Clinging with both hands to the balustrade, he made his way up the steps, and rang the bell.
The maid’s sleepy face appeared at the open door, and looked angrily at Albert.
“It is impossible,” she cried; “I have been forbidden to let you in,” and she slammed the door. The sounds of music and women’s voices floated down to him.
Albert sat down on the ground, and leaned his head against the wall, and shut his eyes. At that very instant a throng of indistinct but correlated visions took possession of him with fresh force, mastered him, and carried him off into the beautiful and free domain of fancy.
“Yes! he is better and happier,” involuntarily the voice repeated in his imagination.
From the door were heard the sounds of a polka. These sounds also told him that he was better and happier. In a neighboring church was heard the sound of a prayer-bell; and the prayer-bell also told him that he was better and happier.