. He sat down on the
sofa before the little gilt table and buried his face in his hands.

A discreet knock roused him from this profitless reverie. At his "who
is there?" the little physician entered, with many apologies for
disturbing him at so late an hour. The great interest he felt in his
old friend's son had brought him there; he had received through the
servants who were greatly alarmed by the unprecedented scene, a
confused report of what had occurred, and thought he would not be
charged with indiscreet curiosity, if he applied to the right quarter
at once. He now, unasked, related that after Edwin had left the hall,
Lorinser had made a full confession and thereby completely regained his
former position. An old affair with a young girl, in whom Edwin had
been likewise deeply interested, was the cause of this mortal hatred.
Disappointed love had induced the poor creature, whom in spite of
the most sincere affection he could not resolve to marry and be
faithless to higher aims, to attempt to commit suicide. Fortunately she
was saved; but all the blame for the act had been laid on his
shoulders--in, short, it was a regular romance, and he seemed to have
related it very well. At least when he closed, the beautiful princess'
eyes were full of tears, and Count Gaston cordially shook hands with
him. In the opinion of these men of the world, it was of course rather
a credit to the pious gentleman that, in spite of his theological
wisdom, he too had had his _bonnes fortunes_ and such a romantic
adventure into the bargain.

Edwin laughed fiercely.

"My dear friend," continued the little man with a crafty face, which
vainly endeavored to wear an expression of friendly sympathy, "I
understand your feelings as indeed every one does, even the vicar, who
as he has repeatedly declared, cherishes no ill will toward you
notwithstanding your violent conduct."

"Indeed? Does the worthy man forgive me? Well, that _is_ ludicrous!"

"He praised you most warmly and apologized for your extraordinary
conduct. If he had known at that time, that you cherished an unrequited
love for the unfortunate girl, who lived in the same house--"

"My worthy patron," interrupted Edwin rising, "I'm really very grateful
to you, uncommonly grateful for your friendly communications. But as my
feelings, although you assure me you understand them, are still
misapprehended, and as I have my own reasons for not expressing my
opinion of the Herr Vicar's r