though ever so wise, may be deceived; and I think I have not paid too dear for it."
Volkert wanted to speak, but he could not, being overcome by a sudden emotion, and hid his face with his hands.
"Well, Volkert," resumed the Austrian, "I see thou art not quite so bad as I thought, I will not compel thee to a confession, though I am wishing most ardently to have my doubts cleared up, and trust that thou wouldst tell me more than I want to know. I will not distress thee any longer by my presence; I am going to leave this house and this town for ever."
"Gentlemen," added he, addressing us, "I have deceived you, by supporting the reality of things which have been nothing but illusion; from this moment I have forfeited your good opinion, and the honor of being admitted any longer to a circle where I have been respected. You may"call
