With the pastor and his daughter I shall recover the balance of my mind." But still he did not leave the spot whence his eyes could plunge into Seraphita's salon.

The mysterious creature seemed to him the radiating centre of a luminous circle which formed an atmosphere about her wider than that of other beings; whoever entered it felt the compelling influence of, as it were, a vortex of dazzling light and all consuming thoughts.

Forced to struggle against this inexplicable power, Wilfrid only prevailed after strong efforts; but when he reached and passed the inclosing wall of the courtyard, he regained his freedom of will, walked rapidly towards the parsonage, and was soon beneath the high wooden arch which formed a sort of peristyle to Monsieur Becker's dwelling.

He opened the first door, against which the wind had driven the snow, and knocked on the inner one, saying:-- "Will you let me spend the evening with you, Monsieur Becker ?" "Yes," cried two voices, mingling their intonations.
Entering the parlor, Wilfrid returned by degrees to real life.

He bowed affectionately to Minna, shook hands with Monsieur Becker, and looked about at the picture of a home which calmed the convulsions of his physical nature, in which a phenomenon was taking place analogous to that which sometimes seizes upon men who have given themselves up to protracted contemplations.