"Then come to my heart, Friedemann!"
"I will."
The son threw himself into his father's arms.
The next morning Sebastian and Philip returned to Leipzig, while Friedemann set out on his journey to Merseburg.
PART SECOND.
Madam Anna Bach, the wife of Sebastian, was at home in Leipzig with her daughters and her youngest son, Christian, waiting for the father to join them after he had dismissed his pupils for the day. Thirteen years had elapsed since the occurrences related.
Johann Sebastian Bach came in presently. He was still a stately and handsome man, bright-eyed, and steady in his carriage; but the once smooth forehead was furrowed with care; his cheeks had fallen in, and their livid hue betrayed internal disease.
He held out his hand to his wife, as he placed himself in his arm-chair.
"You seem exhausted to-day," Madame Bach remarked. "I am glad the lessons are over."