rable sinners, put here for a
moment, knowing the good, choosing the evil, standing naked and ashamed
in the eye of God.'

'Is it so?' said Otto. 'Why, then, what are we? Are the very best--'

'There is no best in man,' said Gotthold. 'I am not better, it is likely
I am not worse, than you or that poor sleeper. I was a sham, and now you
know me: that is all.'

'And yet it has not changed my love,' returned Otto softly. 'Our
misdeeds do not change us. Gotthold, fill your glass. Let us drink to
what is good in this bad business; let us drink to our old affection;
and, when we have done so, forgive your too just grounds of offence, and
drink with me to my wife, whom I have so misused, who has so misused me,
and whom I have left, I fear, I greatly fear, in danger. What matters it
how bad we are, if others can still love us, and we can still love
others?'

'Ay!' replied the Doctor. 'It is very well said. It is the true answer
to the pessimist, and the standing miracle of mankind. So you still love
me? and so you can forgive your wife? Why, then, we may bid conscience
"Down, dog," like an ill-trained puppy yapping at shadows.'

The pair fell into silence, the Doctor tapping on his empty glass.

The carriage swung forth out of the valleys on that open balcony of
high-road that runs along the front of Grunewald, looking down on
Gerolstein. Far below, a white waterfall was shining to the stars from
the falling skirts of forest, and beyond that, the night stood naked
above the plain. On the other hand, the lamp-light skimmed the face of
the precipices, and the dwarf pine-trees twinkled with all their needles,
and were gone again into the wake. The granite roadway thundered under
wheels and hoofs; and at times, by reason of its continual winding, Otto
could see the escort on the other side of a ravine, riding well together
in the night. Presently the Felsenburg came plainly in view, some way
above them, on a bold projection of the mountain, and planting its bulk
against the starry sky.

'See, Gotthold,' said the Prince, 'our destination.'

Gotthold awoke as from a trance.

'I was thinking,' said he, 'if there is any danger, why did you not
resist? I was told you came of your free will; but should you not be
there to help her?'

The colour faded from the Prince's cheeks.

CHAPTER III--PROVIDENCE VON ROSEN: ACT THE LAST
IN WHICH SHE GALLOPS OFF

When the busy Countess came forth from her intervi