrant
+beauty of the landscape. The skies hung dark and gray above the earth,
+the mountains were veiled in mist, and the wind whistled in the
+forests,--autumn had come in a single night.
+
+"We shall see you this evening, Herr Elmhorst?" Erna asked, after a
+silence of several minutes.
+
+"I regret extremely that I cannot possibly come. I shall be very much
+occupied this evening."
+
+It was the old pretext to which he had so often had recourse; but it no
+longer found credence. Erna said, with evident significance, "You are
+probably not aware that my uncle arrived this forenoon?"
+
+"Oh, yes, I know it, and have excused my absence to him; I shall see
+him to-morrow."
+
+"But Alice does not seem well. She will not, it is true, admit any
+indisposition, nor will she allow Dr. Reinsfeld to be summoned, but she
+looked so pale and ill awhile ago when she came out of her father's
+room, that I was quite alarmed."
+
+She seemed to expect an answer, but Elmhorst continued to gaze towards
+the bridge in silence.
+
+"Surely you ought to forsake your work for to-day and see after your
+betrothed."
+
+"I have no longer the right to call Fraeulein Nordheim my betrothed,"
+Wolfgang said, coldly.
+
+"Herr Elmhorst!"
+
+"Yes, Fraeulein von Thurgau. Differences of opinion have arisen between
+the president and myself of so decided a character that any adjustment
+is impossible. We have both withdrawn from the intended connection."
+
+"And Alice?"
+
+"She knows nothing of it as yet, at least through me. Possibly her
+father may have acquainted her with the matter; in any case, she will
+submit to his decision."
+
+The words testified clearly to the nature of the strange alliance,
+which had in fact existed only between Nordheim and his intended
+son-in-law. Alice had been betrothed since the interests of both men
+required that so it should be, and now when these interests no longer
+existed the betrothal was dissolved without even referring the matter
+to her; it was taken for granted that she would submit. Erna too seemed
+to have no doubt upon the subject, but she changed colour at the
+unexpected intelligence. "It has come, then, to this," she said,
+softly.
+
+"Yes, it has come to this. I was asked to pay a price far too high for
+me or----, and I made my choice."
+
+"I knew how you would choose!" the girl exclaimed, eagerly. "I never
+doubted it!"
+
+"Ah, you did me that justice, then!" Wolfgang said, with undisguised
+bitterness. "I hardly expected it of you."
+
+She made no reply, but there was reproach in her eyes; at last she
+said, with hesitation, "And---what now?"
+
+"Now I stand just where I did a year ago. The path which you once
+pointed out to me with such enthusiasm lies open before me, and I shall
+pursue it, but alone,--entirely alone."
+
+Erna shivered slightly at his last words, but apparently she did not
+choose to understand them; she interposed, hastily, "A man like
+yourself is not alone. He has his talents and his future, and the
+future before you is so grand and----"
+
+"And as dreary and sunless as that mountain-world," he completed her
+sentence, pointing to the autumnal, cloudy landscape. "But I have no
+right to complain. It came to meet me once, happiness, brilliant and
+sunlit, and I turned my back upon it to attain another goal. Then it
+spread its wings and departed, soaring to unattainable heights; and
+although I would give my very life for it, it never will come back to
+me. Those who trifle with it lose it forever."
+
+There was dull, aching misery in his voice as he made this confession,
+but Erna had no word of reply for him, and no glance for the eyes
+seeking her own. Pale and rigid, she gazed abroad into the misty
+distance. Yes, he knew now where for him lay rest and happiness,--now,
+when it was too late!
+
+Wolfgang laid his hand upon the horse's mane: "Erna, one question
+before we part. After my final interview with your uncle to-morrow I
+shall, of course, not enter his house again, and you are going far away
+with your husband. Do you look for happiness at his side?"
+
+"At least I hope to confer happiness."
+
+"And you?"
+
+"Herr Elmhorst----"
+
+"Ah, you need not repulse me so sternly! No self-interest lurks behind
+my question. My sentence I listened to from your lips on that moonlit
+night upon the Wolkenstein. Even were you free I should be hopeless,
+for you never could forgive my wooing of another."
+
+"No,--never!" The words were harsh in their decision.
+
+"I know it, and hence these last words of warning. Ernst Waltenberg is
+not the man to make such a woman as yourself happy. His love is rooted
+in the egotism that is the basis of his entire nature. He never will
+ask himself whether he may not be torturing by his jealous passion the
+woman whom he loves, and how will you endure constant companionship
+with a man to whom all the lofty ideals which are to you inspiration
+are but dead ideas? At last I have learned to know--dearly as the
+knowledge has been purchased--that there is something loftier and
+better than the self which once bounded my horizon. He never will learn
+this!"
+
+Erna's lips quivered; she had long known it far better than any one
+could tell her. But what availed such knowledge? For her also it was
+too late.
+
+"You are speaking of my betrothed, Herr Elmhorst," she said, in a tone
+of reproof,--"and to me. Not another word of the kind, I entreat!"
+
+Wolfgang bowed and retired: "You are right, Fraeulein von Thurgau; but
+they were farewell words, and as such may be forgiven."
+
+She inclined her head in assent, and was about to turn away, when
+Waltenberg appeared on the edge of the forest, urging his horse towards
+the pair. He and the engineer-in-chief exchanged the coldly courteous
+greetings habitual to them in what had become their almost daily
+intercourse. They spoke of the weather, and of the president's
+arrival,--Ernst being now first aware of the barricade in the road.
+
+"The men are unconscionably dilatory about their blasting," said
+Wolfgang, glad to find an opportunity to cut short the interview. "I
+will go and hasten them; you shall not have to wait long."
+
+He hurried down the slope, but something seemed to be amiss with the
+blasting, and the engineer who was directing the proceedings came
+forward to explain matters to his chief. Wolfgang shrugged his
+shoulders impatiently and passed on into the midst of the workmen,
+apparently to examine the work himself.
+
+Meanwhile, Waltenberg stayed with his betrothed, who asked him, "You
+spoke with Gronau, then?"
+
+"Yes, and I took no pains to conceal my surprise at finding him here,
+since he had not been to see me in Heilborn, or informed me of his
+return. In reply he begged me to see him this evening: he has something
+to tell me, which he says concerns me in a certain sense. I am really
+curious to know what it is. He is not wont to be oracularly mysterious.
+Look, Erna, how dark and threatening the sky is above the Wolkenstein.
+Will that storm not overtake us?"
+
+"Hardly to-day," said Erna, with a glance towards the veiled
+mountain-top. "To-morrow perhaps, or the day after. In spite of our
+fine autumn, the tempests which our poor mountaineers so dread seem to
+be setting in earlier than usual. We had a forerunner of them last
+night."
+
+"There must be something more than fable in the magic power of your
+Alpine Fay," Ernst said, half in jest. "That cloudy peak, which is well
+named, for it scarcely ever unveils, has actually cast a spell around
+me. It allures and attracts me with a mysterious, wellnigh irresistible
+charm, tempting me to lift the veil of the haughty Ice-Queen, and to
+snatch from her the kiss hitherto denied to mortals. If one should try
+that precipice on this side----"
+
+"Ernst, you promised me to give up all such ideas forever," Erna
+interposed.
+
+"And I will keep my word. I promised you on St. John's eve."
+
+"On St. John's eve," the girl repeated, softly, dreamily.
+
+"Do you remember that evening when I yielded to your request? I had
+resolved firmly upon an ascent of the Wolkenstein, but my resolution
+vanished before the entreaty in your eyes,--your words. Would you
+really have been distressed had I then disobeyed you?"
+
+"But, Ernst, what a question!"
+
+"It would not have been incumbent upon you then to be so; I was not
+then your declared lover." There was again the old tormenting jealousy
+in his voice. "You would probably have been distressed about Sepp or
+Gronau if either of them had undertaken the ascent. I mean that
+trembling anxiety which only assails one where one dearly loved is
+concerned,--a dread before which all else pales and vanishes,--the
+distress which would drive me blindly to encounter any danger if I knew
+you exposed to it. I suppose you know nothing of that?"
+
+"Why conjure up such fancies?" Erna said, half impatiently. "I have
+your promise, and therefore no ground for distress. Why dwell upon an
+'if'----?"
+
+A crash as of thunder interrupted her. Below them earth and stones were
+hurled into the air, and the huge mass of rock, split into three
+fragments, fell apart with a dull thud, while on the instant a terrific
+commotion arose. The assembled labourers rushed away from the bridge
+towards the spot where the engineer-in-chief with his subordinate
+officer had been standing an instant before. It was impossible to see
+what had occurred; all that was to be perceived was a close group of
+men, whence cries of alarm and dismay were heard.
+
+But above them all there rang out such a shriek as is the utterance of
+an agony of despair, and Ernst, turning, saw his betrothed, erect in
+her saddle, every vestige of colour fled from her face, gazing towards
+the spot where the catastrophe had occurred.
+
+"Erna!" he exclaimed. She did not hear him, but gave her horse the
+rein. The brute, terrified by the noise, shied and would not go
+forward. A merciless cut with the whip forced it to obey, and the next
+instant horse and rider were speeding down the slope towards the group
+of men.
+
+It parted at Erna's stormy approach; some of the labourers, who thought
+the horse had become unmanageable from fright, seized it by the bridle
+and stopped it. Erna seemed hardly aware of it; in mortal terror her
+eyes sought only--Wolfgang! and on the instant she perceived him
+standing quite unhurt in the midst of the throng.
+
+He too had seen her as she broke through the crowd; he had recognized
+the look that sought him out,--had heard the deep-drawn sigh of relief
+when she found him uninjured,--and from his eyes there shot a ray of
+passionate ecstasy. His mortal peril had revealed her secret,--she did
+love him, then!
+
+"Your fear was unfounded; the engineer-in-chief is unharmed," said
+Ernst Waltenberg, who had followed his betrothed and had paused just
+outside the throng. His voice sounded unnatural, his face was strangely
+pale, and in the dark eyes now riveted upon Erna and Wolfgang there
+gleamed an evil fire. Erna shivered, and Wolfgang turned hastily. It
+needed but a glance to tell him that he was confronting a deadly foe;
+yet appearances must be preserved in view of all these stranger eyes.
+
+"The affair might have turned out badly," he said, with forced
+composure. "The blast was tardy at first, and then took place before we
+could get well away from it. Two of the men are wounded; I am glad to
+know, only slightly. The rest of us escaped almost by a miracle."
+
+"But you are bleeding, Herr Elmhorst," said one of the engineers,
+pointing to Wolfgang's forehead, where two or three trickling drops of
+blood were visible. The young man pressed his pocket-handkerchief upon
+the wound, of which he had not before been aware.
+
+"It is not worth mentioning; one of the stones must have grazed my
+forehead. Have the wounds of those men bandaged immediately. Fraeulein
+von Thurgau, I regret that the accident should have frightened you----"
+
+"It frightened my horse, at least," Erna interposed, with ready
+presence of mind. "It shied and ran; I could not control it."
+
+The fiction was a plausible one and gained instant credence from the
+bystanders, explaining as it did the sudden appearance of the young
+lady and her evident terror and emotion. It was fortunate that the
+frightened animal had been brought under control in time.
+
+There were two men, however, who were not thus deceived,--Wolfgang, to
+whom those few instants of alarm had revealed a certainty which came,
+indeed, too late, but which he would not for worlds have relinquished,
+and Ernst, who still maintained his place, closely observing the pair.
+There was a contemptuous emphasis in his voice as he remarked,--
+
+"We have been fortunately spared another catastrophe. Have you
+recovered from your alarm, Erna?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Then we will continue our ride. _Au revoir_, Herr Elmhorst."
+
+Wolfgang bowed formally, perfectly comprehending the significance of
+that '_Au revoir_;' then he turned to see after the wounds of the two
+men, which were in fact very slight, as was his own. A fragment of
+stone had, as he said, merely grazed his forehead. The entire
+occurrence seemed to have ended very fortunately.
+
+But this was only seeming, as might have been clearly seen in
+Waltenberg's countenance. He rode beside his betrothed in silence,
+without even turning towards her; this went on for a quarter of an
+hour, until Erna could bear it no longer.
+
+"Ernst," she said, softly.
+
+"Beg pardon?"
+
+"Let us turn back. The skies are more threatening, and we can take the
+mountain-road home."
+
+"As you please."
+
+They turned their horses into another road, and again complete silence
+ensued. Erna was only too conscious that she had betrayed herself, but
+she could have borne the wildest outburst of jealousy from her
+betrothed rather than this gloomy silence, which was terrible. She did
+not indeed fear for herself, but she saw that an explanation was
+inevitable so soon as they should reach the house.
+
+Her expectations were, however, disappointed, for at the door of the
+villa, after Ernst had helped her to dismount, he got on his horse
+again.
+
+"You are going?" she asked, surprised.
+
+"Yes. I need the open air this afternoon."
+
+"Do not go, Ernst. I wanted to ask you----"
+
+"Good-bye!" he interrupted her, curtly; and before she could make any
+further attempt to detain him he was gone, leaving her a prey to a
+vague anxiety in her ignorance of his intentions.
+
+When Waltenberg reached the forest he checked his horse's speed and
+rode on slowly beneath the dark pines, through the tops of which the
+wind was whistling. He needed no further explanation; he knew
+everything now,--everything! But in the midst of the tempest raging
+within him he was aware of a savage satisfaction: the phantom which had
+tortured him for so long had finally taken on flesh and blood. Now he
+could assail and destroy it!
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XXI.
+
+                              A CHALLENGE.
+
+
+It was evening; Elmhorst was in his office with Dr. Reinsfeld, who had
+arrived half an hour previously, and from the air of both men it was
+evident that the subject of their conversation was a grave one. Benno
+seemed especially agitated.
+
+"So matters stand at present," he concluded, after a long explanation.
+"Gronau came directly to me after his interview with the president, and
+all my efforts to deter him from his purpose are vain. I begged him to
+remember that it would cost him his position with Waltenberg, who never
+could tolerate such an assault upon the fair fame of the uncle and
+guardian of his betrothed, and that he had no positive proof; that
+Nordheim would do all that lay in his power to brand him as a liar
+and slanderer. It was of no use. He reproached me bitterly with
+cowardice,--with indifference to my father's memory. God knows, he was
+wrong there; but--I cannot bring forward the accusation!"
+
+"Wolfgang had listened in silence, a contemptuous smile hovering about
+his lips. It was high time indeed to break off all association with
+that man; never for an instant did he doubt the truth of Gronau's
+suspicions.
+
+"I thank you for your frankness, Benno," he said. "It would have been
+perfectly excusable if you had never taken me into consideration, but
+had acted only as your father's son. I know how great is the regard you
+thus show me."
+
+Benno cast down his eyes; he was conscious that these thanks were
+undeserved. It was not to spare his friend that he would have buried
+that discovery in oblivion.
+
+"You understand that I cannot possibly move in the affair," he
+rejoined. "I must leave it to you to speak with your future
+father-in-law----"
+
+"No," Wolfgang coldly interrupted him.
+
+Reinsfeld gazed at him in surprise. "You will not?
+
+"No, Benno; Grouau has openly declared war to him, as you tell me,
+therefore he is fully prepared; and, moreover, my relations with him
+are no longer what they were. We are parted once for all."
+
+The doctor's amazement was inexpressible: "Parted? And your betrothal
+with Fraeulein Alice----"
+
+"Is at an end. I cannot give you a detailed explanation of the matter.
+Nordheim has shown himself to me also,--as what you now know him to be.
+He endeavoured to impose upon me conditions entirely inconsistent, in
+my opinion, with my honour; therefore I was obliged to retire."
+
+Reinsfeld still stared at him, bewildered; he could not understand how
+the man who had once staked everything upon this connection could speak
+thus composedly of his shattered hopes.
+
+"And Alice is free?" he managed to ask at last.
+
+"Yes. But what is the matter with you? What is it?"
+
+Benno had started up in extreme agitation: "Wolf, you never loved your
+betrothed. I am sure of it, or you could not speak so coldly and calmly
+of losing her. You do not even know what you are losing, for you never
+appreciated what you possessed."
+
+There was so passionate a reproach in his words that they betrayed
+everything. Elmhorst was startled, and gazed at the doctor half
+incredulously: "What does this mean? Benno, can it be--what? do you
+love Alice?"
+
+The young physician's honest blue eyes sparkled as he looked into those
+of his friend: "No need to reproach me with it, Wolf. I have never
+spoken a word to your betrothed that you might not have heard, and when
+I saw how impossible it was to struggle against my love, I made up my
+mind to depart. Do you suppose I would ever have accepted the position
+in Neuenfeld, which I more than suspected was the result of the
+president's influence, if any other way out of the difficulty had been
+possible? There was nothing else to do if I wished to leave Oberstein."
+
+The most conflicting sensations were pictured on Wolfgang's features as
+he listened. True, he had never loved his betrothed, but Benno's
+confession touched him very strangely, and there was something akin to
+bitterness in his voice as he said, "Well, I am no longer an obstacle
+in your way, and if you have any hope that your love is returned----"
+
+"It would be vain!" Reinsfeld interposed. "You know now what happened
+between our fathers, enough to separate me from Alice forever."
+
+"Perhaps so, constituted as you are. Another man, on the contrary,
+might use it to force from Nordheim a consent which he assuredly would
+otherwise refuse. That you never could be induced to do."
+
+"No, never!" Benno said, sadly. "I am going to Neuenfeld, and I shall
+in all probability never see Alice again."
+
+They were interrupted by the announcement that Herr Waltenberg wished
+to speak with the engineer-in-chief. Elmhorst instantly arose, and
+Reinsfeld prepared to leave. "Good-night, Wolf," he said, cordially
+extending his hand. "Nothing can sever our friendship; we must always
+be what we have always been to each other,--eh?"
+
+Wolfgang warmly returned the pressure of the hand thus given:
+"Good-night, Benno. I shall see you to-morrow."
+
+He went with him to the door of the room, just as Waltenberg made his
+appearance; a few words were exchanged among the young men, and then
+Reinsfeld departed, and the two were left alone.
+
+Ernst seemed to have regained his self-control during his lonely ride
+of two hours; his manner, at least, was cold and collected, although
+there was still a gleam in his eyes that boded no good.
+
+"I hope I do not interrupt you, Herr Elmhorst?" he said, slowly
+approaching the young engineer.
+
+"No, Herr Waltenberg; I expected you," was the reply.
+
+"So much the better; there is no need, then, of any preface to what I
+am come to say. No, thank you!" he interrupted himself, as Elmhorst
+offered him a chair. "Between us formal courtesy is superfluous. I need
+not tell you why I am here. Our interpretation of the scene of this
+afternoon differed from that of the strangers then present, and I have
+a few words to say to you with regard to it."
+
+"I am quite at your service."
+
+Ernst folded his arms, and there was a trace of contempt in his voice
+as he continued: "I am, as you know, betrothed to Baroness von Thurgau,
+and I am not inclined to allow in my betrothed so intense an interest
+in the peril of another man. But that is a matter between herself and
+myself. What I desire to know at present is how far you are implicated
+in this interest. Do you love Fraeulein von Thurgau?"
+
+The question sounded like a threat, but Wolfgang's answer came
+instantly and simply: "Yes."
+
+A flash of deadly hatred shot from Ernst Waltenberg's eyes, and yet
+this confession told him nothing new. He knew from Erna herself that
+she had loved another, but he had fancied that he should have to seek
+that other in the grave, among the shades. Here he stood living before
+him, the man who could sacrifice an Erna to wretched mammon; a man
+incapable of a pure, exalted affection, and who yet held his head as
+haughtily erect as if there were no reason why he should bow before any
+on earth. This irritated Ernst still more.
+
+"And this love does not probably date from to-day or from yesterday? As
+far as I know, you have frequented the house of the president for
+years,--before I returned from Europe, before Baroness von Thurgau was
+betrothed."
+
+"I regret being obliged to refuse to give you any satisfaction on these
+points," Wolfgang replied, as frigidly as before. "I am quite ready to
+answer any question you have a right to put. I refuse to submit to a
+cross-examination."
+
+"I can well believe it," Waltenberg declared, with a bitter laugh. "You
+would fare but ill in such an examination,--as the betrothed of Alice
+Nordheim."
+
+Elmhorst bit his lip,--the shot found a joint in his armour, but he
+recovered himself in an instant:
+
+"First of all, Herr Waltenberg, I must request you to change your tone,
+if this conversation is to be prolonged. I will tolerate no insults,
+least of all, as you well know, from yourself."
+
+"I am not to blame if the truth insults you," Ernst retorted,
+arrogantly. "Contradict my words, and I will retract them. Until you
+do, you must allow me to entertain my own opinion with regard to a man
+who loves, or pretends to love, a woman while he woos and wins a
+wealthy heiress. You cannot possibly ask esteem for such a paltr----"
+
+"Enough!" Wolfgang cut short his words. "No need of abuse to attain
+your end. I am perfectly aware of why you are here, and I will not balk
+you. But such words as you are using I forbid. I am in my own house."
+
+He confronted his antagonist erect and very pale. Something in the man
+commanded respect, even as he thus repelled the imputation which his
+conduct had ostensibly deserved. Ernst could not but feel that his
+rival bore himself with dignity, hard as it was to admit it.
+
+"You adopt a lofty tone," said Waltenberg, with a sneer. "'Tis a pity
+your betrothed is not here; in her presence there might not be so much
+conscious rectitude in your manner."
+
+"I am no longer betrothed," Wolfgang coldly declared.
+
+Waltenberg retreated a step in extreme amazement.
+
+"What--what do you mean?"
+
+"I simply inform you of a fact to show you that the cause for the
+imputation with which you would insult me exists no longer, for _I_ was
+the one to withdraw from the engagement."
+
+"When? For what reason?" The questions were put hurriedly.
+
+"On these points I owe you no explanation."
+
+"I am not so sure of that, for here, as it seems to me, you are
+reckoning upon my magnanimity. You are mistaken. I never will release
+Erna; and she herself, as I know, will never ask her release at my
+hands. She does not make a promise to-day to break it to-morrow, and
+she is far too proud to give herself to a man who preferred wealth to
+her love."
+
+"Pray cease your attempts to use the old weapon: it has lost its
+point," Elmhorst said, sternly. "Born and bred in the very lap of
+luxury as you were, ignorant of all self-denial, what can you know of
+the struggles and efforts of one longing to rise, consumed by ambition
+to win recognition for himself, to attain a great goal? I yielded to
+temptation, yes; but I have delivered my soul now, and can bid defiance
+to your boasted virtue. You too would have succumbed if life had denied
+you fortune and happiness,--you first of all,--and it may be you would
+not have fought your way free as I have, for, by heaven! the struggle
+is no easy one."
+
+There was such convincing truth in his words that Ernst was silent. He
+to whom luxury was a necessity of existence could hardly have withstood
+temptation; but because he could not help the conviction that this was
+so, did he all the more detest the man who had come off conqueror in
+the fiercest of all battles,--the conflict with self.
+
+"And now go, and hold your betrothed to her promise," Wolfgang went on,
+still more bitterly. "She will not break it, nor will she forgive me
+for what has been. There you are right. I have paid for my wrong-doing
+with my happiness. Force Erna to bestow upon you her hand; her love you
+cannot gain, for that belongs to me,--to me alone!"
+
+"Ah, you dare----!" Ernst began, furiously, but paused before the cold,
+proud triumph in the eyes that met his own.
+
+"Well? upon what ground now would you quarrel with me? That I love your
+betrothed is hardly an insult; that I am beloved you cannot pardon. I
+never knew it myself before to-day."
+
+Waltenberg looked as if he would fain have flown at the throat
+of the man who thus uttered what could not be gainsaid; in a voice
+half stifled by passion be rejoined, "Then you can easily conceive
+that I shall hardly consent to share the love of my betrothed with
+another,--with a living rival at least."
+
+Elmhorst shrugged his shoulders: "Is this a challenge?"
+
+"Yes, and the affair had best be concluded as soon as possible. I will
+send Herr Gronau to you to-morrow to make the necessary arrangements,
+and I hope you will agree that to-morrow shall decide----"
+
+"Not at all," Elmhorst interrupted him. "I shall have no time
+to-morrow, nor the day after."
+
+"No time for an affair of honour?"
+
+"No, Herr Waltenberg. In fact, I have no great opinion of these affairs
+of honour which consist in trying to put an end as quickly as possible
+to a man whom one hates. But there are cases in which one must be false
+to his convictions rather than incur the imputation of cowardice. So I
+am ready. But we workingmen have an honour of our own apart from that
+cherished as such by the favoured idlers of society, and mine demands
+that I should not expose myself to the possibility of being shot before
+the task which I have undertaken to fulfil has been accomplished. In
+eight or ten days the Wolkenstein bridge will be finished,--I shall
+then have completed my task; I shall have seen my work accomplished.
+Then I shall be at your disposal, but not an hour sooner. Until then
+you will be obliged to curb your impatience."
+
+There was an almost contemptuous deliberation in the manner in which
+all this was stated to the man to whom it was scarcely intelligible.
+Waltenberg had never worked, never devised anything that he loved and
+would fain see completed; he had never done aught save follow the
+impulse of the whim of the moment. Now this impulse incited him to the
+destruction of his enemy or to his own ruin,--he did not stop to ask
+which; but to be obliged to wait for days, to stay his thirst for
+revenge,--the thing seemed an impossibility.
+
+"And if I do not accept this condition?" he asked, sharply.
+
+"Then I do not accept your challenge. The choice is yours."
+
+Ernst clinched his fist in suppressed fury; but he saw that he must
+submit: it was his antagonist's right to require this delay.
+
+"So be it, then!" he said, controlling himself by an effort. "In from
+eight to ten days. I rely upon your word."
+
+"You will find me ready."
+
+A formal, hostile bow was given on both sides, and Ernst left the room,
+while Elmhorst slowly walked to the window.
+
+Outside, the moon, visible now and then among the clouds, cast an
+uncertain light over the landscape. For a moment it emerged clearly,
+and in its rays was revealed the bridge, the bold structure which had
+promised its creator so proud a future. And out into the same light
+strode the man who had sworn his death,--whose hand was sure when
+a foe was to be removed from his path. Wolfgang made no effort at
+self-deception: he bade farewell to his dreams for the future, as he
+had already bidden farewell to his happiness.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XXII.
+
+                          AN UNEXPECTED VISIT.
+
+
+Dr. Reinsfeld sat in his room, writing diligently. So much had to be
+arranged and prepared for his successor, who was to arrive in the
+course of the next week, and who was to buy the house and furniture.
+The young physician's belongings were not very valuable, nevertheless
+he looked about him upon his poor possessions with a sad, yearning
+expression. Here he had been so happy, and so miserable!
+
+A carriage drove up and stopped before his door. Benno looked up from
+his writing to see who his visitor might be, and then hurried to the
+door, in surprise, as he recognized the graceful figure of Frau
+Gersdorf about to alight. This distinguished relative, whose
+acquaintance he had formerly dreaded to make, had come to be his
+cherished little friend, whose interest in his unhappy love was
+intense. He had been obliged to discourage this interest of hers, but
+he was nevertheless grateful for it.
+
+He went out with a welcome upon his lips to open the carriage door, but
+started, dismayed, for beside his young cousin sat a shyly shrinking
+figure,--Alice Nordheim.
+
+"Yes, I am not alone," said Molly, highly delighted by the effect of
+her surprise. "We have been out driving, and did not wish to pass
+through Oberstein without seeing you. Well, Benno, are you not glad we
+stopped?"
+
+Reinsfeld stood dumfounded. Driving in this cold rainy weather? Why had
+Alice come? And why did she tremble so as he helped her out of the
+carriage, seeming afraid to look at him? He could not utter a word; but
+indeed there was no need that he should, for Frau Gersdorf gave no one
+any chance to speak. She chattered on until they were in Benno's study,
+and then she began afresh:
+
+"And so here we are. You wanted to come, Alice, and now you look as if
+you would like to run away. Why? I may surely call upon my cousin if I
+please, and you are with me, chaperoned by a married woman, so your
+duenna can make no possible objection. And you need not be in the least
+embarrassed, children. I know everything,--I grasp the entire
+situation, and it is very natural that you should wish to talk to each
+other. So now begin!"
+
+She seated herself in the arm-chair which the doctor had just left, and
+prepared with great solemnity to assist at the interview. But a long
+pause ensued,--neither Alice nor Benno spoke,--and, after some minutes
+of silence, Molly began to be tired.
+
+"I dare say you would rather talk without listeners," she remarked.
+"Good! I will go into the next room, and see that no one interrupts
+you."
+
+Without waiting for a reply, she suited the action to the word, and
+left the room for the one adjoining, by the closed door of which she
+placed herself as sentinel.
+
+But Molly had forgotten the other door of the study, which led through
+a small vestibule out into the garden, and she was quite unconscious
+that through the garden Veit Gronau was just now approaching the house,
+leaving Said and Djelma to await him at the garden gate.
+
+Ernst Waltenberg had not returned to Heilborn on the previous evening,
+although he had promised to meet his secretary there. Early this
+morning a messenger from him had brought Gronau the intelligence that
+he had taken up his abode for a few days in the little inn at
+Oberstein, and that the two servants were to be sent to him with all
+that was necessary for his comfort. This had been done, and Veit had
+accompanied them. Driving up the steep mountain-road had been very
+difficult, wherefore all three had preferred to walk the last part of
+the way, leaving the vehicle to bring the luggage.
+
+The foot-path which thay pursued led directly past the doctor's
+garden. Gronau walked up the little enclosure and opened the familiar
+back-door. His last interview with Benno had been a stormy one,--he had
+bitterly reproached the young physician with his indifference,--and his
+kindly nature would not long allow him to cherish any unkind feeling.
+He came now partly to apologize, and partly in hope of finding the
+doctor more in sympathy with his wishes. As the Nordheim carriage was
+standing before the front entrance of the house, he had no suspicion of
+the visit which Benno was receiving, else he would have fled in dismay.
+
+Meanwhile, Frau Gersdorf maintained her guard with unwearied,
+devotion,--a devotion all the more disinterested since the stout oaken
+door effectually deadened the voices of the pair she had left. Their
+conversation, moreover, was far from what she had hoped would ensue.
+
+Benno, after waiting in vain for Alice to break the silence, said,
+gently,--
+
+"And you really wished to come hither, Fraeulein Nordheim,--really?"
+
+"Yes, Herr Doctor," was the low, trembling reply.
+
+Reinsfeld knew not what to think. Lately Alice's intercourse with him
+had been perfectly easy and familiar. True, since their last interview
+in the forest, her ease of manner had vanished, but that could not
+explain this alteration in her. She stood pale and trembling before
+him, seeming actually afraid of him, for she retreated timidly when he
+would have approached her.
+
+"You are afraid--of me?" he asked, reproachfully.
+
+She shook her head: "No, not of you, but of what I have to tell you. It
+is so terrible."
+
+Reinsfeld was still puzzled for a moment, and then suddenly the truth
+flashed upon him.
+
+"Good God! You do not know----?"
+
+He paused, for, for the first time, Alice looked up at him with eyes
+filled with such misery, such despair, that all other reply was
+needless. He hastily went up to her and took her hand.
+
+"How could it be? Who could have been so cruel, so dastardly, as to
+distress you with _that_?"
+
+"No one!" the girl said, with an evident effort, "By chance--I
+overheard a conversation between my father and Herr Gronau----"
+
+"You cannot believe I had any share in it!" Benno hastily interposed.
+"I did all that I could to restrain Gronau; I refused to give him my
+sanction."
+
+"I know it,--and for my sake!"
+
+"Yes, for your sake, Alice. What can you fear from me? There was no
+need that you should come hither to entreat my silence."
+
+"I did not come for that," Alice said, softly. "I wanted to ask your
+pardon--your forgiveness for----"
+
+Her voice was lost in a burst of sobs; suddenly she felt herself
+clasped in Benno's arms. She was no longer Wolfgang's betrothed; he was
+no traitor to his friend; he might for once clasp his love in his arms,
+while she wept convulsively upon his breast.
+
+Just at this moment Veit Gronau opened the side-door, and paused in
+dismay upon the threshold. He would have been less amazed if the skies
+had fallen than he was by the sight that met his eyes. Unfortunately,
+he did not possess Frau Gersdorf's diplomatic talent for noiselessly
+disappearing and pretending not to have observed anything; on the
+contrary, his surprise expressed itself in a long-drawn "A--h!"
+
+The lovers started in terror. Alice in great confusion extricated
+herself from Benno's embrace, and the doctor lost all his presence of
+mind, while the intruder maintained his stand upon the threshold, and
+in his dismay never thought of stirring. At last the young girl fled
+into the next room to Molly, while Benno, with a frown, approached his
+unbidden guest: "This is an unexpected visit, Herr Gronau, a surprise
+indeed."
+
+His tone was unusually sharp, but Gronau did not seem to notice it. He
+entered the room, and, with an air of extreme satisfaction, said, "This
+is quite another affair,--quite another affair."
+
+"What of it?" Benno exclaimed, impatiently; but Veit tapped him
+cordially on the shoulder:
+
+"Why did you not tell me this? Now I understand why you would not
+accuse Nordheim. You were quite right, quite right."
+
+"Nor will I suffer any one else to do so," Reinsfeld declared, his
+irritation only aggravated by Gronau's genial tone. "I deny any one's
+right to meddle in my affairs; understand me, Herr Gronau."
+
+"I have no idea of doing anything of the kind," said Gronau, quietly.
+"'Tis well that I have said nothing to Herr Waltenberg as yet. Of
+course the matter must be kept quiet among ourselves. You have been far
+wiser than I, Herr Doctor. How could you bear my scolding so patiently?
+I never gave you credit for such cleverness."
+
+"Can you suppose me capable of sordid calculation?" Benno exclaimed,
+angrily. "I love Alice Nordheim."
+
+"So I saw just now," Veit observed, "And she seemed very willing.
+Bravo! Now we shall go to work with the Herr President very
+differently. We shall say not a word about the stolen invention, but
+shall simply ask for his daughter's hand, and his millions will
+naturally follow it. 'Tis a fact, Benno, that you have shown a vast
+amount of cleverness. Your arrangement of the matter would satisfy even
+your father in his grave."
+
+"That is your view," Benno declared, sadly. "Alice's and mine is very
+different. What you saw was only a farewell forever."
+
+At this intelligence, Veit looked as if he had suddenly received a box
+on the ear.
+
+"Farewell? Forever? Doctor, I verily believe you are out of your
+senses."
+
+The young physician was wont to be all patience and gentleness, but at
+this interference with his most sacred emotions he lost his temper so
+thoroughly that he tried to be rude.
+
+"Herr Gronau, let me reiterate my request that you will no longer
+meddle in my affairs. Do you suppose that I can ever call by the name
+of father a man who so injured my father? You understand nothing of any
+refinement of sentiment."
+
+"No, I suppose not; but all the more do I comprehend what is practical,
+and this matter is as simple as possible. You possess a means of
+forcing Nordheim to consent to your marriage with his daughter, whom
+you love. Use it and marry her. Anything else is nonsense, and that's
+an end of it!"
+
+"My opinion precisely," said a voice from the doorway, and Frau
+Gersdorf, having heard the last words, advanced into the room and took
+part with aplomb in the conversation.
+
+"Herr Gronau is perfectly right. The matter is as plain and simple as
+possible," she repeated. "All you have to do, Benno, is to marry Alice,
+and there's an end of it."
+
+Poor Reinsfeld thus assailed on both sides might well tremble for his
+'refinement of sentiment.' He made up his mind to a final effort, and
+declared,--
+
+"But I will not. I am the one, and the only one, to decide here!"
+
+"A pretty lover you are!" exclaimed Gronau raising his hands to heaven
+in despair.
+
+Molly, however, took a much more practical view of the case, and
+attacked Benno's obstinacy from the other side.
+
+"Benno!" she said, reproachfully, "there sits poor Alice in the next
+room crying her very heart out. Will you not try at least to comfort
+her?"
+
+This was perfectly successful. Benno hesitated for a moment, but only
+for a moment, then he rushed into the next room.
+
+"There! he will not come back for some time," said Molly, closing the
+door behind him. "Now we can take the affair in hand, Herr Gronau."
+
+But this was too much for Veit Gronau's declared distrust of womankind.
+Charming as was this new ally, her very presence reminded him of how
+false to his avowed principles he was in thus standing godfather to a
+love-affair. He suddenly remembered his attendant spirits still waiting
+at the garden gate, and with a hurried and awkward apology he took his
+leave, while Frau Gersdorf, with much self-satisfaction, seated herself
+in the doctor's study to await the close of the interview in the next
+room, and to reflect upon the vicissitudes that beset the path in life
+of a self-constituted guardian angel.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+                            A JEALOUS LOVER.
+
+
+For three days there had been raging in the Wolkenstein district a
+storm which even in this mountain-region was held to be unprecedented
+in violence. The keen blasts of November set in several weeks earlier
+this year and were unusual in their fury. In addition, the rain poured
+down day and night; in certain valleys there had been rain-spouts which
+had deluged the fields, and had so swollen streams and brooks that they
+had burst all bounds, overflowed their banks, and made travel
+impossible. Communication with Heilborn was interrupted, intercourse
+between neighbouring hamlets and villages was maintained with
+difficulty, and the danger increased from hour to hour.
+
+In the Nordheim villa preparations had been made for a return to the
+capital, but any such intention had to be given up, since travel was
+not to be thought of in this weather. All regretted the impossibility,
+and longed to be gone, for the entire household was oppressed as by
+some gloomy spell.
+
+Alice pleaded indisposition, and had not left her room for several
+days, availing herself of this pretext to avoid meeting her father,
+whom she had dreaded since their last interview; but the president's
+mind was filled with far other anxieties. He probably never noticed his
+child's avoidance of him, nor was he aware of the strained relations
+existing of late between Erna and her betrothed.
+
+The good fortune which had befriended him hitherto during his life
+seemed all at once to be forsaking him; it was as if some hostile power
+were at work, frustrating all his efforts, confusing all his schemes,
+and confounding all his expectations.
+
+The boldly-conceived plan, the success of which was to gain him
+millions, was shattered, and its ruin came from a quarter whence he had
+never looked for it. The man whom he thought indissolubly bound to
+himself and to his interests withdrew from his plans at the decisive
+moment, and made their execution impossible. Nordheim knew perfectly
+well that if the engineer-in-chief, his future son-in-law, refused to
+approve the estimates as they had been made out, it would be impossible
+to present them to the company. The scheme was naught since Elmhorst
+refused his aid, opposing a frigid refusal to all efforts to persuade
+him. There had been a brief, stern interview between the two men, and
+it had set the seal upon their estrangement.
+
+Then Wolfgang had spent an hour with his betrothed. What had passed at
+this interview no one was told, not even the girl's father. Alice, with
+unwonted decision, refused to speak of it, but the parting had surely
+not been unkindly, for when Elmhorst left the house, not to enter it
+again, Alice had waved him a farewell from the window more cordial than
+any she had ever vouchsafed him while they were betrothed, and he had
+responded with equal cordiality.
+
+Nordheim was not a man to bear with equanimity the ruin of schemes
+which he had spent years in developing, and to his vexation on that
+score was added annoyance at Gronau's threats, which he had at first
+underestimated. He regretted that he had not attempted at least to
+conciliate the former friend, whose restless energy he had been
+familiar with of old. It had been a mistake to make an enemy of him, a
+mistake which might have serious consequences.
+
+For the moment it was, however, all thrown into the background in view
+of a threatened loss which dwarfed all other anxiety in the president's
+mind. The mountain-railway, which should have been completed in a few
+days, was in great peril from the freshets. From all quarters came
+terrifying reports,--one piece of bad news followed another. The injury
+done was already serious; if the storm should continue and the water
+mount higher it might be incalculable, and Nordheim was implicated
+pecuniarily to an extent which could not but be very grave even to a
+man of his vast wealth.
+
+Erna and Molly, whose departure had been perforce postponed, were in
+the drawing-room. The lawsuit which had brought Gersdorf to Heilborn
+had been decided by a compromise, the arrangement of which detained the
+lawyer a few days longer. His wife was at first delighted, for in her
+capacity of guardian angel she considered her presence in the Nordheim
+household as absolutely necessary, although, to her great
+disappointment, she was obliged to admit that she had nothing here to
+protect.
+
+The engineer-in-chief had retired; his betrothal with Alice was
+dissolved, as all the family now knew, and Alice obstinately refused to
+open her heart to her friend. Benno was just as impracticable, seeming
+to persist in his idea of a separation, and, worse than all, no human
+being required any advice or counsel from Frau Doctor Gersdorf, who was
+naturally indignant at such base insensibility.
+
+"That is my reward for my philanthropy," she said, very much out of
+humour. "Here I sit, as upon a desert island in the midst of the ocean,
+cut off from all the world, separated from my husband, in danger of
+being swept away at any moment by a deluge. Albert may be obliged to
+rescue my corpse from the raging element and return to town an
+inconsolable widower. I wonder if he will marry again? It would be
+horrible. I should turn in my grave. But then men are capable of
+anything."
+
+Erna, standing at the window looking out at the storm and rain, hardly
+heard this chatter; her thoughts were elsewhere.
+
+"We are not in any peril here, Molly," she said at last. "The house is
+perfectly safe, standing as high as it does, but I am afraid matters
+look serious in Oberstein and on the railway."
+
+"Oh, the engineer-in-chief will take care of that," Molly declared,
+confidently. "We hear from all sides of his heroic conduct, how he
+accomplishes the impossible. We never did this Elmhorst justice. He
+released Alice although he resigned millions by so doing, and now he is
+exerting himself to the utmost to preserve the railway for your uncle,
+although they separated in anger. Confess, Erna, that you were
+prejudiced against him."
+
+"Yes--I was," Erna replied, softly.
+
+"There comes your betrothed!" exclaimed Molly, joining Erna at the
+window. "How odd he looks! The water is actually pouring from his
+waterproof; he has ridden over from Oberstein in this storm. I think he
+would really go through fire and water for one hour with you. But
+marriage puts an end to all that, my child; trust the experience of a
+wife of four months. My lord and master sits calmly with his manuscript
+in Heilborn and waits until the weather is clear enough to come to me.
+Your romantic Ernst appears, indeed, to be made of different stuff. But
+what is the matter with him? For three days he has been glooming about
+like a thunder-cloud, never taking his eyes off you when you are in the
+room. It is positively terrible to see you together. Nothing will
+persuade me that there has not something occurred between you. Do be
+frank with me, Erna; open your heart to me. I am as silent as the
+grave."
+
+She clasped her hands upon her breast in asseveration of her
+trustworthiness, but Erna, instead of throwing herself into her arms
+and confessing, returned the greeting of her betrothed as he alighted
+from his horse, and then said, evasively, "You are quite mistaken,
+Molly; nothing has happened,--nothing at all."
+
+Frau Gersdorf turned away provoked: no one seemed in the least need of
+a guardian angel; these people had a very stupid way of managing their
+affairs themselves. The little lady could not understand it, and she
+rustled out of the room decidedly out of humour.
+
+Scarcely was she gone when Waltenberg entered. He had laid aside his
+hat and cloak, but nevertheless his dress showed traces of the storm,
+against which no cloak was a protection. He greeted his betrothed with
+his usual chivalric courtesy, but there was something chilling in his
+air which was strangely contradicted by the glow in his dark eyes.
+Molly was right: he was indeed like some thunder-cloud, whose depths
+threaten ominously.
+
+Erna went to meet him in evident embarrassment; she had learned to
+dread this icy calm.
+
+"Well, how is all going on outside?" she said. "You come directly from
+Oberstein?"
+
+"Yes, but I had to take a roundabout way, for the mountain-road is
+under water. Oberstein itself looks tolerably secure, but the villagers
+have entirely lost their heads, and are running about bewailing
+themselves incessantly. Dr. Reinsfeld is doing all that he can to bring
+them to reason, and Gronau is giving him all possible support, but the
+people are behaving like lunatics because they think their paltry
+belongings are in peril.
+
+"Those paltry belongings, however, are all that they have in the
+world," the girl interposed. "Their own lives and those of their
+families depend upon them."
+
+Ernst shrugged his shoulders indifferently: "I suppose so; but what is
+that in comparison with the tremendous loss sustained by the railway?
+As I entered the house just now tidings of fresh disasters were brought
+to the president. Nothing but ill news from all quarters. Everything
+seems to be imperilled."
+
+"But they are working away desperately; can it be entirely in vain?"
+
+"Yes, the engineer-in-chief is waging desperate warfare against the
+elements," Ernst said, with a kind of savage satisfaction. "He is
+defending his beloved creation to the death, but against such
+catastrophes no mortal power avails. The water is steadily rising, the
+dikes are giving way, and the bridges on the lower portion of the road
+are already carried off. All nature seems in revolt."
+
+Erna was silent. She went again to the window, and looked out into the
+mist, which made any distant view impossible. Even the stretch of
+railway in the vicinity of the villa was invisible, while the roaring
+of the waters was distinctly audible. Below there Wolfgang was doing
+battle at the head of his men, fighting, perhaps, in vain.
+
+"The Wolkenstein bridge stands firm, at all events," Waltenberg
+continued. "Herr Elmhorst ought to be satisfied with that, and not
+expose himself so foolishly, as he does at every opportunity. He is no
+coward, it must be admitted, but it is folly to risk his life to save
+every dike that is threatened. He does wonders at the head of his
+engineers and labourers, who follow his lead blindly. They had better
+take care, or he will drag them with him to destruction."
+
+There was a cold, calculating cruelty in his way of speaking to his
+betrothed of the peril threatening the life of the man whom he knew she
+loved. She turned and gave him a sad, reproachful glance: "Ernst!"
+
+"Beg pardon?" he asked, without heeding her glance.
+
+"Why do you avoid the frank explanation which I have so often tried to
+give you? Do you not wish for it?"
+
+"No, I do not desire it. Let us be silent about it."
+
+"Because you know that your silence torments me more than any
+reproaches, and because it gives you pleasure to torment me."
+
+The girl's eyes flashed, but her passionate outbreak was met with icy
+coolness: "How you misapprehend me! I wish to spare you a painful
+explanation."
+
+"And why? I do not feel guilty. I will neither deny nor conceal
+anything----"
+
+"No more than you did at our betrothal!" he interposed, severely. "You
+were very frank then--about everything save the name. You intentionally
+left me in error,--an error for which I was originally accountable."
+
+"I feared----"
+
+"For him--of course! I perfectly understand that. But reassure
+yourself. I am not particular as to time; I can wait."
+
+Erna shuddered at his strange, significant words: "Wait--for what? For
+God's sake tell me what you mean!"
+
+His smile was cold and cruel as he replied, "How timid you have grown!
+You used to be braver; but in fact there is one thing which can inspire
+you with absolutely senseless terror, as I have seen."
+
+"And for this one thing you force me to do penance daily! It is an
+ignoble revenge, Ernst. I will refuse you no answer, no confession,
+that you ask for: only tell me, have you spoken with Wolfgang Elmhorst
+since that day?"
+
+A full minute passed before Ernst replied, during which he studied her
+every feature intently. "Yes," he said slowly, at last.
+
+"And what passed between you?" Her voice trembled with suppressed
+anxiety, though she tried hard to control it.
+
+"Excuse me, that is a matter between Herr Elmhorst and myself. But you
+need not distress yourself: I found Herr Elmhorst quite ready to
+forestall my wishes, and we parted, understanding each other
+perfectly."
+
+He emphasized every word ironically, and his irony drove Erna to the
+last extremity. Hitherto she had mutely endured everything lest she
+should irritate him still more against Wolfgang. She knew that he would
+fain be revenged upon him; but now, thoroughly roused, she said,
+indignantly, "Take care, Ernst; do not go too far. You may repent it. I
+am not yet your wife; I can still release myself----"
+
+She did not finish her sentence, for Waltenberg's grasp upon her wrist
+was like steel, as he muttered, "Try it; the day that you sever the tie
+between us is the last of his life."
+
+Erna grew pale: his face told her more than his threat. Now that he had
+dropped the mask of coolness and irony there was in his expression
+something tiger-like, and the evil fire in his eyes made her shudder.
+She knew he would suit his deeds to his words.
+
+"You are horrible!" she said, below her breath. "I--submit!"
+
+"I knew it," he said, with a laugh. "My arguments are convincing."
+
+He slowly released her hand, for Molly, having got over her fit of the
+sulks, entered the room, curious to know how all was faring in
+Oberstein, what her cousin Benno was doing, and how it looked along the
+railway; she had, as usual, a thousand questions to ask.
+
+Waltenberg replied courteously; he had instantly recovered his
+self-possession, and one would never have suspected the tiger-like
+nature that he had betrayed a moment before.
+
+"If it would give you pleasure, and you are not afraid of the rain, we
+might ride down," he said, after a detailed description of the freshet.
+
+"Pleasure!" cried Molly, who with all her waywardness was truly
+tender-hearted. "How can you use the word in view of such misery?"
+
+"True," Ernst replied, with a shrug, "a single man can avail nothing;
+but I assure you the spectacle is extremely interesting."
+
+Erna uttered no word of reproof, but this utter selfishness inspired
+her with horror. Down below there, hundreds were expending their utmost
+force to preserve a bold creation upon which they had laboured for
+years; enormous sums of money were at stake, and, moreover, the poor
+mountaineers were threatened with the loss of their little all. Ernst
+had not one word of compassion or of sympathy in view of this calamity;
+he regarded it all as a very interesting spectacle, and if he
+experienced any other sensation, it was satisfaction that the work of
+his enemy was menaced with ruin.
+
+And this man would force her to spend an entire, long life at his side;
+she must belong to him body and soul; and should she rebel and try to
+break the chain which she had almost involuntarily allowed to be thrown
+around her in a moment of surprise, he threatened her with the death of
+him whom she loved, and thus disarmed her. He had found a menace before
+which all defiance, all opposition, vanished.
+
+The president's voice was heard in the next room giving orders in an
+agitated tone, and the next moment he appeared, very pale, and
+evidently retaining his composure only by a great effort. According to
+the latest intelligence, the worst was to be apprehended; he wanted to
+go down himself and see how matters stood with the railway. Waltenberg
+immediately declared his intention of accompanying him; and, turning to
+his betrothed, he asked, as quietly as if nothing special had passed
+between them, "Will you not come too, Erna? We shall ride to those
+places that are in the greatest peril. I know you are not afraid."
+
+Erna hesitated for a few seconds, and then hastily consented. She must
+see what was going on; she could not wait and watch here, looking out
+into the driving mist which veiled everything, and only hearing reports
+from the scene of disaster. They were going to the places in the
+greatest peril; Wolfgang would be there. She should at least see him!
+
+Molly, who did not understand how any one could venture out in such
+weather, looked after them, shaking her head, as they rode away. Even
+the president was on horseback, for in the present condition of
+the roads the mountain conveyances were quite useless; the stout
+mountain-ponies had much ado to get over the ground through the thick
+mud. The little party rode on in oppressive silence; now and then
+Waltenberg made a brief remark, which was scarcely heeded. They took
+their way first to the Wolkenstein bridge.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+                             THE AVALANCHE.
+
+
+The Wolkenstein had shrouded its crest more closely than ever: heavy
+clouds were encamped about its peak and floated around its cliffs; wild
+glacial torrents were rushing down from its ice-fields, and blasts of
+wind raged over it day and night. The Alpine Fay was extending her
+sceptre over her domain; the savage queen of the mountains was revealed
+in all her terrific might, in all her terrible majesty.
+
+The autumnal tempests had often been disastrous: more than once they
+had brought freshets and avalanches; many a village, many a lonely
+mountain-range, had suffered; but such a catastrophe as this had not
+occurred in the memory of man. Strangely enough, the hamlets were
+comparatively spared; the storms and floods threatened the railway,
+which, following the course of the stream, traversed the entire
+Wolkenstein district, and with its myriad bridges and structures
+offered many a point for attack.
+
+The engineer-in-chief had, with his accustomed foresight and energy,
+adopted precautionary measures from the first. The entire force of
+labourers was called out to protect the railway; the engineers were at
+their posts day and night. Elmhorst seemed to be everywhere at once. He
+flew from one threatened spot to another, exhorting, commanding,
+inspiring courage, and exposing himself recklessly to danger. His
+example fired the rest: all that mortal energy could do was done; but
+human strength is vain in a conflict with the unfettered elements.
+
+For three days and nights the rain had been pouring in torrents; the
+countless veins of water, wont to trickle harmlessly and in silver
+clearness from the heights, rushed in cataracts down into the valley;
+the brooks were swollen rivers, breaking through the forests, and
+tearing away with them huge rocks and uprooted pines, all hurrying
+towards the mountain-stream, whose waters steadily rose, and dashed
+their foaming, tumbling waves against the railway-dikes. They could no
+longer resist the savage onslaught, and at last they were flooded here
+and torn down there,--the wet, soggy ground gave way everywhere and
+carried with it woodwork and masonry. The bridges too could no longer
+resist; one after another succumbed to the assault of the waves, the
+force of which it was vain to try to stem. In consequence of the
+pouring rain, both ground and rock gave way; one of the stations was
+entirely destroyed, and the others were much injured. The raging wind
+increased tenfold all danger and the difficulty for the labourers. Had
+the engineer-in-chief not been at their head, the people must have
+given up in despair, and have merely looked on at the destruction they
+thought themselves powerless to prevent.
+
+But Wolfgang Elmhorst fought the battle to the bitter end. Step by
+step, as he had once conquered this domain, he now defended it. He
+would not succumb, would not give over his work to ruin; but whilst he
+was thus putting forth all the energies of his nature in saving it from
+destruction there rang in his ears incessantly the last words of old
+Baron von Thurgau: 'Have a care of our mountains, lest, when you are so
+arrogantly interfering with them, they rush down upon you and shatter
+all your bridges and structures like reeds. I should like to stand by
+and see the accursed work a heap of ruins!'
+
+The gloomy prophecy seemed near its fulfilment, after all these years.
+Forests and rocks had been penetrated, streams turned aside, and the
+spacious mountain-realm bound in the iron fetters that were to make it
+subservient to human purposes. Men had boasted that they had subdued
+and chained the Alpine Fay, and now just as their work was drawing to a
+close she had arisen from her cloudy throne and angrily protested. She
+was descending in storm and destruction, and before her breath all the
+proud structures of man's devising were crumbling to ruin. No courage,
+no energy, no desperate struggle, availed; the savage elemental Force
+hurled to destruction in the space of a few days all that which it had
+cost human ingenuity years of toil to effect, laughing to scorn those
+who had dreamed of subduing it.
+
+The Wolkenstein bridge, it is true, stood secure and firm when
+everything else was being swept away. Even the white, seething foam
+tossed aloft by the dashing river did not reach it, suspended as it was
+at a dizzy height above the abyss. And all the blasts of heaven raged
+in vain against the iron ribs of the huge structure. It rested upon its
+rocky foundations, as if built to bid defiance to destruction for all
+eternity.
+
+The station which served as a temporary habitation for the
+engineer-in-chief had since the beginning of the storm been the
+head-quarters where all reports were received and whence all orders
+were issued. This portion of the railway had been hitherto thought
+secure, for at this place it crossed one of the narrow, deep valleys,
+passed over the Wolkenstein bridge, and then on the lofty steep cliffs
+turned again to the mountain-river, which just here made a large curve.
+The freshet which was so destructive to the lower stretch of railway
+could not reach this upper portion. But now glacial torrents had broken
+loose from the Wolkenstein, and the masses of mud and fragments of rock
+which they brought with them extended even to the bridge. The danger
+here must have been imminent, for Elmhorst himself was on the spot
+directing the labourers.
+
+In the prevailing confusion and hurry the arrival of the president and
+his companions was hardly noticed; one or two of the engineers,
+however, came towards them and confirmed the latest reports. In spite
+of the storm, the work went on with feverish persistence, crowds of
+labourers were busy near the bridge and also near the station, while
+the rain poured down in torrents and the wind howled so fiercely that
+it was often impossible to hear the shouted directions of the
+engineers.
+
+Nordheim alighted from his horse and approached Elmhorst, who left his
+post and came to meet him. Both had believed that the interview in
+which the tie between them had been dissolved would be a final one, but
+they now saw and talked with each other daily, scarcely conscious, in
+the magnitude of the disaster that had befallen the railway, of any
+embarrassment in their relations. They knew best what there was to lose
+here, and a community of interest still united them closely.
+
+"You are here on the upper stretch?" the president asked, anxiously.
+"And the lower----"
+
+"Must be given up!" Wolfgang completed the sentence. "It was impossible
+to secure it any longer. The dikes are broken through, the bridges
+carried away. I have left only a few of the men to protect the
+stations, and have concentrated all my available force here. We must
+control these cataracts at all hazards."
+
+Nordheim's uncertain glance sought first the bridge, and then the
+station, where a number of men were busy: "What are they doing there?
+You are having the house cleared out?"'
+
+"I am having the books and papers, the plans and drawings, carried to a
+place of security, for there is danger of an avalanche from the
+Wolkenstein; we have had one or two warnings."
+
+"That too!" the president muttered, in despair; then, turning suddenly,
+as a thought struck him, "Good God! you do not think the bridge----?"
+
+"No," said Wolfgang, drawing a deep breath. "The enclosed forest
+protects the abyss, and the bridge with it; no avalanche can break that
+down. I foresaw and provided for this danger when I planned it."
+
+"It would be fearful," Nordheim groaned. "The injury even now is
+incalculable. Should the bridge go all is lost!"
+
+The frown on Elmhorst's brow deepened at this outburst of despair.
+
+"Control yourself!" he said, in a low tone, but with emphasis. "We are
+observed; every one is looking at us. We must set an example of courage
+and hope, or the people will lose heart."
+
+"Hope!" the president repeated, catching at the word as a drowning man
+clutches a straw. "Have you really any hope?"
+
+"No; but I shall fight to the last."
+
+Nordheim looked the speaker in the face. His pale, stern features gave
+no hint of the tempest raging within, and yet for him everything was at
+stake. After the fading of his dreams of wealth and power, his work was
+all that was left to him upon which to build a future if he lived, and
+to be at least his enduring monument if he should fall by Waltenberg's
+hand. It was now imperilled. And yet he stood erect and struggled on,
+while the president was the image of impotent despair. What did he care
+if others observed his hopelessness? What was it to him that an example
+of courage was expected from a man in his position? He thought only of
+the gigantic losses which the catastrophe would cause him,--losses
+which might ruin him.
+
+"I must return to my post," said Wolfgang. "If you stay, choose
+carefully the spot where you stand. Stones and earth are continually
+sliding down: we have had several accidents already."
+
+He turned again towards the bridge, and then first noticed that
+Nordheim had not come alone. For a moment he paused, and his glance
+sought Erna. He divined what had brought her hither; he knew that she
+feared for him, but he made no attempt to approach her, for at her side
+was the man to whom she belonged, who, mute and inexorable as fate
+itself, considered her absolutely his property. Waltenberg marked the
+anxious glance of distress which followed Wolfgang as he returned to
+his men and took up his stand on a threatened dam, and, as if by
+accident, he put his hand upon the bridle of the other horse and held
+it fast.
+
+Suddenly behind the pair Gronau's tall figure appeared; muddy and
+drenched, but entirely at his ease, he slowly approached. "Here we
+are," he said, with a bow. "We come directly from Oberstein, but we
+swam rather than walked."
+
+"We?" asked Ernst. "Is Dr. Reinsfeld with you?"
+
+"Yes; we succeeded at last in bringing the Obersteiners to their senses
+and in convincing them that their home was not in danger this time. It
+was a hard piece of work, and we were scarcely through with it when a
+messenger arrived from the engineer-in-chief to ask the doctor to come
+and see after some men who had been accidentally injured. The good
+doctor, of course, ran his fastest, and I ran too, for I thought
+another pair of stout arms might not come amiss, and it was well I did
+so. I have established myself in the house there as hospital nurse, and
+have just come for an instant to let you know I am here, for my hands
+are quite full."
+
+"There have been accidents, then. I hope nothing serious?" Erna asked,
+eagerly.
+
+Gronau shrugged his shoulders; "One of the men was carried away by a
+cataract and fished out in a mangled condition; the doctor is afraid he
+cannot pull him through; and another was struck on the head by a
+fragment of falling rock; his case too is serious; the others are only
+slightly injured."
+
+"If Dr. Reinsfeld needs help I am ready to do all I can," the young
+girl declared, turning her horse as if to go to the house Grouau had
+pointed out.
+
+"Thanks, Fraeulein von Thurgau, we can get along very well by
+ourselves," Veit replied, while Waltenberg looked at his betrothed in
+surprise.
+
+"What, Erna, you? There are others to do that work. Gronau is helping
+the doctor. Why so superfluously heroic?"
+
+"Because I cannot endure to stand idly and unsympathetically by while
+every one else is toiling to the very death!"
+
+There was a stern reproof in her words, but Ernst did not seem to
+understand it: "No, you certainly are not unsympathetic, you are
+actually trembling with emotion," he observed. "But, in fact, the men
+are using their utmost exertions in spite of the danger that
+continually threatens them."
+
+"Because the engineer-in-chief is always foremost in peril," Veit
+continued the sentence. "If he were not everywhere, showing them an
+example of scorn of all danger, they would waver and hesitate; but such
+a leader inspires even the timid. There he stands in the very centre of
+that dam which the water may carry away at any moment, and issues his
+orders as if he could control the entire mountain-realm. For three days
+now he has been battling with this accursed Alpine fiend, who seems
+positively mad with fury, and I verily believe he will get the upper
+hand of her. But I must go back to the doctor. Good-bye."
+
+He went, and the president, who just then returned to his companions,
+saw him as he vanished within-doors. He shuddered involuntarily; the
+appearance of this man was one more evil omen,--it reminded him that a
+danger menaced him which had nothing to do with the present peril,
+already terrible enough.
+
+His short conversation with Wolfgang had deprived Nordheim of the last
+gleam of hope. If the upper stretch of railway were destroyed, what
+would remain of all the buildings, the erection of which had absorbed
+millions, and which he could not possibly restore? He had from the
+beginning owned the chief part of the railway stock, and of late, in
+view of the enormous profit he hoped to gain upon his retirement, he
+had greatly increased the number of his shares, so that the tremendous
+loss would be his almost alone. He knew that his property, invested in
+many other speculations, could not stand such a blow, and if Gronau
+should make good his threat and accuse him publicly, all was lost. The
+millionaire secure in his position might perhaps have defied him, the
+half-ruined speculator would be overwhelmed; Nordheim knew the world in
+which he had lived so long.
+
+Neither his energy nor his presence of mind stood him in stead now. The
+man who had for so long been the spoiled darling of Fortune, for whom
+everything had turned to gain, could not understand how she could
+suddenly prove thus false to him. He had always been a bold, clever man
+of business, but he had no force of character; in misfortune he was
+pitiably cast down. In dull, dumb despair he stood gazing at the men,
+at whose head the engineer-in-chief had again placed himself.
+
+Wolfgang seemed to be everywhere; one moment he was standing on the
+most imperilled part of the dam, anon he breasted the tempest in the
+centre of the bridge, and then he hurried to the station-house to issue
+his orders thence. He was dripping from head to foot,--the water was
+trickling from his hair, from his clothes; he did not seem to feel it,
+or to be in need of either rest or refreshment, and yet nothing but the
+most fearful tension of mind and body sustained him in the conflict
+which had now been going on for three times four-and-twenty hours.
+These were hours when Wolfgang Elmhorst might have forced even his
+bitterest enemies to respect and admire him.
+
+And his mortal enemy was thus forced, but none the less did his hatred
+and jealousy burn fiercely. Waltenberg was familiar with danger,--he
+had often invoked it and dallied with it recklessly,--but there was
+something far beyond dalliance in the unconquerable energy with which
+Elmhorst thus devoted himself to duty. He knew that his was a forlorn
+hope; half of his work was already destroyed, he could not save the
+rest, and yet he worked on, seeming determined to die rather than
+yield.
+
+And as he thus struggled, Ernst Waltenberg on horseback looked on at
+'the very interesting spectacle,' but was conscious of the part he had
+condemned himself to play. He had invited Erna to ride with him to the
+scene of disaster; the same calculating cruelty which had tormented her
+by silence had dictated the proposal. He knew she would accede to it,
+since it would give her an opportunity to see Wolfgang again, and she
+should see him in the midst of the danger to which he so recklessly
+exposed himself, she should tremble in mortal distress, and yet never
+betray by a change of feature the anguish of her soul. Elmhorst was
+right: this man's love was mere selfishness. What was it to him that
+the woman he loved was tortured and in agony, if but his savage thirst
+for revenge were allayed? Erna should suffer as he suffered; he would
+be as pitiless to her as fate had been to himself.
+
+But he underestimated the fearless nature of his betrothed when he
+thought that she would merely tremble at this danger. Her eyes were
+indeed riveted on Wolfgang in breathless anxiety, but they flashed with
+passionate admiration, with proud satisfaction, on beholding how he
+bore himself in the conflict, how he gazed into the terrible
+countenance of the Alpine Fay and strove with her to the death. In this
+mortal struggle he was for her all hero, her whole soul went out to
+meet him. Every shadow which had formerly obscured his image in her
+heart was dispersed in this light; he stood before her, as he had
+confronted Nordheim, free from all shackles in the triumph of his own
+true nature.
+
+Ernst was thus obliged to feel the shaft which he had shot so cruelly
+rebound upon himself. He had meant to show Erna the danger of the man
+whom she loved; he had shown her only his heroism. To be sure, he stood
+guard over her, determined to prevent a meeting, but he could not
+prevent the mute language of their eyes, the glances that sought and
+found each other in spite of distance and separation, of tempest and
+destruction, and in this language they told each other everything.
+Wolfgang felt that at this moment the barriers which his wooing of
+Alice had erected between himself and his love were levelled, and in
+the midst of the hopelessness of his efforts there gleamed upon him a
+ray of light, like the gleam of sunset indeed, but all-inspiring.
+
+It seemed in fact as if the success of the work of salvation depended
+upon the presence of this man. The most dangerous of the torrents which
+rushed wildly against the railway-dike had been successfully turned
+aside, Elmhorst having diverted its course to a deep cut in the rocks,
+whence it fell harmlessly into the Wolkenstein abyss, carrying with it
+the masses of earth and stones which had been so destructive. The most
+imminent danger was averted, and for the moment the tempest seemed to
+subside. The rain ceased, the wind became less violent, and it began to
+look brighter about the Wolkenstein.
+
+There was a few minutes' pause in the work. The president and
+Waltenberg, who also had alighted, walked along the bridge, where some
+of the workmen were gathered, to observe the diverted torrent foaming
+in the abyss. Everything looked more hopeful.
+
+The engineer-in-chief, however, stood on one side apart from the rest.
+He did not hear the cheerful exclamations of the men, but, leaning
+forward, seemed to listen intently to a sound muttering on high through
+the air, like the distant roll of thunder; his eyes were fixed upon the
+crest of the Wolkenstein, and suddenly his face took on a death-like
+pallor.
+
+"Away from the bridge!" he shouted to the rest. "Save yourselves! Run
+for your lives!"
+
+His last words were drowned in a dull rumble that grew to a crash as of
+thunder, but his cry of warning had been heard. The people scattered
+hastily; they felt the approach of something terrible,--there was no
+time to understand what it was; they deserted the bridge as quickly as
+possible.
+
+Nordheim and Waltenberg were carried away by the rush, and the former
+reached firm land, but Ernst stumbled and fell while yet on the bridge.
+Past him and over him the others ran wildly; in the selfishness of
+mortal terror every one thought only of his own safety, while
+Waltenberg, stunned by his fall, lay on the ground quite unable to rise
+for the space of a minute, when seconds were precious.
+
+Suddenly he felt a strong arm grasp him and lift him from the ground,
+then bear him onward, to release him only when the stout trunk of a
+tree was reached, around which he could clasp his own arms to hold
+himself upright.
+
+Then came the wind, howling and roaring like a hurricane,--a blast to
+which all that had gone before during the last three days had been but
+as the sighing of a breeze,--and everything in its path was prostrated
+or carried away. This was the herald of the Alpine Sprite, preparing a
+way for her; and now she herself descended from her cloud-veiled
+throne. A roar as of a thousand peals of thunder filled the air,
+echoing from every height, from every abyss, as if the entire
+mountain-realm were crashing to fragments; the rocks seemed to tremble,
+the earth to rock, as this terrible something, white and phantom-like,
+thundered past. It lasted for a minute, and then there was silence,--a
+silence as of death.
+
+The avalanche had torn its way from the peak of the mountain directly
+into the abyss, and destruction marked its course. The extensive,
+protecting, enclosed forest at the foot of the cliffs had vanished, and
+where it had stood there was a desolate, dreary waste. The course of
+the stream was blockaded; the chasm was half filled with jagged masses
+of ice, from among which projected trunks of trees and huge fragments
+of stone, and where the bridge had thrown its bold arch from rock to
+rock now yawned sheer emptiness. Two of the huge shafts were still
+standing, the rest were partly or entirely torn down, and about them
+hung some of the iron ribs, bent and snapped like reeds; all the rest
+lay below in the abyss. She had avenged herself, the savage Alpine Fay.
+Crushed and splintered at her feet lay the proud creation of man.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XXV.
+
+                            NOT ALL DESPAIR.
+
+
+A scene of indescribable confusion followed upon the catastrophe. At
+first no one fully grasped what had occurred, and when at last it
+became clear, all rushed to the rescue. The warning shout of the
+engineer-in-chief had indeed averted the worst,--at the instant of its
+destruction no one had been upon the bridge; but some of the men lay
+senseless, thrown to the ground by the concussion of the air, others
+had been more or less injured by flying stones and bits of ice; no one,
+however, at first seemed mortally hurt, and all who were able were
+intent upon aid. There were shouts and cries, and a running to and fro
+in wild confusion. Very few preserved their presence of mind, and these
+few could not make themselves heard.
+
+One group, however, assembled about a severely wounded man, was quiet
+enough, and in a few moments this group became a centre of attraction.
+Engineers and workmen crowded around with faces of dismay, a whisper
+ran from lip to lip, "The president? Nordheim himself? For God's sake
+bring the doctor!"
+
+It was indeed President Nordheim who lay here bleeding and unconscious.
+He had reached what he thought a place of safety, when one of the heavy
+iron stanchions of the bridge, torn from its place, had felled him to
+the earth. Erna and Waltenberg were busied about him, and all were
+doing what they could to restore him to consciousness, when the circle
+opened to admit the engineer-in-chief and Dr. Reinsfeld.
+
+Benno was rather paler than usual, but perfectly calm, as he knelt down
+and began to examine the injury. The pain of this examination seemed to
+rouse Nordheim; with a groan he opened his eyes, and gazed into the
+countenance of the man bending over him. He did not recognize him, but
+probably fancied he saw his early friend, whom the son closely
+resembled, for with an unmistakable expression of horror and a
+convulsive movement he tried to rise and to push aside the helping
+hand. With another agonized groan he sank back, the blood gushing from
+his mouth.
+
+The by-standers observed only the signs of physical pain. Benno alone
+divined the truth; he bent still lower, and as he gently put his hand
+beneath the sufferer's head he said, softly, "Do not reject my help. It
+is given you freely, from my heart!"
+
+Nordheim was unable to speak, and the effort he had made exhausted him;
+again he became unconscious. The young physician examined with all
+possible gentleness the injury in the breast, and then turned with a
+very grave face to Waltenberg and Elmhorst.
+
+"You have no hope?" the latter asked, in an undertone.
+
+"No, nothing can avail here. We must try to get him home; he may reach
+the house alive if he is carried with extreme caution. Fraeulein von
+Thurgau, will you kindly go first and prepare his daughter, that the
+shock may not be too great? We must not conceal from her that her
+father is dying; he cannot possibly live until to-morrow."
+
+Then he gave the necessary directions. A litter was hastily
+constructed, and the wounded man was laid upon it with infinite care.
+Stout arms were ready to aid, and the sad procession slowly took its
+way towards the villa. Erna preceded it, and Reinsfeld, promising to
+follow immediately, turned his attention to the other wounded men who
+required his skill, although none of them were mortally injured.
+
+"Waltenberg too stayed behind. He paused, hesitating and seeming
+engaged in an inward struggle, but when he saw the engineer-in-chief
+walk towards the Wolkenstein chasm he followed, and overtook him.
+
+"Herr Elmhorst!"
+
+Wolfgang turned; his face was unnaturally calm, and there was a hard
+ring in his voice as he said, "You come to remind me of my promise? I
+am at your service at any hour; my duties are at an end."
+
+Ernst had entertained no such intention; he made a gesture of dissent:
+"I think neither of us is in the mood to pursue our quarrel at present.
+I am sure that you, at least, are not fit for it."
+
+Elmhorst passed his hand across his brow; now when the terrible tension
+of his nerves had relaxed he first perceived how utterly exhausted he
+was.
+
+"You are probably right," he said, with the same rigid, unnatural look.
+"It comes from overwork. I have not slept for three nights; but a
+couple of hours' rest will restore me entirely, and, as I said, I am at
+your service."
+
+Ernst silently gazed into the face of the man who had just lost his
+all; this forced calm did not mislead him. A reply was upon his lips,
+but he suppressed it, and his glance wandered to the spot where he had
+been thrown down in his flight. Just there one of the columns had
+fallen, and the iron part of it was buried deep in the earth. There he
+would have lain crushed and mangled but for the hand which had rescued
+him from destruction; perhaps he was not as unconscious as he seemed of
+whose the hand was.
+
+"I must go and see how the president is," he said, hurriedly. "Dr.
+Reinsfeld has promised to stay with us to-night, and we will send you
+word of what happens."
+
+"Thanks," said Wolfgang, seeming both to hear and to speak merely
+mechanically: his thoughts were elsewhere; and when Waltenberg turned
+away, he slowly walked on to the place where the Wolkenstein bridge had
+stood.
+
+The night that ensued was a terrible one for the family and household
+at the villa. Its master lay struggling with death, which seemed slow
+to come in the midst of such agony. Incapable of motion or of speech,
+but entirely conscious, he knew that the son of the former friend whom
+he had deceived and betrayed, condemning him to a life of poverty and
+hardship, while he himself enjoyed wealth and distinction as the fruits
+of his treachery, was unwearied in his efforts to minister to him, to
+soothe the death-bed from which he could not dismiss the dark
+messenger. Nothing could be more ready and unselfish than the aid
+afforded by Benno, and this very forgetfulness of self awakened the
+dying man's most pungent remorse. Face to face with death falsehood and
+deceit vanished, truth alone showed its inexorable countenance, and the
+effect was annihilating. The agonized struggle lasted, it is true, but
+for a single night, but in that time were compressed the torture of a
+lifetime and the penance of a lifetime.
+
+When day at last dawned in mist and clouds, struggle and agony were at
+an end, and it was Benno Reinsfeld's hand that closed the dying man's
+eyes. Then he gently raised from her knees Alice, who was sobbing
+beside her father's body, and led her away. He spoke no word of love or
+hope to her,--it would have seemed like desecration to him in such a
+moment,--but the way in which he put his arm around her and supported
+her showed plainly that he now claimed his right, and that nothing
+could part them more. He never could have been a son to the man who had
+so wronged his father, but that would now be spared him if Alice should
+become his wife; the wealth also which had been the fruit of treachery
+had mainly vanished. All barriers between the lovers had fallen.
+
+Erna also, when all was over, retired to her room. Alice did not need
+her: she had a better comforter beside her.
+
+The girl sat pale and worn at the window, looking out into the gray,
+misty morning. Alien as her uncle had seemed to her, harshly as she had
+often judged him, the suffering of his last hours had obliterated every
+thought of him in her mind save that it was her mother's brother who
+lay dying.
+
+Her thoughts now, however, were not with the dead, but with the living,
+with him who was perhaps standing in the dim dawn beside the ruins of
+his work. She knew what it had been to him, and felt the blow with him.
+Erna would have given her life to be able to stand beside him now with
+words of consolation and encouragement, and instead she must know him
+alone in his despair. She paid no heed to Griff, who had crept up to
+her and laid his head in her lap with sorrowful sympathy in his brown
+eyes; she gazed out fixedly into the rolling mist.
+
+The door opened softly; Waltenberg entered and slowly approached his
+betrothed, who, sunk in a revery, did not perceive him until he stood
+beside her and uttered her name.
+
+When Waltenberg thus addressed her she started with an involuntary
+expression of terror and dislike, which did not escape him; his smile
+was bitterly sad.
+
+"Are you so afraid of me? You must endure the intrusion, however, for I
+have something to say to you."
+
+"Now? at this moment, when death has just crossed our threshold?"
+
+"Precisely now; if I wait I may--lose courage to speak."
+
+The words sounded so strange that Erna looked up, surprised. Her eyes
+encountered his, but did not find there the gleam which had so
+terrified her of late. In his dark look there glowed somewhat which was
+neither all love nor all hatred,--perhaps a combination of both,--she
+could not tell.
+
+"Go on, then," she said, wearily. "I will listen."
+
+He paused and looked fixedly at her, and at last said, with slow
+emphasis, "I come to bid you farewell."
+
+"You are going? Now, before my uncle has been laid to rest?"
+
+"Yes,--and never to return! You mistake me, Erna. This is no farewell
+for days or weeks; it means that we are parting forever."
+
+"Parting?" The girl looked at him incredulously, only half
+comprehending his words; they came upon her too suddenly for her to
+grasp all their meaning.
+
+"You evidently have no belief in my magnanimity," Ernst said, harshly.
+"It is true that yesterday I could more easily have annihilated you
+both, you and your Wolfgang, than have given you back your troth. That
+is over. He has taught me how to subdue an enemy. Do you think I do not
+know whose hand it was that snatched me from a terrible death
+yesterday? Without its aid I should have been crushed at the entrance
+of the bridge. You saw it,--I know that,--and will only the more
+worship your hero, whom you watched yesterday with an enthusiasm that
+transfigured you. This deed of his exalts him to an ideal hero in your
+eyes. What am I in them?"
+
+"Yes, I saw it," Erna said, looking down, "but I did not think you
+recognized him, stunned as you were, and in the general confusion."
+
+"A mortal enemy is always recognized, even while he is saving one's
+life. I tried to thank him yesterday, just after the catastrophe, but I
+could not bring my lips to frame words of gratitude to that man; they
+would have choked me. Let him hear them from you. Tell him that I
+revoke my challenge, and that I release him from his promise, as I
+release you from yours. Now we are quits,--more than quits: I give him
+what is tenfold dearer to me than the life he saved for me."
+
+Erna had grown very pale in the certainty of what she had long
+suspected: "You challenged him? That was the meaning of your
+interview?"
+
+"Do you suppose that I could have borne to know him happy in your
+arms?" Waltenberg asked. "But for what happened yesterday I would have
+shot him down like a dog; and he promised to be at my service as soon
+as the Wolkenstein bridge was completed. Fate has released him from his
+promise."
+
+The bitterness in his tone no longer affected Erna; she heard only the
+anguish in his voice, felt only what the renunciation was costing his
+passionate nature. In gentle entreaty she laid her hand upon his arm:
+"Ernst, trust me, I know the full extent of the sacrifice you are
+making for me. You have loved me intensely----"
+
+"Yes, and I was fool enough to fancy that passion such as mine _must_
+force you to love in return. I thought that if I carried you to another
+quarter of the globe, and put an ocean between you and Wolfgang
+Elmhorst, you would learn to forget, and to turn to the husband beside
+you. I have learned my error. I never could have torn that love from
+your heart; if I had killed him you would have loved him dead. Now, in
+his misery, your whole soul flies out to him. Go to him. I am no longer
+in your way. You are free!"
+
+"Let us go together," Erna entreated, earnestly. "Offer him your hand
+in amity; you can, for you are now the generous one, the benefactor. It
+is you whom we have to thank."
+
+He thrust aside her hand: "No, I never will meet that man again. If I
+should see him I could not answer for myself, all the fiends within me
+would break loose once more. You cannot dream what it has cost me to
+conjure them down; let them rest."
+
+Erna did not venture to repeat her request; she comprehended that so
+passionate a nature might renounce, but could not forgive. She bowed
+her head in mute acquiescence.
+
+"Farewell!" said Ernst, still in the harsh, hostile tone which had
+characterized him throughout the interview. "Forget me. It will be easy
+at his side."
+
+She looked up to him; her eyes filled with tears: "I never shall forget
+you, Ernst, never! But I shall always remember sadly that you left me
+in bitterness and hatred."
+
+"In hatred?" he exclaimed, with an outburst of passion, and suddenly
+Erna felt herself clasped in his arms, pressed to his heart, while his
+kisses were rained upon her hair, her brow, with the same wild
+intensity of tenderness which she had so dreaded and which had always
+failed to arouse in her the least return of his affection. This time
+there was in his caress something of the madness of despair. He tore
+himself away and was gone. The short, stormy dream of the love of his
+life was over forever!
+
+Meanwhile, the day had fairly appeared. The rain had ceased in the
+night, and the wind was not so violent,--the wild uproar of nature had
+begun to subside.
+
+The work of the previous day still went on, however, although, since
+the Wolkenstein bridge was gone, there was little more to save. This
+last blow had been the heaviest, although the entire railway had been
+incalculably injured; very few of the numerous bridges and structures
+were not in need of repairs, and, in view of the general destruction,
+the completion of the undertaking seemed impossible. Its author lay
+dead in his house, and the intended transfer of the railway to the
+company was of course impossible. How and when, if ever, others would
+come forward to carry out his schemes time alone could show.
+
+Such were probably the thoughts occurring to the mind of the man
+standing alone on the brink of the Wolkenstein chasm and gazing down at
+the ruin below him. The autumn morning was very cold; in the valleys
+and depths wreaths of gray mist were curling, long trains of clouds
+hovered about the mountains, and a gloomy sky looked down upon the wet,
+sodden earth, which bore melancholy traces of the turmoil of the
+previous day. Uprooted and broken trees, fragments of rock, mud, and
+heaps of stones were everywhere to be seen, and in many a spot the
+traces could be perceived of the gallant struggle of man in his fight
+with the elements. The roar of the cataract was not so threatening as
+it had been, but it still filled the air as the water dashed from the
+height, and the wind had not yet left the dripping storm-tossed forests
+in peace.
+
+In the Wolkenstein chasm alone there was a silence as of the grave. A
+gigantic glacier seemed to rest in its depths, its rigid whiteness
+broken by a chaotic mass of rock and earth. The avalanche which had
+begun on the crest of the Wolkenstein must have increased fearfully on
+its way, for it had prostrated the entire enclosed forest, hitherto
+regarded as a sure protection; pines a century old had been snapped
+like straws and had dragged with them into the abyss a portion of the
+mountain-side. And then the entire mass of ice and snow, of rocks and
+trunks of trees, its force augmented tenfold by the velocity of its
+fall, had hurled itself against the bridge and crushed it. No human
+structure could withstand such an onslaught.
+
+It was some consolation to know this, but Wolfgang Elmhorst seemed to
+find no comfort in such reflections. He gazed dully down into the icy
+grave where all his schemes and hopes were lying, perhaps never to rise
+again. In the beginning, when the railway had first been planned, there
+had been objections made to the Wolkenstein bridge because of the cost
+of its erection. It had been proposed to avoid the chasm and to carry
+the line of railway by another less expensive but roundabout road.
+Nordheim, however, who was attracted by the boldness of the scheme,
+contrived to overbear all opposition and to have his own way. In future
+there could be no thought, since economy would be especially necessary,
+of rebuilding the bridge, which, moreover, must be condemned as
+impossible, since it had fallen a prey to the elements just when it was
+about to astonish and delight all who beheld it, and to bring
+reputation and fame to its deviser.
+
+Suddenly a large, lion-like dog came careering over the sodden ground,
+testifying by huge leaps to his delight at being released from his long
+confinement in-doors. He paused close beside Elmhorst, and began, after
+his custom with the engineer-in-chief, to show his teeth, when for the
+first time his show of dislike was arrested,--something else attracted
+his attention. Wise dog that he was, he perceived what had occurred. He
+grew restless, stretched his head far over the edge of the abyss, then
+looked towards the other side, finally turning his intelligent dark
+eyes upon the engineer-in-chief as if to ask what it all meant.
+
+Hitherto Wolfgang had preserved his composure, at least externally, but
+he broke down at the dog's mute inquiry. He covered his eyes with his
+hand, and a tear, the first he had shed since boyhood, rolled down his
+cheek.
+
+On a sudden he heard his name uttered in a voice not unfamiliar to him,
+but in a tone such as had never before fallen upon his ear: "Wolfgang!"
+
+He turned, dashed aside the treacherous witness from his cheek, and,
+entirely self-possessed once more, approached the slender figure,
+enveloped in a dark wrap, and standing at a little distance, as though
+afraid to venture nearer.
+
+"You here, Erna? After the terrible night that you have passed?"
+
+"Yes, it was terrible!" the girl said, with a deep-drawn sigh. "You
+have heard that my uncle is dead?"
+
+"I heard it two hours ago. I no longer had the right to watch beside
+his death-bed; moreover, the sight of me would only have distressed
+him, so I kept away. How does Alice bear it?"
+
+"For the moment she seems stunned, but Dr. Reinsfeld is with her."
+
+"Then she will recover from the blow. They love each other, and with
+the one who is loved best in the world beside you even the worst trials
+can be borne."
+
+Erna made no reply, but she slowly approached and stood beside him. He
+looked at her, and his sad face grew still darker: "I know why you are
+here. You would fain speak some word of sympathy, of consolation to me.
+But why? Your dying father's curse has borne fruit: the destruction of
+the ancestral home of the Thurgaus is avenged, and I think even the
+Freiherr would be content."
+
+"Can you really attach such importance to words which were the result
+of anger,--of the agitation preceding a sudden death?" Erna asked,
+reproachfully. "Since when have you been superstitious?"
+
+"Since faith in my own power has lain buried there. Leave me to myself,
+Erna. What comfort can I take in the sympathy which you offer as an
+alms, to express which you must have stolen secretly away, and for
+which you may have to suffer from Herr Waltenberg's reproaches? I need
+no sympathy, not even from you." In the irritability of misery he
+turned away and looked up at the Wolkenstein, the crest of which loomed
+white and shadowy through the clouds. It alone seemed striving to
+unveil, while a thick mist obscured all the surrounding mountain-tops.
+
+"I do not come secretly, nor to offer you an alms," Erna said, in a
+voice which she tried vainly to steady. "Ernst knows that I have come
+to you, and he sends a message by me."
+
+"Ernst Waltenberg--to me?"
+
+"To you, Wolfgang! He bids me tell you that he releases you from your
+promise, and recalls his challenge."
+
+Elmhorst frowned darkly, as he rejoined, "Has he told _you_ of all
+that? Very considerate on his part! Such matters are generally
+discussed among men exclusively. But, although I accepted his
+conditions, I do not accept his magnanimity,--least of all at present."
+
+"And yet you first set him the example of magnanimity. No need to deny
+it. He knows as well as I do whose hand snatched him from destruction
+on this very spot."
+
+"I leave no one to die if it is in my power to save his life, even if
+he be my worst enemy," Wolfgang said, coldly. "At such moments one
+obeys the instincts of humanity, never stopping to consider, and I
+refuse to accept his gratitude. I pray you say this to Herr Waltenberg,
+since he has chosen you, Fraeulein von Thurgau, for his messenger."
+
+"Can you really treat his messenger thus harshly?" The girl's voice was
+low and gentle and her large dark-blue eyes were strangely bright as
+she looked at the man who could no longer control the anguish of his
+soul.
+
+"Why torture me with such looks and tones?" he cried, passionately.
+"You belong to another----"
+
+"Whom you misunderstand as I did. I know now how immense is the
+sacrifice he makes for me, for I know how great was his love for me,
+when, with this love in his heart, he could give me back my freedom and
+bid me farewell forever."
+
+Wolfgang, half stunned at the unexpected announcement, could only be
+conscious that through the black night of his hopeless despair a
+dazzling ray of light was darting, heralding the dawn of new life
+and energy. "You are free, Erna?" he broke forth. "And now--now you
+come----"
+
+"To you. It is so heavy a burden,--this misery that you are bearing
+alone. I claim my share."
+
+The words were spoken with earnest simplicity, as if they were mere
+words of course; but Elmhorst changed colour and his look was downcast.
+He was undergoing a hard struggle with his pride, which felt such
+devotion at such a moment to be a humiliation.
+
+"No, no, not yet!" he murmured, with an attempt to turn away. "Let me
+recover my courage,--my self-possession. I cannot accept your
+sacrifice. It weighs me down to the earth."
+
+"Wolf!"--the old pet name of his boyhood, which he had heard from
+none save Benno since that time, came soft and low from the girl's
+lips,--"Wolf, you need me most now! You need a love to encourage and
+nerve you; never heed the promptings of false pride. You once asked me
+if I could have stayed beside you on the lonely, rough path leading to
+success. I come to bring you your answer. You shall not pursue it
+alone; I will stay beside you through struggle and labour, through
+hardship and peril. If you have lost faith in your power and your
+future, I believe in them most firmly. I believe wholly in you!"
+
+She looked up at him with a beaming, triumphant smile. All his
+hesitation vanished: he opened his arms and clasped his love to his
+heart.
+
+Griff meanwhile looked on at this development of affairs in extreme
+amazement and evident dissatisfaction. He did not quite comprehend it
+all, but thus much was clear,--he must give up all thoughts in future
+of growling and showing his teeth at the engineer-in-chief, who was
+holding his young mistress in his arms and kissing her, and Griff was
+much annoyed. He preferred meanwhile to maintain an expectant attitude,
+and so he lay down and kept a constant watch upon the pair.
+
+The mists were still floating about the Wolkenstein, but its peak was
+every minute emerging more clearly. It did not now unveil as in the
+dreamy moonlight of the mysteriously lovely midsummer-eve; it stood
+forth white, icy, and phantom-like; above it the heavens heavy with
+rain, about it storm and clouds, and at its feet the desolation which
+itself had wrought. And yet from that very desolation there had sprung
+forth the purest, truest happiness,--happiness grown to life amid
+tempests and storms.
+
+Wolfgang released his love from his embrace and stood erect, all trace
+of despair vanished from his face and figure. It had come back to
+him,--the joy which he had thought flown forever, and with it had
+returned the old courage, the old inexhaustible energy.
+
+"You are right, my darling!" he exclaimed. "I will not doubt, nor
+hesitate. I will conquer her yet, that evil Force up there. She has
+destroyed my work. I will create it afresh!"
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+                      THE KISS OF THE ALPINE FAY.
+
+
+The Nordheim villa was silent and deserted. The president's remains had
+been transported to the capital and buried thence, and the entire
+household had removed thither.
+
+The engineer-in-chief also was in the capital, to consult with the
+company which was part owner of the railway, and to arrange the affairs
+of the deceased president,--a difficult task, which he had voluntarily
+undertaken, being justified in the eyes of the world in so doing, since
+the dissolution of his betrothal to Alice had not yet been made public.
+The time given to mourning must pass before any such announcement could
+be made, and then Alice would no longer need his aid. At present it was
+above all desirable to avert the gossip and curiosity sure to ensue
+upon the catastrophe which had caused the president's sudden death, and
+which had greatly diminished his wealth. A strong arm was needed to
+save what remained.
+
+Ernst Waltenberg was still in Heilborn. Since the day when he had
+bidden farewell to his betrothed he had held aloof from the Wolkenstein
+district, but something appeared to retain him in its vicinity. The
+late autumn had set in with unusual severity, and the popular
+watering-place was, of course, quite empty but for the foreign
+gentleman, with his secretary and servants, who did not as yet talk of
+departure.
+
+Veit Gronau was pacing to and fro the drawing-room of the comfortable
+cottage which Waltenberg occupied, his face filled with anxiety,
+and glancing from time to time towards the closed door of the next
+room,--Ernst's study.
+
+"If I could only tell what to make of it all!" he muttered. "He locks
+himself in there day after day, and it is a week now since he set foot
+in the open air; he who for years has passed two or three hours in the
+saddle daily. If I could but get at Reinsfeld; but with his usual
+conscientiousness he has gone to Neuenfeld, and will not leave it until
+his first term of office has expired, when it is to be hoped a
+successor will have been provided for the post. There will surely be
+enough of the Nordheim millions left to insure him an easy existence
+when he marries his betrothed, and he would have been far wiser to
+remain near her now. Here you are at last, Said. What does Herr
+Waltenberg say?"
+
+"The master begs Herr Gronau to dine without him," the negro replied.
+
+"This will never do!" exclaimed Veit; but as he walked towards the door
+of the next room with some vague intention of forcing it, it opened,
+and Waltenberg himself appeared.
+
+"You here yet, Gronau?" he said, with a slight frown. "I begged you to
+dine without me."
+
+"I am like yourself, Herr Waltenberg. I have no appetite."
+
+"Then, Said, have the table cleared. Go!"
+
+Said obeyed, but Gronau, although he saw plainly that he too was
+dismissed, obstinately maintained his post.
+
+Ernst had gone to the window, whence there was an extended view of the
+distant range of mountains. During the entire week that had elapsed
+since the avalanche had occurred the weather had not cleared; it had
+been dull and stormy, and the mountains, day after day, were veiled.
+To-day, for the first time, they showed themselves clearly.
+
+"It is clearing up--at last!" Ernst said, more to himself than to his
+companion, who shook his head dubiously.
+
+"It will not last long. Fine weather never does when the outlines of
+the mountains are so distinct and the crests seem so near."
+
+Ernst did not at once reply,--he stood gazing steadily at the blue
+distance; but after two or three minutes he said, "I want to drive to
+Oberstein to-morrow; order the carriage, if you please."
+
+Gronau looked at him, surprised: "To Oberstein? Do you intend making an
+excursion?"
+
+"Yes; I wish to ascend the Wolkenstein."
+
+"You mean to the cliffs."
+
+"No, to the summit."
+
+"Now? At this season? It is impossible, Herr Waltenberg. You know the
+summit has always been inaccessible."
+
+"That is the very reason why it attracts me. I have stayed on here to
+make the ascent, but I could do nothing in the weather we have had. Get
+me a couple of competent guides----"
+
+"There are none such to be had for the ascent you speak of," Gronau
+gravely interrupted him.
+
+"Why not? Because of that old nurse's tale? Offer the men a large sum
+of money; 'tis a sure cure for superstition."
+
+"Possibly; but it might well fail here, for the old nurse's tale has a
+background of indubitable reality, as we have seen. The avalanche and
+the ruin it wrought are too fresh in the memory of the mountaineers."
+
+"Yes, it wrought ruin indeed," Ernst said, dreamily, still gazing
+towards the mountains.
+
+"And therefore let the Wolkenstein alone for the present," Veit
+entreated. "This clearing up of the skies is not going to last, I
+assure you. We cannot undertake the feat now."
+
+Ernst shrugged his shoulders: "I did not ask you to go with me. Stay at
+home if you are afraid, Gronau."
+
+Veit's brown face showed irritation, but he controlled himself: "We
+have surely shared enough of adventure together, Herr Waltenberg, to
+set your mind at rest with regard to my timidity. I will go with you to
+the extent of what is possible; you, I fear, mean to go farther, and
+your mood is not one to enable you to encounter danger coolly."
+
+"You are mistaken; my mood is excellent, and I ara going to make this
+ascent, with or without guides; if needs must I will go alone."
+
+Gronau was familiar with this tone, and knew that there was nothing to
+be done in opposition to it; nevertheless he made one last attempt. He
+supposed that there would be an outbreak, but he determined to speak:
+"Remember your promise. You promised Baroness Thurgau to avoid the
+Wolkenstein."
+
+Ernst started: his change of colour, the flash of menace in his eyes,
+betrayed how he suffered by the touch upon his bleeding wound; but in a
+moment he had shrouded himself in a frigid composure that forbade all
+further discussion.
+
+"The circumstances under which I made that promise no longer exist.
+Moreover, I must entreat that all allusion to them in my presence be
+avoided for the future."
+
+He went to his room, turning upon the threshold to say, "At eight
+o'clock to-morrow morning you will have the carriage ready for a drive
+to Oberstein."
+
+                           *   *   *   *   *
+
+Upon a snow-field in face of the peak of the Wolkenstein a small group
+of bold mountain-climbers were assembled, who had undertaken the
+ascent, and had actually accomplished the greater part of it,--the two
+guides, muscular, weather-beaten mountaineers, and Veit Gronau.
+They were provided with ropes, axes, and every accessory of a
+mountain-ascent, and were evidently taking a prolonged rest here.
+
+They had left Oberstein on the previous day and had climbed to the
+borders of the limitless waste of rocks, where was a hut, in which they
+had taken shelter for the night, and then with the first dawn of
+morning they had attacked the cliff hitherto pronounced inaccessible.
+With persistent pains, with indescribable exertions, and with reckless
+contempt of the danger that threatened them at every step, they had
+scaled it. It had been ascended for the first time!
+
+This consciousness, however, was the only reward of their success, for
+the weather, which had hitherto been tolerably clear, had changed
+within an hour or two. Thick mist filled the valleys, obscuring the
+outlook, and the crests only of the surrounding mountains were visible.
+The peak of the Wolkenstein, itself a mighty pyramid of ice rising
+sheer above them, was gradually disappearing. Gronau's field-glass was
+directed steadily to this pyramid, and the two guides exchanged a few
+monosyllabic remarks, while their grave faces showed their anxiety.
+
+"I can see nothing more," said Veit, at last, taking the glass from his
+eyes. "The peak is veiled in mist; nothing can be distinguished any
+longer."
+
+"That mist is snow," said one of the guides, an elderly man with
+grizzled hair. "I told the gentleman it was coming, but he would not
+listen to me."
+
+"Yes, it was madness to attempt the ascent under such circumstances,"
+Gronau muttered. "I should have thought we had done enough in
+surmounting this cliff. It was a terrific piece of climbing; few will
+ever venture to follow us, and it never has been done before."
+
+Meanwhile, the younger guide had kept a sharp lookout in all
+directions; he now approached and said, "We can wait no longer, Herr;
+we must return."
+
+"Without Herr Waltenberg? Upon no account!" Gronau declared.
+
+The man shrugged his shoulders: "Only as far as the snow-barrow, where
+we can find shelter beneath the rocks, if it comes to the worst. Up
+here we could never stand against the snow, and we must descend the
+worst part of the cliff before it comes, or not one of us will get down
+alive. We agreed to wait for the gentleman at the snow-barrow."
+
+Such had, in fact, been the agreement when Waltenberg separated from
+the party. The guides who had been prevailed upon to undertake the
+expedition by the offer of three times their usual fee had brought the
+two strangers successfully to the top of the cliff. Here they had
+positively refused to go farther, not because their courage failed
+them,--the summit lying directly before them was probably less
+dangerous to climb than the steep, almost perpendicular cliff they had
+already scaled,--but the experienced mountaineers well knew what those
+grayish-white clouds foreboded which were beginning to assemble, at
+first as light as hovering mist. They begged for an immediate return,
+and Gronau seconded their entreaties, but in vain.
+
+Ernst saw directly before him the summit he had so longed to attain,
+and no warning, no entreaty, availed to alter his determination to
+proceed. He insisted upon the completion of his daring attempt with all
+the obstinacy of a nature that held cheaply his own life, as well as
+the lives of others. The threatening skies did not move him, and the
+refusal of the guides to accompany him only roused his antagonism. With
+a sneer at their caution when the goal was all but attained he left
+them.
+
+Gronau had kept his word; he had gone with him to the extent of what
+was possible, but when that was reached, when the risk was madness,--a
+provoking of fate,--he had remained behind, and yet he was regretting
+that he had done so. The climber had been visible for a while as he
+toiled upward, until near the summit all trace of him through the
+field-glass had been lost, because of the mists which gathered quickly
+and heavily.
+
+"We must go down," the elder guide said, resolutely. "If the gentleman
+comes back he will find us beside the snow-barrow. We shall do him no
+good by staying here, and we risk our lives by losing time."
+
+Gronau saw the justice of the man's words, and shut up his glass with a
+sigh.
+
+                           *   *   *   *   *
+
+The wavering masses of mist grew thicker and darker; they floated
+upward from all the valleys, sailed forth from every cleft, and veiled
+forests and peaks in their damp mantle. The precipices of the
+Wolkenstein, the sheer gigantic stretch of its rocky walls, vanished in
+the rolling fog,--the ice-pyramid of its peak alone stood forth clear
+and distinct.
+
+And aloft upon this summit stood the man who had persisted and had
+accomplished what had been deemed impossible. His dress bore traces of
+his fearful toil, his hands were bleeding from the jagged points of ice
+by which he had held to swing himself up, but he stood where no human
+foot save his own had ever trod. He had dared to ascend the cloudy
+throne of the Alpine Fay, to lift her veil and to look the sovereign of
+this icy realm in the face.
+
+And her face was beautiful! But its beauty was wild and phantom-like:
+there was in it no trace of earth, and it dazzled with a painful
+splendour the eyes of the undaunted adventurer. Around him and below
+him was naught save ice and snow,--rigid white glaciers riven and
+billowy but gleaming with fairylike brilliancy. The crevasses gave back
+here the greenish hue of spring and there the deep blue of ocean, and
+the dazzling white of the jagged, snow-covered crests reflected a
+thousand prismatic dyes, while above it all arched a sky of such clear
+azure that it was as if it would fain pour forth all its fulness of
+light upon the old legendary throne of the mountains, the crystal
+palace of the Alpine Fay.
+
+Ernst drew deep, long breaths: for the first time in many days the
+weight that had so burdened his spirit vanished; the world, with its
+loves and hates, its struggles and conflicts, lay far below him; it
+disappeared in the misty sea that filled the valleys and buried beneath
+it meadows and forest and the habitations of men. The mountain-peaks
+alone emerged, like islands in a measureless ocean. Here appeared a
+couple of dark crests of rock, there a peak of dazzling snow, and there
+a distant range. But they all looked unreal, bodiless, floating and
+sailing upon the flood which heaved and undulated as it slowly rose
+higher and higher. Over it brooded the silence of death: life was
+extinct in this realm of eternal ice.
+
+And yet a warm, passionate human heart was throbbing in this waste,
+fain to flee from the world and its woe, seeking forgetfulness here,
+but bringing its woe with it. So long as danger strained every nerve,
+so long as there was a goal to be attained, the haunting misery of his
+soul had been stilled. The old magic draught which Ernst had so often
+quaffed had not lost its charm; danger and enjoyment indissolubly
+linked, the spell of magnificent nature, and the unfettered freedom
+again his own, were all-powerful to stir him. Again he felt the
+intoxicating force of the draught, and in the midst of this icy waste
+he was seized with a burning longing for those lands of sunshine and
+light where only he had been truly at home. There he could forget and
+recover,--there he could again live and be happy.
+
+The misty sea rose higher and higher; slowly, noiselessly, but
+steadily, one peak after another vanished beneath the gray, mysterious
+flood, which, like a deluge, swallowed up everything belonging to
+earth. The ice-pyramid of the Wolkenstein alone still stood forth, but
+its gleaming splendour had vanished with the vanished sunlight.
+
+The solitary dreamer suddenly shuddered as if from the chill of an icy
+breath. He looked up; the blue above him had faded: he saw only white
+mist, which began to veil everything near at hand.
+
+Ernst had been abundantly warned by the guides: he knew this sign; with
+danger the tension of his nerves returned; it was high time to retrace
+his steps. He began the descent, slowly, cautiously, testing every step
+as he had done in climbing up, but the mist barred his way everywhere
+and chilled him to the bone. Nevertheless, he pursued his downward path
+steadily, the traces of his ascent in the snow guiding him; at last,
+however, he was forced to search for them, and more than once he lost
+them. The effects of his over-exertion began also to assert themselves.
+
+His breath came short and in gasps, the moisture stood out upon his
+forehead, and his sight grew uncertain. Conscious of this, he roused
+himself to greater efforts. He had challenged the danger, he would not
+succumb to it, the old nurse's tale should not come true, and his force
+of will was again victorious. He traversed the terrible path for the
+second time, and panting, gasping, half frozen, half dead from fatigue,
+he finally reached the foot of the pyramid, and stood upon the glacier
+summit of the cliff.
+
+The hardest part of his task was over. True, there was still the sheer
+descent of the cliff to achieve, but steps had been hewn in the ice by
+the ascending party, and ropes had been left at the worst places to
+help in the descent. Ernst knew that he should find these aids; in
+spite of the fog, they would guide him to the snow-barrow, where his
+companions awaited him.
+
+Then forth from the mist it hovered white and glistening, like
+fluttering veils softly touching cheek and brow in a gentle
+caress,--the snow had begun to fall. And in a few minutes the caressing
+touch was transformed to an oppressive, stifling embrace which it was
+vain to try to escape. Ernst staggered forward, then turned back, but
+the icy arms were everywhere: they robbed him of breath and froze the
+blood in his veins. One short, desperate struggle, and they held him in
+an indissoluble clasp,--he sank on the ground.
+
+But with the struggle the distress too ceased. How delicious to fall
+asleep thus, so mortally weary that dream and reality mingled and
+melted into each other! Again he was standing on the summit in the
+sunlight, beholding the palace of ice in all its enchanted splendour,
+and gazing into the unveiled countenance of the Alpine Fay, whose
+pallid beauty no mortal might look upon and live. Yet her face was not
+that of a stranger. He knew those features, and the fathomless blue of
+the eyes that beamed and smiled upon him as never before. The image of
+the woman whom he had loved so wildly, so inexpressibly, did not leave
+him even upon the threshold of death, but stole softly upon the last
+gleams of his consciousness.
+
+Then the sea of mist slowly rose higher and higher until all else was
+overwhelmed; the beloved face alone still showed faint and dreamlike
+through the gray veil, till finally it too faded, and the dreamer was
+borne onward by this sea of mist stretching endless and shoreless out
+into the immeasurable distance,--on into eternity.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+                          MIDSUMMER EVE AGAIN.
+
+
+Almost three years had passed since the terrible avalanche wrought
+such ruin, and glorious sunshine made glad the hearts of the
+mountaineers on the day preceding Midsummer-eve,--the day of the
+festival celebrating throughout the Wolkenstein district the opening of
+the new mountain-railway. All the villages on the line of travel, now
+promoted to the dignity of railway-stations, were gaily decked with
+green wreaths and fluttering flags, and crowds of mountaineers in their
+Sunday costumes had come from far and near among the mountains to
+behold with curiosity and wonder the arrival of the first train. The
+iron road, at last completed, was to bring prosperity to their secluded
+valleys.
+
+At first, when the terrible catastrophe still struck terror to the
+minds of all who heard of it, there had been a doubt as to whether the
+upper stretch of the railway, that passing through the Wolkenstein
+district, could ever be completed. Consultations with the company had
+gone on for months, until finally the energy and persistence of the
+engineer-in-chief had been victorious: the work had been taken up once
+more, and it was now happily concluded.
+
+Station Oberstein, situated near the village itself, at the end of the
+Wolkenstein bridge, was especially conspicuous in its decorations. The
+train, bringing the engineer-in-chief and his wife, with the directors
+of the road, and a number of invited guests, was to make a stop here,
+and a particularly grand reception had been devised. The crowds from
+the country around were greater here than elsewhere, and cannon were to
+be fired from a neighbouring height.
+
+In the midst of the gay multitude Veit Gronau's tall figure was
+conspicuous. He looked more tanned and weather-beaten than ever, but
+otherwise was unchanged. Ernst Waltenberg had provided generously in
+his will for his former secretary; he was free to live as he chose, but
+the old love of a wandering life had driven him forth into the world
+again, and after nearly three years' of absence he had returned for
+another glimpse of his European home.
+
+"And so Dr. Reinsfeld is to give a grand dinner in his villa to the
+directors," he said to himself, as he stood on the railway-platform
+looking out for the train. "I am really curious to see how my good
+Benno conducts himself as a millionaire. Probably he is quite
+uncomfortable; but he will have to get used to it, for Gersdorf wrote
+to me that a million had been rescued out of the wreck of Nordheim's
+colossal fortune."
+
+"There it comes!" The shout interrupted his reflections; the crowd
+pressed forward eagerly and stretched their necks to see the first
+train, which came gliding from the depths upon the narrow iron road. It
+vanished for a few moments in the tunnel below Oberstein, and then,
+appearing once more, rolled smoothly onward, the smoke from the
+gaily-decorated locomotive floating backward like a pennon. Anon it
+thundered over the bridge, and was greeted at the Oberstein station by
+a burst of music, by loud shouts of welcome, and by the cannon-shots
+from the height, wakening the echoes from all the mountains around.
+
+The train was emptied at the station, but almost half an hour elapsed
+before the party could drive to the villa, for first of all the glory
+of the road, the Wolkenstein bridge, had to be inspected. The bold,
+gigantic structure had arisen from ruin; as proudly as before it
+spanned the chasm from rock to rock. Below it in the giddy depths
+rushed the stream with all its old impetuosity, and above it the
+Wolkenstein reared its mighty crest aloft, wearing to-day a light crown
+of clouds. But upon the declivity, where before had stood the enclosed
+forest, there was now a broad, solid wall of masonry, a sure protection
+against any repetition of the former disaster.
+
+The engineer-in-chief, with his young wife on his arm, acted as guide
+to the inspecting party. Of course he was the hero of the day, and was
+overwhelmed on all sides by congratulations and expressions of
+admiration. He received them gravely, seeming but little elated by
+them.
+
+Erna, on the other hand, was beaming with happiness and gratified
+pride; her eyes sparkled as she listened to all that was said to her
+husband, and she had a kindly word and a friendly greeting for all who
+pressed forward to welcome her.
+
+The pair were obliged to do the honours of the new road without the aid
+of Dr. Reinsfeld, who, as husband of the late president's heiress, was
+a very important personage on this occasion, but quite averse to
+performing his duties as such. He no longer wore the antique coat and
+saffron-coloured gloves in which he had made acquaintance with the
+invalid Alice; his attire was faultless, but nevertheless it was easy
+to see that his task for the day was held by him to be very difficult
+of performance. He confined himself to bowing and shaking hands,
+keeping as much as possible in the background, when suddenly a familiar
+voice accosted him: "Does Dr. Reinsfeld do me the honour to remember
+me?"
+
+"Veit Gronau!" exclaimed the doctor, delightedly, offering his hand.
+"Then you received our invitation in time. But why did you not let us
+know you had arrived, so that you might have come in the train with
+us?"
+
+"I came by the way of Heilborn, and was just in time to receive you. I
+congratulate you, Benno, upon your share in this occasion."
+
+"Yes,--a dinner for eighty people," sighed Benno. "Wolfgang thought it
+would be suitable for me to give a dinner to the party, and when Wolf
+takes a thing into his head one had best submit."
+
+"He certainly was right this time," Gronau said, laughing. "As
+principal stockholder and director of the company you were bound to do
+something for the opening of the railway."
+
+"If I only did not have to talk to everybody!" the poor doctor
+lamented. "And worse than all, I ought, he says, to make an
+after-dinner speech. I cannot. Wolfgang built the railway, let him make
+the speeches. He did, to be sure, speak to-day before we set out, and
+it was charming; every one was delighted,--his wife most of all. Does
+she not look exquisitely lovely?"
+
+Veit nodded, but his face grew grave as he looked across at Erna. That
+beauty had driven another man to his death; Ernst Waltenberg would have
+given his hope of heaven for such a look as she was bestowing upon her
+husband at that moment. Gronau turned from such thoughts to ask after
+the health of Frau Reinsfeld.
+
+"Oh, Alice is as blooming as a rose, and you must see our daughter."
+Benno's face glowed as he spoke of his wife and child. "You knew
+of----"
+
+"Of your little one? Yes, you wrote me. I suppose you confine your
+practice entirely to your family now?"
+
+"On the contrary, I have more patients than ever," the doctor declared.
+"When we are here in summer of course I attend all my old friends; and
+since I can now supply the poorer ones with all that they need----"
+
+"Why, of course the honest Wolkensteiners continue to work you to
+death," Gronau finished the sentence. "But I must no longer detain you
+from your guests."
+
+"Oh, stay; pray stay!" Benno exclaimed, with a comical look of alarm.
+"I am so comfortable here in the corner with you, and if you go I shall
+be obliged to talk to some of these celebrities, to whom I positively
+have nothing whatever to say."
+
+Gronau laughed and stayed, but it was of no avail. Gersdorf, with Frau
+Molly upon his arm, made his appearance, and Elmhorst came hurrying
+towards them to carry off the luckless host, since the distinguished
+party were getting into the carriages to drive to the villa, where
+Alice was waiting to receive them. She was still a delicate creature in
+appearance, although in perfect health, and she had never lost a
+certain maidenly shyness of manner which was her great charm. The
+dignity of the household was admirably maintained by Frau von Lasberg,
+who had never left her former pupil.
+
+The entertainment to-day left nothing to be desired. Poor Benno finally
+made his speech; of course he all but broke down in it, but it was
+fortunately just at the end, and Wolfgang at the critical moment signed
+to the musicians to strike up.
+
+An hour afterwards the guests departed, conducted to the station by
+Elmhorst and his wife, who were, however, to return to pass several
+days with Reinsfeld and Alice at the villa.
+
+Benno betook himself to the nursery, where the young mother was seated
+beside the cradle of their little daughter. He carried in his hand a
+bunch of Alpine roses: "It is Midsummer-eve, Alice; I had to bring you
+the wonted bouquet."
+
+"Did you really remember it in all the confusion of the day?" the young
+mother asked, with a smile.
+
+One never forgets a prophecy of happiness, least of all when it has
+been fulfilled. He handed her the flowers with,--
+
+
+                       "Do not refuse it,--
+                          Our offering of flowers,
+                        And midsummer's blessings
+                          Fall on you in showers."
+
+
+                           *   *   *   *   *
+
+Evening had fallen when the engineer-in-chief and his wife stood on the
+platform of the Oberstein station, watching the departing train as it
+vanished in the tunnel beyond the bridge. "I have sent away the
+carriage, Erna," said Wolfgang. "I thought we would walk back, the
+evening is so fine, and we have not been alone once before to-day."
+
+"And what a delightful day it has been!" said Erna, as she put her arm
+through her husband's. "Only you were so grave, Wolf, in the midst of
+your triumph, and you are so still."
+
+He smiled, but his voice was grave as he replied, "I could not but
+remember how dearly the triumph has been bought, as only you and I can
+know. You have been my sole confidante, my only refuge, inspiring me
+with courage and ability when all sorts of petty intrigue nearly drove
+me insane. If you had not been beside me I could not have persevered."
+
+"Yes, nothing could have been more trying for a nature like yours than
+to be so thwarted and harassed on all sides as you have been; but you
+have come off conqueror at last."
+
+"And Benno has been such a help in placing everything in my hands as
+soon as he was Alice's husband. I never can forget it of him."
+
+"But he owes you more than he can repay," Erna interposed. "Think of
+how you worked for Alice after my uncle's death. They owe it to you
+that they are still wealthy."
+
+As she spoke, the departed train, having passed through the tunnel, was
+visible like a black thread winding among the distant mountains, which
+softly echoed back the whistle of the locomotive through the quiet
+evening air. Wolfgang paused and drew a deep breath:
+
+"Now she is quelled, the evil Force above there. She has given me
+trouble enough. Look, Erna, the last clouds are floating off from the
+throne of your Alpine Fay. She seems to unveil completely only on
+Midsummer-eve."
+
+A shadow passed across Erna's happy face, and there were tears in her
+eyes as she said, looking up at the Wolkenstein, "One other conquered
+her, but he had to pay with his life the price of his victory."
+
+"Rather of a foolhardy attempt that could benefit no one." Elmhorst's
+voice sounded harsh. "He risked his life, and found what he sought. Can
+you never forget him, Erna?"
+
+She shook her head: "Do not be unjust. Wolf, nor jealous of the dead.
+You know well whom I have always loved. But it is impossible for you
+with your practical energy of character to comprehend a nature like
+Ernst's."
+
+"Possibly; we were too diametrically antagonistic to be just to each
+other. But no more of him to-day, Erna; your memory and your thoughts
+to-day belong to me. The first height is surmounted; with the
+completion of the Wolkenstein railway a sure foundation is laid for my
+future. But the path was a difficult one."
+
+"And yet it was delightful, in spite of cliffs and chasms," Erna
+declared. "Was I not right, Wolf? It is so fine to ascend from below,
+to feel your strength increase with every step onward, with every
+obstacle overcome, and at last to stand above on the height, conscious
+of victory, as you are now!"
+
+"And with my best beloved beside me," Elmhorst added, with passionate
+tenderness. "You came to me in the darkest hour of my life, when
+everything about me was crumbling to ruin, and with you my lost fortune
+returned to me. Now I can hold it fast and pursue my way to loftier
+goals."
+
+The night fell slowly, the sacred old Midsummer night with its breath
+of mystery. It was not filled as on that other night with dreamy
+moonlight, but a clear starlit sky arched above the mountains, which
+began to glow here and there with the beacon-fires,--the largest, as of
+old, kindled upon the slope of the Wolkenstein. It flashed abroad over
+the realm of the Alpine Fay,--her conquered realm, into which human
+will had broken a pathway in spite of all her terrors, and in which it
+had come off victorious in a strife with the blind fury of the
+elements. The work was finished,--the iron road wound secure among the
+mountains, the huge bridge spanned the dizzy chasm, and the
+Wolkenstein, unveiled, looked down upon it all. One brilliant star
+gleamed just above its peak upon the brow of the Alpine Fay.
+
+
+
+                               FOOTNOTE:
+
+[Footnote 1: "Cloud-stone."]
+
+
+
+                                THE END.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Alpine Fay, by
+Elisabeth Buerstenbinder (AKA E. Werner)
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