Page:Hoffmann's Strange Stories - Hoffman - 1855.djvu/154

 On listening to the message of the justice, Hubert knit his brows:—"I will reflect upon it," said he; "but meanwhile, I am installed here, and I will not stir."

The justice exhausted himself in vain efforts to dissuade him from his resistance to the desires of the baron. Hubert could not tranquilly resign himself to seeing the inheritance in the hands of a brother, privileged by right of age. This law appeared to him supremely unjust and wounding. The generosity of Wolfgang appeared to him more difficult to support than an injury.

"So then," exclaimed he, "my brother treats me like a beggar! I will never forget it, and soon, I hope, he will appreciate the consequences of his proceedings as regards me.

Hubert installed himself, as he had announced, in one of the wings of the old castle. He passed his days in hunting, and often Daniel accompanied him; he was, besides, the only one of the inhabitants of the manor whose association appeared to agree with him. He lived, for the rest, in almost absolute solitude, avoiding, above all things, a meeting with his brother. The justice did not remain long without conceiving some suspicion, and without manifesting a certain distrust, in regard to Hubert and his mysterious life. One morning, Hubert entered his office, and announced that he had changed his opinion, that he was ready to quit R—sitten, provided that he counted out to him on the spot, the two thousand pieces of gold agreed upon.

"His departure," said he, "was fixed for the next night; and as he wished to travel on horseback, he asked that the sum might be given to him in a letter of credit, on the banker Isaac Lazarus, of the city of K., where it was his intention to establish himself.

This news caused ineffable joy in the heart of Wolfgang.

"My dear brother," said he, whilst signing the letters of credit, "has at last renounced his angry disposition towards me! Good harmony is forever re-established between us, or at least he will no longer sadden, by his presence, the occupation of this castle."