第8章

CHAPTERXXII。

THEREADING。

ThishappysmilestillbeameduponGoethe\'sfaceashewalkedwiththedukelateintheeveningtowardBelvederetosoireeoftheDuchessAmelia，whowasinspiredwithaloveforthefinearts，andparticularlyliterature。Thetwogentlemenhadbusilyoccupiedthemselvesinpreparingthemfortheladyofhonor，FrauleinvonGochhausen，and，althoughaidedbyGoethe\'sservant，Philip，andworkmen，itwaslatewhentheyarrived。

Astheyentered，theladiesandgentlemenwereseatedinalargecirclearoundthecentre-table。AtoneendsattheDuchessesAmeliaandLouisa，themotherandwifeofCharlesAugustusandneartheformerherfriendandfavoritethepoetWieland，oncethetutorofhersontheduke。Nearthepoetsatanelderlygentlemanofcheerful，good-naturedmien，who，withtheexceptionofWieland，wastheonlyonewhodidnotpresenthimself，likethedukeandGoethe，inWerthercostume。Heworeawhite，silver-embroideredcoat，withadark-bluesatinvest，andbreechesofthesame，shoeswithbuckles，andbosomandwristrufflesoflace。

Thisgentleman，withthebright，sparklingeyes，andpleasantface，wasthepoetGleim，wholookedverycomfortableandstatelyinthecircleofpowderedperukes。HisadmirationforFredericktheGreathadinspiredhimtowritesomebeautifulmilitarysongs，andhisloveofpoetryandliteraturemadehimanenthusiasticadmirerofallthosedevotedthemselvestoliterarypursuits。Besides，hewasrichandliberal，anditwasverynaturalthatthepoets，andauthorsexertedthemselveswithmarkedassiduitytopleaseFatherGleim。Theyweregratifiedtohavehimprinttheirworksforasmallremunerationinanannualwhichheentitledthe“AlmanachoftheMuses。”Hewasjustreadingaloudattheduchess\'ssoireefromthelateeditionofthealmanach，andthesocietylistenedwithearnestandkindattention，occasionallyinterruptedwithanenthusiastic“Bravo！“or“Excellent！“fromtheduchess，followedbyamurmurofassentaroundthetable，whichcausedthepoet\'sfacetobrightenwithjoyandsatisfaction，andhimtoreadonwithincreasedenergy。

TheentranceofthedukeandGoethewasunobserved，asitwasunderstoodthattheformerwishednonoticetobetakenofhisgoingorcoming，andtheduchesshadalsowavedherhand，nottointerruptFatherGleim。ThepoethasjustfinishedthenewpoemofmelodiousrhythmofimprisonedShubart。Ashepausedtowipetheperspirationfromhisbrowandsipalittleraspberrywater，atall，slenderyoungman，intheWerthercostume，approached，bowing，andregardingthepoetsokindly，thattheglanceofhisfineblackeyesfelllikeasunbeamontheheartoftheoldman。“Youappearsomewhatfatigued，mygoodsir，“saidtheunknown，inasweet，sonorousvoice。“Willyounotpermitmetorelieveyou，andreadinyoursteadfromthisgloriousbookofyours?“

“Doso，mydearGleim，“saidtheDuchessAmelia，smiling，“youseemreallyexhausted；lettheyoungmancontinuetheagreeableandwelcomeentertainment。”

FatherGleimwasverywellpleased；hehandedthebooktotheyoungstrangerwithagracefulbow，asthelatterseatedhimselfoppositetohim，andnexttoFrauleinGochhausen。

Hecommencedinaclear，distinctvoice。Theversesflowedfromhislipsgracefully，andinacultivatedstyle。Thecompanylistenedwithdevotedattention，andFatherGleim，theprotectorofalltheyoungpoets，satdelighted，noddingconsent，withapleasantsmile。

Itmustallbecharming——ithadcomeintoexistenceunderhisfosteringcare。Whatbeautifulversestolistento！“DieZephyrelauschen，DieBalcherauschen，DieSonusVerbreitetihrLichtmitWonne！“

Andhowcharminglytheyoungmanreadthem！SuddenlyFatherGleimstartled，andthesmiledieduponhislips。Whatwasit?Whatwastheyoungmanreading?Versewhichwerenotinthecollection，andwhichweremoreremarkablethanhehadeverheardfromhisyoungpoets。“ThosearenotintheAnnual，“criedGleim，quiteforgettingdecorum，——“that——“

OneglancefromthefineblackeyesoftheyoungmansoconfoundedFatherGleim，thatheceasedinthemidstofasentence，and，staringinbreathlessastonishment，listened。Gloriousthoughtswereexpressedtherein，andthepoetsoftheMuseAlmanachmighthavethankedGodifthelikehadoccurredtothem。Lovewasnottheburdenofthesong；neitherhearts，griefs，norbliss，butsatire，lashingrightandleftwithgracefuldexterity，anddealingaharmlessthrusttoeveryone。Allwereforcedtolaugh；thehappyfacesanimatedandinspiredeverything。Thebrilliantsatiricalversesrushedlikerocketsfromthelipsofthereader——arealilluminationofwitandhumor，ofgood-naturedjokesandbitingsarcasm，anditdelightedtheoldmanthateveryonehadreceivedhitsandthrustsbuthimself；hehadbeenspareduntilnow！Everyoneregardedhim，smilingandamused，asthereaderexaltedthemeritsoftheMaecenas，andpraisedhimhighlyfortheinteresthetookinthepoet\'sheart，soul，andpurse，andshoutedvictorywhenoneexcelled。Butsuddenlythegoodfatheralsochanged，and，insteadofthepatronontherightthrone，therewasaturkey-cockontheroundnest，whichzealouslysoughttohatchoutthemanyeggsthathehadtotakecareofforothersbesideshisown；hesatbroodinguntiringly，andshedmanyatearofjoyoverthefinenumberofeggs，yetithappenedthatapoeticalviperhadputbutunderhimoneofchalk，whichhecaredforwiththeothers。

HerrGleimcouldnolongercontainhimself，and，strikingthetable，hecried，“ThatiseitherGoetheorthedevil！“Theentirecompanyburstintouncontrollablelaughter，andtheoldmanshoutedthesecondtime，thoughinwardlyangry，“ItiseitherGoetheorthedevil！“

“Both，dearFatherGleim，“saidWieland，whowasdryinghistearsfromlaughter，“itisGoethe，andhehasthedevilinhimto-day。Heislikeawildcolt，whichkicksoutbehindandbefore，anditwouldbewellnottoapproachhimtoonear。”[Footnote:Wieland\'sownwords——SeeLewes\'“LifeofGoethe，“vol。i。，p。432。]

Goethealoneretainedhiscomposure，andcontinuedreadinginaloudervoice，whichhushedallconversation。Helashedwithbittersarcasm“himwhoassumedtobeagod——awiseman——andwhocountedfornothingbetterthanapretentious，saucyfellow，whomadehimselfthescornofthepoetsbyhissweet，Werther-likesighs，andotherworthlesslamentations，heedingneitherGodnorthedevil！“

Andsohestormedandthundered，ridiculedandslanderedhisownfleshandblood，untilGoechhausen，redwithanger，roseandsnatchedthebookfromhishand，andclosedhislipswithherhand，crying:“Ifyoudonotcease，Goethe，Iwillwritetoyourbelovedmother，FrauAja，thatasatirist，acalumniatorhashadtheimpudencetodefameandslurherbelovedsoninamostsinfulandshamefulmanner！Iwillwritetoher，indeed，ifyoudonotstop！“

Goetherose，andbowingofferedhishandtoFatherGleiminsuchafriendly，affectionatemanner，thattheoldman，quitedelighted，thankedhimheartilyforthepleasureandsurprisewhichhehadaffordedhim。

Theduke，however，seatedhimselfbythelittleladyofhonor。

“Thusnelda，youareanincomparablecreature，andquitecalculatedtobetheancestressofalltheGermans。Ideclaremyselfyourcavalierfortheevening，andwilldevotemyselftoyouasyourmosthumbleservant，andwillnotquityoursideforamoment。”

“Verybeautifulitwillbe，mydearduke，amostcharmingidyl；intrueWatteaustyle，Iwillbethesweetshepherdess，andleadyourhighnessbyalittleribbon。Butwhereismypresent——mysurprise?“

“Youmustnotbeimpatient，Thusnelda，butwaitwhattimewillproduce。Youwillhaveit；ifnotto-day，to-morrow。Everydaybringsitsowncareandsorrow。”

“Ah，duke，insteadofgivingmemysurprise，youbeatmewithdoggerels。ThatcomesfromhavingaGoetheforcompanionandfriend。

Crazytricks，likechicken-pox，arecontagious，andthelatteryouhavecaught，duke。Itisanewkindofgeniusdistemper。Veryfortunately，ourdearCountessWertherhasanothermalady，orshemightbeinfected。Perhapsshehasitalready，CountWerther——howisit?\'

“Idonotknow，Fraulein，“repliedthecount，startledfromreverie。

“Ireallydonotknow！Mywifeisquiteill，forthatreasonhasgonetoourestatetorecoverherpeaceandquiet。Itisunfortunatelyquiteimpossibleformetovisitherthere；butmydear，faithfulfriend，BaronvonEinsiedel，willdriveoverto-

morrowatmyrequest，mycommission——“

“Tosetthefoxtokeepthegeese，“interruptedThusneldainherlivelymanner。

“No，notthat，Fraulein，“saidCountWerther，quiteconfused，asthedukeburstintoamerrylaugh，callingThusneldaawittyKobold，andasherfaithfulCeladonofferedherhisarmtoconducthertohismother，theDuchessAmelia。

Thecompanywereallinaveryhappyframeofmind。Goethe\'scharmingimpromptuhadkindledwitandhumoruponeverylip。Hehimselfwasthehappiestofall，forCharlottewasbyhisside，gazinguponhimwithherlarge，thoughtfuleyes，andpermittinghimtobehercavalierfortheevening。

ThedukealsodevotedhimselftoFrauleinvonGoechhausen，whowasthiseveningunsurpassablywittyandcaustic，delightinghim，andmakingtheDuchessAmelialaugh，andtheDuchessLouisasometimestoslightlyshrughershouldersandshakeherheadwithdisapproval。

InthemidstofamostinterestingconversationwithFrauvonStein，Goethewasinformedthatsomeoneawaitedhimintheanteroom。Hewentoutquickly，anduponreturninghewhisperedtotheduke，whonodded，andansweredhiminalowtone，andthenGoethebetookhimselftotheDuchessAmelia。

“Whatisit?“thelatterasked。“Haveimportantdispatchesarrived?“

“No；Icometoyourhighnessascourierfromyourson。Thedukebegsthatyouwilllockthedoorofyouranteroomwhenyouretire，andthatyouwilluponnoconditionopenit，nomatterhowmuchThusneldamaybegandimplore。”

“WillyounotinjuremypoorGoechhausen，youwantonfellow?“

“No！itisnotverydangerous，duchess。Itisonlyaharmlesssurprise，whichthedukepromisedFrauleinvonGoechhausen。”

“Verywell，then，itcantakeplace；IpromisetobequitedeaftoallThusnelda\'sknockingandthumping，andIshallbegladtobeinformedto-morrowwhatthetrickis。Iprefernottoinquireto-

day，asImightfeelobligedtovetoitifitweretoosevere。Butlook，theDuchessLouisawillbreakup；doessheknowanythingabouttheaffair?“

“No，yourhighness，youknowverywellthattheyoungduchess——“

“Ismuchmoresensiblethantheoldone，andshakesherheaddisapprovinglywhenshehearsofyouringenuoustricks。PerhapsitwouldbewellifIwereequallysensible，butthereisnohelpforit。Ilikebright，happypeople，andIthinkwhenyouthventsitself，oldageismoresedateandreasonable。”

“Youarequiteright，duchess。Mankindresemblesnewwine。Ifthemustdoesnotfermentandfoamwell，nogoodwinewillcomeofit。

ButlookatourCharles，withthesaucyjestuponhislip，andthefireofinspirationinthosebrightbrowneyes。Onedayafine，strongwinewillclearitselffromthisgloriousfermentingmust。”

“Ihopeso，Goethe，andifthegodsgrantit，thegreatmeritwillbelongtoyou，whohaveprovedyourselfagoodvintager，andwewillrejoicetogetherinyourglorioussuccess。”

CHAPTERXXIII。

WITCHCRAFT

AnhourlaterthepalaceBelvederewassilentanddeserted；theguestshadtakentheirdeparture。Theduchesshadhersuiteandcommandedthemtoretire。FrauleinvonGochhausenaloneremainedwithhermistress，chattingbythebedside，andrecapitulatinginheramusingstyleallimportantandunimportanteventsofthesoiree，Theduchesssmiledatthemischievousremarkswithwhichsheornamentedherrelation，andatherkeen，individualizingofpersons。

“FrauleinGochhausen，youarethemostwickedandthemerriestmocking-birdGodevercreated，“criedtheduchess，“Havedonewithyourscandals，gouptoyourroom，piouslysayyoureveningprayers，andstretchyourselfuponyourmaidenbed。”

“Soon，duchess；onlyonethingmorehaveItocallyourattentionto。ThereisagossipafloatabouttheWerthers。Iperceiveitintheair，asthedovescentsthevulture。”

“Youalarmme，Gochhausen；whatgoodisit?YoudonotmeanthatthelovelyCountessWerther——“

“Isnotonlyverywearyofherhusband，butlooksaboutforasubstitute——afriend，astheingeniousladiesnowcallhim。ThatiswhatImean，andIknowtheso-calledfriendwhichthesweetsentimentalcountesshaschosen。”

“ItistheBaronvonEinsiedel，isitnot?“askedtheduchess。“Thatistosay，hisyoungerbrother，thegaylieutenant，notourgoodfriendparexcellence。

“Yes，Imeanthebrother，andIhavewarnedandtauntedthecountthisweekpast，butitisimpossibletoawakehimfromhisstupidityandthoughtlessness。”

“Againyouaregivingloosereinstoyournaughtytongue，Thusnelda。

CountWertherisathoroughlyscholarlyperson，whomIoftenenvyhisknowledgeofthelanguages。HehasstudiedSanscritandthecuneatedletters，amongotherancienttongues。”

“Itmaybethatheunderstandsthedeadlanguages，butthelivingonesnotintheleast。Thelanguageoftheeyesandinspirationheisblindto，withseeingeyes！Mydearduchess，ifyouarenotwatchful，andpreventtheaffairwithtimelyinterference，ascandalwillgrowoutofit，andyouknowwellthatitwouldbeawelcomeopportunityforourWeimarPhilistines(astheJenastudentscallcommonplacegossips)tocry\'Murder，\'andhowlabouttheimmoralexampleofgeniuses，whichWolfgangGoethehasintroducedatcourt。”

“Youareright，“saidtheduchess，musingly；“yourapttongueandkeeneyeareevercarefullywatching，likeagoodshepherd-dog，thatnoneofthesheepgoastrayandarelost。Andyoudonotmindattackingthisorthatoneinthelegwithyoursharpteeth！“

“Letthosescreamwhoareunjustlybitten，yourhighness！Believeme，thecountesswillnotcryout；shewillmuchmorelikelytakecarenottoreceiveawell-meritedrebuke。Ibegyourgracetopreventthegossip！Notonaccountofthissilly，sentimentalyoungwoman，orherpedantichusband，butthatouryoungdukeandGoethemaynotbeexposedtoscandal，aswellasyourhighness。”

“Youareright——wemusttakecaretopreventit。Hasnotthecountessbeenabsentatherestatefourdays?“

“Yes，yourhighness，itisjustthisthattroublesme。Shewentawayassoundasafish，andhassuddenlyfallenveryill。Nophysicianhasbeencalled，but，to-morrow，thecountwillcommissionhisdearfriendthebarontodrivetohiscountry-seat，andbringhimtidingsofhisbetter-half。”

“Wemustcircumventthis。Inthemorningwewillarrangeapleasure-

drive，ofthewholecourt，tothecountry-seatofCountWerther。Itshallbeasurprise。LetFouriergiveouttheinvitationsearlyto-

morrow，foracountryparty，destinationunknown。Thedistributionofthecouplesinthecarriagesshallbedecidedbylot。TakecarethatLieutenantEinsiedelisyourcavalier，sothatwhenwearriveatthelittleWerther，hewillalreadybeappropriated，andthenwewillinducehertoreturnwithusandspendsometimeatBelvedere。

Now，good-night，Thusnelda；Iamverytiredandneedrepose。Sleepalreadyweighsuponmyeyelids，andwillclosethemassoonasyouaregone。Good-night，mychild——sleepwell！“

Thelittledeformedcourtladykissedtheextendedhand，thecandlestick，withonlyastumpofataperinit，andwithdrewfromtheprincelysleeping-room，courtesying，andwishinghermistressgood-night，withpleasantdreams。

Theanteroomwasdarkanddeserted。Thelightswereallextinguished，andFrauleinGoechhausenwas，intruth，theonlypersonwhohadnotlongsinceretiredintheducalpalace。Shewasaccustomedtobethelast，accustomedtotraversethelong，lonelycorridors，andmounttwoflightsofstairstoherbedroomuponthethirdstory。Thegayduchess，beingveryfondofsociety，hadhadthesecondstoryarrangedguest-chambersanddrawing-rooms。

Whyshouldthelittlecourtladybeafraidto-night?Shehadnotthoughtofit，butsteppedforwardbrisklytomountthestairs。Itwassurelyverydisagreeableforthewindtoextinguishherlampatthatinstant，justattheturningofstairs，andshecouldnotaccountforit，asnoneofthewindowswereopen，andtherewasnotraceofadraft。However，itwasanundeniablefact，thelightwasoutandshewasintotaldarkness——notevenastarwastobeseeninthecloudedsky。Itwas，indeed，truethatThusneldawassoaccustomedtothewaythatitmatteredlittlewhethershehadalightornot。Nowshehadreachedthecorridorandshecouldnotfailtofindthedoor，astherewasbutone，thatofherownroom。

Shestretchedoutherhandtoopenit，but，strangetosay，shemissedtheknob！Thenshewassurethatitwasfartheron；shefeltalongthewall，butstilliteludedhergrasp。Itwasunheardof——nohandleandnotadooreventobefound！Thewallwasbareandsmooth，andpaperedtheentirelength。Aslightshuddercreptoverthecourageouslittlewoman\'sheart，andshecouldnotexplaintoherselfwhatitallmeant。Shecalledhermaid，butnoanswer——notasoundinterruptedthestillness！“Iwillgodowntotheduchess，“

murmuredThusnelda；“perhapssheisawake，andthenIcanre-lightmytaper！“

Thedoorwasfastened；theduchesshadlockedtheante-roomto-nightforthefirsttime。

Thusneldatappedlightly，andbeggedanentrancehumblyandimploringly。Noanswer，everythingwasquiet。Sherecalledthattheduchesshadtoldherthatshewasveryweary，andwouldsleepassoonasshewasalone，whichsheundoubtedlyhaddone。

Thusneldadidnotpresumetoawakeherbyknockinglouder。Shewouldbepatient，andmountagaintoherroom。Surelyshemusthavemadeamistake，andturnedtotheleftofthecorridor，wheretherewasnodoor，insteadoftheright，assheoughttohavedone。Itmustbethatitwasherfault。Shegropedalongthedarkflightsofstairstotheuppergallery，carefullyseekingtherightthistime，butinvain。Againshefeltonlythesmoothwall。Terrified，sheknewnotwhethershewasawakeordreaming，orwhethershemightnotbeinanenchantedcastle，orwalkinginhersleepinastrangehouse。Justheresheoughttofindherroomandthemaidawaitingher，butitwaslonely，deserted，andstrange——nodoor，nomaid。Thusnelda，withtremblinghandssmoothedherface，pulledfirsthernose，andthenherhair，toidentifyherself。“IsitI?“shesaid。“AmI，indeed，myself?AmIawake?IknowthatIamladyofhonortotheDuchessAmelia，andthatupontheupperstoryismyroom。Donotbefoolish，andimaginethatwitchcraftcomestopass；thedooristhere，anditcanbefound。”Thusneldarenewedhersearchwithout-spreadarmsandwide-spreadfingers，feelingfirstthissideofthewallandthentheother。

Bydaylightthedeformedlittleladyofhonormusthavebeenaverydrollfigure，infulltoilet，dancingalongthewallasifsuspendedbyheroutstretchedhands。Oh，itwasquitevaintoseekanylonger。

Itmustbeenchantment，andthedoorhaddisappeared。AnindefinabledreamcreptoverThusnelda，andshewascastdown。Forthefirsttimeajestfailedhertremblinglips，andsheweptwithanguish。

Yes，she，thekeen，mordant，jestinglittlewoman，prayedandimploredherMakertounlooseherfromtheenchantment，andpermithertofindthelong-sought-forentrance。Butprayingwasinvain，thedoorwasnottobefound，itwaswitchcraft，andshemustsubmittoit。Therustlingandmovingherarmsfrightenedhernow，andwhenshewalkedthedarknesspreventedherseeingifanyonefollowedher；soshecroucheduponthefloor，yieldingtotheunavoidablenecessitypassingthenightthere——thenightofenchantmentandwitchery。[Footnote:SeeLewes\'“LifeandWritingsofGoethe，“vol。1。，p。408。]

NotaloneforFrauleinGoechhausenwasthisbeautifulMay-nightofsadexperiencewithwitches。TherewereotherplacesatWeimar。Intheneighborhoodoftheducalpark，inthemidstofgreen-meadows，stoodasimplelittlecottage。NearitflowedtheIlm，spannedbythreebridges，allclosedbygates，sothatnoonecouldreachthecottagewithouttheoccupant\'sconsent。Itwasassecureasafortressoranislandofthesea，anddistinctlyvisibleeveninthenight，itswhitewallsrisingagainstthedarkperspectiveofthepark。Thisisthepoet\'sEldorado，hisparadise，presentedtoWolfgangGoethebyhisfriendtheDukeCharlesAugustus。ItwaslateasthepossessorwoundhiswaytowardhisTusculum，ashefamiliarlycalledit，and，moreattractedbytheaspectoftheheavensthanbysleep，soughtthebalcony，togazeatthedarkmassofcloudschasingeachotherlikearmiesinretreatandpursuit；onemomentveilingthemoon，atanotherrevealingherfulldisk，andsoonagaincoveringtheearthwithdarkshadows，untilthelightningflasheddowninsnakywindings，makingthedarknessmomentarilyvisiblewithherluridglare。Itwasagloriousspectaclefortheintuitive，sympatheticsoulofthepoet，andheyieldedtoitsinfluencewithdelight。HeheardthevoiceofGodintherollingofthethunder，andsoughttocomprehendtheunutterable，andunderstanditinthispoeticalsense。Voicesspaketohimintherushingofthestorm，thesighingofthetrees，andtherustlingofthefoliage。Thestormpassedquickly，aprofoundquietandsolemnityspreadoutoverthenightlyworld，anditlayasifinrepose，smilinginblissfuldreams。Theairwasfilledwithperfumes，waftedtothebalconyuponwhichdreamedthepoetwithunclosedeyelidsandwakingthoughts。

Thecloudswerealldispersed；fullandclearwassuspendedthemooninthedeep，bluevault，wheretwinkledthousandsofstars，whisperingofunknownworlds，andthemysteriesofNature，andthegreatnessofHimwhocreatedthemall。

“Oh，beloved，goldenmoon，howcalmlyyoulookdownuponme，sublimeandlovelyatthesametime！WhenIgazeatyou，movingsoquietly，floatingininfinity，andcontemplatingreflectthyselfinfiniteness，Ithinkofyou，ohCharlotte，whostandsabovemelikethemoonsobrightandmild，andIenvelopmyselfinyourrays，andmyspiritbecomesheavenlyinyourlight。

Miristes，denkichnuranDich，AlsindenMondzuseh\'n，EinsuesserFriedewehtummich，Weissnicht，wiemirgescheh\'n！

“Yes，likesweetpeace，andquiet，sacredmoonlight，mythoughtsshallbeofyou，Charlotte；notliketheglowingraysofthesun，orthecoldlightofthestars。Brightandbeaminglikethemoonyouaretome，spreadingaroundmeyoursoftlight。Oh，beautifulgoldenmoon，mirroredinthewater，youlieasinasilverybath，andwouldenticemetoseekyouinthemurmuringdepths。Hark！howtheruffledwavesoftheIlmwithrepeatedgentlecaresseskisstheshore，rushfromthenceingoldenlinksdowntheriver！SweetoftheIlm，I

come，Icome！“

Goethehastenedfromthebalcony，threwasidehisapparel，plungedintothesilveryflood，shoutingwithjoy。

Whatheavenlypleasuretofloatthere，rockedbythemurmuringwaves，gazingatthesilverystarsandthegoldenmoon，alovelyMaynight，listeningtothevoicesofNature！Addtothattheperfume-

ladenbreezerisingfromtherain-refreshedmeadows。Howglorioustoplungeintothecoolstream，splashinganddashingthewater，andthentoshootlikeafishthroughthedropsfallinglikegoldenrain！Suddenly，whileswimming，Goetheraisedhisheadtolisten。Hethoughtheheardfootstepsonthepoet\'sforbiddenbridge。ThemoondistinctlyrevealedapeasantfromOberweimar，whowouldbeearlytotheweeklymarket，andsoservehimselftotheshortestroutewhilenoonecouldseehim。

“Suchpresumptiondeservespunishment，mygoodpeasant，andifthereisnooneelsetodoittheghostsmust。”

Listen，whatasavageyellfromunderthebridge，andthenanothermoreunearthly！

Thepeasant，frightened，stoppedsuddenly，andlookeddownintotheriver。“Oh，whatcanitbe?“

Aglisteningwhitearmisraisedmenacinglytowardthebridge。A

whitefigure，withablackheadandlongblackhair，isseenplungingandsplashing，whilefearfulyellsareheardfromthedeep。

Thenitdisappeared，toreturn，andmenace，andyell，andplungeagain。

Thepeasantshriekedwithterror，andwasansweredwithacruellaugh。Thewhitefiguresankandrosefromtheriverscreechingandyelling，andthepeasantshriekedalsowithterror。

“Aghost！aghost！oh，havemercyuponus！Amen！amen！“

Frightlenthimwings，andhefled，followedbythesavageyellsofthewhitefigure，andneverstoppeduntilhereachedOberweimar，whereherelatedtotheastonishedandterrifiedneighborsthattherewasariver-ghostjustbythebridgewhichledtothecottageofthemadsecretaryoflegation，Goethe，andwhichhowledinthemoonlight。[Footnote:ThistraditionoftheghostoftheIlmhasbeenpreservedinWeimar，sinceGoethe\'snocturnalbath，untilourtime——

SeeLewes，vol。i。，p。451。]

WiththepeasantalsodisappearedtheghostoftheIlm。

LikeahappychildofNature，refreshed，Goethewenttohisroomandthenagainsoughtthebalcony，tothrowhimselfuponthecarpetandgazeatthebluestarryvault，andenjoythegloriesofheavenwiththoughtfuldevotion，andthinkofCharlotte——onlyofher，notonceofthepoorThusneldavonGoechhausen，whopassedthenightuponthestairsofthePalaceBelvedere，andwho，atlastwearywithfrightandexhaustion，fellasleep，andwasawakenedbytheDuchessAmeliainthemorning，laughinglydemandingwhyshepreferredthelandingofthestairsforaplaceofrepose。

“BecauseIambewitched，duchess，andmysleeping-roomhasdisappearedfromearth——becausesomecurseddemonorwizardhasenchantedme，thiswicked——“

“Bewarewhatyousay！“interruptedtheduchess；“itismostprobablythedukethatyouareinveighingagainst，andcallingademonandwizard。”

AtthisThusneldasprangupasifstruckbyanelectricshock——“Thesurprise，thisiswhatthedukepromisedme。”

“Verylikely，“laughedtheduchess。“Thecourierjustarrivedwithaletterfrommysontoyou，andIcametobringitmyself，andfoundyou，tomysurprise，sleepinghere。Readit，andtellmewhathesays！“

“Oh，listen，yourhighness！“criedThusnelda，afterhavinghastilyperusedthecontentsoftheducalmissive。

“\'IhopeIhavesucceededtosurpriseyou！

Demonsandwizardshaveclosedyourdoors，Andweepingyousleptonthestairwayalone。

Allwitchcrafthasnowdisappeared。

GoseekThesurprisethatfromBerlinIbroughtyou，WhichInowofferforanatonement。\'“

“Aninsolentfellow，indeed，ismyson，“saidtheduchess，“butyousee，Thusnelda，hesays，paterpeccavi，andIamconvincedthatyouwillfindsomethingveryprettyandacceptableinyourroom。”

“Iwillnottakeit——indeedIwillnot，“poutedtheladyofhonor。

“Hesofearfullytormentedmelastnight。IassureyourhighnessI

washalfdeadwithterrorand——“

“Andyetyouwillforgivehim，Thusnelda，forthedukeisyourdeclaredfavorite；youdarenotreproachhimwereheneversoinsolent，foryouarejustasmuchso，andnotahair\'s-breadthbetter。Come，goupandseewhatitis。”

Shewent，andfoundfourmasons，whohadbeenatworksincedaybreaktoremovethewallandreplacethedoor。Thusneldawasobligedtolaughinspiteoftheunhappynightshehadpassed，assheclimbedoverrubbishandruinsintoherroom，andmethermaiddissolvedintears，whorelatedtoherthat“thedukehadhadherwalledin，forfearshewouldtellthetricktohermistress。”

“Andsoyouwerereallyhermeticallysealed?“saidtheduchess。

“Yes，yourhighness，“whimperedthemaid，“IthoughtInevershouldseedaylightagain。Iweptandprayedallnight。Theonlythingthatconsoledmewastheduke\'scommand，whichPhilipbroughttome，togivethislittleboxtoFrauleinsosoonasthewallshouldbetakenawayinthemorning。”

“Giveittome，Lieschen，“criedThusnelda，impatiently，herfacebeamingwithsatisfaction，however，whensheopenedthebox。“Now，duchess，thatiswhatIcallasurprise，andthedukeshallbe，asheeverhasbeen，myfavorite。Ifhedoessometimesplayrudetricks，hemakesitallrightagain，inaverygenerousandprincelymanner。Seewhatabeautifulwatchhishighnesshasbroughtme，ornamentedwithdiamonds！“

“Yes，itisverypretty；giveittomethatImayreturnittotheduke，andnotmortifyhimtoomuch，asyouwillnotwearit。”

“Iwillacceptit，duchess，“criedThusnelda，laughing——“andallisforgivenandforgotten。”

CHAPTERXXIV。

THEPURSE-PROUDMAN。

“Trude，istherenonewsfromhimyet?Haveyouneverseenhimsince?Didhenottellyouaboutit?“

“No，mydearestMarie，“sighedoldTrude。“Thereisnoword，nomessagefromhim。Ihavebeentwentytimestothebaker\'sineightdays，andwaitedatthecornerofthestreet，whereweagreedtomeet，butnoMoritzwasthere，andIhavenotbeenabletohearanythingabouthim。”

“Somethingmusthavehappenedtohim，“sighedMarie。“Heisveryill，perhapsdying，and——“

“No，no，mychild，heisnotill，Iwilltellyouallaboutit，ifyouwillnotworry。IhavebeentoHerrMoritz\'slodgingsto-day。I

couldnotwaitanylonger，and——“

“Didyouseehim，andspeakwithhim，Trude?“

“NoMarie，hewasnotthere；andthepeopleinthehousetoldmethathehadbeengoneforaweek。”

“Gone！“repeatedMarie，thoughtfully。“Whatdoesitmean?Whatcouldpersuadehimtoabandonmeinthishourofneed?Tellme，Trude，whatdoyouthink?Consolemeifyoucan。Youreallyknownothingfurtherthanthatheisgone?“

“Alittlebitmore，butnotmuch，myheart\'schild。Whenthepeopletoldmethathehaddisappearedeightdaysago，itseemedasifoneoftheAlpshadfallenonmyheart，andmylimbstrembledsoIcouldgonofarther，andIwasobligedtositdownuponthestairsandcrybitterly，picturingallsortsofdreadfulthingstomyself。”

“Dreadfulthings?“askedMarie。“Oh，Trude，youdonotbelievethatmygood，braveMoritzcoulddoanythingsinfulandcowardly，likewickedmen?Youdonotthinkthatmybeloved——oh，no，no——Iknowthatheismorenoble；hewillbeartheburdenoflifeasIwill，solongasitpleasesGod。”

Theoldwomanhungdownherhead，andhumblyfoldedherhands。

“Forgiveme，mychild，thatIhavesuchweakandsinfulthoughts。I

willapologizefortheminmyhearttoyouandyourbelovedsolongasIlive。AfterIhadcriedenough，IdeterminedtogototheGrayCloister，andbegthedirectortoseeme！“

“Didyouseehimtospeakwithhim，deargoodTrude?“

“Yes，dearchild。ItoldhimIwasanagedauntofHerrMoritz，whohadcometoBerlintovisithim；andfindingthathewasabsent，I

wouldliketoknowwherehehadgone，and，howlonghewouldremainaway。”

“Oh，Trude，howcleveryouare，andhowkindlyyouthinkofeverything！“criedMarie，embracingheroldnurse，andkissingaffectionatelyhersunburnt，wrinkledcheek。“Whatdidhesay?“

“HetoldmethatHerrMoritzhadbeggedpermissiontobeabsentfourteendaystotakeanurgent，unavoidablejourney；thattendayshadalreadyexpired，andhewouldsoonreturn。”

“Thenhewillbehereinfourdays，andperhapswillbringhopeandaid！Hehasgonetoseekit；IknowandIfeelit，thoughIcannotdivinewheretheassistancewillcomefrom。Oh，Trude，ifIcouldonlygainafavorabledelayuntilMoritzreturns！“

“Everythingisarranged，“murmuredTrude。“Themarriagelicenseisalreadymadeout，andParsonDietrichhaspromisedtobereadyatanyhour。HerrEbenstreithassentthemoney，doublingtheamountrequiredtothe\'Invalids\'Hospital\'atBerlin，sothatwhenthepapersofnobilityarrive，there——“

“Hush！“interruptedMarie，“donotspeakofit。Itisfearfultothinkof，anditcrazesmetohearit。Iwillresorttoeveryextreme。Sincemyfatherandmotheraredeaftomyentreaties，I

willtrytomovehimtopity。Ihaveneverbeenabletoseehimalone；mymotheriswatchfulthatanexplanationshouldbeimpossiblebetweenus。Iwillimplorethismantohavepityuponme，andconfideinhimtowhomtheywouldsellme。”

Trudeshookherheadmournfully。“Ifearitwillbeinvain，dearchild。Thismanhasnoheart。Ihaveprovedhim，andIknowit——

Harkthebellrings！Whocanitbe?“

Bothsteppedoutofthelittlegarret-roomtopeepoverthebanister。SinceMariehadbeenbetrothedtotherichbankerEbenstreit，thegeneralhadreceivedfromhiskindwifeaservantinpompousliveryforhisownservice。Thisservanthadalreadyopenedthedoor，andMarieheardhimannounceinaloudvoice，“HerrEbenstreit！“

“He！“Mariestartedbackwithhorror。“He，soearlyinthemorning！

thisisnoaccident，Trude。Whatdoesitmean?Hush！theservantiscoming！“

“Iwillgodown，“whisperedTrude；“perhapsIcanhearsomething。”

Trudehurriedawayasheryoungladyglidedbackintoherroom，andneverglancedattheservantwhosprangpastheruponthestairs。

“Heisahypocriteandaspy；hehasbeenhiredtowatchandobservemychild，andhewillbetrayherifhediscoversanything。”

Theservantannounced，withrespectful，humblemien，thatHerrEbenstreithadarrived，andFrauvonWerrigdesiredherdaughtertodescendtotheparlor。

“Verywell——saythatIwillcomedirectly。”

Theservantremainedrubbinghishandsinanundecided，embarrassedmanner。

“Whydoyounotgodown?“askedMarie。“Haveyouanythingfurthertotellme?“

“Iwouldsay，“saidhe，spyingabouttheroom，asifhewereafraidsomeonewerelistening，“thatifapoor，simplemanlikemyselfcouldbeusefultoyou，andyoucouldconfideinmeyourcommissions，IshouldbetoohappytoprovetoyouthatCarlLeberechtisanhonestfellow，andhasaheart，andithurtshisfeelingstoseethemisssuffersomuch。”

“Ithankyou，“saidMarie，gently。“Iamgladtofeelthatyouhavesympathyforme。”

“IfIcanbeoftheleastservicetoyou，havethegoodnesstocallme，andgivemeyourcommissions。”

“IndeedIwill，althoughIdonotbelieveitpracticable。”

“IhopemisswillnotbetraymetoFrauvonWerrigoroldTrude。”

“No，Ipromiseyouthat，andhereismyhanduponit。”

Theservantkissedtheextendedhandrespectfully。“Iwillenterintotheserviceofmyyoungladyatonce，andtellhershemustpreparefortheworst:HerrEbenstreitjustsaid，\'Thediplomaofnobilityhasarrived。\'“

Marieturneddeadlypale，andforaninstantitseemedasifshewouldsinkdownfromfright，butsherecoveredherselfandconqueredherweakness。

“Thankyou，itisverywellthatIshouldknowthat；Iwillgodowndirectly，“saidshe。

Withcalm，proudbearingMarieenteredthesitting-roomofherparents，andreturnedthesalutationsofherbetrothed，whohastenedtowardherwithtenderassiduity。

“MydearMarie，“criedhermother，“IhavethehonortopresenttoyouHerrEbenstreitvonLeuthen。Thecertificateofnobilityarrivedthismorning。”

“Icongratulateyou，mother——youhaveatlastfoundthelong-desiredheirtoyourname。”

“Congratulatemeaboveall，mybeautifulbetrothed，“saidHerrEbenstreit，inahoarse，scarcelyintelligiblevoice。“Thistitlecrownsallmywishes，asitmakesmeyourhusband。Icametobeg，dearMarie，thatourmarriageshouldtakeplaceto-morrow，asthereisnothingnowtoprevent。”

“Sir，“sheproudlyinterruptedhim，“haveIeverpermittedthisfamiliarappellation?“

“Ihaveallowedit，“blurtedoutthegeneral，packedincushionsinhisroilingchair。“Proceed，mydearson。”

Thelatterbowedwithagratefulsmile，andcontinued:“Iwouldbeg，mydearMarie，tochoosewhetherourwedding-journeyshallbeinthedirectionofItaly，Spain，France，orwhereverelseitmaypleaseher。”

“Isitthusarranged?“askedMarie。“Isthemarriagetotakeplaceearlyto-morrow，andthenthehappypairtakeajourney?“

“Yes，“answeredhermother，hastily，“itissodecidedupon，anditwillbecarriedout。Youmaynaturally，mydeardaughter，havesomepreference；somakeitknown——Iamsureyourbetrothedwilljoyfullyaccordit。”

“Iwillavailmyselfofthispermission，“shequietlyanswered。“I

wishtohaveaprivateconversationwiththisgentlemanimmediately，andwithoutwitnesses。”

“Oh，howunfortunateIam！“sighedHerrEbenstreit。“MydearMarieasksjustthatwhichIunfortunatelycannotgranther。”

“Whatshouldpreventyourfulfillingmywish?“askedMarie。

“Mypromise，“hewhined。“Ontheverydayofmybetrothal，Iwasobligedtopromisemydearmother-in-lawnevertospeakwithyoualoneorcorrespondwithmysweetlady-love。”

“Thesearetherulesofdecencyandofetiquette，whichIhopemydaughterwillrespect，“saidFrauvonWerrig，inaseveretone。“Novirtuousyounggirlwouldpresumetoreceiveherbetrothedaloneorexchangelove-letterswithhimbeforemarriage！“

“Aftertheweddingtherewillbeopportunitiesenoughforsuchfollies，“grumbledthegeneral。

“YoumaybesurethatIshallusethem，dearfather，“laughedEbenstreit。“Iwouldbegmyrespectedmothertoreleasemeahalf-

hourfrommyoathto-day，thatImayindulgethefirstexpressedwishthatmyfuturewifefavorsmewith。”

“Itisimpossible，myson。Ineverdeviatefrommyprinciples。Youwillnotspeakwithmydaughterbeforemarriage，exceptinthepresenceofherparents。”

“Mother，doyouinsistuponit?“criedMarie，terrified。“Willyounotindulgethisslightwish?“

“\'Thisslightwish！\'“sneeredhermother。“AsifIdidnotknowwhyyouaskthisprivateconversation。Youwishtopersuadeourson-in-

lawtowhatyouinvainhavetriedtoimploreyourparentstodo。A

modestmaidenhasnothingtosaytoherfuturehusband，whichherparents，andaboveallhermother，couldnothear。Sotellyourbetrothedwhatyoudesire。”

“Well，mother，youmustthentaketheconsequences——HerrEbenstreit，theywillforcemetobecomeyourwife，theywillsellmeasmerchandisetoyou，andyouhaveacceptedthebargainingoodfaith，believingthatIagreetosacrificemyfreedomandhumanrightsforriches。Theyhavedeceivedyou，sir！Iamnotreadytogivemyselfuptothehighestbidder。Iamawoman，withahearttoloveandhate，whoesteemsaffectionsuperiortowealth。Icannotmarryyou，andIbegyounottoteachmetohateyou。”

Asavagecursebrokeforthfromthegeneral，who，forgettinghisgout，rosefurious，shakinghisclinchedfistathisdaughter。

Hiswifewasimmediatelybyhisside，andpushedhimintohisarm-

chair，commandinghim，inherharsh，coldtoremainquietandtakecareofhishealth，andlistentowhathisson-in-lawhadtosaytohisunfeelingandunnaturaldaughter。“Healonehastodecide——

Speak，mydearson，“saidshe，turningtotheyoungman，who，withamalicioussmile，hadlistenedtothebaroness，fixinghisdull-blueeyesupontheyounggirl，whoneverseemedsodesirabletohim，asshenowstoodbeforehimwithglowingcheeks。

“AgainIsay，speak，mydearson，andtellmydaughterthetruth；doyouhear，thetruth?“

“Ifyouwillpermitme，mydearestmother，Iwill，“answeredEbenstreit，withsubmissivekindness，againregardingthedaughter。

“Youhavemademeasadconfession，Marie，“saidhe，sighing，“butI

willacknowledgethatIamnotsurprised，foryourmothertoldmewhenIaskedforyourhand，thatshefearedIshouldnevergainyourconsent，foryoudidnotloveme，althoughsheherself，andthegeneral，wouldgranttheirs。”

“WasthatallthatItoldyou?“askedthemother，coldly。

“No，notall，“continuedEbenstreit，slightlyinclining；“youadded，\'Mydaughterlovesabeggar，apoorschool-master，andsheentertainstheromanticideaofmarryinghim。\'“

“Andwhatdidyoureply?“askedMarie，almostbreathless。

“MydearMarie，Ilaughed，repeatingmyproposalofmarriagetoyourmother，saying，thatIwasreadytotakeupthecombatwiththepoorpedagogue，andthatyouseemedallthemoreinterestingandamiableforthisromanticlove。Lifeissotediousandwretched，thatoneisgladtohavesomechangeanddistraction。Iassureyou，Ihavenotbeensoentertainedforlongyears，asinthelastfourteendaysinthissilentwarwithyou。Itamusesmeinfinitelytoseeyousostubbornandprudish，andincreasesmyloveforyou。Howcoulditbeotherwise?Therichbanker，Ebenstreit，hasneverseenawomanwhowasnotreadytoaccepthishand，andwhyshouldhenotlovethefirstonewhoresistsit?Youhaveexcitedmyself-loveandvanity。

Youhavemadethemarriageamatterofambition，andyouwillcomprehendthatmyansweris:\'FrauleinvonLeuthenmustandshallbemywife，nomatterwhatitcostsme。Shedefiesmyrichesanddespisesmoney，soIwillforcehertorespectmywealthandrecognizeitspower。Besides，sheisacruel，egotisticaldaughter；

whohasnopityforherpoorparents，andiscapableofseeingthemperishforherfoolishattachment。Iwillmakeheragoodchild，andforcehertomakeherparents，andtherebyherself，happy。\'AllthisIsaidtomyself，andIhaveactedandshallactaccordingly。Ihaveonlytoaddthattheceremonywilltakeplaceto-morrow，ateleven。

Wewillleaveimmediatelyafter。Havethegoodnessthereforetochooseinwhichdirection，thatImayatoncemakethenecessaryarrangements。”

“Lost——lostwithouthope！“criedMarie，inanguish，coveringherfacewithherhands。

“Rathersayrescuedfrommisfortune，“answeredEbenstreit，quietly。

“Believeme，thereisbutonesorrowthatmaynotbeborne，maynotbeconquered，andthatispoverty，whichisacorroding，consumingmalady，annihilatingbody，andsoul，swifterandsurerthanthemostsubtlepoison。Itstiflesallnoblefeelings，allpoeticalthoughtsandgreatdeeds，and，believeme，loveevencannotresistitsterriblepower。Onedayyouwillunderstandthis。Iwillbepatientandindulgent，andawaititwithhope。”

“Oh，whatanobleandhigh-mindedman！“criedthemother，withemphasis——“MarieshouldkneelandthankherMakerforsuchamagnanimoussaviorandlover，whowillshieldherfromallevilandmisfortune。”

Sobbingandsighing，thedaughterhadstoodwithherfaceconcealed；

nowsheregardedthecold-hearted，smilingwoman，withflashingeyesandkeencontempt。

“Thankhim！“shecried；“no，Iaccuse，Icursehim。Heisanatheist，anddenieslove。Heisnotcapableofanoblethoughtoraction，scorninganddefamingallthatisbeautifulandelevated，worshippingonlymammon。Iwillnevermarryhim。Youmayforcemetothealtar，andthereIwilldenouncehim。”

“Shewillkillme，“criedthegeneral；“shewillmurderheragedparents，leavingthemtostarveandperish，and——“

“Silence！“commandedhiswife。“Leaveoffyourcomplaints，sheisnotworththetearsorremonstrancesofherparents。Shewouldtrytobeourmurderess，butsheshallnot——Myson，informherofyourdecision。Answerher。”

“Theresponsetoyourromanticlanguageissimpleandnatural，mydearMarie。Ihavealreadyenteredintoyourfeelings，andampreparedforthisideaofrefusingyourloveratthealtar，whichisfoundinnovels，andIsupposedthatitmightoccurtoyou。Moneycompassesallthingsandaccordingtoourwishes。Myfortuneprocuresformeadispensationfrompublicauthoritiestobemarriedhereinthehouseofourdearparents。Thelawdemandsfourwitnesses，whowillberepresentedbyyourparents，myservantPhilip，andthesacristanwhomtheclergymanwillbring。”

“Andtheywillhearmeabjureyou。”

“Itisverypossible，dearest，butthewitnesseswillnotlistentoyou。Moneymakesthedeaftohear，andthehearingonesdeaf。OldparsonDietrichknowsthestoryofyourlove，andbelieves，withus，thatitisamaladythatyoumustbecuredof。Therefore，inpitytoyou，hewillnotlisten，andtheothersarcpaidtokeepsilent。”

“Istherenohope，OHeaven?“criedMarie，imploringly。“OGod，Thouhastpermittedit——hastThounopityinmyneed，andsendestmenoaid?“Rushingtoherfather，andkneelingathisfeet，shecontinued:“Havemercyuponyourpoorchild！Youareanoldman，andmaylivebutafewyears；donotburdenyourconsciencewiththefearfulreproachesofyouronlychild，whomyouwillcondemntoaninconsolablylongandunhappylife。”

“Haveyounopityyourself?DoyounotknowthatI，yourfather，amsopoor，thatIhavenoteventhenecessarycare?Youwishyourparentstosacrificethemselvesforyou，andsufferwant！No，thedaughtershouldsacrificeherselfforherparents。”

“Abeautifulsacrifice，afinesorrow！“sneeredhermother。“Shewillbearichwoman，andhavethemostsplendidhouseandfurnitureandmostcostlyequipageinBerlin！“

“Andahusbandwhoadoresher，“criedEbenstreit，“andwhowillfeelithisdutytomakeherandherparentshappy。Resolvebravelytoburythepast，andlooktheimmutablefuturejoyfullyintheface。

Elevenwillbethehappyhour；fearnotthatthealtarwillnotbeworthythecharmingbrideofsucharichfamily。Moneywillprocureeverything，andIwillsendafloristwhowillchangethisroomintoabloomingtemple，fittoreceivethegoddessoflove。Inyourroomyouwillfindthegiftofmyaffection，asimplewedding-dress，whichItrustyouwillapproveof。Oh，donotshakeyourhead，donotsaythatyouwillneverwearit；youmustbelievethatallresistanceisinvain。Youwillbecomemywife，Iandmymoneywillit。”

“AndI，“criedMarie，standingbeforehimpaleanddefiant，regardinghimwithunspeakablecontempt，“Iandmylovewillitnot。

MayGodjudgebetweenus！MayHeforgivethosewhohavebroughtthismisfortuneuponme！Icanonlysay，\'Woetothem！\'“

“Woetoyou！“criedhermother。“Woetotheseducerwhohaspersuadedourchildtosinandcrime，and——“

“Hushmother！IwillnotpermityoutoslanderhimwhomIlove，andevershall，solong——“

“Untilyouforgethim，andloveme，Marie，“saidEbenstreit。

Approachingher，heseizedherhand，andpressedakissuponit。

Shedrewitawaywithdisgust，andturnedslowlytothedoor，tossingbackherheadproudly。“Whereareyougoing?“demandedhermother。

Withherhandupontheknob，shereplied，turningherpale，wanfacetohermother，“Tomyownroom，whichIsupposeispermittedtome，asthereisnothingmoretobesaid。”

Hermotherwouldreply，andretainher，butherson-in-lawheldhergentlyback。“Lethergo，“saidhe；“sheneedsrestforcomposureandtoaccustomherselftothethoughtthatherfateisunavoidable。”

“Butwhatifsheshouldresorttodesperatemeansinhermadinfatuationandfoolishpassion?Someonemustwatchhercontinually，forshemaytrytoelope。”

“Youareright，dearestmother，someonemustbewithher，inwhomshewillconfide。WoulditnotbepossibletowinoldTrude?“

“No，nothingwouldgainher；sheisasillyfool，whothinksonlyMarieisofconsequence。”

Ebenstreitshruggedhisshoulders。“Thatmeansthatshewouldsellherselfatahighprice。Ibegthatyouwillsendforher。”

“Youwillsee，“saidshe，callingtheoldwoman，whoenteredfromtheoppositedoor。

Trudelookedabout，scowlingandgrumbling。“Leberechttoldmemymistresscalledme。”

“Whydoyouthenlooksofurious，andwhatareyouseekingonthetable?“askedFrauvonWerrig。

“Mymoney，“criedTrude，vehemently。“Ithoughtthatyoucalledmetopayme，andthatmywageswereallcountedoutonthetable。ButIseethereisnothingthere，andIfearIshallgetnone，andbepoorasachurch-mouseallmylifelong。Yourhonorpromisedmepositivelythat，assoonastheweddingwasdecidedupon，youwouldpaymeeveryfarthing，withinterest，andIdependeduponit。”

“Youshallhaveall，andmuchmorethanthegeneral\'swifepromisedyou，ifyouwillbeatrueandfaithfulservanttous，“saidEbenstreit。

“ThatIalwayshavebeen，andevershallbe，“snarledTrude。“Nopersoncansayaughtagainstme。Now，Iwantmymoney。”

“Andobstinateenoughyouhavebeentoo，“saidhermistress。“Canyoudenythatyouhavenotalwaystakenmydaughter\'spart?“

“Idonotdenyit。Ihavenursedherfromchildhood，andIloveherasmyownchild，andwoulddoanythingtomakeherhappy！“

“Doyoubelieve，Trude，“criedthegeneral，“thatMariecouldbehappywiththatpoor，starvingwretchofaschool-master?Hasshenotexperiencedinherownhomethemisfortuneandshameofpoverty?“

“Iknowitwell，“sighedtheoldone，sadly，“andithasconvertedmetobelievethatitwouldbeagreatmisfortuneforMarietomarrythepoorschool-master。”

“Well，willyouthenfaithfullyhelpustopreventit?“quicklyaskedEbenstreit。

“HowcanIdoit?“shesighed，shrugginghershoulder。

“Youcanpersuademydaughtertobereasonable，andyieldtothatwhichshecannotprevent。YouaretheonlyonewhocanmakeanyimpressionuponMarie，assheconfidesinyou。Watchher，thatinamomentofpassionatedesperationshedoesnotcommitsomerashact。

Youcantellus，further，whatshesays，andwarnusofanycrazyplanshemightformtocarryoutherownwill。”

“Thatistosay，ImustbetraymyMarie?“criedTrude，angrily。

“No，notbetray，butrescueher。Willyoudoit?“askedEbenstreit。

“Iwishtobepaidmywages，mytwohundredthalers，thatIhavehonestlyearned，andIwillhavethem。”

Ebenstreittookapieceofpaperfromhispocket。Writingafewlineswithapencil，helaidituponthetable。“Ifyouwilltakethistomycashieraftertheceremonyto-morrow，hewillpayyoufourhundredthalers。”

“Fourhundredthalersincash，“criedTrude，joyfullyclappingherhands。“Shallallthatbeautifulmoneybemine，and——No，Idonotbelieveyou，“shecried，herfacereassumingitsgloomy，suspiciouslook。“Youpromiseittometo-day，thatImayassistyou，andpersuadeMarietothemarriage，butto-morrow，whenoldTrudeisofnomoreuse，youwillsendmeawaypenniless。Oh，Iknowhowitis。

Ihavelivedlongenoughtounderstandthetricksofrichpeople。I

willseethecashfirst——onlyforthatwillIsellmyself。”

“Theoldwomanpleasesme，“saidEbenstreit。“Sheispractical，andsheisright——IfIpromiseyouthemoneyinanhour，willyoupersuadeMarietoceaseherfoolishresistance，andbemywife?Willyouwatchoverher，andtellusifanythingunusualoccurs?“

“Fourhundredthalersisaprettysum，“repeatedTrude，inalowvoicetoherself。“Imightbuymyselfaplaceinthehospital，andhaveenoughlefttogetmeanewbedandneatfurnitureand——“

Herehervoicewaslostinunintelligiblemumbling，and，muchexcited，sheappearedtocounteagerly。Withherbonyforefingershenumberedoverthefingersofherlefthand，asifeachwereafortunethatshemustverifyandexamine。

Themotherandthebankerregardedeachotherwithmockinglooks；

thegenerallookedatthemoney，grumbling:“IfIhadhadfourhundredthalersthelasttimeIplayed，Icouldhavewonbackmymoneyinplayingagain。”

“Oldwoman，“saidEbenstreit，“haveyounotfinishedwithyourreckoning?“

“Yes，“shesaid，withanexultantlaugh，“Ihavedone！Fourhundredthalersarenotsufficient。Imusthavefive，andifyouwillgivethemtomeincashinanhour，thenIwilldoeverythingthatyouwish，andpersuadeMarietothemarriage。Iwillwatchherdayandnight，andtellyoueverythingthatshesaysanddoes。ButImusthavefivehundredincash！“

Ebenstreitturnedhisdull-blueeyestoFrauvonWerrigwithatriumphantsmile。“Didyounottellmetheoldwomancouldnotbebought?IknewthatIwasright。Youdidnotofferhermoneyenough；

shewillsellherselfdearaspossible。”

“Yes，asdearasshecan，“laughedTrude——“fivehundredismyprice。”

“Youshallhaveitincashinanhour，“saidEbenstreit，inafriendlymanner。

“Somuchmoney，“whinedthegeneral；“itwouldhavesavedmeifI

hadhaditthatlasttime。”

“Myson-in-law，Imustconfessyouareexceedinglygenerous，“

remarkedthemother。

“Nosumwouldbetoogreattoassurememybride。Gonow，Trude，youshallhavethemoneyintime——Willyouallowme，father，tosendyourservanttomyofficeforit?“

“SendLeberechthere，Trude！“

Theoldwomanhurriedoutoftheroom，butthedooronceclosed，hermannerchanged。Onemighthavesupposedasuddencramphadseizedher，fromherdistortedface，andtwitchingandpanting，andbeatingtheairwithherclinchedfists，andherquiveringlipsutteringbrokenwords。

Approachingfootstepswarnedhertoassumehergeneralmannerandexpression，andceasehermanipulations。“Theladiesandgentlemenwishyouintheparlor，“mumbledTrudetotheservantdescendingthestairs。“Butwherehaveyoubeen，andwhathaveyoutodoupthere?“

“Iwaslookingforyou，lovelyone——nothingmore！“

“Well，nowyouhavefoundme，tellmewhatyouwant?Iknowyouweresneakingabout，listening，becauseyouthoughtIwaswithMarie。I

understandyoubetterthanyouthinkIdo。Ihavefoundmanyaviper，andIamfamiliarwiththeiraspect。Go！theyarewaitingforyou，andletmefindyouagainspyingabout，andIwillthrowapailofwateronyou！“

WiththisfriendlyassuranceTrudedismissedLeberecht，andhastenedwithyouthfulactivitytothelittlegarret-room，whenMariefelluponherneck，weepingbitterly。

“Calmyourself——donotweepso——itbreaksmyheart，mydearchild。”

“Andminecannotbreak。Imustendureallthisanguishandsurvivethisshame。Helpme，mygoodmother，standbyme！Itisimpossibleformetomarrythatdreadfulman。IhaveswornconstancytomybelovedMoritz，andImustbefirm，ordie！“

“Die?thenyouwillkillme！“murmuredtheoldone，“for，ifyougo，Imustgoalso。Butwewillnotgiveupyet，aswearebothliving；

wewillnotdespairforlife。IamgoingoncemoretoMoritz\'slodgings；itmaybehehasreturned，andwillrescueyou。”

“Oh，do，goodTrude；tellhimthatIhavecourageanddeterminationtoriskandbeareverything——thatIwillawaithim；thatnothingwouldbetoodifficultordangeroustoservetounitemetohim！

TellhimthatIpreferalifeofpovertyandwantbyhisside，toabundanceandrichesinasplendidpalacewiththatdetestedcreature——butno，saynothingaboutit，heknowsitwell！Ifhehasreturned，tellhimallthathashappened，andthatIamresolvedtobravetheutmost，tosavemyself！“

“Iwillgo，dearchild，butIhavefirstmyworktodo，andenoughofittoo——butlistentowhattheyhavemademebecome。”Hastily，inalowvoice，sherelatedtoMariethestoryofhercorruption，excitedasbefore，herlimbsshakingandherfistsclinched。“Theysayweoldwomenresemblecats，butfromto-dayforthIknowthatisashamefullie！IfIhadpossessedtheirnatureandclaws，Ishouldhavesprungatthethroatofthisrascal，andtornouthiswindpipe；

but，insteadofthat，Istoodasifdelightedwithhisdegradingproposal！Oh，fie！thegood-for-nothingkidnapperwouldtemptapoorcreature！Letuswait，theywillgettheirreward。Heshallpaymethefivehundredthalers，andthenthistraderofheartsshallrecognizethat，howevermuchill-earnedmoneyhemaythrowaway，loveandconstancyarehottobebought。Wewillteachhimalesson，“andwiththis，theoldservantceased，gaspingforbreath。

“Gonow，Trude，andlearnifhehasreturned；uponhimdependsmyhappiness，andlifeeven——heismylasthope！“

“Iamgoing，butfirstIwouldgetthewagesofmysin，andplaythehypocrite，andtellafewuntruths；thenIwillgotoMoritz\'slodgings，andthebakeralso。Donotdespair；IhaveajoyfulpresentimentthatGodwillhavepityuponusandsendusaid。”Trudekissedandembracedherchild，andscarcelywaitedanhour，whenshewasdemandedintheparlortoreceivehermoney。

HerrEbenstreitwasheartilydelightedwithherzealousimpatience，andhandedhertenrollsofgold，remindingheroftheconditions。

“Ihavealreadyconsoledheralittle，andshebeginstochange。I

hopeeverythingwillturnforgood。Justleaveheralonewithme。”

“Butfirst，Imustgoandseemyagedbrother，whowilltakecareofmymoney，“repliedTrude。“Heisasafemanandwillnotspendit。”

“Trude，“criedthegeneral，“whatanoldfool！toseekatdistancewhatissonearyou。Iwilltakeyourmoney，andgiveyouinterest。

Doyouhear?Iwilltakecareofit！“

“Thankyou，general，I\'drathergiveittomybrother，onaccountoftherelationship。”Sheslippedoutoftheroom，hidthemoneyinherbed，andhurriedlyleftthehouse。

ScarcelyanhourpassedereTrudereturnedasfleetlyasshewent。

Shecastonlyalookintothekitchen，andhasteneduptoMarie\'sroom。Hersuccesswasevidentinherhappy，smilingface，andcominghomeshehadrepeatedtoherself，“HowhappyMariewillbe！“almosttheentireway。

Shehadbutclosedthedoor，whenthemeanlittleLeberechtglidedfrombehindthechimney，andcrepttolistenatthedoor。

Withinwasalivelyconversation，andtwiceashoutofjoywasheardandMarie，exultant，cried，“Oh，Trude！dearTrude！allgoeswell，I

fearnothingnow。GodhassentmethesaviorwhichIimplored！“

Leberechtstood，bentover，applyinghiseartothekeyhole，listeningtoeveryword。

Oh，Trude！ifyoucouldonlyhaveseenthetraitor，gluedtothedoor，withopeneyesandmouth！Couldyouhaveseentheeavesdropperrubbinghishandstogether，grinning，andlisteninginbreathlesssuspense！

Whycannotyousurprisehim，Trude，andfulfilyourthreattodelugehimandchasehimawayfromyourchild\'sdoor?Theyforgotthenecessityofprudence，andthepossibilityofbeingoverheard。Atlastitoccurredtotheoldservant，andshetoreopenthedoor，butnoonewasthere——itwasdesertedandstill。

“Godbethanked，noonehaslistened，“whisperedTrude。“IwillgodownandtellthemthatIhope，ifwecanstayaloneallday，youwillbecalmerandmorereasonable。”

“Doit，Trude；Idonotdaretoseeanyoneforfearmyfacewillbetrayme，andmymotherhasverysharpeyes。Returnsoon。”

Sheopenedthedoor，andsawnottheeavesdropperandspy，whohadbutjusttimetoconcealhimself，andstandmaliciouslygrinningattheretreatingfigureofthefaithfulservant。

Heslippedlightlyfromhishiding-placedowntohissleeping-room，inanicheunderthestairs。Foralongtimehereflected，uponhisbedside——hiswateryblueeyesstaringatnothing。“Thismustbewellconsidered，“hemumbled。“Thereis，atlast，acapitaltobewon。

WhichshallIdofirst，tograspagooddeal?ShallIwait，orgoatoncetoHerrEbenstreit?Verynaturallytheywouldbothdenyit，andsaythatIhadmadeupthewholestorytogainmoney。Ihadbetterlettheaffairgoon:theycantakeashortdrive，andwhentheyareaboutanhourabsent，Iwillsellmysecretatahigherprice。NowI

willpretendtobequiteharmless，andaftersupperletthebombburst！“

CHAPTERXXV。

THEELOPEMENT。

Eveninghadsetin。Thecard-tablehadbeenarranged，andLeberechthadrolledhismastertoit，takinghisplacebehindhischair。Thehourofwhistthegeneralimpatientlyawaitedtheentireday，anditwasregularlyobserved。Eveninthecontractwithhisadoptedsonithadbeenexpresslymentionedasaduty，thatheshouldnotonlysecuretothemyearlyincome，butalsodevoteanhourtocardseveryevening。

HerrEbenstreitregardeditasatax，whichhemustobserveuntilmarried。Thegeneralwasmuchhissuperioratcards，and，moreover，playedthedummy，andthestakebeinghigh，itwasquiteanincomeforthefuturefather-in-law，andregardedbyhimastheonebrightspotinhisdailylife。

Thecardshadbeendealt，andLeberechthadassortedthegeneral\'s，andplacedtheminhisgoutyhand，whenTrudeentered，exultingly。

“Whathashappened?Whatmakesyouinterruptus?“criedthegeneral。

“DidyounotrememberthatIhavetoldyoualwaysnottodisturbusatthishour。”

“Yes，general，butIthoughtgoodnewswasneveramiss。”

“Whathaveyoupleasanttotellus?“harshlydemandedFrauvonWerrig。

“Myyounglady\'scompliments，“criedTrude，triumphantly；“shebeginstoseethatshemustyieldtoherfate，andthatitwilldonogoodtoresistanylonger。Shewillbereadyfortheceremonyateleveno\'clockto-morrowmorning。”

Thegeneralutteredacryofjoy，andstruckthetablesoviolently，withhishand，thatthecardswerethrowntogether。

Hiswifeboweddignifiedly，andthehappybridegroomgaveoldTrudesomegold-piecesuponthefavorablenews。

“Hasshe，then，beenconvertedbyyourpersuasion?“heasked。

“Throughmypersuasionandherowngoodsense。Sheunderstandsthat，ifshecannotmarryherdearMoritz，HerrEbenstreitisthemostfithusband，becausehelovesher，andissogeneroustoheroldparents。Onethingshewouldlikeananswerto——canIaccompanyhertohernewhome?“

“Yes，oldwoman，itwillbeveryagreeabletohavesosensibleaperson，“saidEbenstreit。“TellMariethatitgivesmepleasuretofulfilherwish。”

“InthatcaseIwouldrepeatthatFrauleinbegsforindulgenceandforbearanceuntilto-morrow，andwouldliketoremainalonetocomposeherself。”

“Idonotwish，intheleast，toseeher，“saidhermother；“shecandowhatshelikesuntilthen。”

“IwilltellMarie，andshewillrejoice，“criedTrude。

“Tellher，fromherfather，thatitisveryagreeabletohimnottoseeherpale，wretched-lookingfaceagaintillmorning——Now，myson，payattention，andyou，Trude，donotpresumetointerruptusagain。Leberecht，playoutmyaceofhearts。”