He leaned heavily on Eric, who was shaken to the depth of his soul by the emotion of the noble man. He did not know what to reply, and Clodwig continued:—
"I feel as if I knew not where I am. Do you not think it is very close?"
"No. Will you not sit down?"
Hastily loosing his hold of Eric's arm to pass his hand over his face, Clodwig said,—
"My young friend, when I die—"
Hardly had he uttered the word, when he sank down: Eric caught him in his arms. Bella, who was walking behind with the physician, uttered a cry; the physician hurried to the spot; Eric stooped, raised Clodwig in his arms like a child—all this was the work of a moment.
Clodwig was carried into the great drawing-room, and laid upon a sofa. Bella sobbed aloud, but the doctor soothed her. He had a remedy with him which soon restored Clodwig to consciousness; he begged Eric and Bella to leave the room as soon as the count had spoken.
Outside, Bella threw herself on Eric's breast, and he trembled as he felt her breath on his face, and a thrill ran through him as the beautiful woman leaned upon him in such passionate and unrestrained excitement.
"You are our helper, our friend in need! O my friend, my friend!"
Sonnenkamp entered hastily, and Bella, standing erect, with wonderful composure addressed him, saying,—