The hornbeam tree, which first leaves out, was now
the first to let fall its yellow leaves: there was a rustling and a low
crackling in the wood, and only the hawk screeched above on the height.

Eric came in front of the manor-house, and entered the courtyard. He
went to Bella, who looked pale and as if suffering severely. He entered
just at the moment that Bella was asking her brother of the news at
Villa Eden.

Eric was startled to meet Pranken here. Both had to use the strongest
self-control in order to stand up under the interview.

Bella thanked Eric for being the first one to come to her.

"He is now asleep," said she: "he talks constantly of you. Be composed:
you will hardly know him; give in to him in every thing, he is very
excitable."

Bella's voice was hoarse; and, covering her eyes with a white
handkerchief, she asked,--

"Were you present when your father died?"

Eric said that he was.

Bella went to inform Clodwig of Eric's arrival. Pranken and Eric were
by themselves. For a long time neither spoke: at last, Pranken began,--

"I never thought that I should speak again to Herr Dournay; but we are
now at a sick-bed, and for the sake of the invalid"--

"I thank you."

"I beg you to give me no thanks, and to speak to me just as little as
possible,--just enough to excite no remark and nothing more."

He turned round and was about to go.

"Just one word," Eric requested. "We shall soon see an eye closed in
death that has always beamed with gentle and noble feeling; let all
bitterness toward me disappear, or, for a time, be suspended. Let us
not, at such an hour as this, stand in hostility to each other."

"You can talk well: I know that."

"And I want to say what it is well for you to listen to. It troubles me
that I appear to you ungrateful; but now, in this mysterious presence
which awaits us all, I repeat"--

Bella returned and said,--

"He is still asleep. O Herr Dournay! Clodwig loves you more than he
loves any other person in the world."

She gave Eric her hand, and it was cold as ice. The three were
speechless for some time, until Eric asked,--

"Is there no hope?"

"No. The Doctor says that he has probably only a few hours to live. Do
you hear any thing? The Doctor has promised to come,--to return
immediately. Oh, if I could only induce Clodwig to call in another
physician! Do urge him to do it: I have no confidence in Doctor
Richard."

Eric made no reply.

"Ah, my God!" la