precipice. Then I began to reflect upon what had happened, as is my
custom; I separated, in my thoughts, the evil menacing in the future from
the good, and had scarcely made a little progress in this way when morass
and abyss lost their terrors; both, I found, could be left to take care
of themselves, since neither Wolff nor I lack love and good will, and we
possess some degree of prudence and caution."

"Yes, this thinking and considering!" cried the countess, with a faint
sigh. "It succeeds in my case, too, only, unluckily, I usually don't
begin until it is too late and the folly has been committed."

"Then, henceforth, you must reverse the process," answered Els cheerily.
But directly after she changed her tone, which sounded serious enough as
she added: "The sorrow of the poor Vorchtels and the grief my betrothed
husband must endure, because the dead man was once a dear friend,
certainly casts a dark shadow upon many things; but you, who love the
chase, must surely be familiar with the misty autumn mornings to which I
allude. Everything, far and near, is covered by a thick veil, yet one
feels that there is bright sunshine behind it. Suddenly the mist
scatters----"

"And mountain and forest, land and water, lie before us in the radiant
sunlight!" cried the countess. "How well I know such scenes! And how I
should rejoice if a favourable wind would sweep the grey mist away for
you right speedily! Only--indeed, I am not disposed to look on the dark
side--only, perhaps you do not know how resolute the Emperor is that the
peace of the country shall be maintained. If your lover allowed himself
to be carried away----"

"This was not the first time," Els eagerly interrupted, "that young