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Jealousy has sharp eyes, and D'Effernay would have discovered a rival in Hallberg, and not proved himself the friend he always was to our poor comrade." "That does not follow at all," replied the lieutenant, "it only proves that the lovers were very cautious. So far, however, I agree with you. I believe that if D'Effernay had suspected anything of the kind he would have murdered Hallberg."
"Hallberg never mentioned the name in his letters," answered Edward, with less candor than usual. "I thought not. Besides D'Effernay was very much attached to him, and mourned his death." "Indeed!" "I assure you the morning that Hallberg was found dead in his bed so unexpectedly, D'Effernay was like one beside himself." "Very extraordinary.
Edward had gained materials enough for reflection; he rose soon, took leave of the company, and gave himself up, in the solitude of his own room, to the torrent of thought and feeling which that night's conversation had let loose. So, then, it was true; Emily Varnier was no fabulous being! Hallberg had loved her, his love had been returned, but a cruel destiny had separated them.
"I got him from a student at Tubingen, dainty Junker Fritz of Hallberg, in exchange for an elephant's tusk I obtained in the Levant, and he owes his name to the merry rogue. I tell you, he's wiser than many learned men; he ought to be called Doctor Lelaps." "He's a pretty creature." "Pretty! More, far more!
"Why should he seek for news of Hallberg here, when he comes from the place where he was quartered for a long time, and where all his comrades now are." "Well, I don't know," cried D'Effernay, whose passion was increasing every moment. "Perhaps you have heard what was once gossiped about the neighborhood, that Hallberg was an admirer of my wife before she married."
"D'Effernay," answered the Captain, rather surprised at the question; "oh! he was not in the Castle when we made the dreadful discovery: he had gone out for an early walk, and when he came back late, not before noon, he learned the truth, and was like one out of his senses. It seemed so awful to him, because he had been so much, the very day before, with poor Hallberg."
"Compose yourself!" said the Captain, rising as he spoke; "you look and speak like a madman." A madman! Who says I am mad? Now I see it all the connection of the whole the shameful conspiracy." "Your conduct is perfectly incomprehensible to me," answered the captain, with perfect coolness. "Did you not attend Hallberg in his last illness, and give him his medicines with your own hand?"
For the third time the vision haunted him; but now it was clearer than before; now he saw plainly the features of him who lay in bed, and of him who stood beside the bed they were those of Hallberg and of D'Effernay.
"Oh yes, I have heard that report, but never believed it. Hallberg was a prudent, steady man, and every one knew that Mademoiselle Varnier's hand had been promised for some time." "Yes! yes! but you do not know to what lengths passion and avarice may lead: for Emily was rich.
"No more he had; neither did he know where poor Hallberg was buried until I told him." "Hallberg!" echoed the other in a tone that startled the captain, and caused him to turn and look fixedly in the speaker's face. It was deadly pale, and the captain observed the effort which D'Effernay made to recover his composure.
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