"
"So may it end," said Friedel, "but either I will know him dead, or
endeavour somewhat in his behalf. And that the need is real, as well
as the purpose blessed, I have become the more certain, for, Ebbo, as
I rose to descend the hill, I saw on the cloud our patron's very
form--I saw myself kneel before him and receive his blessing."
Ebbo burst out laughing. "Now know I that it is indeed as saith
Schleiermacher," he said, "and that these phantoms of the Blessed
Friedmund are but shadows cast by the sun on the vapours of the
ravine. See, Friedel, I had gone to seek thee at the chapel, and
meeting Father Norbert, I bent my knee, that I might take his
farewell blessing. I had the substance, thou the shadow, thou
dreamer!"
Friedel was as much mortified for the moment as his gentle nature
could be. Then he resumed his sweet smile, saying, "Be it so! I
have oft read that men are too prone to take visions and special
providences to themselves, and now I have proved the truth of the
saying."
"And," said Ebbo, "thou seest thy purpose is as baseless as thy
vision?"
"No, Ebbo.
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