He had long ago given up trying to bring his practical friend to ideal views.

At the corner of the Kochstrasse they separated, and Paul continued his way to the Lutzowstrasse, while Wilhelm and Schrotter turned back.
Twenty minutes later, as Wilhelm entered his bedroom, his eyes fell on a letter for him in Dorfling's handwriting.

He opened it, greatly surprised, and read as follows: "DEAR FRIEND: When you read this I shall be free from all trouble and all doubt.

I have accomplished what I set myself to do, and I am going back to eternity from this limited sphere.

May you be as happy as I shall be in a few hours! Keep a friendly thought for me as long as you stay in this world of misery, and believe that he who writes this had the warmest friendship for you." "L.