ine existence, tedious indeed, but
yet tranquil and honorable, by the sudden introduction of a stranger.
It was pure calumny, when they said of Bella that she had married the
count in the hope of becoming soon a rich and attractive widow. The old
Head-equerry had looked out for a good marriage settlement, and a
certain part of the income of the great estate was retained and
invested yearly, which did not go to the heir by the collateral line.
As I have said, it was unmitigated slander that Bella had gone to the
altar cherishing a hope of widowhood, but to her alarm--she covered it
up whenever she became conscious of it--she found herself growing
prematurely old by the side of her husband, who was old enough to be
her father.

And who knows how much money Clodwig will spend upon this adventurer,
Dournay, who has no regular occupation, and besides, is not in favor at
court! But the worst is, that this young man, with his confident
expectation of success, will wholly withdraw from her the attention of
her husband. They will study with one another, and make explorations,
whilst thou wilt be sitting all alone, thou, the young and fresh heart
that has devoted itself so nobly, so truly, so self-forgetting, to the
care of the old man!

Bella was sorely vexed at Eric, because he made her entertain evil
thoughts, and suddenly, while looking at her husband, she cried,--

"In God's name! Your lips are white. What is the matter?"

Were her evil thoughts suddenly to be realized? But Clodwig answered,--

"It's nothing. Look! There he stands. What a wonderful form! I fully
believe that he is occupied with thoughts of deepest moment, as he
stands there dreamily, gazing down at the grass."

The carriage rolled on. Eric heard his name called, and looked in
amazement at the husband and wife, who gave him a cordial greeting. He
was made to take a seat in the carriage, and Clodwig's glance to his
wife said, "Hast thou ever seen a nobler specimen of a human form?"

Eric was asked whether he had accepted definitely the situation, and
when he replied in the negative, Clodwig extended his hand to him, and
said,--

"You will find a welcome with me."

Nothing farther could be said, for just then Sonnenkamp trotted up on
his black horse, and he was extremely glad to be able to salute such
visitors; he was very much surprised, however, to see Eric on such
intimate terms with them. He rode up to the coach-door, and very
joyfully and respec