"
As the train disappeared down the Gutach valley, it seemed to
Wilhelm as if all the light of heaven had gone out, and the world
had become empty. He stayed a few days longer at the Schloss hotel,
and cherished the remembrance of his time there with Loulou,
dreaming for hours in the dearly-loved spots. In this tender frame
of mind he received another letter from Paul Haber, who wrote thus:
"DEAREST WILHELM: Your letter of the 13th astonished me so much that
it took me several days to recover. Fraulein Loulou Ellrich, and you
write so lightly! Don't you know--that Fraulein Ellrich is one of
the first 'parties' in Berlin? That the little god of love will make
you a present of two million thalers? You have shot your bird, and I
am most happy that for once fortune should bring it to the hand of a
fellow like yourself. In the hope that as a millionaire you will
still be the same to me, I am your heartily congratulatory
"PAUL."
Wilhelm was painfully surprised. What a mercy that the letter had
not come sooner. It might have influenced his manner so much as to
spoil his relations with Loulou. Now that the Ellrichs were gone, it
could for the moment do no harm.
CHAPTER II.
VANITIES OF VANITIES.
A brilliant company filled the Ellrichs' drawing-rooms.
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