tentional
exercise of some will that rules and guides our souls, or do we
separate and meet again like the waves of the sea, which obey only the
ebb and flow of the tide?"

Again he left these questions unsolved and became wholly absorbed in
the enjoyment of the moment. His companion did not disturb him. The
duties of a driver claimed his attention more and more, for the moon
grew brighter and the fiery young animals often shied and reared at the
sight of some, to them, mysterious object. For a time Edwin closed his
eyes and enjoyed the cool night air which refreshed him like a bath,
after the toilsome walk he had taken during the day. When, roused by a
sudden jolt of the carriage, he again opened his eyes, he was amazed at
the wondrous beauty of the scene. Before him, probably at the distance
of a fifteen minutes drive, on a bold height appeared the battlements
and pinnacles of a castle, to which a broad wide avenue led through the
dark forests. The roofs glittered in the moonlight as if coated with
silver, and when the wind moved the vanes, lines of light darted from
their sharp edges like falling stars. All the windows seemed to be
dark, no living thing seemed to be moving within; it was like some
enchanted palace. But when the light carriage, despite the rising
ground, had traversed the avenue through the forest at full speed, and
entered the courtyard through a lofty portal, flanked by two griffens
bearing coats of arms, there was a confusion of voices, mingled with
the barking of dogs, lackeys bearing torches rushed out of the lofty
and brilliantly lighted hall to meet the two gentlemen, a portly butler
in a black coat and white cravat appeared at the carriage door and
helped the stranger to descend, while the count threw the reins to a
stable boy and said to the head groom, in excellent English, a few
words about the first trial of the new horses. Then he too sprang out
of the carriage and overtook his guest on the upper step.

"My dear Herr Doctor," said he, putting his arm through Edwin's with
condescending familiarity, "I welcome you on the threshold of my home.
I hope you may remain here some time, and only regret"--here he lowered
his voice--"that I cannot present you to the countess to-day. She has
entirely withdrawn from all our evening assemblies, and only
occasionally appears at dinner. I hope the visit of an old friend may
induce her to make an exception in his favor to-morrow. For to-day, you
must be