se he preferred to have some facts of his history
hidden by false reports. It was undoubtedly singular, that though he
was a German by birth, not a single relative had ever been seen at his
house; probably, however, he was of low origin, and helped his
relatives on condition that they should have no intercourse with him;
Major Grassler had hinted at something of that kind.

"One thing more," said Clodwig, standing still, "say nothing to Herr
Sonnenkamp of your having for a short time devoted yourself to the
supervision of criminals. I would cast no slur upon him, but many men
have an aversion to persons of such a calling."

Eric thanked him, seeing clearly his earnest desire to smooth the path
before him. They went on in silence until Clodwig said, "Here I will
turn back, and let me give you one warning."

"A warning?"

"Perhaps that isn't the right word; I only want to say to you, make up
your mind to pass in the world for an enthusiast. A man who seeks
anything in life except profit, pleasure, and honor, appears an
enthusiast to many people who have no sympathy with such a
predilection; the world cannot be just to such men, it must condemn
them, because it sees its own strivings condemned by them. You will
have to bear a martyrdom all your life long, if you remain true,--and I
believe you will; bear it with a proud self-respect, and remember that
a new, old friend understands you, and lives your life with you."

Suddenly the old man laid his hands on Eric's shoulders, kissed him,
and walked hastily away, without once turning.

Eric mounted and rode on; as he turned the corner of the wood, he
looked back and saw Clodwig standing still. Bella had watched the pair
from the balcony, which commanded a view of their whole course; now she
went to meet her husband, and was not a little surprised to observe in
his face an emotion which she had never seen there before; he seemed to
have been weeping.

"You were right," said Clodwig hastily, "it is better for us to remain
by ourselves. But I rejoice in this new generation which differs from
ours; it wavers no longer between the two poles of enthusiasm and
despair; it has, if I may so express it, a sort of intellectual
inspiration, and I believe it will bring more to pass than we have. I
am glad that I am not too old to understand these young people born
into an age of railroads. I admire and love this present age; never
before has every man in every calling known so defi