I lived peaceably in the _Schlemihlium_, quite unknown; but I discovered that I was in Bendel's native place, and that he had built this hospital with the remainder of my once-unhallowed gold. The unfortunate blessed me daily, for he had built it in my name, and conducted it wholly under his own inspection. Mina was a widow: an unlucky criminal process had cost Mr. Rascal his life, and taken from her the greater part of her property. Her parents were no more. She dwelt here like a pious widow, and dedicated herself to works of charity. She was once conversing with Mr. Bendel near the bed No. 12.--"Why, noble woman, expose yourself to the bad air which is so prevalent here? Is your fate then so dreary that you long for death?"--"No, Mr. Bendel; since I have dreamt out my long dreams, and my inner self was awakened, all is well--death is the object of neither my hopes nor my fears. Since then, I think calmly of the past and of the future. And you--do you not yet serve your master and friend in this godlike manner, with sweet and silent satisfaction?"--"Yes, noble woman--God be praised! Ours has been a marvellous destiny. From our full cup we have thoughtlessly drunk much joy and much bitter sorrow: 'tis empty now. Hitherto we have had only a trial; now, with prudent solicitude, we wait for the real introduction to substantial things. Far different is the true beginning; but who would play over again the early game of life, though it is a blessing, on the whole, to have lived? I am supported by the conviction that our old friend is better provided for now than then."--"I feel it too," answered the lovely widow, and they left me. This conversation had produced a deep impression within me; but I doubted in my mind if I should discover myself, or set out unknown from the place. I decided, however; I ordered paper and pencil to be brought to me, and wrote these words:-- "Your old friend too is better provided for than formerly, and if he do penance it is the penance of reconciliation." On this, finding myself better, I desired to dress myself. The keys were deposited on the little trunk which stood close to my bed. I found in it everything that belonged to me: I put on my clothes; and hung over my black coat my botanical case, where I found again, with transport, my northern plants. I drew on my boots, laid the note which I had written on my bed, and when the door opened, was far on my way towards Thebes. A long time ago, as I was tracing back my way homewards along the Syrian coast, the last time I had wandered from my dwelling, I saw my poor Figaro approaching me. This charming spaniel seemed to wish to follow the steps of his master, for whom he must have so long waited. I stood still and called him to me. He sprang barking towards me, with a thousand expressions of his innocent and extravagant joy. I took him under my arm, for, in truth, he could not follow me, and brought him with me safely home.