never the
count. The count had been for many years ambassador from the small
principality to the papal court, and there Eric's father had become
acquainted with him.

Clodwig was known in the scientific world through a small archaeological
treatise with very expensive designs; for next to music, which he
pursued with ardor, he was devoted to the science of antiquity with all
that earnest fidelity which was a characteristic of his whole being. It
was said in his praise, that there was no science and no art to which
he did not give his fostering care. Returning from Rome to his native
land, childless and a widower, he became an esteemed member of the
assembly of the nobility favoring what is called moderate progress; and
during the session, he associated much with the old Herr von Pranken,
who was also a member. He soon became interested in Bella von Pranken,
a woman of imposing manners, and a brilliant performer upon the piano.
Bella was now, if one may be so ungallant as to say so, somewhat
passee; but in her bloom she had been the beauty of that court circle,
where a younger generation now flourished, to which she did not belong.

Bella had travelled over a good part of the world. In the company of
two Englishwomen she had visited Italy, Greece, and Egypt. She had
hired an experienced courier, who relieved her from all care. On her
return to the court where her father was grand-equerry, she mingled in
society with that indifferent air which passes itself off as a higher
nature brought into contact with the common-places of daily life. She
conversed much with Clodwig von Wolfsgarten, who supposed that the
insignificant trifles of social life were considered by her as unworthy
of notice, and she gained the credit with him of possessing a refined
nature occupied only with higher interests. She constantly and actively
participated in Clodwig's fondness for archaeological pursuits. It was
a matter of course that they should find themselves in each other's
society, and if the one or the other was not present, Bella or Clodwig
was asked if the absent one was sick, or had an engagement. Bella had
no porcelain figures and nick-nacks of that kind upon her table, but
only choice copies from the antique; and she wore a large amber chain
taken from the tomb of some noble Roman lady. She possessed a large
photographic album, containing views of her journey, and was happy to
look over them again and again with Clodwig, and to receiv