“It was because, perhaps, his column was not high enough,” replied the counsellor, with a gentle smile.
At this moment the chimes of Quiquendone rang out. The clear bells played one of their most melodious airs. The two friends listened in ecstasy.
Then in his calm voice, Van Tricasse said,—
“But what, friend Niklausse, did we come to the top of this tower to do?”
“In fact,” replied the counsellor, “we have permitted ourselves to be carried away by our reveries—”
“What did we come here to do?” repeated the burgomaster.
“We came,” said Niklausse, “to breathe this pure air, which human weaknesses have not corrupted.”
“Well, shall we descend, friend Niklausse?”
“Let us descend, friend Van Tricasse.”
They gave a parting glance at the splendid panorama which was spread before their eyes; then the burgomaster passed down first, and began to descend with a slow and measured pace. The counsellor followed a few steps behind. They reached the landing-stage at which they had stopped on ascending. Already their cheeks began to redden. They tarried a moment, then resumed their descent.