a laugh set my shadow to rights again, reminding me that it was at
my option to have it irrevocably fixed to me, by purchasing it on
just and equitable terms. "I hold you," said he, "by the shadow;
and you seek in vain to get rid of me. A rich man like you requires
a shadow, unquestionably; and you are to blame for not having seen
this sooner."

I now continued my journey on the same road; every convenience and
even luxury of life was mine; I moved about in peace and freedom,
for I possessed a shadow, though a borrowed one; and all the respect
due to wealth was paid to me. But a deadly disease preyed on my
heart. My extraordinary companion, who gave himself out to be the
humble attendant of the richest individual in the world, was
remarkable for his dexterity; in short, his singular address and
promptitude admirably fitted him to be the very beau ideal of a rich
man's lacquey. But he never stirred from my side, and tormented me
with constant assurances that a day would most certainly come when,
if it were only to get rid of him, I should gladly comply with his
terms, and redeem my shadow. Thus he became as irksome as he was
hateful to me. I really stood in awe of him--I had placed myself in
his power. Since he had effected my return to the pleasures of the
world, which I had resolved to shun, he had the perfect mastery of
me. His eloquence was irresistible, and at times I almost thought
he was in the right. A shadow is indeed necessary to a man of
fortune; and if I chose to maintain the position in which he had
placed me, there was only one means of doing so. But on one point I
was immovable: since I had sacrificed my love for Minna, and
thereby blighted the happiness of my whole life, I would not now,
for all the shadows in the universe be induced to sign away my soul
to this being--I knew not how it might end.