His mind was harassed by opposite emotions; one moment he was glad of
the lesson he had received, for now he could go back to his work with
an unburdened mind; the next he was again angry with himself for his
ignorance of the ways of polite society.

The Doctor's arrival changed as usual the current of the conversation.
One sharp glance embraced Bella, Eric, and the Russian, and seemed to
reveal to him their respective positions. Bella and the Doctor always
had a little private warfare going on between them.

CHAPTER V.

A HARSH JUDGMENT.

The Doctor desired Eric to tie his horse to the back of the carriage,
and drive with him part way to the villa.

When the two were seated together, the Doctor began, after first
puffing out a long breath:--

"A beautiful woman is Countess Bella, and a clever. She loves her
parrot, which, apparently, is allowed to fly at liberty in the forest,
but must return obediently to his mistress's shoulder."

"Permit me one observation," interrupted Eric. "I have noticed that
here in the country, and wherever the society is limited, the
conversation is apt to turn upon a third person, and generally--not in
your case, perhaps, but in the case of most persons whom I have heard
talk--in a not very charitable way. Do you not consider this a proof of
narrowness, or whatever else of that nature you may choose to call it?"

The Doctor perceived that Eric was disinclined to pursue this subject,
but he nevertheless replied:--

"The human race affords the most abundant material for conversation,
and of that race the most inexhaustible matter is furnished by the
variety woman. I am not meaning now to speak of Bella, but of myself. I
have discovered in this woman an entirely new variety."

"With your permission, honored Herr Doctor, the Countess seems to be in
perfect health."

"Did you never know Frau Bella before?"

"But slightly," said Eric reluctantly.

"I, however, knew her well. She made a marriage of convenience, as many
others have done, and I think none the worse of her for it. My opinion
on such matters differs from that of most men. The Countess is modest
as far as her talents are concerned, but is proud of her morality. I
happen to know that she told the Count before the betrothal, that she
was too insignificant for him, was, in fact, not worthy of him. In
regard to intellect, her modesty was sincere, though som