think," said Eric, "that we can find out not so much the character,
as the vegetative life of the brain, the nervous temperament, as it is
called, by observing the effect which a thunder storm has upon us. We
are so far removed from the life of nature, that when changes take
place in the atmosphere that can be heard and seen, we are taken by
surprise, as if a voice should suddenly call to us out of the still
air, 'Attend! thou art walking and breathing in a world full of
mystery!'"

"Ah, here come the gentlemen!" it was suddenly called out. Two handsome
pointers springing into the garden went round and round Pranken's dog,
who had been abroad, smelling at him inquiringly, as if they would get
out of him the results of his experience. The men came immediately
after the dogs.

Eric immediately recognised Count Clodwig, before his name was
mentioned. His fine, well-preserved person, the constant friendliness
of expression on his smoothly shaven, elderly face, as yet
unwrinkled,--this could be no other than the Count Clodwig von
Wolfsgarten; all the rest had grouped themselves around him as a
centre, and exhibited a sort of deference, as if he were the prince of
the land. He possessed two peculiar characteristics seldom found
together: he attracted love, and at the same time commanded homage; and
although he never exhibited any aristocratic haughtiness, and treated
each one in a friendly and kindly manner, it seemed only a matter of
course for him to take the lead.

When Eric was introduced to him, his countenance immediately lighted
up, every feature beaming with happy thoughts. "You are welcome; as the
son of my Roman friend you have inherited my friendship," he said,
pressing more closely with his left hand the spectacles over his eyes.

His manner of speaking was so moderate and agreeable that he seemed to
be no stranger; while there was in the accent something so calm
and measured, that any striking novelty was received from him as
something for which you were unconsciously prepared. He had always
the same demeanor, a steady composure, and a certain deliberateness,
never making haste, having always time enough, and preserving a
straight-forward uprightness befitting an old man. When Eric expressed
the happiness it gave him to inherit the count's friendship towards his
father, and that of the countess towards his mother, a still warmer
friendliness beamed from Clodwig's countenance.

"You have exactly your father'