Page:Hoffmann's Strange Stories - Hoffman - 1855.djvu/409

 magic power which surrounded her, and every time that she became subject to the influence of somnambulism, her sensations and the answers to questions addressed to her naturally returned to Theobald and the remembrances of their early days. The ascendancy of Theobald became so complete, that his betrothed lived only by his life and will. It seemed as if the soul of her friend had become a part of her being, or that she herself lived in him."

Ottmar had proceeded thus far in his story, when Maria suddenly changed color, uttered a sharp cry, and would have fallen fainting on the floor, if Bickert had not sprung up in time to receive her into his arms. They tried to restore her, but nothing would bring her back to consciousness. She appeared to be dead.—"Ah! would to God!" exclaimed Ottmar, "that Alban were here, he alone could save her!"

The door opened; Alban himself appeared, approached the young girl slowly, and said to her as if she heard him: "Maria, what is the matter with you?" The sick girl trembled at these words, made several quick movements and murmured:—"Leave me, accursed man, I will at least die without suffering!" Alban smiled and looked around upon those present. "Fear nothing," said he, "it is a little attack of fever; but she will go to sleep, and in six hours, when she will awake, you will give her twelve drops of the liquid contained in this flask." At the same time he put into Ottmar's hands a little silver vessel, bowed, and withdrew as he had entered.

"Well done!" said Bickert: "here is another marvellous doctor! His look inspired, his voice prophetic, the flask of elixir, nothing is wanting!"

"My poor friend Bickert," said the old baron, "our evening has ended very sadly. Ever since the departure of Alban, I have often dreamed that some fatal accident would recall him to us. Pray heaven that my presentiment, has deceived me."

"But," my worthy friend," replied Bickert. "you must,