Riven Bonds. Vol. I.

ghts Re

N BO

PTE

of the act just concluded, had carried all away with her. The whole audience became excited, and would not be calmed, until, greeted with applause, which broke

ood of our noble Hanseatic town with the fire of her Southern home. The infatuation for her begins to be quite an epidemic. If it continue to increase in this way, we shall see the Exchange voting her a torchlight procession, and the Sen

the front of the box, seemed unable to withdraw himself from the universal excitement. He had applauded w

voice. Certainly, Herr Doctor, in your abominable morning paper, you spare nei

to the lady's chair, when a young man, who had been

ucing them, "Herr Dr. Welding, the ed

edit on me, at once, in the gentleman's eyes. One has only to be introduced

as failed you. Herr Almbach, thank goodness, can never be in a

rds the young man, "then I certainly apologise for

again," said the Consul, playfully. "What would your people at home sa

tone that was begun, but there lay in them a half-concealed bitterness, which did not escape Dr. Welding. He fixed his eyes sear

ite ravishing to-night. This young, dawning talent

ertainly, dear madam; I do not deny it at all, even although this future sun shows a f

e Consul, pointing to the pit. "There, below, sits an army of knights, infatuated ab

cast a glance of irony towards young Almbach, who had listene

nstance, seems to look upon the opinion which I h

lly replied the one addressed. "I--" hereupon his eyes flashed almo

omplete favour. Besides, I am this time in the pleasant position of being able to tell her in the article which will appear to-morrow, that hers is indeed a talent of the

t act offers nothing for her r?le, she hardly appears again upon the stage, and our duties as hosts call us to our reception evening. May I offer you a sea

and your gracious lady will allow it--

pted the other in a friendly manner, "but be punct

ife, to lead her away. D

na had only one more note to sing, or that he would be debarred from helping to form a guard to her carriage with the rest

concern in her voice. "What would his father and

ried already?" asked

es, you do the young man injustice with your suspicions; at his age one is easily carried away, particularly when, as here, one so seldom enjoys a musical treat. Between ourselves, Almbach has rathe

imself by the married pair in the carriage, which took the direction o

thered together every notability which the town had to offer. There was never a celebrity who did not appear several times, and even the star of the present season--prima donna Biancona, who was here with the temporary Italian Opera Company, had accepted the invitation which she had received, and appeared after the end of the performance. The young actress, after her evening's triumph in the thea

men, who, wherever they appear, know how to attract, and, oft to a dangerous degree, retain eye and senses; whose entrancing charms do not lie only in

roundings. Her manner of speaking and moving was, perhaps livelier, less constrained than the rules of 'convenance' demanded, but the fire of a Southern nature, which broke forth with every emotion, had an entrancing grace. Her light ethereal-looking

rms and trammels of everyday life, and there was no one in t

ugh, partly on account of the young man's almost moody silence, partly on account of the gentlemen's manners to whom he was introduced, and who, belonging almost entirely to the circles of the Exchange and Finance, did not think it worth while to take much trouble

e circle of the sun of the drawing-room," said Dr. Wel

his secret wish having been divin

on all sides that I did not

ism, and equally to admire genius unconditionally. Well, art has the privileg

Italian was, but it really gave them some trouble to penetrate the c

gnora on the stage, and then left him to set himself at ease in the "sun's circle." This designation was not so badly chosen; ther

e theatre this evening?"

Sign

o-day, but the look in the young man's eyes must have made up for his monosyllabic reply. It is true that he only met Sig

of a known composer and his new work, just now causing great sensation, as to whose conception Signora Biancona and Dr. Welding had a difference of opinion. The former was full of enthusiasm for it, while the latter accorded it very little value. The Signora defended her opinio

y's invitation. He plays this composition perfectly, and I fear it requir

replace him. The playing of this music did not appear to keep pace with the very remarkable en

and said with evident appreciat

f an 'amateur,'" he made a gesture of enquiry to the master of t

sibility of playing it at all, required a masterly power over the instrument. People were accustomed only to hear it performed by high-standing professionals, and therefore looked half-astonished, half-contemptuously at the young man who

would have done honour to a regular artist. At the same time he understood to put such fire into his performance as carried away even the older and more expectant hearers. The piece of music under his hands seemed to acquire qui

, whose musical dispute assisted us to the discovery of such a talent. You modestly announce an attempt, and give us a performance of which the most finished artist need not be

d also approa

ling; now lowering her voice, "but take care; I fear my critical enemy will still fight with you as

cross the young man's coun

and received your applause, Si

re--the less he was known to them, the more he had astonished all by suddenly coming forward, added to the young man's modesty, which hardly permitted him to reply to all the questions addressed to him; every one present felt himself involuntarily to be a sort of Mec?nas, and was prepared to give the young genius his complete protection. Was it really mode

e regularly besieged with compliments. Just

ch both had scarcely entered, before the

rected against the composition as it exists in the original. May I ask where you foun

ed the young man, coolly. "I only k

on of annoyance struggled with one of undis

ontented; but sometimes there are exceptions. For instance, it would interest me very much to know from whom certain variations emanate, which utte

hat defiantly, "And if it wer

istake of your people

we are in a me

, it requires a clear, cool head, and yours does not appear to me to be quite made to devote itself to the grasping debit and credit. Excuse me, Herr Almbach! that is only my candid opinion; besides, I do not blame you at all for yo

hted, it offered a momentary solitude to whomsoever desired it. The young man had thrown himself upon a seat, and gazed dreamily before him. Of what he was thinki

r Almbach,

ad really not perceived who was already there, could

and whirl of the drawing-room. You, too, have soo

nly no doubt who gained it to-day. My improvised performance cannot be compa

I confess, candidly, it has surprised me, never, until to

have already declared in the drawing-room that I only lay cl

on Welding's countenance in the theatre, was t

le! you a

ause I could play a difficult

ly for a moment, and then added, with great decision--"because your f

eptive appearanc

e sat down on the couch, her pale-coloured dress lay

e yourself to an every-day calling. It would be impossible for me; I have grown up in a wor

home is Italy; mine, a North-German business town! In our every-day life, poetry is a rare, fleetin

u, also,

that it is not always the case, my

ainted with your finished work. But surely it cannot be your intention to withdra

singular emphasis, "I do not touch a note

the Italian quickly, as a momen

Sign

which played for a moment on the singer's lips, as she looked at

in Germany, it appears,

etim

which followed these words somewhat painf

examination of which I warned you. All the same

contemptuously, "and yet it certainl

both large, dark, and mysterious. In Almbach's glance, too, shone the same light as in the actress'; here also burned an ardent, passionate soul; also here, in the depths, slumbered the demonlike sp

d his voice; its great excitemen

ster-work. You have been worshipped a thousand-fold to-day, Signora. All that enthusiasm could offer was laid at your feet. The stranger, the unknown

real true enthusiasm, and Signora Biancona was actress enough to recognise this tone,

uent you are in this language. Sh

n, as I hear, to Italy shortly, I--remain here in

Signora, quickly. "So our meeting to-day will surely not be ou

for a second. Suddenly a recollection or warning seemed to

be the last--far

ng this strange adieu, and he seemed to be in earnest about it, as not once

PTE

l limits. I must forbid Reinhold all cultivation of musi

took place in the parlour, in his wife's and daughter's presence, an

rally served as a pattern for all the office people, appeared to have quite lost his

he declared himself to be ill; but his 'unbearable headache' did not hinder him from maltreating the piano in the icy-cold garden-room until morning's dawn. I shall be hearing again from my partners that my son-in-law has been doing his utmost in uselessness as well as in carelessness. It is hardly credi

veryone hated and avoided him, but with Reinhold that was all the more reason to form the most intimate friendship with him. Day after day he was there, and there alone was laid the foundation of all this musical non

spoken a syllable. She sat in the window, her head bent over her sew

ear m

t. Or do you really not feel the irresponsible man

of music," sa

never asks for either of you if he can only sit at his piano and improvise. Have you no idea of what a wife can and must demand fr

an of the daughter of the house, and was made so as to disguise any possible advantages which there might be. Only a narrow strip of the fair hair, which lay smoothly parted on her brow, was visible, the rest disappeared entirely under a cap more suited to her mother's years, and offering a peculiar contrast to the face of the barely twenty-years-old wife. This pal

tone with which one rejects the interference of a child, "you kno

tion in my face, and runs away secretly; and Reinhold, who has grown up in my house, under my eyes, causes me the greatest anxiety, with his good-for-nothing hankering after all

ck alone in the world,' as he said in the impudent letter of farewell which he left behind him! Two years since there actually came a letter to R

interchange of letters with Reinhold, and will know nothing. Let them correspond behind my back, but if the unadvised

ad left the room unnoticed and now descended the staircase leading to the office, situated on the ground floor. Th

impart any comfort or even a pleasant appearance to the office. And what for? What belonged to work was there; the rest was luxury, an

h should have been busy with figures, were fixed on the narrow strip of the sun's rays which fell slantingly across the room. In his gaze was something of the longing and bitterness of

What do you

her arm round his shoulder. Ella remained standing close to the doorway. It sou

w your headache is?

llected himself suddenly. "A

d the door and came

ot at the feast yesterday, and were playing, instea

s brows. "Who told

e bookkeeper saw the garden house lighted up, an

not thought of that. I did not believe that those gentlemen, after their jubilee, would have

inks--" began

ge me the refreshment I seek at night in music? I thought that I and my piano had been banished far enough; that the garden house lay so di

ly, "I hear every note when all is

essionless face before him. His glance swept slowly down her figure as though he were unconsci

ooking into the garden. Close your shutters in future, then it is to be h

calculations. Ella waited about a minute longer, but as she saw that not the l

upon the contemptuously-treated object, and was cast around the office, showed the most bitter hatred; then he

" said a strange voice su

who had entered unnoticed and now stood before him. Suddenly, however, a recollection seem

e, Hugo!--you

rmly, and a pair of warm lips wer

hundreds. Certainly you do look rather different from the little Reinh

t the latter already bore a somewhat merrier tone. Rei

mpletely unannounced? I only exp

not stay a minute longer on board, I must come to you. Thank God, I found you alone! I was afraid I should have to

sure of meeting again, became overcast at th

he asked, "you know how my unc

se when they discovered I had fled. But the story is nearly ten years old. The 'good-for-nothing' is not dead and ruined, as the family have, no doubt, prophecied hundreds of times, and wished oftener; he returns as a most res

joke, Hugo! you do not know my uncle

asserted the Captain, "and that was m

inking about? My

ble longing for freedom. There, do not fly out at once! I am quite willing to believe they did not regularly force you to say 'yes.' But how you came to do it, my uncle will probably h

r of the two, was strongly, and yet gracefully built, his handsome, open countenance was browned by sun and air; his hair curled lightly, and his brown eyes sparkled with love of life and courage; his carriage was easy and firm, like that of a man acc

ere lay on this brow, and in those eyes, something which attracted all the more, as they did not disclose all which lay behind them. Hugo was, perhaps, the handsomer of the two, and yet a comparison was sur

may enter at any moment, and then there would be a terrible scene. I will take you to the garden house for the present, which I have

our pardon, but that is my affair! I am going up at once to my un

ur senses? You have no idea

they would make. But one thing more. Reinhold, you must give me your promise to remain quietly below until I return. You shall not be placed in the painful position of witnessing how the w

m! You have to report yourself to him, and pay him your respects. Once more, Reinhold, promise me not to enter the family parl

the rapid changes of the last ten minutes, he looked at the broad, square figure of the new ar

reported he, systematically, and attempted a movement at the same time, probably inte

leave the luggage here at present! I must fir

w days with his uncle," a

at decided

posit

e no idea of what is before him, and yet my letters must have pre

d up by the sailor's broad figure, who, even at the young man'

er up yonder by himself," he explained laconical

k by the insuperable confidence of the w

y we

aware of three or four faces, expressive of boundless curiosity, belonging to the servants, who were trying to obtain a

dy, said he hastily. Strangers are not such a rarity in th

ebellious and stares at us. That sort of thing is nothing new. The sava

uarrelling voices were to be heard, but to be sure the family parlour lay in the upper story and at the other side of the house. The young man debated with himself as to whether he should remain true to the half-promise which he had made to Hugo, and leave him to manage alone, or if he should not, at least, attempt to cover the unavoidable retreat, as, t

this painful anxiety, when at last st

the affair

ed?" asked Rei

he arms of my uncle and aunt. Come upstairs with me, Reinhold! you are missing in the reconci

tfully. "I do not know, Hugo,

at last I could obtain speech, which certainly was not for some time, the victory was already decided. I represented the return of the lost son with a masterly hand; I called heaven and earth as witnesses of my reformation. I ventured upon falling at their feet--that took, at least with my aunt-

"Comprehend it, who can! I should have thought it impossible! Have yo

and did not even cry like the rest. The same little cousin Eleonore still, who always sat so quietly and shyly in her corner, out of which even our wildest

drove all the gloominess away from his face. "My boy

th a seriousness of which one would hardly have deemed his merry nature cap

o the fullest extent. His social position was certainly as different from that of Consul Erlau as was his old-fashioned gloomy house in Canal Street, with its high gables and barred office windows, from the princely furnished palace at the Harbour. The friendship between the former youthful companions had gradually diminished, but it was certainly Almbach who was principally to blame for it. He could not be reconciled to the Consul after the latter had become a millionaire, living in the style suited to that position. Perhaps he could not forgive him for occupying the first place, while he himself only stood in the third or fourth rank, and well as he knew how to utilise the advantages which the intimate acquaintance with the great firm of Erlau opened to him, yet he held, all the more, to his strictly midd

ed as an act of self-conquest, that Almbach gave his daughter Frau Erlau's name, as he particularly hated the aristocratic, romantic-sounding "Eleonore" and soon changed it for the much simpler "Ella." This designation was also more suitable, as Ella Almbach was considered by every one to be, not only a simple, but even a very contracted-minded being, whose horizon never was extended beyond the trifling domestic events of housekeeping. The child had formerly been very sickly, and this may have had a crippling effect upon the development of h

is case, there was also the habit of always living together, which had created a sort of liking, although in Reinhold it was really only pitying tolerance, and in Ella secret fear of her mentally superior cousin. They gave their hands obediently at the betrothal, which was followed,

TER

ssion of which he had at last attained, to be sure only after many struggles and by repeated reference to his musical studies, which were considered highly disturbing in the house. It was here alone tha

paringly given, and where a few trees and shrubs enjoyed but a miserable existence. The garden's boundary was one of those small canals, which traversed the town in all directions, and whose quick, dark stream form

been sought out in order to fit up the room with what was absolutely necessary. Only in the window, round which climbed some stunted vines, stood a large, handsome piano, the legacy of the late Music Director, Wilkens, to his

re him; his cheeks were darkly, almost feverishly red, and as he wrote a name rapidly on the envelope, lying on the table, his hands trembled as if with suppressed excitement. Steps

red by his relations, and then had migrated to a dwelling of his own. The sailor saluted and en

, and he sends the promised boo

mself?" asked Reinhold aston

d to have a conference with him on family affairs; your aunt requires his help to make some alteration in the guest

whole house in the course of a singl

red inclined to add more about those conquests, when he was interrupted by

for? You are wanted in the house. I promised my aunt that yo

st the

her, "where this man has learned his hatred for women. Ce

, but he turned away obediently and marched out of the

st to deceive any one. "In my honour of course! I hope you will pay proper respect to this important ceremony, and that

tted his bro

edy, and amuse yourself at the expense of the whole house? Take care, lest they find o

Hugo, quietly, "but they will n

e was debating with the bookkeeper yesterday about the battle with the monster serpent, which you served up fo

hant hunt, a tiger story, and a few attacks of savages, with such appalling effects, that the affair of the giant snake would ha

"it is certainly remarkable that her s

y persuaded of my perfections, and have already set myself the task of presenting myself to my sister-in-law in all my utterly

The young man shrugged his shoulders

you thin

young one. Tell me, Reinhold, where does the child get those wonderful, blue, fairy-tale-like eyes from? Your

re blue," interrupted hi

them, and, under that monstrous cap, nothing can be seen of her face. Reinhold, for Heaven's sake, how can you all

let his hands glide mechanically over the note

I believe it would be useless to try and enforce

ned them over lightly, "a charming question from a young husband! You used to have a sense of beauty, too easily aroused, a

ce, as he saw the letter, which he had pushed under the music,

of the Italian Opera, who has made such a wo

tter quickly from his hands. "I was intr

respond with

letter does not cont

a single line! Dear Reinhold, that is more wonderful than my story of the giant snake. Do you expect me

per out of the unsealed envelope, and held it t

words--no word of explanation with it--ju

again, closed the letter

She is artiste enough to judge of

sionate liking for music went so far as creating it yourself. Poor Reinhold, how can you bear this life, with all its

imself upon the seat

he replied, with suppressed fee

which you tried to deceive me, something quite different was concealed. The truth has become plain to me, duri

here was a time, too, when I was contented, or at least believed myself so, because my whole mental being lay, as it were, under a spell, when I allowed every

m, and laid his hand upo

la? At the first news of it, I

nd the young man's lips a

son and heir of the house, and the daughter must be married some time; so it was a case of securing, by means of her hand, a successor for the firm, who bore the same name. It was neither Ella's

n eyes with the power of looking so serious as

on; but I--when I saw your pale face on the pillow, and said to myself that for years, perhaps never again, should I see it, all longing for freedom could not resist it--I struggled hard with the temptation to awake and take you with me. Later, when I experienced the thorny path of the adventurous homeless boy, with all its danger

g as if reckless, "Let us cease! What is the use of regrets, wh

ew, never to see them again," said the young sailor, with a sigh, as he prepa

mself directly from one mood into another, as, immediately after his serious conversation with his brother, he was sparkling with merriment and mischief, helped every one, paid compliments to each, and at the same time teased all in the most merciless manner. This

cap, which inspired her brother-in-law with such horror, surrounded and disfigured her face as usual. The young wife devoted herself so assiduo

d expect his sister-in-law to do. I should think that the behaviour of your parents, and every one in the house, might serve as an example

g but kindly expressed reproof, as she did when her mother

d," she replied, hesitatingly,

that I do address a request to you. But this time I insist positively that you should change your demeanour towards Hugo. This shy avoidance and consequent si

further attempt to defend herself. It was a movement of such gentle, patient resignation as would have disarmed any

err Captain? And as regards the election of a President,

n. I always join the opposition on principle whenever there is one; it is generall

given to his brother, and at the same time to convince the young wife of his perfections, as he approached

oments? Certainly she never would have accorded me this happiness of her own free will. I was complaining bi

kiss it, but Ella drew back, with

Capt

ildish companion, but as you, from the first day of my arrival, laid so much stress on the formal 'you,' I followed the hint you gave me. However, this 'Herr Captain' I will no

give up this manner of speaking to you, as well as her whole tone

fe to remain, as plainly as his voice deman

Ella, while he continued, gallantly, "that would be the surest way to prevent my ever finding favour in my beautiful sister-in-law's eyes. But that is not required be

looked at him. It was a gleam of quiet, painful reproach, and the same reproach lay in her voice as

back. "What do you mean,

le house the target for your jokes? Reinhold certainly tolerates our being daily humiliated; he looks upon it as a matter of course. But I, Herr Captain--" here Ella's voice had attained perfect steadiness, "I do not consider it right that you should daily cast scorn and contempt over a house in which you, after all that has passed, have been received wi

after her, as if one of the impossible scenes out of his own Indian stories had just been acted before him. Pro

at down, quite upset; but the next moment

ook for this glance under that horrible cap? 'We are too good for the scoffs of an adventurer.' Not exactly f

y which his sister-in-law had retired. All signs of mockery and mischief had entirely vanished from his face; it

he first families, and whose support and presence there was considered quite a point of honour. To-day the programme only bore well-known names, both as regarded the performances as well as per

man who did not belong either to the favoured or the performers, and who kept aloof from both. He had entered shortly before and addressed himself at once to the conductor, who, although he did not appear to know him, yet must have been informed of his coming, as he received him

in attentions to their beautiful colleague, but to-day she took remarkably little notice of the wonted homage of her surroundings. Her glance on entering had flown rapidly through the room, and had at once found the object of its search. The Signora deigned to reply

n a reproachful tone, "I did not believe, i

rmality of the greeting began already to melt as h

f I was to consider the one sent by the conductor in your

e. I, too, have received a certain song, whose comp

quickly. "I dared add nothing. What--" his eyes sa

n of the song seemed to have been understood, and Signora

ish to speak to me in notes of music. Well, I bowed to your ta

d emphasis upon the word. Reinhol

uage?" he re

PTE

uthor of this song to come to me, in order to hear it from my lips and receive my thanks for it. He has lef

y too plainly what this staying away had cost him. He made no reply to the reproach, did not defend himself against it, but his glance, which see

ntinued the Italian, playfully. "The audience always desires this air da capo; it is too

s, and he stretched out his hand, as if wit

sake! surely

, stepping back, and withdrawing the music from him. "

Reinhold passi

what I choose. Only one more question. The director is quite prepared; we have practised the performance together, b

einhold, with trembling voice. "Trust yourself entirel

quaintance, and there is certainly no question as to whether you are sure of the accompaniment to your work. If you ar

ionately. "The song was written for you, Signora. If you decide di

lively conversation in the group, and the other gentlemen regarded with undisguised displeasure the young stranger who quite monopolised the atte

of the ladies, offered a brilliant sight. Consul Erlau's wife sat with several other ladies in the front part of the room, and was en

y best ship and all its crew. It was he who came to the help of the 'Hansa,' whe

ys so maligned as regards our adventures, that every lady looks forward with secret horror to their inevitable relation. I assur

he moved. It never entered his head here, when the opportunity was offered him, to recount adventures,

ke it impossible for me to discharge it in any way. Besides, I do not believe the relation of this adventure would injure you with th

with winning fri

even for your family's sake. Only lately we had

that my mode of living varies so from his own. He purposely keeps himself and all his family at a dis

y a too strict bringing up, and being kept much too secluded. I never see her otherwise

voice. "She does sometimes, but certainly I

not here, then?

tuation for music and especially for Biancona's singing. I am to see this su

ned him laughingl

rays. To you, young gentleman, such things are most dangerous. You w

ilor laughed

the greatest pleasure, and the consolatory knowledge that the magic is only dangerous for him

ience already in such affairs," said

ea, one learns to look upon constant change as inevitable, and at last to love it. I expose myself entirely to your displeasure with this confession, but I must re

hand as he spoke, betrayed a sufficient acquaintance with these requ

ing-rooms. So the hero of the much talked of 'Hansa' affair is really the brother of the you

d Erlau, astonished. "You hear

ring us some surprise. I have a certain suspicion, and we shall see if it be well-founded or not. The Signora likes theatrical effects, even off the stage; everything must be unex

n talking to the ladies, came to them, an

d the point of attraction of the evening. The audience received and greeted their favourite, whose pale features were more charming than ever, with loud applause. Beatrice was indeed radiantly beautiful as she stood under the streaming light of the c

e composition, but it offered the Italian an opportunity for perfect display of her magnificent voice. All these runs and trills fell clearly as a bell from her lips, and took such entrancing possession of the hearers' ears and senses, that all criticism, all more serious longings, vanished in the pure enjoymen

in surprise; even Hugo at the first moment looked almost shocked at his brother, whose presence he had not suspected, but he began to guess at the connection. Only Dr. Welding said quietly, and without the least surprise, "I thought it!" Reinhold looked pale, and his hands trembled on the keys; but Beatrice stoo

now rose as in stormy rejoicing, and again sank in sad complaint, there seemed to breathe the whole happiness and sorrow of a human life; a long-fettered yearning seemed at last to struggle forth. It was a language of affecting power

s was here created in a moment and by inspiration. Reinhold found himself comprehended in every note, grasped at every turn, and never had Beatrice sung so enchantingly, never had the spirit of her singing displayed itself so much. She

s unknown in a concert-room. Beatrice seemed only to have waited for this moment; in the next she had stepped to Reinhold, seized his hand, and drawn him with her to the foot-lights, introducing him to the audience. This one movement said enough; it was un

of solitude still remained to him; beyond, in the concert-room, the orchestra was playing the finale to a most indifferent audien

said, softly; "were you

h, which was more yours than mine, but that I was also permitted to hear my song from your lips. I composed it in the recollectio

still more than the mere triumph of a beautiful woman, who has again proved the irresistibility of her power. "Do you

poses me, and whatever form my future may take, it will have been conse

eatrice heard from him once before; she bent closer towards him,

rely be allowed to come to the actress from time to time. If I study your next work, Sig

ing, had now no place in a single thought of the young man's mind. How could, indeed, the faint, colourless picture of his young wife exist near a Beatrice Biancona, who stood before him in all the witch-like charms of her being, this "Goddess of Song," whose hand

is instance, nor the approval with which the song was everywhere received, nor even the intervention of Consul Erlau, who, taking Reinhold's part very eagerly and decidedly, upheld his musical gifts, could overcome Almbach's prejudices. He persisted in seeing in all artistic efforts an idling as useless as it was dangerous--the real ground of all incapacity for practical business life, and the root of all evil. Knowing as little as m

a truly terrific fury. A fearful scene ensued, and had Hugo not interposed with quick thought, the breach would have become quite irremediable. Almbach saw with horror that the nephew whom he had brought up and led, whom he had tied to himself by every possible bond

h which he clung more than ever to his musical studies, and maintained his indepe

r altogether, and did not even seem to grant her the right of offering an opinion. The young wife suffered undeniably under these circumstances; whether she felt the sad, humiliating part which she, the wife, played--thus overlooked by both factions--set aside and treated as if incapable--could hardly be decided. At her parents' bitter and excite

offended his uncle; he had simply gone away, and let the storm rage itself out behind his back. Certainly, he did not hesitate later to enact the return of the prodigal son to ensure his entrance into the house to which his brother belonged, and his restoration to his relations' favour. Reinhold possessed neither the capability nor the inclination to play with circumstances in this way. Just as he had never been able to disguise his dislike to business life, and his indifference to all the provincial town interests, so he now made no s

a lengthy stay on shore, and whom he followed everywhere with constant, unvarying attachment. Both were of about the same age. Jonas was truly far from ugly; in his Sunday clothes he might even pass for a good-looking fellow, but his uncouth manner, his rough ways and his chariness of speech never allowed these advantages to be perceived. He was almost on an enemy'

aptain, approaching, "are you ta

f in an attitude of attention, but h

get a bouquet of flowers," he grumbl

loyed as messeng

ast word, and with a reproachful glance at his

ed to your doing such things for others tha

d," was the l

ly, while a shade flitted across

ld understands even better than we how to throw away dollars for things wh

in interrupted shortly. "What is there to wonder at? Do yo

elf up with a jerk, and stared at his master in the most perfect horror, but

ver marry, H

n me without further ado to perpetual celibacy," s

nothing of women

e plural," scoffed the Captain. "So I think nothing of

k much of the whole lot. The story never goes beyond sending flowers and kissing hands, then we sail away, and they have t

no objection to it. He only shrugged his shoulders laughingly, turned his back upon the sailor, and went upstairs. He found Reinhold in his own rooms, which l

r greeting him, while looking at th

recovering himself. "In about a

on. He stood opposite his broth

scene again?" he

sappeared for a few moments from

is daily appointed task, is to be watched, and made to render an account of every step he takes, even in

in a regular rupture between you, and you leave the business, it would become a question of existence for you--your income goes entirely with it. You, yourself, might trust wholly to your compositions, but to think they could support a family yet would be maki

with me. Endure, wait, perhaps for years? I cannot do it, it is the same thing to me as suicide. My new work is complete

as sta

PTE

y? Why there particula

all art and artists. There alone could I complete the meagre, defective

portunity enough for study here; most of our talented men have had to struggle and work for years before Italy at last crowned their work. S

certain method of rendering my success impossible. Do you think, that in the first s

s perceptible bet

ry hard, Reinho

ife cannot raise herself above the sphere of cooking and household management. It i

rked the Captain quietly. "You believe in it blindly, like the rest. Have you ever

rugged his

there be a question of my taking Ella with me. Naturally she wi

rn--and if that

" said the young man angrily, while

arms and looked

Do not deny it Reinhold! You, by yourself, would never have gone to such extremities as you do now in the disputes with my uncle, listening to no

turned away, and so withdrew hims

tter. "It cannot continue long without the report reach

," said Reinhold shortly, "and I only see in her

vampire-like in her eyes. I fear that whoever it be, upon whom she fixes those eyes with the intention o

his brother's side, who now turne

ced that already?"

eing sufficiently used to them. Call it frivolity--inconstancy--what you will--but a woman cannot fascinate me long or deeply; the passionate element i

werlessness to destroy them. If I were free as you, when you tore yourself away from this bondage, all might be well; but you are right, t

ht a message from the bookkeeper to young Herr Almbach.

to grief by excessive romance; our ledgers, in which, probably, a couple of dolla

ow became still darker; then suddenly he raised himself as with some resolve, and left the room, but not to go to

pectedly; the handkerchief thrown down hastily, and the inflamed eyelids betrayed freshly dried tears. She looked up at her brother-in-law's entrance with

u, Ella? or did that condemning verdict

urned her work about in her h

er

ntinued determinedly, as the young wife made signs of rising. "This time I shall keep the door barred by which you always try to elude my approach; fortunately, too, there is no maid near whom you can k

nd now it was plainly e

uickly. "You have wounded me least of all; I only sp

u I do regret, very much regret; it has lain like a nightmare upon me until now. I can surely

, open kindliness and frankness, that it seemed almost impossible to refuse the

aid she

"So at last my rights as brother-in-law are co

r and sat down beside her. "Do you know, Ella, that since our

n order to arouse your interest," r

the right course with me. Since you read me my lecture so unsparingly, I have left all the house in peace; I have behaved towards my uncle and aunt with the most perfect res

mile crossed Ella's cou

very hard f

ve made it somewhat easier for me, they have not been of a descr

m Ella's face at this allusion; it bore an anxious, bes

from day to day. My parents are so hard, and Reinhold so irritated, s

ly, "I might put that qu

stens to me, and Reinhold less than any one. He thinks I un

he was quite wanting in power and influence over her husband, and that

eks not a day has passed without my seeing this red appearance about your eyes. No, do not turn aside so timidly! Surely the brother may be allowed to speak freely, and you shall see that I do more than talk nonsense. I repea

to take a side openly, and some result was looked for depending upon her interference. What could be meant by

his brother's betrayer--and unavoidably calling forth a catastrophe, of whose necessity he was nevertheless convinced. But the young Captain's whole nature rebelled again

the same by their fathers and protectors, and although with possible secret annoyance, he always took care to go to the right address. But this time Hugo's casual remark that the flowers were intended for his sister-in-law, c

here in the house, so had better

uquet which, arranged with as much skill as tast

e the flowers

rr Reinhold ordered them, and I have b

. She had started suddenly, as if she had been seized with a pain at her heart, and become ashen white. But the Captain stood there with knitted brows, and an expression on his face as if he should have liked best to throw the expensive flowers out of the window. Fortunately, Jonas was too phlegmatic to trouble hi

tless countenance, with its vacant, almost stupid expression, had changed curiously. Now every feature was dilated as if in agon

as if striving for breath, "then the

pt to soothe her, "Reinhold ordered the

"I have never yet received flowers from hi

right, Ella," he replied firmly, "and it would be useless and dangerous to deceive you any longer. Reinhold

ll to the ground. "Signora Bianco

his new composition is intended; to whom he goes daily; who enters into all his thoughts and feelings

rmed the outer circle of the bouquet; silently she stooped, picked it up, and laid it o

n's stupidity, and given myself out as the sender of the unlucky flowers? If I do not act thus, if I discover the whole truth unsparingly, I do it because the danger has become extreme--because only you can still

time, a desperate fear broke thro

eside herself, "He cannot! h

of that burning fiendish passion, which enchains and makes a man powerless--so surrounds him with its bonds, that for its sake he forgets and sacrifices everything. Signora Biancona is one of those demonlike natures which can inspire such passions, and here she is con

suffered, and two tears, the first, rolled slowly down her

ir parents, so as, with them or alone, to call their husbands to account, and cause a scene which would break the last bond, and drive him irretrievably from the house. You will not do this, Ella; I know it, therefore I d

face buried in her hands. She hardly moved as he said good-bye to her.

ce her marriage; but she knew he never left the house without first going to see his boy. The wife felt only too well that she herself was nothing to her husband, that her only value for him lay in the child; she felt that the love for his child was the only point by which she could approach his heart, and therefore she waited here for him in orde

Italian Opera Company had given their farewell performance, and all H---- had tried to show the singers, especially the prima donna, how much charmed it was with their efforts, and how sorry it was to lose them now the

with another gentleman, descended the stairs. "One's life is imper

belonged to the upper classes; she had drawn her veil closely over her face, and appeared to avoid the crowd, also to feel quite strange in the theatre, from the manner in which she

might be satisfied with its reception this time; it was, if possible, more enthusiastic. Certainly, every one has not the luck to find a Biancona for his works, and to inspire her for them, so that she exerts her utmost power.

ll her circle of adorers is furious at this interloper, who hardly appears before he is on the high road to be sole ruler. The affair

toned his over

to guess; an elopemen

pe with her?" asked th

decide what she likes, as to the choice of her residence. But she wi

joined his companion. "Poor wom

to drive a genial, fiery-headed fellow like Almbach to a desperate step; and as it is a Biancona who is set up against her, this step will not have to be waited for very long. Perhaps it would be fortunate for Almbach if he were torn suddenly out of these con

sionate movement, but at the same moment as the Doctor was about to observe her more narrowly, a side door

im so often unapproachable, seemed thrown off with one accord; he beamed with excitement, success, and triumph. His brow was raised freely and pr

nowledgments. The Signora wishes for my company at the entertainment, where the members of the opera ass

and also to regret they had not to obey a simil

hand to the young composer. "That was a gr

lips of a critic usually so exa

ent seat," replied he pleasantly. "Herr Consul Erlau was unfortun

rush so headlong into danger, and turn your back upon the noble merchant's position? Is it true

plan for long. This evening has decided it, but now--excuse

k any notice of her; she could not leave her place of refuge without passing the group, which kept its place after the departure of the brothers. The gentlemen all knew one another, and took advantage of this meeting to exchange their opinions about the young composer, Signora Biancona, and the suspected state of affairs between the two. The latter especially was subjected to a tolerably m

PTE

id Hugo, standing suddenly beside h

. Only here, in the cool, sharp night air did Ella appear to regain consciousness; s

ere, I should have withheld it." continued Hugo, reproachf

nd away from his arm. The

her for once," re

old, but I felt as if standing on hot coals here below, while the criticising group above was holding forth before your place

house, and helped his sister-in-law into the carriage; but as he showed sign

I shall g

ou are much agitated, almost fainting; it would b

la, with uncontrolled bitterness, "and to others--it does

in did not say another word; he shut the door obediently, and stepped back

orked here were accustomed to be occupied in the daytime, and required the night for undisturbed repose. It was fortunate that the garden-house lay so distant and isolated, otherwise his companions and neighbours

his miserable spring, with its tardy growth and bloom, its dreary rainy days and cold winds!" Reinhold had heard these words spoken a few hours since, and then such a glowing description followed of endless spring, which blossoms forth as by magic in the gardens of the south, those sunny days, with ever blue sky, and the thousandfold glorious colours of the earth; the moonlight nights full of orange perfume and notes of song. The young man must indeed have

A few seconds elapsed before he recognised his wife in the figure leaning agains

t last, entering quickly. "Wh

denial. "Nothing, I was

d Reinhold, extremely distantl

ponse, "at least only at table in my parents'

ever failing cap had disappeared, and now, that it was missing, could be seen for the first time what a singular wealth was hidden beneath it. The fair hair, of which at other times only a narrow strip was visible, could hardly be confined in the heavy plaits wh

ed slightly and abstractedly to her words. There was not even the slightest trace of repro

composition which was completed a few weeks since, w

rupted Ella. "I wa

n the theatre?" asked he quickly and sha

d hesitatingly; "I too wished to hear your music for once

deceiving, and an untruth would not pass her lips. She stood before him, deadly pale, trembling in

s excuse, or yourself, perhaps? I see the report has found its way to you already! You wis

y melancholy, the expression of defiant, suppressed suffering, no longer a breath of that beaming triumph which had lig

to spare you; now that you know it, I will render account. You have been told of the young actress, to whom I owe the first incitement to work, my first su

as a mi

d any one; even Reinhold's irritation could not r

equired a husband who would work and strive from day to day in the quiet routine of daily life without even having a wish to step bey

the young wife, sadly. "She will, perhap

nd quite misconstrue the connection between Signora Biancona and myself. It has been purely id

t doubt, but how long would it be so? This evening, in the theatre, she had seen the flash of those demon-like eyes, which nothing could resist; had seen how that woman, in her part, had run through the whole scale of feelings to the greatest passion; how this passion carried away th

ception; "but this love does not injure nor wound any of your rights. It only concerns music

or your wife, then?

was a matter of course, that she should be satisfied with what still remained--the name she bore and the child, whose mother she was. Strange to

she felt deeply, without, at the same time, ever venturing on an attempt to raise herself to him. In the knowledge that he stood so high above he

wounded any of her rights." She had indeed no right to his spiritual life. And she should keep firm hold of that man now, when the love of a beautiful, universally admired actress, when the magical charm of Ita

have always felt it; it has only become clear to me since I was your wife, and then it was too late.

d him from the suspicion that such a thought had really en

s enquiringly upon him, as i

t now you loved B

, bu

must choose bet

nhold, roused. "I must? And if I will not do it? If I conside

her to Italy,"

een so kind as to tell you. It is certainly my intention to continue my studies in Italy, and if I should meet Signora Biancona there--if her vicinity give me fresh

he unsparing hardne

ed of your wife?"

I beg

pparently calmly; but there was a strange, nervous, t

ss, there to find complaints, reproaches, in short, all the wretched prose of domestic life? So far you have spared me it, and should do the sam

ce of this reproach. She stood there, not like the accuser, but like the condemned; in

were concerned, I would let you go without a word, without a petition. But the child is still between us, and therefore"--she stopp

to the husband, in whose heart no chord throbbed for her, and yet in the last words there rang suc

tour undertaken for study, you would soon be very miserable in a foreign country whose language you do not understand, in circumstances and surroundings for which you are quite unsuited. You must, indeed, now accustom yourself to measure me and my

bond. Hugo was right; he lay already too firmly under the influence of his passion to listen to any other voi

as also a strange sound in her voice; there lay in it something of the pride of a wife, wh

But not to your return, Reinhold. If you go now, go with her, notwithstandi

ns of endless struggles, what every one requires as his natural right, free decision for himself? You all have kept me apart from everything that by others is called freedom and happiness; have bound me to a hated sphere in life with all possible fetters, and now think yourselve

were poured over the guilty or the innocent. That is the horrible fiendishness of passion, that it turns its hatred against

with his hands. Ella still stood on the same spot as before; she did not speak or move; even the tremor which, during the conve

quivering lips. "To you it would only be a burden in

eiled before him as before his brother. For the first time he saw in his wife's face "the beautiful fairy-tale blue eyes" which he had so often admired in his boy, without ever asking whence they came; and these e

ainly, "if I was too fu

ke her hand; s

en do you in

, more and more struck. "In a few

he turned to go. He made a hasty step aft

misunder

appeared all at once to have become a different perso

longer, Reinhold. You can attain your obje

n the slight figure in the darkness, upon the sad pale face and the blo

without giving any signs of his being alive, without enquiring for wife or child. The Herr Captain does not set his foot across the threshold; the principal goes about in

asked the head clerk, who also--it was the hour for clos

discovery! He sent for the young master, and then there was such a scene--I heard part of it in the next room. If Herr Reinhold had only behaved sensibly and given in in this case when he really was not innocent, perhaps the affair might have been set aside, instead of which he put on his most obstinate manner, told his father-in-law to his face that he would not remain a merchant, would go to Italy, would become a musician; he had endured the slavery here long enough, and much more of the same kind. The chief could not contain hims

pared to leave the office. He had hardly gone a few steps along the passage when he met Herr Almbac

e seen again, Herr Captain," he cried.

ng to stormy?" asked Hugo, wit

"Stormy! Perhaps you

. "At this moment I am seeking

with the chief,"

mean my si

r three days. She is sure to be upstairs in the nurse

as with a rapid adieu he has

ut some joke, some chaff; and he had also remarked the cloud which to-day lay on the young man's usually ch

had reached his sist

said, entering. "H

of the door, might well have deceived her as to the comer. She had surely expected another. Her painful start and

ntinued the latter, as he came nearer. "He persists in thinking I had some

bring me news from Reinhold?" asked she qu

the whole affair, the behaviour on my uncle's part was such that every one would have rebelled against it. On this point I

nts learned elsewhere what I would have hidden at any cost, and Reinhold was awful in his wild rage. He left us,

Hugo, shortly,

with you? I took it as a matter

inhold is unboundedly passionate when a certain point is touched upon; I could and would not hide my feelings about it, and

e felt only too well that in her brother-in-law, esteemed so frivolous, mischi

ng close beside her, "although I knew it would be

wife, "I could not, an

pointed to the sleeping babe;

d to tear himself away from me at any price, to remain. I was repul

at again showed the energetic expression which was once

w lines to bring you from Reinhold. He

nvelope; only his handwriting, while with mortal agony she had clung to the hope that he would come himself, if it h

which does not make it appear desirable for me to remain an hour longer in H---- than is absolutely necessary. I cannot bid you and the child good-bye personally, as I shall not set foot again across a threshold from which I was driven in such a manner. It is not my fault if

TER

ss. She looked silently down at the icy words of farewell with which her husband freed himself from wife and child. With what haste had he seized the excuse which her father's h

hout raising her eyes from the lette

hour

with

this question. Ella rose, apparently cal

ow--leave me alon

d now, in my brother's absence, nothing keeps me. I shall make no attempt to remove my uncle's absurd prejudice

ey met his, and as if following an involun

ou, Hugo,

ement he caught

ch utterly destroyed your peace; it came too late, and to-day it was again my hand which broug

en he let it fall, and left the room quickly

fog to the south, where fame and love, where his future beckoned brightly to him; and in the same hour his young wife lay at home on her knees by her child's cradle, pressing her head in the pillow to smother the cry of despair, whic

a stretching around the villa, which lay outside the town on a slight elevation visible from afar, with its terrace and colonnades, surrounded by the lower lying gardens, in which the most luxuriant southern vegetation displayed itself. There sombre cypresses raised their gloomy heads; pines waved in th

rooms. It seemed principally to consist of the aristocracy, yet many a figure might be seen there which undoubtedly betrayed the artist, and here and there appeared the dark habit of a pries

nd he, coming from the terrace, passed close by the group. He was clearly a stranger, as was denoted by his light brown hair, eyes, and indeed his whole face, which, although tanned by sun and air, still did not show the dark colouring of the southerner. The uniform of a captain set off his

erstand how it can be so easily postponed. The performance is already arranged, the rehearsals have begun, all preparations are nearly finish

eplied another gentleman, in a somewhat ill-natured tone. "He is accus

man of distinguished appearance, somewhat excitedly. "If Rinaldo hims

. As usual, all was acceded to, and all expected at last to be sure of his approval; but now, on arriving from M----, he finds nothing but what is far beneath his anticipations, he orders alterations and dictates improvements in the most inconsiderate manner. In vain was it attempted to dissuade him, through Signora Biancona; he threatened to withdraw the entire opera, and--" here the maestro shrugged

"The company would never have forgiven it if bad management had robbed them of one of Rinaldo's operas. It is known that he would be capable of ca

composer allows himself here, in the heart of Italy, inasmuch as he compelled t

opera, while every new creation of Rinaldo's is greeted with tempestu

ation was therefore greatly lost to him. Nevertheless he answered the Marchese's low spoken and contemptuous remark wi

y to the stranger, who so far had remained a silent listener, and now replied in foreign s

nly the maestro's face betrayed unmistakable satisfaction that the

me Signor Capitano, but you must have been a long t

question, "and as there, unfortunately, they are not so well acquainted with the artistic productions of the present

a German, but since some years has belonged to us exclusively. He lives and works only on Italian ground, and we are proud t

ed the officer, "have you had an opportunity

a few days since; however, I saw her some years prev

he north. She returned to us as a known actress. But now she stands undoubtedly at the height of her pow

se. "At any rate you will find in the Signora of to-day a brilliantly be

" said the maestro, joining in again. "Other

ecide such points?" ask

hat he tries it here also, and, alas, not without result. I do not understand Biancona. An actres

n none of us compete with his successes. All hearts fly towards him, wherever he appears; so at last it

te in the highest degree, but Rinaldo, if possible, even surpasses her. Between them

," said the Captain, now turning exclusively to the conductor. "Do p

an idol to a throne, it carries on its adoration until it becomes ridiculous. They regularly worship Rinaldo, so it is no wonder

ly and with a peculiar sm

! But after all, it is not so much talent as fashion, whi

h all his heart, but the other gentleme

favours. For my part, I maintain, without wishing in the least to detract from Rinaldo's fame, that he

ssibly this new opera is meritless. I am cert

s certainly made the unpardonable mistake of attaining the summit of fame in one unbroken course of triumph, and of acquiring greatness to which

and all the more as it is my brother whom

e and bit his lips, while the officer with difficulty refrained from laughing. The Englishman this time understood enough of the conversation to comprehend the trick which had been played, and which seemed to arouse his ent

" continued Hugo unabashed, "mine doubtless sounded too foreign to you in th

fering his hand with evident heartiness, "but it was not fair to cheat us with an incognito

," retorted he, laughing, "and that was only possible so long as my incognito lasted. But it would soon have reached its termi

ger at the "adoration, which became ridiculous," as the sudden cessation of all conversation, the interest with which all

change had also been carried out in his exterior, and this alteration was not at all disadvantageous, as instead of the pale, serious youth, there now stood a man in whom it was evident that he was at home with life and the world, and only in the man did the always peculiarly attractive style of his beauty manifest itself entirely. The proud self-consciousness which now rested upon his spirituel brow, and showed itself in all his features and his

ight; she was dazzlingly beautiful, this woman; there was the old burning glance, which once understood how to set on fire the honourable patrician blood of the noble Hanseatic town, only now it appeared to have become more glowing, more scorching; there was still the countenance, with its witch-like entrancing magic, the figure with its noble plastic limb

his conversation. In a few moments he had become the centre of the assemblage, and some time elapsed before he could

id he, approaching, "I missed you

ounds you like a Chinese wall; I have not attempted such a piece of daring, but

n expression which showed not contented triumph, but, on the contrary, un

ignora Vampire! m

uch and often. She is beautiful, and with reason wonders it has not already been done. What is it, Hu

shortly. "I have seen her already

do what any other would look upon as a privilege! Usually you are

by a circle of gentlemen, and engaged in most lively conversation, which she, however, broke off immediately t

nhold was beside himself when he received the news of your arrival. He left me in M---- in the m

to notice that Beatrice's beautiful hand was extended confidently to Rinaldo's brother,

disposes so exclusively of Reinhold's presence and company, should poss

einhold, but the latt

still resign myself, as, since you came, I have seen little enough of Rinaldo. There

what measured ge

th pleasure the opportunity of becoming bette

Biancona

o gave it me once, when I led his first steps to the path of art. A somewhat romantic designatio

ce. With us, muses are ideal, floating in unattainable heights. Her

Beatrice herself had commenced; nevertheless she cast a quick searching glance at th

ere, and could only breathe again when Italy's sky rose above me. We southerners cannot succeed in submitting to th

t indifference against

e as the birds in the air. Reinhold proved that sufficiently, and now he has for

although at this moment the eveni

n, Signor?" ask

the entire fate of a man--or even a family--in one's hands; in tearing him away from his 'fett

is time they measured one another, as two antagonists do. The Italian's glance flashed; but the Captain bore it so firmly and qui

roudly. "Perhaps he would have sunk amid circumstances and surroundings which were un

it has to penetrate the more do they strengthen its power; however, that, of course, is also one of the norther

unmeaningly, but Signora Biancona must surely have felt the bitterness which lay in the Captain's words, fo

TER

und in conversation with Marchese Tortoni; both s

something. "I have only shortly returned from M----, and ca

u are sure to select some villegiatura in a few weeks. Come to my assistance, Captain," said he, turning to Hugo, just then a

ready?" asked Reinhold. "The

had the harmless pleasure, as an unknown listener, of rousing them against you by casual remarks. Unfortunately it only succeeded with one. Marchese T

sario? Take care, Hugo, with your jokes! We are here on Italian grou

are losing the thread of our discussion entirely," continued he, impatiently. "I have still received

whom the last words were addressed. "Such a de

How so?" asked R

so much from her. It is decidedly a question whether she will set

inhold's voice betrayed rising irritation. "I shall have to show that I can form

the young man's face at this rapid, impetuou

I hope also to be able to make your stay agreeable to you.

lmost suffocated in the drawing-room atmosphere. But our friends are going to dinner," said he, turning the conversatio

coolly. "That is surely your exclusiv

said Reinhold, as together they ascended the steps

ng more. Signora and I have taken up our positions to

eed have been impossible to find the least fault with this mode of greeting, and Beatrice acknowledged it with an inclination of her head, but the glance which she shot towards him showed sufficiently that she also ha

murmured Hugo, as he followed the pair. "Wordless, but sufficientl

yet, but many families had already exchanged their residence in the town for the usual villegiatura in the mountains or by the seaside, and the rest

and dazzlingly illuminated saloon; but Beatrice's beautiful face bore an expression of unmistakable excitement. Leaning against the cushions of the divan, her lips pressed angrily together, she plucked to pieces one of the beautiful bouquets which ornamented the celebrated actress' recept

great violence. "You cannot alter an affair already determined upon. Marchese Tor

e tone. "You gave it without my knowledge, gave it weeks ago, and then we

ollow you there as soon a

there as usual, and if now, in addition, you go in your brother's company, it

nly, and a dark look w

well enough that there is no sympathy between you and Hugo; but he, at any rate, spares me any dissertations upon it, and does

ttentions, with contempt in his eyes; that is quite the German manner, from which I suffered so much in your north, which governs and rules us in the so-called circles of society, which knows how to restrain us there, eve

d yourself insulted by anyone. With you it overflows all bounds at once. But this time, you will remember, that it is my brother against whom this hatred is

rice, wildly. "Because I count for nothing besi

nt of tears. All the passion of the Italian broke forth; but Reinhold seemed to be moved to nothing less than conces

ught you had already found by experience that I am not such a slave without a will, that a word or a caprice from you

e busy movement of the Corso was visible. For a few minutes Beatrice's passionate sobs were heard in the sal

nal

ark eye; a tear still stood in it, but it was no longer a tear of ang

ating. Only in hating, Rinaldo? You have

pletely to her, and ret

y, "love warmly and wholly. But you can also torme

o flee this torment,

in her voice. Almbach ma

breathe in constant heat and excitement, both are your conditions of life, and you drag

" asked Beatrice, wit

y word?" asked Reinhold, angrily. "I see we do

frightened, half-threateningly. "And with

at the door, thought a mom

the departure. Fa

me the man who now understood how to bend her otherwise capricious will to his own, and when he again drew near to her

tric

ately. Reinhold made an attempt to withdraw his

d, deprecatingly, "and I have already e

ing my first summer stay in S---- instead of in the mountains, the great resort of all strangers? It is near e

happiness. The magic still exercised its old power, and exercised it now most strongly when he was attempting to escape from it. The concession was not made in words, but Beatrice saw, as he bent towards her, t

wn. On entering his reception-room he found the Captain there, who appeared just to have been giving his servant an impressive lecture, as Jonas stood befor

ked Reinhold, so

bstinate sinner and incorrigible woman-hater, but neither teaching nor example--Jonas, you are to go i

to his brother, when Jonas had left the room. "The ship's cat is the only female pe

d your unconquerable humour, your happy gift o

self in birth, as I could not take such ideal romantic flight to the heights, nor penetrate to the depths, like your artistic natures.

eve me, Hugo, it is only muddy below in the depths, where people seek for treasures; and an icy

if tired to death, while his gloomy eyes wandered out over the gardens of the neighbourhood, and at l

e my brother again, whose name fills the whole world, to whom fate has given everything it can give

hout raising his head or turning his

ich you have led for years. This restless rushing from pleasure to pleasure, without any satisfaction; this constan

ly. I have become accustomed to it for long;

e I do not require to

is brother, who attempted to pierce so far into his

day, which you seek everywhere without finding. Give up this life, I entreat you

s much scornful expression as he could use. "Who would have thought long ago that you would lecture me in this manner.

, which made all influence impossible, which jarred so upon every recollection of youth, and made the formerly warm bond between the brothers strange and cold. Hugo

an Reinhold, again, after a momentary silence. "You have had an opport

eur of music," sa

your opinion, because it is that of the unprejud

hrew the book

eable and--

nd

f. You and your tones

well that I should hear it; you would fare badly in the circle of my a

e turn to your talent, and still rules it. I cannot help it, Reinhold, but this influence which from the commencement you have followed, which all the

d, with undisguised bitterness. "Certainly, she only thinks of a personal prejudice. That yo

orm when others only play, but it is all the same. Why do you not write German music? But w

ead on his hand. "Yes

e Captain, looking with fixed scrutiny at his

d chains, because I have not found the happiness dreame

pt some communicat

naturally a narrow, dependent nature like Ella's would join in the verdict of condemnation if it were ever even able to raise itself to a verdict of its own. If the breach between us was formerly wide, now, after all that has happened, it has become impassable. No, there c

" asked Hugo,

laughed b

t of the possibility of a mistake, of its being lost--what does one not think of in such a case?--and wrote again. The letter came back unopened"--h

rtainly has 'dared' to offer it, and she alone coul

urned roun

Are you still in comm

over to me. Since I left H---- at that time, a few days after you did, I have never revisited it, but I correspond still with the forme

being together for nearly a fortnigh

pon a subject which it seemed to me you

up and down the

dead, then? And E

hem; my uncle left a good fortun

gave me perfect freedom of action in my departure. I was not necessary for my wife and child. They

lso to have taken very active interest in the deserted wife, as directly after expiration of the time of mournin

ishment of the Erlaus. I suppose she will have arranged a few back rooms so as never to appear, or, notwithstanding her fortune, have undertaken the p

into the close room, where now a long silence ensued, as even the Captain seemed

rranged rather early; we must be a

ied Reinhold, with

ments," muttered he, shutting the door. "You have conquered, Signora, and tor

d there was here ten times surpassed by the artistic decorations of the rooms; so there pictures hung on the walls, statues stood in the window niches, whose value could only be estimated by thousands; here were produced masterly copies of the most splendid art treasures of Italy. Wherever the eye turned, it met vases, busts, drawings and beautiful works, which elsewhere

value on them; from the principal wall, a life-sized picture of Beatrice Biancona looked down, painted by a celebrated hand, most charmingly represented, a really speaking likeness. She wore the fanciful costume of one of her chief parts in an opera of Rinaldo's, through the successful representation of whose works she herself had only risen to be an actress of the first order. The painter had succeeded

PTE

harsh dissonance, to jarring discord. Those were the tones with which Rinaldo for years had reigned in the realms of music, with which he carried the crowd away to admiration; perhaps because they lent language to that demon-like element which slumbers in every one's breast, and of which every one is conscious, partly with dread, partly with secret shuddering. There lay, too, in these melodies

dim distance disappeared in the blue, misty vapour. The fountain rustled dreamily amongst the blooming trees, and the light which shone in the falling drops illuminated with powerful distinctness the whole row of apartments, with their marble treasures of a

hrubs, and the high, prison-like walls around it; the narrow, gloomy house, with the so intensely hated business-room. Faint, colourless pictures--and yet they would not give way, as above them floated smilingly a pair of large, deep, blue child's eyes, which only there had shone for the father, and which here, in this orbit, full of poetry and beauty, he sought for in vain. He had seen them so often in his child's face, and also once--somewhere else. The remembrance of this was certainly but dim, almost forgotten; they had only then shown themselves to him for a moment, before being veiled again immediately, as they had been for years; but it was still t

us having the sea thus ever before his eyes; he gazes over it with suc

st quarter of an hour had taken hardly any part in the conversation, a

discussions, and so deeply impressed with the sense of my ignorance, that I have just gone hurriedly through all the wo

, and now appear unable to forego. Unfortunately, my Mirando cannot offer you that charm, as

"My God, that sounds shocking. If you have not yet ascended t

ng warms too easily. He plays with all--has no feeling for any; the ever-recurring romance, which he even sometimes calls passion, lasts just so lo

go, throwing away his cigar. "I

ps, maintain tha

cean bride"--he pointed towards the sea--"to her I am pledged with heart and hand. She alone understands how to chain and hold me fast

proof against the universal fate of mortals," said Reinhold, half-jokingly, half w

eated Hugo, looking out over the se

said the Marchese, teasingly. "Perhaps you

s, and was again full of the old mischief. "Folly! I hope to def

tion," said Cesario. "The only neighbours whom we have keep themselves

? Where?" Hugo j

ouse, which, barely a mile distant,

they appear to make the most perfect solitude and invisibility their law. No one is received, no one allowed to enter. Visitors from S----, taking advantage of thei

beautiful?" asked Hugo, w

ightly, and at some distance. A slight, youthful figure; a head covered with beautiful golden

yself solemnly against the suspicion of doing likewise. By this evening I will b

ghed the Marchese. "Do you not h

be interesting. An unapproachable villa, an invisible lady, who is, besides, fair and a Germ

Now let us hope that his ill-concealed yawns will not disturb us any mo

n and laid his hand entreat

t impossible to carry out all these alterations by the autumn; I have convinced myself of it. A ne

he words sounded haughty,

sketches of you appears to possess some very striking traits of resemblance. I believe it was not really so absolutely neces

poilt, admired artist, who is accustomed to see his will obeyed as if

her the opera shall be heard in the form I wis

ging his shoulders, as he turned to his servant to

rship of you. He does his utmost, like the rest of your adoring circle! They set you up in their midst like a Llama, and group themselves respectfully around you to listen to the remarks of your genius, even if it should

appear to like the part of the faithful Eckhard in a remarkable degree, and rehearse it at every opportu

fowling-piece over his shoulder, and went out. A few minutes later he found himself by the shore, and only when the fresh

ew so well the beauties of the tropical world, and the solitude to which Reinhold gave himself up with an almost sick longing did not at all suit Hugo's joyous nature. Certainly S----, so much frequented by strangers, lay pretty near, but he could no

t life, out of the most senseless excitement, he rushes head over heels into this romantic solitude, and will hear and know of nothing but his music; I only wonder how long it will last. And this Marchese Tortoni? Young, handsome, rich, of a most noble line; th

the terrace turned towards the sea, and were so thickly overgrown and surrounded by roses and oleander bushes that even Hugo's hawk's eye was not able to penetrate the balmy fortification. A high wall, covered with creeping plants, enclosed the park-like grounds, which terminated in the olive grove which surrounded the est

obtain a better view of the terrace from the seaward side, measured the height of the garden walls with his eye, in case o

without even asking the stranger's name, he explained shortly and decidedly that his master

ncerning an affair of importance, which requires a personal intervi

he really began to believe in the importance of the pretended mission. He disappeared with the card, whi

had introduced himself by a German name, in that language, and begged him to enter. He conducted the Captain

charming brother could not have attained, although all doors fly open before him. But now I must be charming,--in lies, that is to say--what in the world shall I say to this nobleman, to whom I have had myself announced concerning some important affair, without ever having heard a syllable about him, or he of me? Ah! some one or other, on some

nted for their exclusive use--the arrangements made at great cost; one does not find this comfort in the south--brought their own servants with them; I see no fewer than three faces outside, on which German descent is written. Now the quest

l had certainly aged much in the course of years; the once luxuriant dark hair appeared grey and scant; his features bore an expression of unmistakable sufferin

mbach, you wish

t once to take every advantage in his power of this unexpectedly

ir. I hardly dared hope to b

nvited his guest by a

ur name, I thought I ought to make an exception, as probably it concer

f?" repeated Hugo un

d the Consul, still in the same tone of cold restraint. "He appears, notwithstanding our intentional seclusion, to kn

claimed Hugo so eagerly, that Erl

in Almbach, may I ask what has really

which had opened the doors for him, was nevertheless the worst reco

wledge. I give you my word for it, at this moment he has no suspicion that his wife and son are in the neighbourhood, or, still less, that they are even in Italy. I, on the contrary"--here the Captain tho

with remarkable coldness. "You will comprehend th

whole affair," interrupted Captain Almbach, "and she w

daughter's name," declared E

, and honour these rights. Therefore I entreat you to grant me this meeting. I will not wound my sister-i

had saved his best ship, and how politely, but positively, he had rejected the gratitude which the rich merchant was ready to be

"she is already informed of your being here, as she was with me when I

when at last the door was again opened, and a lady's dress rus

his hand, stretched out in welcome, dropped slowly,

said the lady, waiting in vain for the re

ore him. The impudent, confident sailor, who had hitherto always shown himself equal to every circumstance

ing, golden glory. Marchese Tortoni had not seen the face of the "blonde Signora," but Hugo saw it now, and during this contemplation of some seconds' duration, he asked himself, again and again, what had really taken place in these features, which were once so stolid and vacant that one reproached them with stupidity, and which now appeared so full of intellect and thought, as if a ban had been lifted from off them, and something, never suspected in them, awakened to life. Certainly around the mouth there lay a line of tender, unconquered pain, and her brow was shaded by a sadness it had formerly not known, but no more did her eyes seek the ground timidly, as if veiled; now they were clear and ope

and bearing were as assured and easy, as if coming from a perfect woman of the world receiving a visitor, but also distant and cool, as if s

y me this interview in your name, but I persisted in a direct appe

es at him, "Are we become such stra

which I bear," replied Hugo, rather bitterly. "Herr Consul Erlau made me feel that already, and now I experience it a second time, and yet I can only

the young wife earnestly. "You will understand that I do not wish my p

S----?" asked Hugo, somewhat struck

me newspapers lyi

l celebrities were expected there. The news has been

w of Beatrice's intended arrival. People were accustomed always to name her and Reinhold together, and although the latter was now even staying in Mirando,

ngerous point quite untouched. "It is not you, Ella,

boy at any cost from the po

laid a reproachful str

ur broth

y look lay on the young wife's countenance, which all at once displayed the expression

hable--I can understand it, after all that has happened; but why the boy also

terrupt

therefore this subject need not be discussed between us, let it rest! I was gre

g sister-in-law, whom he had almost always known as a silent, frightened listener, to govern the conversation so

caught us on the open sea, so dismantled the 'Ellida,' that I only reached the Italian harbour with great difficulty, and for the present cannot think of

sed over the

the duties of one. The doctor insisted particularly upon this place, which indeed seems to exercise a most beneficial effect, and however much I might have desired to avoid Italy, I could not persuade myself to allow the invalid, to whom my presence is a necessity, to travel alone. We ho

with involuntary confusion.

smi

when he was at first refused. We thought we had guarded amply against strange visits. You knew, nevertheless, how to force your entrance, and this sho

ear intensely lovely, she stretched out her hand to him. But the kindly thanks met with no respon

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