Eric was startled to meet Pranken here. Both had to use the strongest self-control in order to stand up under the interview.
Bella thanked Eric for being the first one to come to her.
"He is now asleep," said she: "he talks constantly of you. Be composed: you will hardly know him; give in to him in every thing, he is very excitable."
Bella's voice was hoarse; and, covering her eyes with a white handkerchief, she asked,—
"Were you present when your father died?"
Eric said that he was.
Bella went to inform Clodwig of Eric's arrival. Pranken and Eric were by themselves. For a long time neither spoke: at last, Pranken began,—
"I never thought that I should speak again to Herr Dournay; but we are now at a sick-bed, and for the sake of the invalid"—
"I thank you."
"I beg you to give me no thanks, and to speak to me just as little as possible,—just enough to excite no remark and nothing more."