cloud, like a slight
streak of mist resting half way up the mountainside. Eric walked with a
firm and erect step, taking in full draughts of the fresh morning air.
He stood at the landing, and looked into the water, from which a streak
of mist rose, and became dissolved in the air. Then he gazed long at
the island, where the morning bell was ringing to wake up the children,
who had been transformed the previous evening into legendary beings.
How would that girl with long, black hair and glittering wings open her
bright eyes? As if he must drive away this image, Eric took the paper
out of his pocket, and read again the advertisement. On came the
puffing steam-boat pressing her bow against the stream.

Eric had not noticed that two of the convent nuns, one of whom was the
pretty Frenchwoman, had been also waiting for the approaching boat. He
did not see them until after they had got on board. He gave them a
salutation, but received no response except a look of surprise. They
took their breviary, sat down upon the deck and said their prayers. On
seeing them, Eric thought he would ask who the girl was with the wings;
but he came to the conclusion not to do so, for no result could come
from this occurrence, and he wished to concentrate all his energies
upon the project he had in view. There were but few fellow passengers,
and the morning hour does not encourage sociability, as if the solitude
of sleep has yet an influence over human souls.

Eric stationed himself near the helmsman, who whistled incessantly in a
low tone: and lost in thought he looked at the upheaved water and the
shore. Pressing together his finely cut lips, he seemed determined
silently to take in the full poetic beauty of this river and landscape
that has never been adequately portrayed, and often shook his head as
he heard two persons here and there wasting in so-called conversation
the freshness of the morning and the quiet, inspiring influence of the
scenery. We shall often have occasion as we proceed, to impart
information about this youth. At present we will premise that Eric, the
son of respectable parents, receiving a careful education, entered the
military service, and then, voluntarily resigning his commission,
devoted himself to study. He had just obtained his doctor's degree,
working very hard to hasten this event, for only two months had elapsed
since the death of his father. On the evening of the day he had taken
his degree, his mother urged