om a more
exalted point of view, and comprehends it in a more spiritual sense,
than the natural affection. While the heart grows weak from sadness,
the church teaches us that Eliza is happy; that she has gone before us,
and that we will be separated from her but for a short time; that
between us there is a spiritual union which is based on the communion
of saints. Faith teaches me that Eliza, rescued from all afflictions
and disappointments, is happy in the kingdom of the blessed. If I could
call her back, I would not do it; for this desire springs from egotism,
which can make no sacrifices to love."

Her eyes were full of tears as she said these last words. But that
peculiar joy which Richard had before observed, and the meaning of
which he now understood, again lighted up her countenance. He leaned
back in the carriage, and was forced to admit that the religious
conception of death was very consoling, even grand, when compared with
that conception which modern enlightenment has of it.

The carriage moved slowly through the silent court-yard, which lay as
gloomy under the clouds as though it had put on mourning for the dead.
The chickens sat huddled together in a corner, their heads sadly
drooping. Even the garrulous sparrows were silent, and through the
linden tops came a low, rustling sound like greetings from another
world.

Assisted by Richard's hand, Angela descended from the carriage. Her
father thanked him for his sympathy, and expressed a wish to see him
soon again in the family circle. As Richard glanced at Angela, he
thought he read in her look a confirmation of all her father said.
Siegwart's invitation was unnecessary. The young man was attracted more
strongly to the proprietor's house as Angela's qualities revealed
themselves to his astonished view more clearly. But Frank would not
believe in the spotlessness and sublime dignity of a Christian maiden.
He did not change his former judgment against the sex. His stubbornness
still persisted in the opinion that Angela had her failings, which, if
manifested, would obscure the external brilliancy of her appearance,
but which remained hidden from view. Continued observation alone would,
in Frank's opinion, succeed in disclosing the repulsive shadows.

Perhaps a proud determination to justify his former opinions lay less
at the bottom of this obstinate tenacity than an unconscious stratagem.
The young man anticipated that his respect for Angela would end in
p