On coming to my recollection, the first tones that reached my ears were the stamping of feet and cursing. I opened my eyes; it was dark; my hated companion was there holding me, but scolding thus: "Now, is not that behaving like a silly old woman? Let the gentleman rise up--conclude the business--as he intended--or, perhaps he has other thoughts--would like still to weep." With difficulty I raised myself from the ground where I lay, and looked silently around me. The evening was advanced; festive music broke from the brightly-lighted forest-house, and groups of company were scattered over the garden walks. Some drew near who were engaged in conversation, and seated themselves on the benches. They spoke of the nuptials of the daughter of the house with the rich Mr. Rascal--they had taken place in the morning--all--all was over. I struck away with my hand from my head the wishing-cap of the instantly- vanishing unknown one, and fled in silence to conceal myself in the deepest darkness of the wood, hurrying to the garden gate before Count Peter's arbour. But my evil genius accompanied me unseen, pursuing me with bitter words. "This, then, is the reward one is to get for the trouble of taking care, through the live-long day, of the nervous gentleman! And I am then to be fooled at last? Very well, very well, Mr. Wronghead: fly from me, but we are inseparable. You have my gold, and I your shadow; they leave no rest to either. Did anybody ever hear of a shadow abandoning its master? Yours draws me after you, till you condescend to take it again, and I get rid of it. What you have sold, or neglected to do, of your own free-will, that will you be compelled to repair with repugnance and weariness; man cannot oppose his destiny." He continued to talk in the same tone,--I fled from him in vain--he was always behind me--ever present--and speaking sneeringly of gold and shadow. I could not repose on a single thought. Through untrodden, vacant streets, I hastened to my abode. I stood before it--looked up--and hardly recognized it. Behind the closed windows no light was burning; the doors were shut--no servants appeared to be moving. He stood behind me, and laughed aloud. "Ay, ay! but your Bendel is certainly at home; he was sent hither so thoroughly exhausted, that no doubt he has carefully kept house." He laughed again--"He will have some stories to amuse you--take courage. Good night for to-day, till an early interview." I rang again, and a light appeared. Bendel asked from within, "who is there?" When he heard my voice, the poor fellow could scarcely contain his joy; the door flew open, and we lay weeping in each other's arms. He was greatly changed--weak and ill. My hair had become wholly grey.