Page:Hoffmann's Strange Stories - Hoffman - 1855.djvu/152

 of the new castle that he wished to finish. Architects of renown were called to R—sitten, to draw up plans for him to choose from; but the lord of the domain, not being able to decide upon any of those that were presented to him, decided upon drawing himself the sketch of the elegant habitation which he wished to erect for himself; and, for the rest, he spared no expense to pay liberally all the workmen that he employed.

Daniel appeared to have forgotten his feelings against Wolfgang, and acted towards the baron with a reserve full of respect.

A short time after these events, the peaceful life of the inhabitants of R—sitten was troubled by the arrival of a new personage, Hubert, the younger brother of Wolfgang. This unexpected visit produced on the inheritor of the castle a singular impression. He repulsed the embraces of his brother, and drew him violently into a distant room, where they remained shut up for several hours. At the end of this long interview, Hubert came out with a look of consternation, and asked for his horse;—but when he was about to depart, lawyer V, thinking that this meeting would establish again, forever, harmony between two brothers, too long separated by family dissensions, begged Hubert to remain for a few hours longer at the castle: and, at the same time, baron Wolfgang arriving, joined his entreaties to those of the justice, saying to his brother,

"I hope that before long thou wilt reflect."

These words calmed, apparently, the agitation of Hubert; he decided upon remaining. Towards evening, my great uncle went up to Wolfgang's study, to consult with him concerning a detail of the administration of the affairs of the castle. He found him a prey to a violent anxiety, and walking the room hurriedly, like a man pre-occupied with a fixed and painful idea.

"My brother has just arrived," said Wolfgang, "and I have found in him, at first, evidences of that family aversion