_Albano_. "That only was wanting. The Pater is, for the rest, in all probability one and the same man with the Baldhead. Immediately after the announcement he went toward heaven." _Julienne_. "There let him stay, by all means, and the other too. Does this dark bond of enchantment concern or disturb me or thee, which, in its false miracles, has thus far always been interrupted by singular real ones? It was quite innocently that I happened in Lilar at that time, and perhaps I prevented something frightful." _Albano_. "By heavens! I must ask what, then, is his object, who his leader, his manager?" _Julienne_. "Probably the father of the Countess, for he lives still, I hear, unknown and unseen, although thy father is guardian. Be astonished when thou art at home, and leave the riddles, which, be assured, are unravelling themselves so agreeably for us both, and await the October days." _Albano_. "But one thing, beloved sister, deny me not, I pray thee,--a clear word about my and thy wonderful relation to the noble Countess! Only that!" _Julienne_. "Has my heart, then, already denied it thee? The glorious one,--well for her and me and thee! Thy first word of love,--which the gods have now so firmly sealed,--was to be the signal-word for my annunciation to thee; only from the beloved mightest thou receive the sister. What jugglers and ghosts have done towards it, and how much of it, no one knows better than--October; why shall I, meanwhile, be choosing between lies and perjury? I simply did all, only to bring you two together; the rest I knew beforehand. Nothing succeeded,--it all was a stifling snarl; everything went up hill. I saw precious beings[101] sowing in an unblessed spring dreadful griefs, and withal smiling so hopefully! and I could not hold their unhappy hands,--I, who with such certainty foreknew all the coming anguish. O thou pure, pious soul above!" said she, all at once, with quivering lip, looking towards heaven. The brother and sister embraced each other softly, and wept in silence at the thought of the innocent sacrifice.