the same roof. If only you were here! I can hardly bear my happiness
alone. I write this in great haste. Always your

"WlLHELM."

Four days later the post brought this answer from his friend:

"Well, you are done for, that is certain, my dear Wilhelm. Confound
it, you have gone in for it with a vengeance! I always thought that
when you did catch fire, you would give no end of a blaze. So all
your philosophy of abnegation, all your contempt for appearance go
for nothing. What is your sweet brown maiden but a charming
appearance! Nevertheless you have fallen completely in love with
her, for which I wish you happiness with all my heart. I do not
doubt that she loves you, because I should have been in love with
you long ago if I had been a sweet brown maiden, you shockingly
beautiful man. One thing is very like you, you say no word on what
would most interest a Philistine like myself, viz., the worldly
circumstances of the adored one. I must know her name, her
relations, her descent. For all this you have naturally no
curiosity. A name is smoke and empty sound. Now don't let your love
go too far--sleep, and take care of your appetite, and keep a corner
in your perilously full heart for your true

"PAUL"

Wilhelm smiled as he read these lines in the strong symmetrical
handwriting of his friend, and hastened to send him the news he
desired. In the meanwhile his happiness was continual and
increasing, and nothing troubled it but the thought of the coming