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 enriched my life with its first real joy. My opinion of you was wrong; how fortunate! It is no longer necessary to conceal from you that no human being had ever impressed me as deeply as you did, that I never was so anxious for human friendship as I was for yours, and that nothing pained me more than to think ill of you. But see how pale you have turned. Be calm; do not talk any more, or you will hurt yourself and my joy will soon turn to grief.”

“I am not trembling with weakness or cold, but with joy over your warm reception, which Ino more expected than you did my return. Let me continue. I shall have no rest until I have told you everything,” the harper said, trying to overcome his exhaustion. “Give me proof of your confidence and friendship. Do you not belong to the United Brethren? Tell me if I have guessed correctly. Know that I also want to become a member, and if you consider me worthy of your mediation with the Brethren take this ring and give it to the older members as a contribution to the