CHAPTER VII.
"The towers pass by, even before we perceive them." OEHLENSCHLAeER'S Journey to Fuenen.
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 gravity,--"You have humbled me! Is that sufficient satisfaction for you ?" "We are then friends!" said Wilhelm.

"Friends must be very indulgent toward each other.

Yesterday you were a little strange, to-morrow I may be so; that is the way in which one retaliates." Otto pressed his hand.