remain friends as before. Farewell!" And Wilhelm went.

Each of his words had penetrated to Otto's heart. A moment he stood
silent and undecided, then his limbs trembled involuntarily, tears
streamed from his eyes--it was a convulsive fit of weeping; he
pressed his head back. "God, how unfortunate I am!" were his only
words.

So passed some minutes; he had ceased to weep, and was calm;
suddenly he sprang up, shot the bolt in the door, drew down the
blinds, lighted his candle, and once more looked searchingly
around: the key-hole was also stopped up. He then flung his coat
away from him and uncovered the upper part of his body.



CHAPTER VII

"The towers pass by, even before we perceive them."
OEHLENSCHLAER'S Journey to Funen.

Early the following morning, whilst Wilhelm still slept and dreamed
of his beloved sisters, well-known footsteps sounded on the stairs,
the door opened, and Otto stepped into the sleeping-room. Wilhelm
opened his eyes. Otto was pale; a sleepless night and sorrow of
heart had breathed upon his brow and eyes.

"Thostrup!" cried Wilhelm, with joyous surprise, and stretched
forth his hand toward him, but it again sank; Otto seized it, and
pressed it firmly in his own, adding at the same time, with