ars one becomes more quiet," said Otto, and gazed with
astonishment at the blind woman, who did not leave go his hand. "As a
boy I was far too merry--that could not continue; and that I should now
be grave, I have, as you will see, sufficient reason--I have lost my
last support."

"Yes, truly, truly!" repeated she slowly, and as if pondering; then
shook her head. "That is not the reason. Do you not believe in the power
of the devil? our Lord Christ forgive me! do not you believe in the
power of wicked men? There is no greater difference between the human
child and the changeling brat which the underground spirits lay in his
stead in the cradle, than there is between you when you were a boy and
you as you became during the last year of your stay here. 'That comes
from books, from so much learning,' said I to other people. Could I only
have said so to myself! But you shall become gay; the trouble of your
heart shall wither like a poisonous weed. I know whence it sprung, and
will, with God's help, heal it. Will you solemnly promise, that no soul
in the world shall learn what we speak of in this hour?"

"What have you to say to me?" asked Otto, affected by the extraordinary
earnestness of the old woman.

"The German Heinrich, the player! You remember him well? He is to blame
for your grief! Yes, his name drives the blood more quickly through your
pulse. I feel it, even if I cannot see your face."

"The German Heinrich!" repeated Otto, and his hand really trembled.
Had Heinrich, then, when he was here three years ago, told her and the
fishermen that which no human being must know,--that which had destroyed
the gayety of his youth? "What have I to do with the German Heinrich?"

"Nothing more than a pious Christian has to do with the devil!" replied
she, and made the sign of the cross. "But Heinrich has whispered an evil
word in your ear; he has banished your joyous humor, as one banishes a
serpent."

"Has he told you this?" exclaimed Otto, and breathed more quickly. "Tell
me all that he has said!"

"You will not make me suffer for it!" said she. "I am innocent, and yet
I have cooperated in it: it was only a word but a very unseemly word,
and for it one must account at the day of judgment!"

"I do not understand you!" said Otto, and his eyes glanced around to see
whether any one heard. They were quite alone. In the far distance the
boat with the fishermen showed itself like a dark speck.

"Do you remember how wild yo