第5章

Shedidascommanded，andbeheldthefigureofawonderfulwomanstretcheduponthecouchasindeepsleep，clothedintransparentrobes。“Layyourhanduponherbrow，anddirectinyourthoughtsaquestiontotheprophetessoftheorder，andshewillansweryou！“

Uponthelofty，whitebrowofthesleepingone，shelaidherhand；

immediatelyasmileflittedoverherbeautifulface，andshenodded。

“Yes，“saidshe，“youmustbelieve。Youdarenotdoubt。Heistheelect，theholyMagus！“Wilhelminetrembled，fortheanswerwassuitedtothequestion。“Demandasecondquestionoftheprophetess，“commandedCagliostro。Againshelaidherhanduponthebrowofthesleepingone，andagainshesmiledandnoddedwithherbeautifulhead。“Fearnot，“shereplied；“hewillalwaysloveyou，andwillneverrejectyou，onlyyoumustnotleadhimastrayfromtherightcourse——butguidehimtothetempleoffaithandknowledge。Whenyouceasetodoit，youarelost。Shameuponearthanddamnationwillbeyourportion。”Theanswerwasexact——forWilhelminehadprayedtoknowiftheprincewouldalwaysloveandneverrejecther。“Stillathirdquestion，“criedCagliostro。InsilenceWilhelmineasked，andtheprophetessansweredaloud:“Youwillbecountess，youwillbecomeaprincess，youwillpossessmillions，youwillhavethewholeworldatyourfeet，ifyoucalltoyouraidtheInvisibleFathers，andimplorethepowerandmiraculousblessingoftheGreatKophta。”Wilhelmine，deeplymoved，sankoverpowereduponherknees，andcriedaloud:“IcallupontheInvisibleFathersforaidandassistance；IimplorethepowerandmiraculousblessingoftheGreatKophta。”Suddenly，amidtherollingofthunderandintensedarkness，Wilhelminefeltherselfliftedup——

borneaway，asloudprayerswereutteredaroundher。Thenshefeltherselfloweredagainandwiththefreedomofmotion。“Fly！flyfromtherevengeoftheimmortals，ifyoustilldoubt，stillmistrust！“

criedafearfulvoiceaboveher。“Beholdhowtheimmortalsrevengethemselves。”Immediatelyalightbegantodawnbeforeher，aformrosefromthedarknesslikeherown。Shebeheldherselfkneeling，imploring，herfacedelugedwithtears，andbeforeheratall，erect，muffledfigure，withaglitteringswordinhisupliftedarm，whichsankgraduallylowerandloweruntilitpiercedherbosomandthebloodgushedforth。Wilhelmineshriekedandfainted。Shewitnessednomoremiracles，beardnomorepropheciesandrevelationswhichthemagimadetotheelect。Shebeheldnottheappearanceoftheblessedspirits，whichattheimportunityofthebrothersflittedthroughtheapartment。SheheardnotCagliostrotakeleaveofBaronvonBischofswerder，whenallhadwithdrawn，saying，“Ihavenowexaltedyoutobechiefdirectoroftheholyorder。YouwillatoncereceiveordersfromtheInvisibleFathers，announcedtoyouinwriting，andyouwillfollowthemfaithfully。”

“Iwillfollowthemfaithfully，“humblyansweredBischofswerder。

“Youwillberewardedbytheknowledgeoflifeandofmoney；youshalldiscoverthephilosopher\'sstone，andthesecretofgoldshallberevealedtoyou，whenyouperformwhattheInvisibleFathersdemand。”

“Iwilldoeverything，“criedBischofswerder，fervently；“onlymakeknowntometheircommands。”

“Theydesire，atthepresent，thatyouseektobetheconfidantofthePrinceofPrussia。Gainhisaffection，thengovernhim，makingyourselfindispensabletohim。Surroundhimwithservantsandconfidantsthatyoucanrelyupon。Inspirehimwithdevotiontotheholyorder。Become，now，thefriendoftheprince，thatyoumay，oneday，ruletheking。YouarethechiefoftheorderinPrussia；themoremembersyougainthemoresecretswillberevealedtoyou。Theholyfatherssendmeafar，butIshallreturn:ifyouhavebeenactiveandfaithful，Iwillmakeknowntoyouagreatsecretandbringyoutheelixiroflife。”

“Whenwillyoureturn，master?“askedBisehofswerder，enthusiastically。

Cagliostrosmiled。“BeforethecrownprinceofPrussiabecomesking。

Asknofurther。Befaithful！“

CHAPTERXII。

THEJESUITGENERAL

Nooneremainedinthedrawing-roombutCagliostroandthebeautifulwomanwhostilllayquietlyonthecouch，uponthethrone。

Cagliostroapproachedher，and，raisingtheveil，regardedheramoment，withanexpressionofthemostpassionatetenderness:“Wearealone，Lorenza，“saidhe。Sheopenedhergreateyes，andlookedaroundthedimly-lightedroom；then，fixingthemuponCagliostro，whostoodbeforeherinhisbrilliantcostumeofmagician，sheburstintoamerrylaugh，soloudandsoirresistible，thatCagliostrowasseizedinvoluntarily，andjoinedher。

“Oh！wasitnotheavenly，wasitnotagloriouscomedy，anddidI

notplaydivinely，Joseph?WasInotbewitchingasthegoddessofNature?“

“Youlookedtrulylikeagoddess，Lorenza，andthereisnothingmorebeautifulthanyou，inheavenoruponearth。Butcome，myenchantress，itistimetobreakup，aswearetosetoffearlyto-

morrowmorning。”

“Havewenowmuchmoney?Wasthetributerichlypaid?“

“Yes，wehaveahundredlouisd\'orsandadiamondringfromthemistressofthishouse。”

“Giveittome，“criedLorenza。

“Notthering，Lorenza，butthediamond，sosoonasIhaveafalsestonesetinthering——whichImustkeepasaringinthechainwhichwillbindthiswomantoourcause。”

“WasInotastonishinglylikeher?Wasitnotalmostunmistakable?“

“Yes，wonderfullydeceptive。IshudderedmyselfasIsawthedaggerpointedatyourbosom。”

“Andtheblood，howitgushedforth，Joseph！“Lorenzaburstintoamerrylaughagain，andCagliostrojoinedher，butsuddenlystopped，and，listening，turnedtowardthedoor，whichhehadclosedafterBischofswerderdeparted。Itseemedasifheheardanoise——apeculiarknocking。Fourtimesitwasrepeated，andCagliostrowavedhishandtoLorenzanottospeak。Againwereheardthefourpeculiarrhythmicalsounds。“Bequiet，forHeaven\'ssakebequiet，Lorenza！

Letmecoveryouwiththeveil；itisamessengerfromtheInvisibles。”Cagliostroflewtothedoor，unboltedit，andstoodhumblyneartheentrance。Amaskedfigure，envelopedinacloak，openedit，andentered，reboltingit。

SlowlyturningtowardCagliostro，heharshlydemanded，“Whoseservantareyou?“

“TheservantoftheInvisibleRulersandFathers，“hehumblyanswered。

“WhoaretheInvisibleFathers?“

“Thefourambassadorsofthegreatgeneraloftheexiles。”

“CallhimbythatnamewhichheborebeforeahereticpopeinRome，aweakempress，afree-thinkingemperorinGermany，alost-in-sinFrenchemperor，andahereticSpanishminister，condemnedhimtobanishmentanddestruction。”

“GeneraloftheJesuits，“heansweredrespectfully，bowinglower。

“Doyouknowthesignbywhichhemayberecognized?“

“Yes，byaringwiththelikenessofthefounderoftheorder，theholyIgnatiusLoyola。”

“Thenlook，andrecognizeme，“criedthemask，extendinghishandtoCagliostro。

“TheGeneral，“hemurmured，frightened，gazingattheringuponthesmall，whitehandoftheother。“Theholyfounderoftheorderhimself！“Heseizedhishandandpressedittohislips，sinkinguponhisknees。Themaskremainedstandingbeforethemagician，aslowlyashemightbowhimself，whowasstillarrayedinhisbrilliantcostumewiththebanduponhisbrowsparklinglikediamonds。

Withacold，reservedmannerheanswered，“Iamhe，andamcomeheretogiveyoumycommandsbywordofmouth。”

“Commandme；Iamthyhumbleservant，andbutaweaktoolinthyhands。”

“Itismywillthatyoushouldbecomeapowerfultoolinmyhands。

Rise，forIwillspeaktothemanwhomuststanderectinthestorm。

Rise！“Theproudcommanderwasnowanhumble，obedientservant。Heroseslowly，standingwithbowedhead。

“Whenandwheredidwelastmeet?“demandedthemask。

“In1773，atRome。”

“Intheyearofcurseandblasphemy，“saidthemask，inaharshvoice。“TheyearinwhichtheinfamousPopeClementXVI。condemnedtheholyorder，andhurledhisfamousbull，Dominusredemptornoster。Theholyorder，condemnedanddisbandedbyhisinfamousmouth，werechangedintoholymartyrs，withoutcountry，withoutpossessionsorrights，aspersecutedfugitives，wanderingaroundtheworld，tothewickedascorn，tothepiousalamentableexampleofvirtueandconstancy。Exiledandpersecuted，youfledtoahouseofoneofourorder，andthereweforthefirsttimemet。Thedaughterofthismanwasyourbeloved。TellmewhydidyouconcealyourselfafterflyingfromPalermo?Iwillseeiftheelevatedoneungratefullyforgetsthedaysofhisdegradation。”

“TheyaccusedmeinPalermooffalsifyingdocumentsbywhichrightfulownersweredeprivedoftheirlawfulpossessions。Theythrewmeintosubterraneandungeons，andIwasneardying，whentheInvisibleProtectorsrescuedme。”

“Wastheaccusationwellfounded?Hadyoucommittedthecrimeyouwereaccusedof?“

“Yes，“answeredCagliostro，inalowvoice，“Iwasguilty。”

“Forwhom，bywhoseauthority?“

“Forthepiousfathers，whocommandedme，andwhosepretensionstothepossessionsoftheDucCostaRicawereclearlyprovedbythosedocuments。”

“Youthenlearnedthepowerandthegratitudeofourorder。Fromundergroundprisonstheyfreedyou，andprocuredawayofescapetoRome，tofindasafeasyluminthehouseofabeliever。Butjustatthattimecondemnationburstuponus，andfromapowerfulorderwewerechangedintoapersecutedone。TheforgerJosephBalsamosoughtthebrazierFeliciano，whogavehimmoney，lettersofrecommendation，andinstructedhimhowtoservetheorder，andprocureanagreeablelifeforhimself。Isitnotso?“

“Itisso，“answeredCagliostro，softly。“ItwastheorderoftheGeneralwhichunitedyouinmarriagetoyourbelovedLorenzaFeliciana，whoinitiatedyouinthesecretsciencesandthesecretsofNature，thatyoumightemploythemforthewell-beingofhumanity。”

“Itisso，master。”

“Youimploredalso，asyouwereabouttoseparate，toseethefaceofyourbenefactor，toengraveituponyourheart。Wouldyounowbeabletorecognizeit?“

“Icouldinaninstant，amongthousands。”

TheGeneralslowlyraisedthemask；apale，emaciatedfacewasvisible，withgreatblackeyesinsunkensockets，thinbloodlesslips，andahigh，bonybrow。“Doyourecognizeme?“

“No！“sadlyansweredCagliostro，“itisnotthesameface。”

“Yousee，myson，manchanges，butknowledgenot。Iamanother，andyetthesame，fortheoutwardhumanformisonlythevesseloftheeternalbandintowhicheverlastingtruthandtheholydoctrinesarepoured。Ifthevesselbreaks，itisreplacedbyanother，andaninexhaustiblespring。Thoughtandholyknowledgeflowintotherenewedvessel。Iamanewvessel，butthesamespiritwhichformerlyspoketoyou。Iknowyourpastlife，andforwhatpurposeyouareintheworld。AstheGeneralthenspoketoyou，sospeakI

now。Theunholyhaveputtheholyunderaban——theyhavepersecutedandcondemnedus。TheHolyOrderoftheFathersofJesusislifelessbeforetheworld，butnotbeforeGod。Jesuitsdonotdie，fortheybeareternallifeinthem，andtherewilladaycomewhentheywillburstforthfromdarknessintolight。Go，myson，andhelppreparetheday，helpsmooththeway，thatwemaywalktherein。Haveyouobeyed?“

“Ihaveconsecratedmywholelifetoit，youreminence。Ihavewanderedaroundtheworld，andeverywherestriventodisseminatethedoctrineoftheInvisibleFathers，andwindisciplesandadherentstotheorder。TheBrothersoftheEgyptianMasons，theBrothersoftheRosicrucians，arethediscipleswhichIhavewon，andyouknowwelltherearemanymightyandillustriousmenamongthem。”

“Iknowit，andIamsatisfiedyouareanactiveandusefultool。

ThisIcametotellyou，thatImightstimulateandadviseyou。

Greatdeedsyoushallperform，greatachievementstheholyIgnatiusLoyolaannouncesbymymouth。Theworldliesinsin，andthedevilstridesvictoriousoverit，sincetheholyorderhasbeenproscribedandpersecutedbythewicked。Thedevilisarrogantprogressandboastingreason。Theywholistentohimthinkthemselveswisewhentheyarefools，andspeakoftheirenlightenmentwhiletheystillwanderinthedark。Tocombatthisreason，toopposethisintelligence，isthetaskofourorder，whichwillneverdie。ForGodSentitforthtotheworldtofightthedevilofprogress，whoistherulerofdarkness。Ihaveobservedyou，Ihavefollowedyou，andIamsatisfied。ButIawaitstillgreaterthingsfromyou。”

“Whatshallitbe?Speak，Omaster；command，andIobey！“

“YoushallstrivethroughoutEuropefortherestitutionoftheholyorder。Youshallsubjecttoitallminds；maketherich，thepowerful，theeminentandgreat，serviceabletoit。IntotheOrdersoftheRosicruciansandEgyptianMasonsyoushallgatherallthestrayandisolatedsheepintoaflock，toawaitwithlongingthecomingoftheshepherd，andprepareaplaceforhim。TotheholyChurchyoushallconsecratethebandofbrothers，theonlyblessedChurch，whichistheloftyabodeofthefatherofourorder。Tousbelongstheworld；youshallassisttoreconquerit。Unbelieversshallbefoughtwitheveryweapon。Everydeception，slander，persecution，andmurder，areholyifusedforthebenefitoftheholyorder。Youshallshrinkfromnothingwhichisusefulandbeneficialforthesublimegoal。Themurderofaprinceisnosin，butajustpunishment，whenitisnecessarytoremoveamightyenemy。Ifyoucreaterevolutions，causenationstoteareachothertopiecesingrimcivilwar，theserevolutionswillbesanctified，thecivilwarsblessed，iftheyservetostrengthenthepowerofourorder，andgainvictoryatlastagainsttheopponents。Onlythroughourordercanhappinessreentertheworld，andmankindberescued。

IftheHolyFathersdonotsitinthecouncilofprinces，iftheyarenottheconscienceofthepowerful，andsteerthemachineofstate，theworldgoestodestruction，andmankindislost。Youshallhelp，myson，toturnasidetheevil，andpreparehappinessforearth。Youhavealreadydonemuch，butmuchmoreisrequired。Goandworkmiracles；beliefinthemsanctifiesthemind。Ourfatherswillsustainyoueverywhere，foryouwellknowtheyarealwayspresent，thoughitisimaginedtheyarenot。TheinfamousGanganellihasstrippedthemoftheiruniform，butnotannihilatedthem，asweare，andevershallbe。IhavesentoutninethousandbrothersinEuropeforthebenefitoftheorder，andyouwillrecognizethembythewatchword。Theywillserveyouasyouwillservethem。Ifdangermenacesyou，ourbrotherswillknowit，andrescueyou。Youwillbeunassailable，solongasyouworkfortheorder，andwindisciplesforit。Prussiaisourimportantstationasyourightlyjudged，andIextolyouforyourforesight。Youpreparethefuture，forhereitwillbe！Whentheroyalmockerofreligiondies，thencomesanewkingdom，andtheRosicrucianswillrisetopower。Vicesaswellasvirtuesmustserveus；thereforeDischofswerderandWilhelmineEnkeareusefulmeansforholypurposes。ThatyouhaverecognizeditI

praiseyou。Continue，myson，asyouhavebegun，andyoushallbecomepowerfulupontheearth。NotahairofyourheadshallbetouchedsolongasyouarefaithfultotheInvisibleFathers。Butsosoonasyouturntraitortotheholycauseyouarelost，andourangerwillcrushyou！“

“NeverwillIturntraitor，“criedCagliostro，holdinguphishandsasiftakinganoath。

“Ihopenot。Ourenemiesshallbeyourenemies，andourfriendsyourfriends。Ifoneofthebrothersordersyouinmyname，\'Killthismanorthatwoman，\'sokillthem！Swearit！“

Shuddering，Cagliostrorepeated，“Iswearit！“

“Assoonasoneofthebrothersordersyou，inmyname，\'Rescuethismanorthatwoman，\'sodoeverything；evenriskandsacrificeyourlifetorescuehim。”

“Iswearit。”

“Youstandintheholytempleoftheorder，butalsounderitsavengingsword。Bemindfulofitinallyouracts。Theworldisopentoyou，andourinfluencewillbewithyoueverywhere。Youshallwintheheartsofthegreatandthemightytous，andplacetheOrderoftheRosicruciansonthestepsofthethrone。TheGreatKophtashallleadbelieverstous。”

“TheGreatKophtawillperformallthatyoucommand，asheisonlythehumbleservantofhisgeneral，“saidCagliostro，kissingthehandextendedtohim。

“Donotkissthehand，itisonlythatofaninferiormortal:kissthering，foritistheimperishablesignofourimmortalsaint。”

“IkisstheringoftheimmortalIgnatiusLoyola，andsweareternalfidelity，constantobedience，andfirmlove，untildeath。”

“Rise！forthetimehascomeforustoseparate。Ihaveprovidedforthejourneysthenecessarymeans。HerearelettersofrecommendationtoWarsawandMittau，otherstoParisandLondon；but，themostimportantofall，lettersofcredituponwell-knownbankerstothevalueoffivehundredthousanddollars——allvalid，thoughdeliveredyearshence。”

“Ahalfmillion！“criedCagliostro，almostterrified。

“Doesahalfmillionastonishyou?“repeatedtheGeneral，andhisgray，fleshlessfacewasdistortedintoasmile。“TheGreatKophtamusttravelandlivelikeaprince，thathemaydazzletheeyesofthebrothers，andsubjugatethemindsofthepowerful。Wegiveyouthemoney，butrememberyouarealwaysunderthewatchfuleyeoftheorder，andthereisnospotonearthwhereyoucanhideyourselffromourvengeancewiththetrustconfidedinyou。Youshallspendittobuysoulsandwinthrones，forheartsandconsciencesaresold；moneywillbuyeverything。Takeyourlettersofcredit；youshallliveasagreatlord，andtheGreatKophtashallbeequalwithprinces。”

HehandedCagliostrofivesealedletters，saying:“Theyaremadeoutforfiveyears；onlyoneforeachyear，asthenumberindicates。

Numberoneisforthisyear，andnumberfiveisonlyvalidattheexpirationoffiveyears。Theorderismindfulofyoursecurity，andthusfiveyearsofyourlifearefreedfromearthlycare。Youshallworkinspirit，andyoushallenchanttheworld，thatitmaybesavedthroughtheonlysavingChurch，andtheHolyOrder。”

Hebowedafarewell，makingthesignofthecrossuponCagliostro，andbenthisstepstothethrone，raisingtheveilwhichenvelopedLorenza。Shelookeduptohimwithglowingcheeksandsparklingeyes，smiling。Bythisshewouldexpressherthanksfortheprincelygifttoherhusband，andsweartotheGeneralherdelight，herfidelity，andlove。Heregardedherascoldlyandcalmlyasaphysicianapatient。

“Yes，holyfather，Ihaveheardall，“shesaid，withasweet，flute-

likevoice。“Myheartisfilledwithgratitudeandemotion。”

“Proveitbyassistingyourhusbandtoattainthegoalforwhichwesendhimforth。Ihavealreadysaidthatvicemustservevirtue，Lorenza。Beautyisapower，andifitservesholypurposes，soisitsanctified。Employyourbeautytowinadherentstotheorder，andextendthepoweroftheRosicruciansineveryland，andamongallnations。”

“Iswearthatthisshallbemyholiestendeavor，“criedLorenza，rising。

TheGeneralpressedherbackuponthepillow，saying:“Remain，forthereisnoonehereforyoutoenchant。Ibringyoupardonforyoursins，andanindulgenceforeverysinwhichyouwillcommit，ifyousweartoservefaithfullytheholyChurchandthepiousfathersofJesus。”

“Iswear，“solemnlycriedLorenza。

“HereistheletterofindulgencefromPiusVI。himself，madeoutinyournameforyou。Takeit，andperformyourduty。”Helaiddowntheparchmentprovidedwiththepapalsealuponhershoulder，anddrawingtheveiloverhermadethesignofthecross，saying，“I

blessyou，andgiveyouabsolutionforyoursins。”

“Blessmealso，lordandmaster，“criedCagliostro，kneelingupontheloweststeptothethrone。

“IblessyouinthenameofLoyola。Remainuponyourknees，andfollowmenot。”Heextendedhishandsoverhim，andblessedhim，thenslowlywithdrew。

Thefirstbeamsofthemorningsunshonethroughthegreatwindow-

panes，lightingupwithitsgoldenraysCagliostro\'skneelingform。

HeremainedwithhisheadboweduntiltheGeneralhadpassedout。

“Heisgone；Heavenbepraised，heisgone！“

“Yes，heisgone，“repeatedLorenza，springingfromthecouch。“Isittrue，hashegivenyouhalfamillion?“

Cagliostroheldupwithtriumphantairtheletters。“See，theseaddressesareuponthefirstbanking-housesinRome，Paris，London，andBerlin！“

“Doyoubelievethattheyaregenuine?“

“Iamconvincedofit。”

“Thenwehaveattainedouraim；wearerichandpowerful。”

“No，“answeredCagliostro，mournfully，“wearepoorerthanever。

Thismoneymakesusslaves，makesusdependenttools。Didyounothearhimsay，\'YouareadmittedintotheTemple，buttheavengingswordoftheordereverywherehangsoveryou。\'“

CHAPTERXIII。

APENSIONEDGENERAL。

“Wife，“criedtheGeneralvonWerrig，limpingaroundtheroom，leaninguponhiscrutch，“hereistheanswerfromourmostgraciouslordandking。Thecourierarrivedto-dayfromthewardepartment，andsentittomebyanexpress。”

“Whatistheking\'sanswer?“askedthegeneral\'swife，apale，gauntwoman，withapock-markedface，harsh，severefeatures，dullgrayeyes，whichneverbeamedwithemotion，andthin，bloodlesslips，uponwhichasmileneverplayed。“Whatistheking\'sanswer?“sherepeated，inaroughvoice，asherhusband，puffingandblowingfromtheeffortofwalking，sankdownuponachair，anddriedhisfat，rubyfacewitharedcottonpocket-handkerchief。

“Ihavenotreadit，“pantedtheoldman。“IthoughtIwouldleavethehonortoyou，asyou，myverylearnedwife，wrotethelettertohismajesty。”

Hiswifewasnotintheleastastonishedatthisthoughtfulconductofherhusband。Sheimpetuouslyseizedthesealeddocument，and，retiringtothewindow-niche，slowlyunfoldedit，whilsttheoldgeneralfixedhislittlegrayeyesuponheremotionlessface。Hisownwasbloatedandred，expressingthegreatestanxietyandexpectation。Perfectstillnessreignedforsomeminutes，onlytheregularstrokesofthependulumwereheardfromtheclockonthewall；and，asthehandspointedtotheexpirationofthehour，acuckoosprangoutofthetreepaintedoverthedial，andeleventimesherhoarse，croakingvoicewasheard。

“Itgetseverydaymoreoutoftune，“growledthegeneral，ashelookeduptotheold，yellowdial，andranhiseyeoverthecordswhichsupportedtheweights。Thenglancingaroundtheroom，hesaweverywhereage，decay，andindigence。Therewasanolddivan，withapatched，fadedcoveringofsilk，andagrandfather\'sarm-chairnearit，thecushionofwhichthegeneralknew，bythelongyearsofexperience，tobehardasastone。Aroundtablestoodnearthedivan，coveredwithashabbywoollencover，tohidethemuch-

thumbed，dullpolish。Afewcane-chairsagainstthewall，anoldblack-oakwardrobenearthedoor，andthesewing-tableofMadamevonWerriginthewindow-niche，completedthefurnitureoftheroom。Atthewindowhungfadedwoollencurtains，andonthegreenpaintedwallssomepicturesandportraits，conspicuousamongthemabeautifulportraitoftheking，paintedoncopper，whichrepresentedFrederickinhisyouthfulbeauty。Itwasamorose，sullen-lookingroom，arrangedmostcertainlybyitsfeminineoccupant，andharmonizedexactlywithherfretfulfaceandangularfigure，voidofcharms。Atlastthegeneralbrokethesilencewithsubmissivevoice:

“Iprayyou，Clotilda，tellmewhatthekingwrote。”

Shefoldedthepaper，joybeaminginhereyes。“Granted！everythinggranted！“

Thegeneraljumpeduptoembracehiswifewithyouthfulactivity，inspiteofthegout。“Youareacapitalwife，“hecried，atthesametimegivingheraloud，smackingkissuponhercold，graycheek。“Itwasthebrightest，cleverestactofmylifemarryingyou，Clotilda。”

“Imightwellsaythereverse，Emerentius，“shereplied，complainingly。“Itsurelywasnotsensibleforme，ayoungladyfromsuchagenteelfamily，andsospoiled，tomarryanofficerwhomthekingennobleduponthebattle-field，andwhopossessednothingbuthiscaptain\'spay——afickleman，andagambler，too。”

“Yes，Clotilda，loveusurpedreason，“soothinglyrepliedthegeneral；“loveisyourexcuse。”

“Nonsense！“criedMadamevonWerrig。“Loveisneveranexcuse；itisfolly。”

“Well，letussuppose，then，thatyoudidnotmarryforlove，onlyfrompurereason，becauseyoufoundthatitwasquitetimetoespousesomeone；andthat，inspiteofyourmanyancestorsandgenteelfamily，nootherchancewasofferedyou，unfortunatelynoonebutthiscaptain，whomthekingennobleduponthebattle-fieldofLeuthenonaccountofhisbravery，andwhowasaveryhandsome，agreeableofficer，expectingstillfurtherpromotion。Andyouwerenotdeceived。Iwasmajor，whentheHubertsburgertreatyputanendtoagaywar-life。YouwillrememberIwasadvancedduringpeace；

hismajestydidnotforgetthatIcutawayforhimthroughtheenemy，andhemademelieutenant-colonelandcolonel，whenIwasobligedtoresignonaccountofthisinfamousgout，andthenI

receivedthetitleofgeneral。”

“Without\'excellency，\'“repliedhiswife，dryly。“Ihavenoteventhispleasuretobecalled\'excellency。\'Itwouldhavebeenaslightcompensationformysad，miserableexistence，andvexedmanyofthefemalefriendsofmyyouthiftheyhadbeenobligedtocallme\'excellency。\'Butmymarriagebroughtmeonlycares，notevenatitle。”

“Donotforgetalovelydaughter，Clotilda。OurMarieisbeautiful，wise，andgood，andthroughheryouwillyethavetranquilhappiness。Foryousaythekinghasgrantedallwewish。”

“Everything！“repeatedthewife，withemphasis。“Wehaveatlastfinishedwithwantandcare，andcancountuponanindependent，quietoldage，forGodhasbeengracious，andforcedyou，fromthegout，togiveupgambling，andwearefreedfromthemiserywhichhassooftenthreatenedusfromyourunhappypassion。”

“Atthebeginning，Iplayedfrompassion；afterward，IonlyplayedtowinbackwhatIhadlost。”

“Andinthatmannerplayedawayallwepossessed，andplayeduponyourwordofhonor，sothatforyearsthehalfofourpensionwenttopayyourgambling-debts。Heavenbethanked，thekingdidnotknowit，orwewouldhaveexperiencedstillworse！“

“Iprayyou，belovedClotilda，donotfretyourselfneedlesslyaboutthepast；itisallover，and，asyousay，Iamunfortunatelyaprisonerinthehousefromthegout，whichshieldsmefromthetemptation。”

“Ididnotsayunfortunately；Isaid\'Heavenbepraised，thegouthadputanendtoyourficklelife。\'“

“Then，thankHeaven，mydear；wewillnotquarrelaboutit。Itispast，and，asthekinghasgrantedall，weshallhaveapleasantlifenow。”

“Wewillsoonreceivefromourson-in-lawayearlypension，whichwillbepaidtome，andIshallspendit。”

Thegeneralsighed。“InthatcaseIfearthatIshallnotgetmuchofit。”

“Atanyrate，morethanIhaveeverreceivedfromyourpension。”

“Thereisbutonethingwanting，“repliedthegeneral，evasively，“Marie\'sconsent。”

MadamevonWerriggaveashort，grufflaugh，whichdidnotintheleastbrightenhersullenface。“Wewillnotaskherconsent，butcommandit。”

Thegeneralremarked，timidly，shrugginghisshoulders，“Mariehadaverydecidedcharacter，and——“

“Whatdoyouhesitatetospeakoutfor?What——and——“

“IthinkshestilllovestheConrectorMoritz。”

Asecondlaugh，somewhatmenacing，soundedlikeachallenge。“Theschoolmaster！“shecried，contemptuously。

“Letherdaretotellmeagainshelovestheschoolmaster；shethedaughterofageneral，andanative-borncountessoftheempire！“

“Mydear，itwasyourfault——theonlyfaultyouevercommitted，perhaps。Howcouldyouletsuchayoung，handsome，andagreeablemancometothehouseasteachertoourdaughter?“

“HowcouldIsupposemydaughterwassodegeneratedastoloveacommonschoolmaster，andwishtomarryhim?“

“Itistrulyunheardof，anditwouldmakeanyoneangry，mydearwife，forsheinsistsuponlovinghim。”

“Shewillnotinsist，shewilldowhatsheiscommandedtodo——mywordforit！Butwhytalkaboutit?Itisbettertodecidethematteratonce。”

SoFrauvonWerrigrosewithadeterminedmanner，andrangthesmallbrassbellwhichwasuponthesofa-table。Butafewsecondselapsedbeforealittle，crookedservantappearedattheside-door，withherdirtyapronputasidebytuckingthecornerinherbelt。“Gotomydaughter，andtellhertocomedownimmediately！“

Theservant，insteadofhasteningtoobeytheorder，remainedstandinguponthethreshold。“Idarenotgo，“saidshe，inahoarse，croakingvoice。“Frauleintoldmenottodisturbherto-day，forshehasstilltwobouquetsofflowerstoarrange，andtwolessonstogive，andsheissobusythatsheisnotathometovisitors。Shetormentsherselffrommorningtillnight。”

“IorderyoutotellFrauleintocomedownatonce；wehavesomethingimportanttotellher。Nocontradiction！go，Trude！“

Theservantunderstoodthecold，commandingtoneofthemother，anddarednotdisobey。

“Itisnothinggoodthattheyhavetotellher，“grumbledTrude，asshehurriedupthestairswhichledfromthefirststoryintothelittle，lowroomintheattic，undertheslopingroof。Hereandthereafewtilescouldbelifted，whichlightedthegarretsufficientlytoshowthedoorattheend。“MayIcomein，mydearFraulein?itisTrude。”

“Thedoorisopen，“criedasweetvoice，andTrudeentered。Itisamostcharminglittleroom，justthatofayounggirl。Thebedhasasnow-whitecovering，andwhitecurtains，suspendedfromahookinthewallaroundit。Thesamecurtainsatthelowgable-windows，whosedepth，sotospeak，madealightanteroomtotherealgloomyoneinthebackground。Inthislittleanteroomtheyounggirlhadplacedallthatwasnecessaryforherpleasureanduse。Therewerethemostbeautiful，sweet-scentedflowersuponthewindow-stool；inaprettymetalcagewasalight-coloredcanary。Therewerealsoprettyengravings，anduponthetablestoodavasefilledwithsuperbartificialflowers，andbeforeitsatthepossessorofthisroom，thedaughterofGeneralandFrauvonWerrig，surroundedwithherwork-tools，paper，andcoloredmaterials——ayounggirl，scarcelytwenty，ofaproud，dignifiedappearance，butsimplyandgracefullydressed。Accordingtothefashionoftheday，herhairwasslightlypowdered，andraisedhighaboveherbroad，clearbrowwithabluerosette，andendsattheside。Thenobly-formedandbeautifulfacewasslightlyflushed，andaroundthemonthwasanexpressionofcourageousenergy。AsoldTrudeentered，theyounggirlraisedhereyesfromtherose-budwhichshewasjustfinishing，andlookedather。Whatbeautifulblackeyestheywereastheysparkledunderneaththedelicately-arched，blackeyebrows！

“Now，oldone，“saidshe，kindly，“whatdoyouwish?DidyouforgetthatIwantedtoworkundisturbedto-day?“

“Didn\'tforgetit，myFraulein，but——“

“Butyouhaveforgottenthatuphere，inmyattic-room，IamnotyourFraulein，butyourMarie，whomyouhavetakencareofandwatchedoverwhenachild，andwhosebestandtruestfriendyouhavebeen。Come，givemeyourhand，andtellmewhatyouhavetosay。”

OldTrudeshuffledhurriedlyalonginherleatherslippers。Herold，homelyfacelookedalmostattractive，withitsexpressionofglowingtenderness，assheregardedthebeautiful，smilingfacebeforeher，andlaidherhardbrownhandinthelittlewhiteoneextendedtoher。“Marie，“shesaid，softlyandanxiously，“youmustgodownatoncetoyourmotherandfather。Theyhavesomethingveryimportanttotellyou。”

“Somethingveryimportant！“repeatedMarie，layingasideherwork。

“Doyouknowwhatitis?“

“Nothinggood，Ifear，“sighedtheoldwoman。“Asoldierhasbeenherefromthewardepartmentandbroughtaletterforthegeneral，andhetoldmethatitwassentfromtheking\'scabinetatBreslau。”

“Oh，Heaven！whatdoesitmean?“criedMarie，frightened，andspringingup。“Somethingisgoingtohappen，Iknow。Ihavenoticedcertainexpressionswhichescapedmyfather；theproud，threateningmannerofmymother；butabovealltheboldimportunityofthatman，whomIdespiseasonedetestsvice，stupidity，andennui。TheywillnotbelievethatIhatehim，thatIrather——“

“Marie，areyounotcoming?“calledthemother，withacommandingvoice。

“Imustobey，“shesaid，drawingalongbreath，andhasteningtothedoor，followedbyTrude，whopulledherbackandheldherfastupontheveryfirststep。“Youhaveforbiddenmetospeakofhim，butI

must。”

Mariestoodasifrootedtothespot，herfaceflushed，andinbreathlessexpectationlookingbacktooldTrude。

“Speak，Trude，“shesoftlymurmured。

“Marie，Isawhimto-day，anhourago！“

“Where，Trude，wheredidyouseehim?“

“OveronthecornerofFrederickStreet，bythebaker\'s。Hestoodwaitingforme，asheknowsIalwaysgothere。Hehadbeentheretwohours，andfearedthatIwasnotcoming。”

“Whatdidhesay?Quick！whatdidhesay?“

“Hesaidthathewascomingtoseeyouto-dayattwelveo\'clock；

thathewouldratherdiethanliveinthisway。”

“To-day?andyouhavejusttoldmeofit！“

“Ididnotmeantosayanythingatallaboutit；Ithoughtitwouldbebetter，andthenyouwouldnothavetodissemble。Butnow，ifanyharmcomestoyou，youknowheiscoming，andwillstandbyyou！“

“Hewillstandbyme——yes，hewill——“

“Marie！“criedhermother，andherdry，gauntfigureappearedatthefootofthestairs。Marieflewdowntothesitting-roomofherparents，followinghermother，whotookherplaceinthenicheattheopenwindowwithoutspeakingtoher。

CHAPTERXIV。

THEKING\'SLETTER。

“Marie，“saidthegeneral\'swife，afterseatingherselfuponthehardcushionofthedivan，nearwhichsatthegeneralinhisarm-

chair，busilystrokinghispainfulrightleg——“Marie，takeachair，andsitnearus。”

Marienoiselesslybroughtacane-chair，andseatedherselfbythetable，oppositeherparents。

“Wehavejustreceivedacommunicationfromtheking\'scabinet，“

saidthemother，solemnly。“Itisnecessarythatyoushouldknowthecontents，andIwillreaditaloudtoyou。Iexpresslyforbidyou，however，tointerruptmewhileIamreading，inyourimpetuousmanner，withyourremarks，whicharealwaysofthemostobstinateanddisagreeablekind。Youunderstand，doyou，Marie?“

“Perfectly，mother；Iwilllistenwithoutinterruptingyou，accordingtoyourcommand。”

“Thiscommunicationisnaturallyaddressedtoyourfather，asI

wrotetothekinginhisname。”

“Ididnotknowthatyouhadwrittentohismajestyatall，dearmother。”

Themothercastafuriousglanceatthegentle，decidedfaceofherdaughter。“Youalreadyforgetmycommandandyourpromisetolistenwithoutinterruptingme。Idid，indeed，writetohismajesty，butitisnotnecessarytotellyouwhatI，orratheryourfather，solicited，asyouwillhearitintheanswerfromourmostgraciousking。Itrunsthus:\'Myfaithfulsubject:Ihavereceivedyourpetition，andIwasgladtolearnbythisoccasionthatyouarewell，andthatyounowleadasteady，reasonablelife。Formerlyyougavegoodcauseofcomplaint；foritiswellknowntomethatyouledadissolutelife，andyourfamilysufferedwantandmisfortunefromyourabominablechance-games。YouknowthatIhavetwicepaidyourdebts；thatatthesecondtimeIgaveyoumyroyalwordofassurancethatIwouldneverpayagroschenforyouagain。Ifyougaveyourselfuptothevice，andmadegambling-debts，IwouldsendyoutothefortressatSpandau，anddepriveyouofyourpension。

Neverthelessyouplayedagain，andcommencedyourviciouslifeanew。

Notwithstandingwhich，IdidnotsendyoutoprisonasIthreatened，andasyoudeserved，becauseIrememberedthatyouhadbeenabravesoldier，anddidmeagoodserviceatthebattleofLeuthen。ForthisreasonInowalsograntyourrequest，that，asyouhavenoson，yournameandcoat-of-armsmaydescendtoyourson-in-law。ThenameofWerrig-Leutheniswellworthytobepreserved，andbeanexampletosucceedinggenerations。IgivemypermissionforLudwigEbenstreit，banker，tomarryyourdaughterandonlychild，and——\'“

Marieutteredacryofhorror，andsprangfromherseat。“Mother！——“

“Bestill！Icommandedyounottointerruptme，butlisten，withbecomingrespect，totheend，tothewords\'ofhismajesty。”And，withaloudervoice，occasionallycastingasevere，commandingglanceatherdaughter，shereadon:“\'AndcallhimselfinfutureLudwigWerrigyonLeuthen。Iwishthatheshouldhonorthenewname，andprovehimselfatruenobleman。LudwigEbenstreitmustgiveup，orsell，withoutdelay，hisbankingbusiness，asIcannotpermitanoblemantocontinuethebusinessofcitizen，andremainamerchant。

Anoblemanmusteitherbeasoldieroralandedproprietor；andifyourfutureson-in-lawwillnotbeeither，hecanliveuponhisincome，whichmustindeedbeample。ButIcommandhimtospenditinthecountry，notgotoforeigncountriestospendwhathehasgainedinthecountry。Ifheshoulddoit，itwillnotbewellwithhim，andheshallbebroughtbackbyforce。Youmaycommunicatethistohim，andhecanjudgeforhimself。Iwillhavethelettersofnobilitymadeoutforhim，forwhichheshallpaythesumofonehundredlouisd\'orstothe\'Invalids\'atBerlin。Itdependsuponhimwhetherasatruenoblemanhewillnotgivemypoor\'Invalids\'agreatersum。ThemarriageshallnottakeplaceuntilthelettersofnobilityhavebeenpublishedintheBerlinjournals，forIdonotwishthedaughterofageneral，andacountess，tomarrybeneathher。Youcanprepareeverythingforthewedding，andletthembemarriedassoonaspublicationhasbeenmade。Iwillgivethebrideathousandthalersforadowry，thatshemaynotgotoherrichhusbandpenniless；themoneywillbepaidtoyourdaughterfromthegovernmenttreasuryatherreceipt。AseverIremainyourwell-

disposedking，FREDERICK。\'

“Andhereonthemargin，“continuedthegeneral\'swife，lookingovertoherhusbandwithmaliciouspleasure，“thekinghaswrittenafewlinesinhisownhand:\'Ihavegivenordersthatthemoneyshallbepaidtoyourdaughterinperson，withherreceiptforthesame，forIknowyou，andknowthatyoudonotplay，notbecauseyouhavenotthemoney，butthegout。Ifyouhadthecashandnotthegout，youwouldplayyourdaughter\'sdowrytothedevil，andthatIdonotwish，foranoblemaidenshouldnotmarryarichhusbandaspoorasachurchmouse。FREDERICK。\'“

Aprofoundstillnessprevailedwhenthereadingwasfinished。Thegeneralbusiedhimself，asusual，rubbinghisgoutylegwiththepalmofhishand。Mariesatwithherhandspresseduponherbosom，asifshewouldforcebackthesighsandsobswhichwouldbreakforth。Hergreat，blackeyeswereturnedtohermotherwithanexpressionofpainfulterror，andshesearchedwithadeathlyanxietyforatraceofsympathyandmercyuponhercold，immovableface。

Hermotherslowlyfoldedtheletter，andlaidituponthetable。

“Youknowallnow，Marie——that，asitbecomesparents，wehavedisposedofyourfutureandyourhand。Youwillsubmittotheirwisheswithoutmurmuringoropposition，asitbecomesanobedient，well-brought-updaughter，andreceivethehusbandwehavechosenforyou。Hewillcometodaytohearyourconsent，andyoufromthisdayfortharethebetrothedofthefutureHerrvonWerrig。Ofcoursefromthisveryhouryouwillceasethehighlyimproperandungenteelbusinesswhichyouhavepursued。Youmustnotmakeanymoreflowers，orgiveanymorelessons。Thetimeofsuchdegradationandhumiliationispast，andmydaughtercannolongerbeaschool-

mistress。Youhaveonlytowritethereceiptto-day，andIwillgowithyoutothetreasurytogetthemoney。”

“Iwillnotwritethereceipt，“saidMarie，gentlybutfirmly。Hermother，intheactofrising，sankbackuponthedivan；andthegeneral，apparentlyquiteoccupiedwithhisleg，stoppedrubbing，andraisedhisred，bloatedfacetohisdaughterinastonishment。

“DidIunderstandrightlyyourwords，thatyouwouldnotwritethereceipt?“

“Yes，mother，Isaidso；Icannotandwillnotwriteit，“repliedMarie，gently。

“Andwhycannotyou，andwillyounotwriteit?“saidhermother，scornfully。

“BecauseIhavenorighttothemoney，andcannottakeit，mother，asIwillneverbethewifeofthemanyouintendmetomarry。”

Thegeneralsprangwithasavagecursefromhisarm-chair，andwouldhaverushedtohisdaughter，buthiswifepushedhimbackintohisseat，andapproachedMarie，whorose，regardinghermotherwithafirm，sadexpression。“Whycanyounotbethewifeofthemanwehavechosenforyou?Answerme，WHYyoucannot?“

“Youknow，mother，“shereplied，andgraduallyhervoiceassumedamoredecidedtone，hercheeksreddened，andaninspiredexpressionbeamedfromhereyes，andpervadedherwholebeing——“youknow，mother，thatIcanneverbethewifeofHerrEbenstreit，forIdonotlovehim。Idespiseandabominatehim，becauseheisamanwithouthonor；heknowsthatIdonotlovehim，andyetheinsistsuponmarryingme。Ifitwerenotso，ifIdidnotdespiseandabominatehim，Iwouldnotreceivehissuitandmarryhim。”

“Whynot?“criedthegeneral，shakinghisfistathisdaughter。

“Whynot?“criedthemother，withacold，icyglance，voidofpityoranger。

Marieencounteredtheselookswithbeamingeyes。“BecauseIambetrothedtoanother，“andthewordscamelikeacryofjoyfromherheart——“becauseIamengagedtomybelovedMoritz！“

“Shameless，obstinatecreature，havewenotforbiddenit?“criedherfather。

“Stop！“interruptedhiswife，withacommandingwaveofherhand，whichsilencedtheobedienthusbandimmediately。“Itbelongstometoquestionher，forIamhermother，andmydaughterowesmesubmissionandobedienceaboveallthings——Answerme，Marie，didyounotknowthatwehadforbiddenyoutospeaktothisman，orhaveanycommunicationwithhim?DidyounotknowthatI，yourmother，hadmenacedyouwithacurseifyoumarriedthisman，orevenspoketothemiserable，pitiablecreature?“

“Mother，“criedMarie，vehemently，“heisnotapoor，miserablecreature。Youmayhatehim，butyoudarenotoutragethenoble，thegood，andjustman！“

“Heisagood-for-nothingfellow，“criedherfather；“hehastriedtowinaminorbehindtheparents\'back。Heisashameful，good-for-

nothingseducer。”

“Heisdishonorable，“criedthegeneral\'swife——“adishonorableman，whohasmisusedourconfidence。Weconfidedtohimourdaughtertoteach，andpaidhimforit。Heimprovedtheopportunitytomakeadeclarationoflove，andstolethetimefromustoinfatuatetheheartofourdaughterwithflattery，andfromhispupilwinabride。”

“Oh，unworthy，shamefulslander！“criedMarie，hereyesflashingwithanger。“Youwellknowthatitisavilescandal，thatMoritzwasnopaidteacher。Ifhehadbeen——ifhehadfeltobligedtoyieldtothesadnecessityofbeingpaidforhisvaluabletime，becausehewaspoor，andforcedtolivebyhisintellect，hewasafreeman，andhadtherighttolovewhomhechose。Helovesme，andIhaveacceptedhisloveasthemostprecious，mostbeautiful，andmostgloriousgiftofmylife。Ah！donotlooksoangrywithme，father；

Icannotsayotherwise。Icannotcrushordenytheinmostlifeofmylife——Oh，mother，forgivemethatIcannotchangeit！YouknowthatotherwiseIhavebeenamostobedientdaughtertoyouinallthings，althoughyouhavenevertaughtmethehappinessofpossessingalovingmother；thoughneitherofyoucouldeverforgiveyouronlychildfornotbeingason，whocouldinherityourname，andwinabrilliantposition，yetIhavealwayslovedyoutenderlyandtruly，andnevercomplainedthattheunwelcomedaughterreceivedneitherlovenortenderness，onlyindifferenceandcoldnessfromherparents。”

“Beautiful，verybeautiful！“repliedthemother，contemptuously。

“Nowyouwishtoblameusthatyouareaheartlessandthanklessdaughter——Wehavenotunderstoodherheart，anditisourfaultthatherlovehasflownsomewhereelse。

Thisisthelanguageofromance。Ihave，indeed，readitintheromancesofHerrMoritz，andmydaughterhasonlyrepeatedwhatshelearnedasadocilepupilfromherschoolmaster。Veryfine，topayHerrMoritztoformourdaughterintotheheroineofaromance！Sheoughttohavelearnedthelanguages，buthaslearnedonlythelanguageofromances。”

“Youareverysevereandverycruel，mother，“saidMarie，sadly。“I

wouldnotcomplain，onlyexcusemyself，andimplorepityandindulgence，anddefendmyselffromthereproachofhavingbeenacold，unlovingdaughter。Oh！GodknowshowIhavelongedforyourlove；thatIwouldwillinglyprovethatIwouldjoyfullydoeverythingtoembellishyourlifeandmakeyouhappy。Itgavemesuchpleasuretoearnsomethingforyouwithmydearflowersandlessons，andaffordyoualittlegratification！“

“Ah！now，shewillreproachuswithhavingtoiledforusandsacrificedherself。Husband，thankyourselfforthevictimwhoworkedforyou，whogaveheryouthforusthatshemightstrewourlifewithroses。”

“Ihavehadenoughofthistalkingandwhining，“criedthegeneral，furiouslybeatingthetablewithhisfist。“Mydaughtershallnotbeaheroineofromance，butanobedientchild，whosubmitstothewillofherparents。Youshallmarrythemanthatwehavechosenforyou；

thekinghasgivenhisconsent，anditshalltakeplace。Icommandyou！Thatissufficient！Iwillhearnomoreaboutit；thethingisdonewith。HerrEbenstreitiscomingthisafternoontomakeyouaproposalofmarriagewithourconsent，andyoumust，accepthim。I

commandyoutodoit！“

“Icannotobeyyou！Oh，donotforcemetorebelagainstGod\'sholylaws！Havepityuponme！Ihaveobeyedyouuntilnow，andyieldedtoyourwishes，althoughIthoughtitwouldbreakmyheartsometimes。

YouhaveforbiddenMoritzthehouse，andturnedhimoutofdoorslikeaservant，withscornandcontempt，andhehassilentlyborneitonmyaccount。Youhaveforbiddenmetowriteorreceivelettersfromhim，orevertomeethim。MymotherwouldcursemeifI

disobeyedher，andIsubmitted。Ihavegivenupeverything，sacrificedeverywish，andrenouncedmylove。Butyoucannotexpectmorefromme，ordareaskit。Icanforegohappiness，butyoucannotaskmetoconsenttobeburiedalive！“

“Andwhatifweshouldwishit?“askedhermother。“Ifweshoulddemandourdaughtertogiveuparomantic，foolishlove，tobecomethewifeofayoungmanwholovesher，andwholovesus，andwhoisrichenoughtoassureusacomfortableoldage，freefromcare?“

“Marie，“criedthegeneral，inabeggingandalmostimploringtone，“Marie，provetousnowthatyouarereallyagoodandgratefulchild——wehavehadsomuchcareandwantinourlife，somanysorrowfuldays！Itliesinyourhandstomakeourdecliningdaysjoyousandbright，andfreeusfromwant。WehaveoftengrumbledagainstGod，thatHedidnotgiveusason；nowmakeustorejoicethatHehasgivenusadaughter，whowillbringusasonandinheritournamethroughherchildren，andwhowillgiveuswhatwehaveneverknown——prosperityandriches。Ibegyou，mydear，goodchild，grantyourparentsthefewlastyearsoftheirlifefreedomfromcare！“

“AndI，Marie，“saidhermother，inasoftenedandtendertone，whichMariehadneverheardfromher——“Ibegyoualso，beagooddaughter，pityyourmother！Ihavealwaysledajoyless，unhappylife。Ilivedunmarried，anative-borncountess，withproudrelations，whomademefeelbitterlymydependence；whenmarriedmyexistencewasonlytrouble，privations，care，andsorrow。Ibegyou，Marie，teachmetoknowhappiness，forwhichIhavesolongedinvain；givemeindependenceandprosperity，whichIhavealwaysdesired，andneverknown。Ipray，Marie，makeushappyinbringingusarich，genteel，andgoodson-in-law，HerrEbenstreit。”

Marie，whometthescornandthreatsofhermotherwithfirmnessandaprouddemeanor，trembledassheheardthesesevereandmercilesslips，alwayssocoldandharsh，nowbeggingandimploring。Atfirstshewasquitefrightened，andthenterrified，andcoveredherfacewithherhands，herheadsinkinguponherbreastashermotherspoke。

“Speak，mydaughter，“criedthegeneral，ashiswifewassilent。

“Speak，mydearMarie。Saytheword，andweshallbeallhappy，andtherewillbenohappierfamilyfoundinBerlin，ortheworldeven。

SaythatyouwillmarryEbenstreit，andwewillloveandblessyousolongaswelive。Dosayyes，dearMarie！“

Herhandsfellfromherface，andstretchingthemouttowardherparents，shelookedatthemindespair。

Therewasafearfulpause。“Icannot，itisimpossible！“sheshrieked。“Icannotmarrythisman，forIdonotlovehim。Iloveanother，whomIcanneverforget，whomIshallloveforever。I

love——“

“HerrConrectorMoritz！“announcedTrude，hastilyburstingopenthedoor，andlookinginwithatriumphantsmile。

CHAPTERXV

HATEANDLOVE

“HerrConrectorMoritzwishestopayhisrespects，“calledoutTrudeagain。

“Wedonotwishtoreceivehim，“criedFrauvonWerrig。

“Hedarenotpresumetoenter！“shriekedthegeneral。

Mariecried，“Moritz！Oh！mybelovedMoritz，“rushingwithoutstretchedarmstowardherlover，whojustappearedatthedoor。

“Godhassentyoutosustainmeinthisfearfulhour。”

OldTrudepeepedthroughthehalf-closeddoor，wellsatisfiedtoseeherdearyoungladyfoldedinMoritz\'sarms，andherheadleaninguponhisshoulder。“Yes，“shemurmured，closingsoftlythedoor，“Marieisright，Godhimselfsentherloverinthishour，andI

wouldnotletherwicked，hard-heartedparentssendhimaway。”

Quickasthoughtsheturnedthekey，fasteningthedoor，andbetookherselftothefarthestroom，carefullyclosingeverydoorbetweenthem。“Nowwewillseeforoncewhethertheywillshowhimthedoor，andpitchhimout。No，theywillbeobligedtolistentohim。OldTrudewishesit，foritwillmakeherdearMariehappy。ItisallthesametomeiftheoldGermantriestoscratchmyeyesoutforit；Iwilltakegoodcaretokeepoutofhisway。Imustgoandlistenonce。”

Sheputhereartothekeyhole，andthenhereye，toseehowthequarrellerslooked。

Atfirstthegeneralandhiswifewerequitealarmed，andalmostspeechlessastheywitnessedthejoyfulmeetingofthelovers。Thefathersprangupsuddenly，withclinchedfist，butinsteadofbitterinvectivesonlyafearfulshriekofpainwasheard，ashesankgroaningandwhimperingintohisarmchair。Thegouthadagainseizeditsvictim。Angerhadexcitedthegeneral\'sblood，andhadalsobroughtonthepaininhislegagain。Hiswifetooknonoticeofhiscriesandgroans，foritwasquiteasagreeabletohertobetheonlyspeaker，andhavehermoaninghusbandakindofassentingchorus。“Leaveeachother！“shecommanded，assheapproachedthelovers，flourishingherlongshrivelledarmsabout。“Leaveeachother，andleavemyhouse！“

LayingherhandonMarie\'sarm，whichwasthrownaroundherlover\'sneck，sheendeavoredtotearheraway，anddrawherdaughtertowardherself。ButMarieclungonlythemorefirmly，andMoritzpressedhermoreferventlytohisheart。Theyheedednotandheardnottheoutburstofangerwhichthemothergavewayto。Theyreadineachother\'seyesthebliss，thejoyofmeetingagain，andtheassuranceofconstant，imperishablelove。

“Youarepaleandthin，mybeloved！“

“Sorrowforyouisconsumingme，Marie，but，thankHeaven，youareunchanged，andbeautifulasever！“

“Hopeandlovehaveconsoledandstrengthenedme，Philip。”

“Enough！Iforbidyoutospeakanotherwordtoeachother，“andwiththepowerwhichragelends，themothertoreMarieaway。“HerrMoritz，willyoutellmebywhatrightyouforceyourselfintoourhouse，andsurpriseuslikeastreet-thiefinourpeacefuldwelling?

Butno！youneednottellme，Iwillnotlistentoyou。Thosewhopermitthemselvestoenterourroomunaskedandunwelcomed——Iwillhavenothingtosaytothem。Leave！thereisthedoor！Outwithyou，offthethreshold！“

Withcalmdemeanor，MoritznowapproachedFranvonWerrig，demandingherpardon，saying:“Yousee，madame，thatIamnotsounwelcomehere，thereforeyouwillbeobligedtoletmeremain。”

“Yes，thatshewill，“sneeredTrude，outsidethedoor。“ItwillbedifficultforhertosendhimoffsolongasIamunwilling。”

“No，Iwillnotpermitit。Wehavenothingtodowitheachother。

Outofmysight！——Away！“

“Away！“criedthegeneral。“Oh，thegout，themaddeningpains！I

cannotthrowtheboldfellowoutofthehouse！Imustliehere，andwrithelikeaworm！Icannotbemasterofmyhouse。Oh，oh！whatpain！“

“Stay，Philip，“whisperedMarie，assheagainleanedtowardMoritz。

“Theywishtosellmeandforcemetoahatedmarriage。Donotyield！saveme！“

“Youaremine，Marie；yonhavesworntomeeternalconstancy，andnoonecancompelyoutomarryifyoudonotwishto。”

“Weareherparents；wecan，andwewillcompelher，“triumphantlycriedFrauvonWerrig。“Thekinghasgivenhisconsent，andifitisnecessarywewilldraghertothealtarbyforce！“

“Doit，mother，andIwillsaynobeforealltheworld。”

“Wewilltakecarethatnoonehearsyoubutthepriest，andhewillnotlisten，asheknowsthatthekinghascommandedyoutosayyes！“

“ButGodwillhearher，FrauyonWerrig，andHewilltakevengeanceonthecruel，heartlessmother。”

“Iwillawaitthisvengeance，“shesneered。“Itdoesnotconcernyou，andyouneednottroubleyourselfaboutit。Leavethehouse！“

“Icameheretospeakwithyou，andIwillnotgoawayuntilyouhavelistenedtome。”

“ThenIwillleave，forIwillnothearyou，andIcommandyoutofollowme，Marie！“

SheseizedMariewithirresistibleforce，anddrewhertowardthesidedoor，whichwasfast。Thenhurriedtowardtheentrance，draggingherdaughterafterher，butshookitinvain；thatdoorwasfastenedalso。

“Oh！Icouldkissmyself，“murmuredTrude，asshepattedherold，wrinkledcheeks。“IwasascunningandwiseasSolomon。There，shriekforTrude，orderhertoopenit。Trudeisnotthere，andshehasnoearsforyou！“

“Thisisaplot——ashamefulplot！“criedFrauyonWerrig，stampingherfeet。“Thatgood-for-nothingcreature，Trude，isinit。Shehaslockedthedoors，andtheschoolmasterpaidherforit。”

Trudeshookherfistathermistressbehindthedoor。“Wait！thatgood-for-nothingcreaturewillpunishyou！Youshallhavesomethingtobeangryaboutwithmeeveryday。”

“IsweartoyouthatIdonotknowwholockedthedoors，“repliedMoritz，calmly。“Butwhoeverdidit，Ithankthemfromthedepthsofmysoul，foritforcesyoutolistentome，andmaylovegivemywordsthepowertosoftenyourheart。GeneralandFrauvonWerrig，I

conjureyoutohavecompassionuponus。Isitpossiblethatyouaredeaftothecryofgriefofyourownchild?“

Suddenlyassumingacontemptuouscalm，FrauvonWerrigsankbackuponthedivanwithgreatdignity。“AsIamobligedtolistentoyou，throughashamefuldeception，letitbeso。Trytomakeearsinmyheart，whichyousayisdeaf。Letmelistentoyourwonderfuleloquence！“

“Oh，Philip！“saidMarie，claspinghisarms，“youseeitwillallbeinvain。”

“Letmehopetosucceedinawakeningasparkoflovingmercy，asMosescausedthefountaintogushfromtherock——Ayearsinceyouturnedmeinsultinglyfromyourdoor，FrauvonWerrig，andyouforbademewithscornandcontempttoevercrossyourthreshold。IntherebelliousprideofmyheartIsworenevertodoitagain，nevertospeaktothosewhohadsoinjuredme。Theholy，purelovewhichbindsmetothisdeargirlhasreleasedmefrommyoath。Wehavetriedtoliveseparatedfromeachotheralongyear，aninconsolable，unhappyyear！Wehopedtorenounceeachother，althoughwecouldnotforget。Marie，asanobedientdaughter，obeyedyourcommands，andreturnedthering，whichIgaveherinamomentofaffectionandholytrust。Ireleasedherfromtheoathofconstancy，andmadeherfree！Butitisinvain！DuringthisyearI

havestrivenwithsorrowasaman，helplessinadesert，whowrithesinthefoldsofthepoisonousserpent。Ishouldhavegonemadifaconsolingwordfromagreatandnoblemindhadnotrousedmefrommydesolation，andiflovehadnotshedarayoflightintomybenightedsoul。Ilistenednolongertosickeningprideandhumbledsenseofhonor。Lovecommandedmetocomehere，andIcametoaskyou，Marie，inthepresenceofyourparents，ifyouwillbemywife；

ifyouwillacceptmypoor，insignificantname，andbecontentedbymysidetoleadaquiet，modestexistence。Icanonlyearnsufficienttoassureusapeacefullife。Ihavenosplendor，notreasurestoofferyou，butonlymylove，myheart，mylife，mywholethoughtandbeing。Willyouacceptit，Marie?“

“Idoacceptit，Moritz，asthegreatesthappinessofmylife。I

desireonlyyourlove，andIcanreturnonlymylovetoyou！Hereismyhand，Philip，itbelongstoyoualone！Letuskneelinhumilitybeforemyparents，andimploretheirblessing——Oh，myfatherandmother，havepityuponus！Seethisdearman，towhommywholeheartbelongs。Idesireonlytoliveandtoilwithhim。Therearenoriches，notreasures，tocomparewithhislove！“

“GeneralandFrauvonWerrig，grantmethewifeofmyheart！“criedPhilipMoritz，deeplymoved。“Itistrue，Iamnotworthyofher，I

havenoname，noposition，toofferher，butIsweartostrivetogainitforher。Iwillwinbymytalentsandknowledgeadistinguishedname，andperhapsonedayyouwillconcedetomyfamethatIamanobleman，thoughnotanobleman。Willyouseparatetwoheartswhichbelongtoeachother?Takemeforyourson-in-law，andIsweartobedevotedandfaithful，toloveandhonoryouforyourdaughter\'ssake。Icansaynomore——wordscannotexpressallthatI

feel。Lovecausesmetokneelbeforeyou，lovemakesmehumbleasachild。Iimploreyoutogivemeyourdaughterinmarriage。”

“Ialsoimploreyou，“criedMarie，sinkingdownbesideMoritz，“givetomethisman，whomIloveandhonor，formyhusband。”

Itwasabeautifulandimpressivescene——thesetwoyoungbeingspleadingforhappiness；theireyesflashingwiththeinspirationoffeeling，consciousthattheywereoneinaffection，andreadytocombatthewholeworldforeachother。ButFrauvonWerrigwasimmovable，andthegeneralwastoomuchoccupiedwithhisgouty，throbbinglegeventocastalookuponthebeautifulgroupofyouth，love，manlydetermination，andtenderresignation。

Outsidethedoor，Trudekneltimploringly，withfoldedhands，whilethetearsrandownheroldcheeksinbigdrops。“OGod，Iwellknowthattheyhavenopity；havemercyThou，andcausemydearMarietobehappy！Suffernotthatthathard-heartedwomanshouldsellher，andmarryhertothatbadmanmyMariedespises。IwellknowthatI

amapoorcreature，andnotworthythatThoushouldstlistentome，OLord！ButIlovethatyounggirlasifsheweremyownchild，andIwouldgivemyheart\'sbloodforher。Oh，myGod！IimploreTheetoletmyMariebehappy！“Thenshecontinued，assherosefromherknees。“Now，Ihavespoken，andIcommiteverythingtoGod，andHewilldowhatisbest。Shehasbeenobligedtolistentohim，andifitcannotbeotherwise，hemustgo。”

CarefullyoldTrudeunlockedbothdoors，andthenstoppedtolisten。

Trudewasright，therewasnomercyinFrauvonWerrig\'sheart。

“Haveyoufinished?Haveyouanythingmoretosay?“sheasked，inhermostunsympathizingmanner。

“Nothingmorewithourlips，butourheartsstillimploreyou。”

“Idonotunderstandthislanguage，sir，andyouhavenotsucceededingivingmehearing，orearstohearwith。InthisuselessstrifeI

willsayalastword，whichIhopewillbeforlife。Youshallneverbethehusbandofmydaughter！Youcanneverbeunited。”

MarieandMoritzsprangfromtheirknees，layingtheirhandsineachother\'s，andlookedwhatwordscouldnothavebetterexpressed——“Weareinseparable，nothingcandisuniteusbutdeath！“