第9章

Thelatter，withhiseyescastdown，andwithaperfectlyindifferentmanner，playedthecardindicated，andTrudelefttheroomquietlyandunobserved。

“Everythingisarranged，mychild，“saidTrude，asshere-enteredMarie\'sroom。“Theyareplayingcards，whichalwayslaststwohours，thenHerrEbenstreitgoesaway，andthefamilywillgotobed。Youhaveeighteenhours，beforeyouwillbediscovered。Hark！itstrikesseven，anditisalreadyquitedark。Whenthepost-hornsounds，thenitistime。”

“Oh，Trude！mydearmother，myheartalmostceasestobeat，withanxiety，andIquakewithfear，“sighedMarie。“IamconsciousthatIhavecommencedafearfulundertaking！“

“Theyhavedrivenyoutoit——itisnotyourfault，“saidTrude，consolingly。“Everyhumanbeingisfreetoworkouthisowngoodorbadfortune，and，asourdearOldFritzsays，\'tobehappyinthefutureworldinhisownway。\'Theyhavesoldyouformoney，andyouonlyprovetothemthatyouarenoslave。”

“AndIprovealsothatIamadisobedientdaughter，“addedMarie，trembling。“Atthishour，itweighslikeaheavyburdenuponmyheart，andthewordsofHolyWritburnintomyverysoul——\'Honorthyfatherandthymother，thatitmaybewellwiththee。\'“

“Youhavehonoredthemallyourlife，“saidTrude，solemnly；“IcanwitnessitbeforeGodandman。Youhaveworkedforthemwithoutthanksorlove，receivingonlycontempt。Itisalsowritten，\'Thoushaltleavefatherandmother，andcleaveuntothyhusband。\'YoustillfollowthecommandsofGod，andmayitbringyouhappinessandblessing。Myprayersandthoughtsgowithyou，mychild！amothercouldnotloveheroffspringmoretenderlythanIdoyou。”

“Nomothercouldmoretenderlyandfaithfullycareforherthanyouhaveforme，Trude，“criedMarie，pressingherlovinglytoherbreast。“Throughyoualoneismyrescuepossible，foryougiveusthemoneytoundertakethelongjourney。”

“NotI，“shelaughed；“itisHerrEbenstreit，andthatmakesitthemoreamusing；thewickedalwayssetthetrapsintowhichtheyfallthemselves。”Suddenlytheloud，quiveringtonesofthepost-hornwereheard，“EsrittendreiReiterzumThorehinaus。”

“Hehascome！“criedMarie，andherfacebeamedwithdelight。“Hecallsme！Iamcoming！——Farewell，dear，peacefulroom，whereIhavesotoiled，wept，andsuffered！Ishallneverseetheeagain！Mybelovedcallsme，andIgotofollowhimevenuntodeath！Pardonme，OGod！ThouseestthatIcannotdootherwise！Theywouldforcemetoperjury，andIdarenotbreakmyoath！IcannotforsakehimwhomI

love！——Whentheycurseme，Trude，kneel，andimplorGodtoblessme，whoistheFatheroflove！Myconsciencedoesnotreproachme。I

haveworkedforthemwhentheyneededit；nowtheiradoptedson，towhomtheyhavesoldtheirname，allowsthemayearlyrent，andIcanworkformyself。”

“Hark！thereisthepost-hornagain，youmustgo，“murmuredTrude，strugglingtoforcebackhertears。

“Blessme，mother，“imploredMarie，kneeling。

“God\'sblessinggowithyou，“shesaid，layingherhandsuponherhead，“andmayitrenderofnoavailthecursesofmen，butpermityoutowalkinloveandhappiness！“

“Amen，amen！“sighedMarie，“nowfarewell，dearmother，farewell！“

Marierose，andkissingTrudeagain，flitteddownthestairs，andoutofthehouse，Trudefollowing，holdingherbreathandlisteninginfearfulexcitement。

Againresoundedthepost-horn。

“Theyaregone，“murmuredTrude，bowingherheadandprayinglongandfervently。

Thegeneralwasparticularlyfortunatethisevening，whichcausedhimtobeunusuallycheerfulandsatisfied。Aftereveryrubberhegatheredupthethalers，untilhehadamassedamostsatisfactorypile。Astheclockstruckten，FrauvonWerrigdeclaredthattheymustfinishandgotobed。

Thegeneralyielded，withasigh，toherdecision，forheknew，bylongyearsofexperience，thatitwouldbeinvaintodefyherwill。

Heshovedhiswinningsintoaleatherbag，whichhealwayscarriedwithhim，andgaveLeberechttheordertorollawayhischair，whentheservant，withasolemnbow，steppedcloselytohim，andbeggedthegeneraltolistentohimamoment。

“Well，whathaveyoutosay?“heasked。

“Ihaveonlyonerequest——thatyouwillpermitmetoprovethatIamafaithfulservant，wholooksoutforthegoodofhisemployers。YouhavegivenTrudefivehundredthalersthatshemightwatchoveryourdaughter。Icanshowyouhowwellshedeservedit，andhowdifferentlyyourhumbleservantwouldhavedone——Havethegoodness，FrauyonWerrig，tocallTrudetobidFrauleincomedown，foryouhavesomethingimportanttocommunicatetoher。”

Hismistressproudlyregardedhimandseemedtotrytoreadhismeaninginhissmiling，humbleface。“Andifmydaughtercomes，whathaveyoutosay?“

“Ifshecomes，thenIamamiserablefoolandscoundrel，butIbegyoutocallTrude。”

Itwasalongtimebeforetheoldwomanappeared，confusedandsleepy，asking——“whattheywantedatsuchalatehour?“

“GoandtellmydaughterthatIwishtoseeheratonce。”

Trudetrembled，butcomposedherself，saying，“Thereistimeenoughto-morrow。Frauleinhasbeenasleepalongtime。”

“Shelies，“sneeredLeberecht，takingtheprecautiontoprotecthimselfbehindthegeneral\'sarm-chair。“Sheknowsthatsheisnotinbed。”

“Oh，yousneak，yourascal，“criedTrude，shakingherfistathim，“howdareyousaythatItellalie?Howcansuchamiserablecreatureasyouimputetootherswhatyoudoyourselfeverytimethatyouopenyourmouth?“

“FrauyonWerrig，sheisonlyquarrelling，inordertogaintime——

everymomentisprecious。Ibegyoutogoup-stairs，andseeforyourself，ifyourdaughteristhere。”

“Frauleinhaslockedthedoorsoasnottobedisturbed。”

“Ah，“saidLeberecht，“Trudehaslockedit，andhasthekeyinherpocket。”

“Giveupthekey，“shriekedthegeneral，whoinvaintriedtorise，“orIwillcallthepolice，andsendyoutoprison。”

“Doit，butIwillnotgiveittoyou。”

“Doyounotseeshehasit?“criedLeberecht。

“Oh，youwretch，Iwillpayyou——Iwillscratchyoureyesout，youmiserablecreature！“

“Trude，bequiet，“commandedEbenstreit；“thegeneralorderstogiveupthekey——doit！“

“Yes，doitatonce，“shriekedFrauvonWerrig，“orIwilldismissyoufrommyservice。”

“Thatyouwillnothavetodo，asIshallgomyself。Iwillnotgiveupthekey。”

“Thedoorisold，andwithagoodpushonecouldopenit，“saidLeberecht。

“Come，myson，letussee，“saidthemother。

Theyhasteneduptotheroom，whilethegeneralscolded，furiouslythathemustsitstill。LeberechtandTrudecastfurious，menacingglancesateachother。

Suddenlyaloudcrashwasheard。

“Theyhavebrokenopenthedoor！“criedthegeneral。

“Isaidthatitwasoldandfrail——whatdoyousaynow，beautifulTrude?“

Theoldwomanwipedwithherhandthedropsofperspirationfromherforehead，causedbyheranguish。“Youareabadfellow，andGodwillpunishyouforyourtreason，thatyouhavetormentedanoble，unhappygirl。Isawthatyouwereaneavesdropper，andyouknowall。”

“Sheisgone！“shriekedthemother，rushingintotheroom。

“Theroomisempty，“criedEbenstreit。“Marieisnotthere。Tellus，Leberecht，whatyouknowaboutit。”

“Iwill，ifwecanagreeaboutthepay——theoldwomanbothersme，andbegtheyounggentlemantogointothenextroomwithme。”

“OAlmightyGod，havecompassionuponmypoorlittleMarie，“

murmuredTrude，kneeling，andcoveringherface。

Ebenstreitinthemeantimewithdrewtotheotherroom，followedbytheservant。

“Speak！“commandedhismaster，“andtellmewhatyouhavetosay。”

Leberechtshruggedhisshoulders。“Wearetwomenwhohaveurgentbusinesswitheachother。Iamnotatpresentaservantandyouthemaster。Iamamanwhohasanimportantsecrettosell，andyouarethemanwhowouldbuyit。”

“Whatstrange，unheard-oflanguageisthis?“saidEbenstreit，astonished。

“ThelanguageofamanwhocannotonlydeprivetherichbankerEbenstreitofalovelywife，butofhistitlealso。Yousaidyourself，sir，thismorning，thatitwasonlyvalidifyousucceededinmarryingthedaughterofGeneralvonLeuthen。Nononeknowswhereyoucanfindyourbridebutme。”

“AndTrude，“saidEbenstreit，quickly。

“YouknowshewillnotbetrayFraulein，andyouhavenoteventriedtomakeher。”

“Youaremistaken；Trudeisaseasilyboughtasanyone。”

“Yousaythatbecauseshehastakenfivehundredthalersfromyou。

Shehasnothelpedyou，anditisuselesstoaskforyourmoney，asshehasnotgotit。”

“Howso?Hasshegivenitaway?“

“Youprovidedthemoneyforyourbridetorunawayandmarryelsewhere，asTrudegaveittothem。”

Ebenstreitstampedhisfootwithrage，stridingbackwardandforwardinfuriousexcitement，whileLeberechtwatchedhim，sardonicallysmiling。“Letuscometoanendwiththisbusiness，“saidEbenstreit，stoppingbeforehisservant。“YouknowwhereFrauleincanbefound，andyouwishtosellthesecret——tellmeyourprice。”

“Threethousandthalers，andaclerkshipinyourbank，whichyouintendtocontinueunderanothername。”

“Youarebesideyourself。Iamnotsofoolishastograntsuchsenselessdemands。”

“EveryhourthatyouwaitIdemandathousandthalersmore，andifyoustoptoreflectlongyourbetrothedandyourtitlebotharelost。”

“Youareamiserablescamp！“criedEbenstreit，enraged；“Iwillinformthepolice。Therearemeansenoughtoforceyoutogivetheinformation。”

“Idonotbelieveit。Trudewillnottellyou，andIshouldliketoknowwhatcanforcemeifIwillnot。Thekinghasdoneawaywithtorture，andIhaveinformedyouhowtomakemespeak。Threethousandthalersandaclerkshipinyouroffice。Takecare！itisalmosteleveno\'clock——atmidnightIshalldemandfourthousand。”

CHAPTERXXVI。

UNDERTHESTARRYHEAVENS。

Itwasabeautiful，clear，moonlightnight。Theworldreposedinsilence。Mankindwiththeircaresandsorrows，theirjoysandhopes，hadgonetorest。Overtownandvillage，overhighwayandforesthadflittedthesweet，consolingangel——Sleep。Thesadweresoothed，theheavy-ladenwerelightenedoftheirburdens，tothedespairingwerebroughtgoldendreams，tothewearyrest。Sighingandsorrowful，heturnedfromthosewithasadfacewhoseconsciencebanishedrepose，and，ah！theirnumberwaslegion。Tothewakefulandblissfulhesmilinglyglanced，breathingaprayerandablessing；butthesewerefewandfarbetween——forhappinessisarareguest，andtarrieswithmortalsbutfitfully。Asheglidedpastthejoyfulcouplewho，withwatchfulloveandgratefulhearts，satinthecarriagerollingoverthesilent，desertedhighway，twotearsfellfromhiseyes，andhisstarrywingswerewideroutspreadtorushmorequicklypast。

“Look，mydearMarie，twostarsjustfellfromheaven。Theyareagreetingtoyou，lovedone，andtheywouldsaytheyguideusonourway。”

“Oh，Philip，itisasignofill-luck！Fallingstarsbetokenmisfortune！“

Sheclungclosertohisside，andlaidherheaduponhisshoulder。

Hepressedhermorelovinglytohisheart。“Donotfear，dearMarie；

separationonlycouldcauseusunhappiness——wehavelongborneit，andnowitisforeverpast。Youhavegivenyourselftomeformyown，andIamyours，heartandsoul；wespeedonthroughthenighttothemorningofthebright，sunnyfuture，nevermoretebeparted。”

“Never！“sheferventlymurmured。“Oh，mayGodhearourprayer。

Never，nevertopart！Yet，whilethewordfallsfrommylips，ashuddercreepsthroughmysoul。”

“Whereforethisdespair，dearest?Reflect，noonewillbeapprisedofourflighttillearlymorning，andthentheywillnotknowwhitherwehavefled。MeanwhilewerushontoHamburg，whereapacket-shipsailseveryWednesdayforEngland；arrivingthere，wewillfirstgotoSuffolk，tomyoldfriendthevicarofTunningham。

Iwashisguestmanyweekslastyear，andheoftenrelatedtometheprivilegewhichhadbeenconferredontheparishchurchforalongtimetoperformvalidmarriagesforthosetowhoseuniontherewereobstaclesinterposedelsewhere。Hewillblesstheunionofourlove，andwillaccordmethelawfulrighttocallyoumyownbeforeGodandman。WewillnotreturnatoncetoGermany。IhavemanyconnectionsandliteraryfriendsinLondon，whowillassistmetoworthyoccupation。Besides，IclosedanagreementsomeweekssincewiththepublisherNicolaiinBerlinforanewwork。IwillwriteitinLondon；itwillbenonethelessfavoredcomingfromadistance。”

“MyflowersandpaintingswillalsobeaswellreceivedinasinBerlin，“addedMarie，smilingly。

“No，Marie，youshallnotwork。Ishallhavethepreciouscareofprovidingforyou，whichwillbemyprideandhappiness。Oh，mybeloved，whatacrowningblisstopossessasweet，dearwife，whoisonlyrichinimperishabletreasures，andpoorinexternalriches！

Whatdelighttotoilforher，andfeelthattherelivesinmyintellectthepowertogranthereverywish，andtocompensateherintheslightestdegreetheboundlesswealthofheraffection！Toalovingmindthereisnoprouder，happierfeelingthantobetheonlysourceofsupporttothewifeofhislove——toknowthatshelookstohimforthefulfilmentofherslightestwishinlife。IthankmyMakerthatyouarepoor，Marie，andthatIampermittedtotoilforyou。HowelsecouldIrewardyouforallyouhavesacrificedforme?“

“Youcannotsuppose，dearPhilip，thattherichesofmyobtrusiveloverwouldhavebeenanyattractiontome。Moneycouldnevercompensateforthelossofyourlove。Youaremylife，andfromyoualonecanIreceivehappinessorunhappiness。AtyoursideIamrichandjoyous，thoughwemayoutwardlyneed；withoutyouIshouldbepoorwithsuperfluity。Iamproudthatweinspirithavefreedourselvesfromthosefictitiousexternalswithwhichthefoolishburdenthemselves。Oh，mybelovedPhilip，mywholesoulisexultantthatwearenevermoretopart——no，notevenineternity，forI

believethatloveisanundyingsentiment，andthesoulcanneverbedarkenedbydeathwhichisbeamingwithaffection。”

“Youareright，Marie，loveistheimmortalityofthesoul；throughitmanisregeneratedandsoarstotheregionsofeternallight。

WhenIrecallhowdesolateandgloomywasmylife，howjoylessthedaysdraggedonbeforeIlovedyou，IalmostmenacedHeaventhatitcreatedmetowanderalonethroughthisdesert。Thebrightestsun\'sraysnowgildmyfuture，anditseemsasifwewerealoneinparadise，andthatthecreationentireglorifiedmyhappiness，andallthevoicesofNatureshoutedagreetingtoyou，dearest。Oh，Marie，ifIlivedathousandyears，myheartwouldretainitsyouthfulloveandadorationforyou，whohavesavedmefrommyself，havefreedmysoulfromtheconstrainingfettersofasad，joylessexistence。Reposeyourheaduponmyheart，andmayitresttheremanyhappyyears，andreceiveinthishourmyoathtolove，esteem，andhonoryouasmymostprecioustreasure！Youshallbewife，child，sister，andfriend。Mysoulshallbefrankandopentoyou；

foryouIwillstriveandtoil，andwillcherishandfosterthehappinessreceivedfromyouasmymosttreasuredgift。Givemeyourhand，Marie。”

Shelaiditwithinhisownstrong，manlyhand，gentlypressingit。

Thelargefullmoon，highabovethem，lightedupthesenoblefaces，makingtheeyes，whichwerebentuponeachother，moreradiant。

Swiftlythecarriagerolledon，thenight-breezefanningtheircheeksandwavingbacktheirravencurls。

Moritzraisedtheirclaspedhands，andgazedatthestarryheaven。

“WeliftthemupuntoThee，OGod。Thouhastheardmyoath，O

EternalSpirit，whodwellestamongthestars；receiveit，andblessthewomanIlove！“

“Receivealsomyoath，OmyMaker。RegardthemantowhomIhavesworneternalfidelity，blesshim，andblessme。Letusliveinloveanddieinconstancy。”

Moritzresponded，“Amen，mybeloved，amen！“

Theyembracedeachotherfervently。Onwardrolledthecarriagethroughthetranquil，blissfulnight。Ohwhycannotthesesteedsborrowwingsfromthenight-wind?Whycannotthesoaringspiritbearaloftitsearthlytenement?Withdivinejoyandheavenlyconfidenceyougazeatthestars。Yousmilinglyinterchangethoughtsoftheblissfulfuture，whilstdiremisfortuneapproaches，andwillsoonseizeyouinitspoisonousgrasp！Doyounothearit?Doesnottheechoofswift-prancingsteedsringinyourears?Doyounotheartheshriekingandcallingafteryou?

Theylistenonlytothevoiceoftendernessspeakingintheirhearts，andwouldthatthesolemnquietofthisdialoguemightnotbebrokenbyaloudwordfromtheirlips。

Thepost-hornsounded！Theyhaltedatalonelyhousenearthehighway。Itisthestation。Changehorses！Thereisnotalighttobeseen。Threetimesthepostilionblewapealingblasteretheycouldawaketheinmates。Thewindowwasatlastopened，andasleepy，complainingvoicequestionedthenumberofhorsesandthedistanceofthenextpost。

Slowlytheywerebroughtforward，andstillmoreslowlyweretheyattachedtothecarriage，andallarranged。Whatmattersit?Thenightislovely，andlikeadreamitseemstoremainunderthestarryheavens，spreadoutlikeacanopyabovethem。

Doesnotyourhearttellyouthatsorrowstridesonlikethestorm?

Doyounothearthevoicesstillshriekingafteryou?

Thepostilionmountedhishorse，andagainthetrumpetpealedforthitsmerryair，andwasansweredwithashoutoftriumphfromtheswiftpursuers。

MarieraisedherheadfromPhilip\'sshoulder。“Whatwasit?Didyounothearit?“

“What，mybeloved，whatshouldIhear?Dothestarssaluteyou?Dotheangelsgreettheirsisteruponearth?“

“Hark！thereitisagain！Doyounothearit?Listen！doesitnotseemasifonecalled\'Halt！halt！\'“

“Yes，truly，Ihearitnowalso！Whatcanhappen，love?Whytroubleourselvesabouttheouterworldandtheexistenceofotherbeings?“

“Iknownot，butIamsoanxious，myheartalmostceasestobeat，withterror！“

“Halt！halt！“thewindcarriesforwardtheshriek，andabovetheirheadsitsoundslikethescreechingofravens。

“Strange！Forwhomaretheycalling?“Moritzlookedbackalongthehighway。Whiteandclearitlayinthemoonlight，but，farinthedistancewasablackmass，takingformandshapeateverymoment！

Horsemen！horsemen！infullspeedtheycome！

“Postilion！driveon！quick！Letthehorsesgallop！Thereisaforestnear——driveustothat，thatwemayhideourselvesinthethicket！Onward，postilion！wearenotthievesormurderers。A

hundredthalersareyours，ifyousaveus！“

Thepostilionbeathishorses！Infullchasetheyfollowed——moreandmoredistinctlywereheardthecursesandyells。

“Oh，Godinheaven，havemercyuponusinourneed！“

“Faster，postilion！——inmercy，faster！“

“Halt！halt！——inthenameoftheking，halt！“

Thisstartledthepostilion，andheturnedtolisten，andagainafuriousvoiceyelled，“Inthenameoftheking，halt！“

Thepostiliondrewup。“Forgiveme，sir，butImustrespectthenameoftheking。”

Forwardgallopedthehorsemen。

“Philip，“whisperedMarie，“whydowelive——whydowenotdie?“

Hefoldedherinhisarms，andpassionatelykissedher，perhapsforthelasttime。“Marie，bemindfulofouroath——constantuntodeath！“

“Constantuntodeath！“sherepeated。

“Befirmanddefyallthestormsoflife！“

Marierepeatedit，withheightenedcourage。

Thehorsemensurroundedthecarriage，theridersuponpantingsteeds！Twoofficersinuniformsprangtotheside，layingtheirhandsuponMoritz\'sshoulder。“ConrectorPhilipMoritz，wearrestyouinthenameoftheking！Youareaccusedofelopingwithaminor，andwearecommandedtotransportyoutoSpandauuntilfurtherorders！“Upontheothersidetwootherhorsemenhalted。TheforemostwasHerrEbenstreit，wholaidhishanduponMarie，andsawnotorcarednotthatsheshudderinglyshrankaway。

“MydearMarie，Icomeastheambassadorofyourparents，andamfullyempoweredtoleadyourbacktoyourfather\'shouse。”

Sheanswerednot，butsatimmovableandbenumbedwithterror，thetearsrollingdownhercheeks。

“Youarrestmeinthenameoftheking，“criedMoritz；Ibowtothelaw。Ibegonlytospeaktothatman，“pointingtoEbenstreit，withcontempt。“Sir，dismount，Ihaveimportantbusinesswithyou！“

“Wehavenothingtosaytoeachother，“answeredEbenstreit，calmly。

“ButI！“criedMoritz，springingforward，furiousasalion，“Ihavesomethingtosaytoyou，yourascal，andIwilltreatyouaccordingly！“

Hesavagelytorethewhipfromthepostilion\'shand，andstruckEbenstreitintheface。“Now，“criedhe，triumphantly，“Ihaveforcedyoutogivemesatisfaction！“

Thepoliceswungthemselvesfromtheirsaddles，andLeberechtquicklydismounted。TheyclinchedMoritzbythefeetandhands。Itwasadesperatestruggle，andMariegazedatthemwithfoldedhands，prayingwithoutwords。Theyseizedhimandheldhimfastwithmanacles。Ashriek，andMariesankfainting。Moritz\'sheadsankuponhisbreast，almostintheagonyofdeath。

“Takehimtothenextstation，myfriends，“commandedEbenstreit，“thecarriageisalreadyorderedtoremovehimtoSpandau。”Hedismounted，andnowtooktheplacebyMarie，whostilllayinadeadfaint。“Postilion，mountandturnyourcarriage，Iretainyouuntilthenextstation。Ifyoudrivequickly，thereisalouisd\'orforyou。”

“Iwilldriveasifthedevilwereafterme，sir！“shoutedthepostilion，andturnedtogallopoff，whenEbenstreitorderedhimtohalt，andLeberechttogetuponthebox。

Thenturningtotheofficers，“Gentlemen，“saidhe，proudly，“youarewitnessestotheill-treatmentandinsultsofthiswoman-

stealer。Youwillcertifythatthebloodfloweddownmyface。”

“Iwillmyselfmakeitknownbeforeallmen，“criedMoritz，withacontemptuouslaugh。“Ihaveinsultedyouandbrandedyou。”

“Wewillgiveourevidence，“respectfullyrepliedtheofficers。“AssoonaswehavedeliveredourprisoneratSpandau，wewillannounceourselvestoyou。”

“Thenyouwillreceivefrommethepromisedrewardofahundredthalers。Ifyouhushuptheentireadventure，sothatitisnotnoisedabout，afterthreemonths，stillanotherhundred。”

“Wewillbesilent，HerrEbenstreit。”

“Ibelieveyou；ahundredthalersisaprettysum。Forward，Leberecht，makethepostilionpushon，thatwemayarriveinBerlinbeforedaybreak，andnooneknowofthisabominableaffair。”

Thepostilionlaughedwithdelight，atthethoughtofthelouisd\'or。UpontheboxsatLeberecht，asmileofmalicioustriumphuponhisface。“Thishasbeenaluckynight，“saidhe；“wehavealldoneagoodbusiness，butIamthemostfortunate，withmythreethousandthalersandafineplace。Iwishhehadwaitedanhourlater，andthenIshouldhavehadanotherthousand！“

Ebenstreitsatwithtriumphantsmilealso，byhisbetrothed。“Moneyisthekingoftheworld——withitonecanaccomplishallthings，“

saidhetohimself；“ifIhadbeenapoorfellow，thegeneralwouldnothavechosenme，northekinghavegivenmeatitle，norcouldI

havewonbackmybeautifulbride。Moneygivesposition，andIhopewillgivemethepowertorevengemyselfforthepaininmyface。”

HeturnedmenacinglytowardMoritz，whosawitnot。

Withbowedhead，speechless，asifnumbwiththehorrorofhismisfortune，herodewithfetteredhandsbetweenthetwoofficers，incapableoffleeing，astheyhadevenboundacordaroundhisarms，eachendheldfastbyoneoftheriders。

Thestarsandthemoonshonedownuponhimasbrightlybeautifulasanhourprevious。Oh，Marie，youwereright，fallingstarsbetokenmisfortune！Yourstarhasfallen！

CHAPTERXXVII。

THESACRIFICE。

Sincethatpainfulnight，fourweekshadpassed，fourlongonestopooroldTrude。Toherbelovedchildtheyhadfledinhappyunconsciousness。Inthedeliriumoffever，herthoughtswanderedtoherlover，alwaysdwellinguponherhopesandhappiness。Intheintervalsofreasonsheaskedforhimwithfearfulexcitementandanxiety，thenagainhermindwasclouded，andthecryofanguishwaschangedintoasmile。

Thencamethedaysofconvalescenceandthereturntoconsciousness，andwithitthemourningovercrushedhopes。SlowlyhadTrude，thefaithfulnurse，whowatchedbyherbedsidedayandnight，answeredherexcitedquestions，andtoherlittlebylittlethecircumstancesoftheelopement——howLeberechthadplayedtheeavesdropperandsoldMarie\'ssecretforgold；howhehadpreviouslyarrangedtopursuethem，informingthepolice，orderingthehorses，andsendingforwardacouriertoprovidefreshrelaysateverystation。

Trudedepictedtheangerofherfatherandthethreatsofhermothertosendhertoprison。Butbeforeshecouldexecuteherpurpose，Ebenstreithadbroughthometheunconsciouschild，andsheherselfhadliftedherfromthecarriageandborneher，withtheaidofhermistress，toherownlittleatticroom。

Marielistenedtotheserelationswithagloomycalmnessandadefiantsorrow。Illnesshadwroughtapeculiarchangeinhermind，andhardenedthegentle，tenderfeelingsoftheyounggirl。Griefhadsteeledhersoul，benumbedherheart，andshehadrisenfromhercouchasonebornanewtogriefandtorture。Herpresentsituationandlosthappinesshadchangedtheyoung，loving，tenderly-sensitivemaidentothecourageous，energetic，anddefiantwoman，whorecognizedafutureofself-renunciation，combat，andresignation。

Trudeobservedthesechangeswithdisquietudeandcare。ShewishedMariewouldonlyoncecomplain，orburstintotears。Afterthefirststormofdespairhadpassed，thetearsrefusedtoflow，andhereyeswerebrightandundimmed。Onlyoncehadprofoundemotionbeenawakened，asTrudeaskedherifshehadforgottenherunhappylover，andcarednomoretolearnhisfate。Ithadthedesiredeffect。

Adeathlypalenessoverspreadherdelicate，transparentcheek。“I

knowhowheis，“shesaid，turningawayherface，“Irealizehissufferingsbymyown。Wearemiserable，lost——andnohopebutindeath。Erethiscomes，thereisadeserttotraverseinheat，anddust，andstorm，andfrost，alone，withoutconsolationorsupport。

Hush，Trude！donotseektorevivemiserablehopes。Iknowmyfate，andIwillendureit。Tellmewhatyouknowabouthim?Whereishe?

Havetheyaccusedhim?Speak！donotfeartotellmeeverything！“

Butfearingherself，shethrewherhandkerchiefquicklyoverherface，andsatwithitcoveredwhilstTrudespoke。

“Iknowbutlittleofpoor，dearMoritz。Hehasneverreturnedtohislodgings。Adayortwoafterthatnight，twoofficerssealedhiseffects，andtookawayhisclothes。Hishostesshasnottheleastsuspicionofthemysteriousdisappearanceofherotherwisequiet，regularlodger。Thesecretoftheelopementhasbeencarefullyguarded，asnooneoftheneighborsknowit，andthereisnogossipaboutyouandMoritz。Thosewhothinkheistravellingarenotsurprisedathishavingleftwithouttakingleave，astheysayhewasaccustomedtodoso。But，“continuedTrude，inalowertone，“HerrGedickelookedverysadandgrave，asIaskedfortheConrectorMoritz。\'Hehasdisappeared，\'hesighed，\'andIknownotifweshalleverseehimagain。\'\'Oh，Jemima！\'Iscreamed，\'youdonotthinkthathehascommittedaself-injury！\'\'No，\'saidthedirector，\'nothehimself，heistoohonorableaman。Othershaveill-treatedhimandmadehimunhappyforlife。\'Itwasinvaintoaskfurther；heknewnotorhewouldnotsayanything。IbelieveyourfamilyknowwherepoorMoritzis，foryourmotherspeaksofhimasoneinthepenitentiary，andquitetriumphantlyshetoldmeyesterdaythattheking，inhisnewbookoflaws，hadexpresslycondemnedthepersonwhoelopeswithaminortobesenttothehouseofcorrectionfortenyears，andthenshelaughedsocruelly，thatI

trembledtohearher。”

AsTruderelatedthis，shesearchinglyglancedatMarietoobservetheeffectofherwords，hopingtoseeherweeporcomplainandthat，atlast，griefwouldmelttheicycrustaroundherheart。

ButMariesatmotionlessandwithoututteringasound——notasighoramoanescapedher。Afteralongsilence，whenhergriefwastoodeepfortears，shedrewthehandkerchieffromherface，thepallorandrigidityofwhichstartledTrude。

Shesprangforward，foldingherinherarms。“Marie，childofmyheart，doweep，docomplain！Iknowthathelovedyoudearly，anddeservesthatyoushouldmournforhim。Haveyounomoreconfidence，though，inyouroldTrude?Isshenolongerworthytoshareyourgrief?“

Marielaidherlanguidheaduponthebosomofherfaithfulnurse；along-drawn，piercingcryofanguishwasherresponse，shetrembledviolently，andthetearsrandownhercheeks。

Truderaisedhereyestoheaven，murmuring，“Ithankthee，OLord！

Herheartisnotdead！Itlives，foritsuffers！“

“Itsuffers，“groanedMarie，“theanguishofdeath。”

Thispassionateoutburstoffeelingwasofbutshortduration。Hertearsweredried，andherquiveringfaceassumeditsusuallycalmexpression。

“Trude，“saidshe，gently，continuingtoreposeuponherbosom，“I

amsowretchedthatwordscannotexpressitortearssootheit。IfI

shouldgivemyselfuptosorrowandmourningIshoulddie，andthatcannotbe，forImustlivetowaitforhim——torescuehim。HowI

knownotyet；mythoughtsandresolutionsaresoconfusedthattheyflickerliketheignesfatui。Iwillforcemymindtobecalm，andthesewanderinglightsshalluniteinoneglowingflametodestroythewallsandobstructionswhichconfinehim。Heisaprisoner；I

feelitinmyheart，andImustlivetofreehim。Thisismytask，andIwillaccomplishit；thereforeIwouldbecomposed，andstronginmyself。WondernotthatIweeporcomplainnomore，anddonotrefertomymisfortune。IshoulddieifIdidnotsuppressthisanguish，andIwouldbecomestrongandactive。Seeknottoenfeebleme，butaidmetohardenmyself；refrainfromcomplaint，thatImaybesilent。Ithinkonlyofhim，andIasknothingfurtherthantoyieldmylifetofreehim。Letusneverspeakofitagain，forI

feelthatallthefirmnesswhichIhadgainedhasbeensweptfrommeinthisgivingway，andthatImustbeginanew。”

Fromthishourshecommencedtobuild，androseuponhergriefasonacolumnwhichprojectstowardheaven；leaneduponit，andreceived，asBrisaeusfromtheearth，thepoweroflifeandaction。Shehadalreadysoconqueredherselfastobeabletoleaveherownquietroom，anddescendtothatofherparents。Thereshewouldsitcalmlyforhours，listeningattentivelytotheconversation，hopingtocatchsomewordthatmightgiveheraclew。

Theyavoidedeveryexcitingtopic，andweremilderandmorethoughtfulforher。Evenhermothermadenoreproaches，andneveralludedtothepast，becauseshefearedtodelayherrecovery，andremovethelonged-forgoalinhinderingthemarriagewithEbenstreit。Thelattercarefullyavoidedtroublingherbyhispresence；whenheheardMarie\'sstepintheanteroom，whodescendedatacertainhoureveryday，hewithdrewbytheotherentrance。

“WhogoesouteverytimeIcomein?“askedMarie，onedayassheappearedinthesitting-room。

Thegeneralcoughedwithembarrassment，andglancedanxiouslyathiswife，whoseeyesresteduponherdaughterwithacold，searchingexpression。Theireyesmet，andwereriveteduponeachother。A

cold，cruelsmileplayedaroundthethin，bloodlesslipsofthemotherassherecognizedthedefianceandfirmnessinherchild，andfeltthatshehadrecovered。

“Itisyourbetrothed，“sheanswered，“ourdearEbenstreit——agood，generous，andself-sacrificingson，forwhomwethankGodeveryday，whowishestospareyoutheannoyanceofseeinghim。”

“Heneednotinconveniencehimselfonmyaccount。Nothingexcitesorwoundsmyfeelingsnow。Itwouldbeapityforyourheartless，thanklessdaughtertodepriveyouofthesocietyofyourdearson。

Lethimremain；itisnotnecessaryforustonoticeoneanother。”

Herparentsregardedeachotherastonished，and，assheceased，theystilllistenedtothedyingtonesofhervoice，whichsoundedsostrangelytothem。“Sheismuchchanged，“mumbledthegeneraltohimself。“Shedoesnotseemthesameperson，sheissohaughtyandmajestic。Shemightwellinspirefear。”

Thefollowingday，asMarieenteredtheroom，Ebenstreitwasthere。

Heapproachedher，extendingbothhandssmiling，andgreetingherwithtenderwords，rejoicingatherrecovery。

Shetooknonoticeofhisfriendlydemonstrations，butcoldlyandharshlyregardedhissmilingface，andparticularlythebroad，blood-redscarwhichranfromforeheadtochin。Thensuddenlyherfacelightedup，andanexpressionofsavagetriumphshotfromhereyes。“Howdisfiguredyoulook，“shecriedexultingly。“Wheredidyougetthatscar?“

“Youknowwell，Marie，“hemurmured，gloomily。

“Yes，“shecried，triumphantly。“Iknowit。Hebrandedyou，andyouwillwearthismarkbeforeGodandmanaslongasyoulive。”

“Youareverycrueltoremindmeofit，Marie，“hesoftlywhispered。

Shelaughedaloudsowildandsavagely，thatevenhermotherwasstartled。“Cruel——Icruel！“shecried。“Ah，sir，itbecomesyouindeedtoaccusemeofit！“

Trudeenteredatthisinstant，paleandexcited。

“Whatisthematter?“

“Thereissomeoneherewhowishestospeakwithyou，Marie；hehassomethingveryimportanttotellyou。”

“Howdareyouannounceanyonewithoutmypermission?“criedFrauvonWerrig。

“Silence，mother！——ifImaybeallowed，letushearwhoitis——

Speak，dearTrude，whoisit?“

“ItistheDirectorGedickefromtheGrayCloister，“saidTrude，withquiveringvoice。

Mariewasstartled——aglowingredoverspreadhercheeks，andshewasobligedtoleanagainstachairforsupport。

“Iforbidyoutoreceivehim，“saidhermother。

Shesuddenlyceased，andstaredatthedoor，whichopenedatthatmoment，thetall，dignifiedformofavenerableoldmanappearing。

“Pardonme，sir，“saidhe，withacold，reservedmanner，“ifIenterbeforeIreceivepermission。Thecommandoftheking，towhichI

believeweallyieldwithoutresistance，empowersmetodoso。”

“How，sir，youcomebytheking\'sorder?“askedthegeneral，whorosewithdifficulty。“HashismajestygivenyouamessageforGeneralvonLeuthen?“

“No，general，IcomewithacommunicationfromhismajestytoFrauleinvonLeuthen，thebetrothedofHerrEbenstreit，andtheorderrunstodeliverthesamepersonallyandwithoutwitnesses。”

“Professor，“criedthemother，shrugginghershoulders，“youmistakeusforveryinnocentpeople，ifyousupposewebelievethissillyinvention，andthatyoucangainasecretconversationbyarusewithourdaughter。Youarethedirectorofthegymnasium，andnaturallythefriendofConrectorMoritz。Inhisnameyouwillspeak，andbringasecretmessage。Verysly，indeed，verysly，butitwillnotsucceed。”

Forresponse，thedirectordrewtwolargefoldeddocumentsfromhispocket，approachingthegeneral。“Doyourecognizethisseal?“heasked。

“Yes，“solemnlyansweredthegeneral；“itistheroyalsealfromtheking\'sprivatecabinet。”

“Readtheaddressuponthis，andtheunopenedletter。”

“Truly，thelatterisdirectedtomydaughter，andtheothertoProfessorGedicke。”

HerrGedickeopenedtheletter，askingthegeneralifhecouldrecognizetheking\'shandwriting。

“Yes，“heanswered，“Iknowitwell。”

“Havethegoodnesstoreadthelinesuponthemargin，“midtheprofessor，unfoldingtheletter，sothathecouldonlyreadthosereferredto。

Thegeneralread:“ProfessorGedickeshallgohimselftoFrauleinvonLeuthen，andbringhertoreason，readingthedocumenttoherwithoutwitnesses。Iwishthisaffairtocometoanend。TeachMamsellemores！mores！mores！“FREDERICK。”

“Youhaveheardtheroyalcommand，ladiesandgentlemen；willyourespectit?“saidtheprofessor，turningaroundwithanairofproudsatisfaction。

“Mydearson-in-law，“saidthegeneral，solemnly，“itisaroyalcommand；givemeyourarm，asyouknowIamfeeble；andyou，mywife，takemyotherarm，andwewillgointothenextroom。Hush！

notaword——wehaveonlytoobey，andnotreason。”

Heseizedhiswife\'shandhastilyandfirmly，thatsheshouldnotslipaway，andwinkedtoEbenstreit，uponwhosesupporthecrossedtheroom，drawinghiswifewithhim，andpushingopenthedoorofthenextwithhisfoot。

Mariehadstoodduringthewholetransactionpaleandrigidinthecentreoftheroom，lookinghaughtyanddefiantaslongasherparentsandHerrEbenstreitwerepresent。Now，asthedoorclosed，lifeandactionwerevisibleinthismarbleform；sherushedtotheoldgentleman，scarcerespiring，andlookingupathisdignified，sadface，asked:“Isheliving?Tellmeonlythis，orisheill?“

“Yes，helives，hedoesnotsufferfrombodilyills，butthesicknessofthesoul。”

“AnddonotIalso?“askedshe，withquiveringvoice。“Oh！Iknowwhathesuffers，aswearewretchedfromthesamecause。Buttellme，haveyouseenhim?“

“Yes，Fraulein，Ihave。”

“Whereishe?Wheredidyouseehim?“

“Inprison！“

Mariegrewpaler，andretreated，shuddering。Thedirectorcontinued:

“Inadark，dampprisonatSpandau。Thepoorfellowhasbeentherefortwomonthswithoutair，light，oroccupation，andhisonlysocietyishisownrevengefulthoughtsandangrylove-complaints。”

Mariegaveonehollowmoan，coveringhercorpse-likefacewithherhands。

“Inthisabodeoftorture，inthisdwellingofthedamned，hemustremaintenlongyears，ifdeathdoesnotreleasehim?“

“Whatdidyousay?“shegroaned。“Tenlongyears?Havetheycondemnedhim?“

“Yes，hewasguiltyofagreatcrime——elopingwithaminor——who，withtheking\'sconsent，andthatofherparents，wasbetrothedtoanother。Readthesentenceofthecourt，whichwasforwardedtomeastheheadofthecollegewhereMoritzwasemployed。See，hereistheking\'ssignature，whichaffirmsthesentence，renderingitlegal，andhereuponthemarginarethelinesyourfatherread。”

Trembling，Marieperusedthecontents。“Tenyearsinthehouseofcorrection！“shemurmured。“Onmyaccountcondemnedtoalivingdeath！No，no，itisimpossible！Itcannotbe！Tenyearsofthebestpartoflife！Hecondemnedasacriminal！Iwillgototheking。I

willthrowmyselfathisfeet，imploringformercy。Iamtheguiltyone——Ialone！Theyshouldjudgeme，andsendmetothepenitentiary！

Iwillgototheking！Hemustandwillhearme！“

“Hewillnot，“sighedthedirector。“Listentome，poorchild！AsI

heardthesentence，IfeltitmydutytosummonallmypowerstorescueMoritz，forIlovehimasason，andhadsetmyhopesuponhim。”

“Ithankyouforthiskindword，“saidMarie，seizingthehandoftheoldman，andpressingittoherlips。

“IwentimmediatelytoMinistervonHerzberg，and，uponhisadvice，asheexplainedtomethekingmightlightenhispunishment，I

betookmyselftoFrederick\'swinter-quartersatBreslau。”

“Younoble，generousman，IshallloveyouforitaslongasIlive。

Didyouspeakwiththeking?“

“Yes，andeverythingthatmyheartormindcouldinspire，toexcuseandjustifymyunhappyfriend，Ihavesaid——butallinvain。Thekingwasmuchembittered，becausehehadhadthegracetogranthimanaudience，andexplaintheimpossibilityofthefulfilmentofhispetition。Ididnotceasebeggingandimploring，untilIsoftenedthegenerousheartoftheking。”

“HashepardonedMoritz?“Marieasked，withbrighteninghopes。

“Undercertainconditionshewillallowthatheshouldescapesecretlyfromprison。Theyareformallywritten，andifMoritzconsentsandbindshimselfbyoath，hewillnotonlybefreed，butprovidedwithmeanstogotoEngland，andreceiveimmediatelyanappointmentastranslatortothePrussianembassyatLondon。”

“Whataretheconditions，sir?“

“Theyare，first，thatMoritzshallbyoathrenounceeverywishandthoughtofunitinghimselfwithFrauleinyonLeuthen；secondly，thatbeforeheleavestheprison，heshallwritetotheyounglady，inwhichheshallsolemnlyreleaseher，andenjoinituponherasadutytoacceptthehandofthemantowhomherparentshavebetrothedher。Theseweretheconditions，andthekingcommandedmetogotoSpandau，andwithsensiblerepresentations，toconferwithMoritz，andpersuadehimtoacceptthem，andassurehimselfoffreedom，andanhonorablefuture，freefromcare。”

“YousawMoritz?“

“Yes。”

“Didyoucommunicatetheconditions?“

“Yes。”

“Andhe?“

“Herefused，withrageandindignation！“

“Herefused?“criedMarie，joyfully。“Oh，mydearPhilip，Ithankyou。Youlovemetrulyandfaithfully。Yourgloriousexampleshallinspiremetobeasfirmasyou。”

“Unhappychild，youknownotwhatyouaresaying！“criedthedirector，sadly。“Ifyoureallylovehim，youcouldnotfollowhisexample。Readwhatthekinghaswritten。”

Shetook，inbreathlesssilence，thedocument，andbroketheseal，unfoldingthepaper，butherhandshookitsoviolently，thatshecouldnotdistinguishthewords。

Shereturnedittothedirector。“Readit，Icannot，“shesaid，andsankkneeling，lookinguptotheoldmanwithunspeakableanguish，andlisteningtoeverywordthatfellfromhislips。Itranthus:

“HismajestyannouncestoMademoiselleMarievonLeuthenthatheisexceedinglyindignantatherimproperandundutifulconduct，whichdoesnotatallbecomeamaidenlovingofhonor，andparticularlyanobleone。Hismajestyennobledherfatherforabravedeed，andheisangrythatthedaughtershouldbringshameuponthetitle，ingivingway，notonlytoapassionwhichisbeneathher，butissolittlemindfulofmoralityastofleefromthepaternalhouse，atnight，inanimpropermanner，withamanwhosewife，accordingtothecommandofthekingandthewillofherfather，shecouldneverbe。Ifhismajestydidnotrespecttheformerserviceofherfather，andthenewtitle，hewouldsendthedaughtertothehouseofcorrection，andpunishheraccordingtothelaw。Buthewillleavehertothereproachesofconscience，andlettheweightofthelawfalluponherpartneringuilt，PhilipMoritz。Heisrightlysentencedtotenyearsinthehouseofcorrection，andhewillnotbereleasedoneyearoronedayfromthesame，asheisguiltyofagreatcrime，andhissentenceisjust。”

“Just！“shriekedMarie，inanguish——“tenyearsjust?“

Thedirectorcontinuedtoread:“Hismajestywillproposealastopportunitytotheobstinateandinconsiderateyoungladytoreinstateherownhonor，andreleaseatthesametimeConrectorMoritz。Hismajestyhaspersonalknowledgeofthelatter，andrespectshisscholarlyattainmentsandcapabilityandwouldbringanendtothisaffairforthegeneralgood。Ifmademoiselle，asbecomesanhonorableyoungwoman，andanobedientdaughter，followsthewishesofherfather，andwithoutdelaymarriesHerrEbenstreit，andleadsarespectablelifewithhim，thesamehouroftheceremonyConrectorMoritzshallbereleased，andafitpositionbecreatedforhim。Thisisthefinaldecisionoftheking。Ifthedaughterdoesnotsubmitinperfectobedience，shewillburdenherconsciencewithagreatcrime，andthankherselfforMoritz\'sunfortunatefate。

Hismajestywillbeimmediatelyinformedofherdecision。Ifshelistenstoreason，tomorality，andaffection，shewillsubmittothepropositionwhichDirectorGedickeiscommissionedtomakeknowntoher，andannouncetoherparentsinhispresencethatshewillobedientlyfollowtheircommands，ConrectorMoritzwillbeatoncesetatliberty；otherwisehewillbesenttoBrandenburgtothehouseofcorrection。Thisistheunalterablewilloftheking。

Signed，inthenameoftheking，“FREDERICK。”

“Nowdecide，mychild，“continuedthedirector，afterasolemnpause。“Iknownothingtoaddtothisroyalwriting。Ifithasnotitselfspokentoyourheart，yourreasonandyourhonor，wordsareuseless。”

“OGod，itiscruel——itisterrible！“criedMarie。“ShallIbreakmyoathofconstancy，becomingfaithless，andsufferhimtocurseme，forhewillneverpardonme，butdespiseme！“

Shespranguplikeatigress，withhereyesflashing。“Oh，“criedshe，“hemayevenbelievethatIhavebeenenticedbyriches，byabrilliantfuture！No——no！Icannotconsent！MayGodhavemercyonmeifthekingwillnot！Iwillnotbreakmyoath！NoonebutMoritzshalleverbemyhusband！“

“Unhappygirl，“criedtheoldman，sadly，“Iwillgiveyouonelastinducement。IknownotwhetheryouhaveanyknowledgeofMoritz\'spastlife，sotriedandpainful，whichhasmadehimeasilyexcitedandeccentric。Adangermenaceshimworsethanimprisonmentordeath。Hisunaccustomedlife，andthesolitudeofhisdark，dampprison，iscausingafearfulexcitementinhim。Heishabituatedtointellectualoccupation。Whenheisobligedtoputontheprisoner\'sjacketinthehouseofcorrectionandspinwool，itwillnotkillhim——itwillmakehimmad！“

ApiercingcrywasMarie\'sanswer。“Thatisnottrue——itisimpossible。Hecrazy！——youonlysaythattocompelmetodowhatyouwill。Hisbrightmindcouldnotbeobscuredthroughtheseverestproofs。”

“Youdonotbelieveme?Youthinkthatanoldman，withgrayhair，andonefootinthegrave，andwholovesMoritz，couldtellyouashamefuluntruth！Isweartoyoubytheheadsofmychildren，byallthatisholy，thatMoritzalreadysuffersfromanexcitementofthebrain；andifhedoesnotsoonhavelibertyandmentaloccupation，itisalmostcertainthathewillbecomeinsane。”

Almostconvulsedwithanguish，Marieseizedtheoldman\'shandwithfiercepassion。“Heshallnotbecrazed，“sheshrieked。“Heshallnotsuffer——heshallnotbeimprisonedandburiedinthehouseofcorrectiononmyaccount。Iwillrescuehim——Iandmylove！Iampreparedtodowhatthekingcommands！Iwill——marrytheman——which——

myparentshavechosen。But——tellme，willhethenbefree?“

“To-dayeven——inthreehours，mypoorchild！“

“Free！AndIshallhavesavedhim！TellmewhatIhavetodo。Whatistheking\'swill?“

“Firstsignthisdocument，“saidthedirector，ashedrewasecondpaper。“Itrunsthus:\'I，MarievonLeuthen，thatofmyownfreewillandconsentIwillrenounceeveryotherengagement，andwillmarryHerrEbenstreitvonandbeafaithfulwifetohim。Iwitnesswithmysignaturethesame。\'“

“Giveittomequickly，“shegasped。“Iwillsignit！Hemustbefree！Heshallnotgomad！“

Sherapidlysignedthepaper。“Hereismysentenceofdeath！Buthewilllive！Takeit！“

“Mychild，“criedtheoldman，deeplyagitated，“Godwillbemindfulofthissacrifice，andinthehourofdeathitwillbeambrightlyuponyou。Youhavebythisactrescuedanobleandexcellentbeing，andwhenhewinsfamefromscienceandarthewillowetoyoualonethegratitude。”

“Heshallnotthankme！“shewhispered。“Heshallliveand——ifhecanbehappy！——thisisallthatIaskfor！Whatistherefurthertobedone?“

“ToannouncetoyourparentsinmypresencethatyouwillmarryHerrEbenstreit，andlettheceremonytakeplaceassoonaspossible。”

“Youswearthatheshallthenbereleased?Youareanoldman——

reflectwell；yousweartomethatassoonasthemarriagetakesplace，PhilipMoritzwillbefreethisverydayandthathewillbereinstatedinanhonorable，activeoccupation?“

“Iswearittoyouuponmywordofhonor，bymyhopeofrewardfromabove。”

“Ibelieveyou。Callmyparents。Butfirst——youareafather，andloveyourchildrenwell。Ihaveneverhadafatherwholovedme，oreverlaidhishanduponmyheadtoblessme。YousaythatyouloveMoritzasason！Oh，lovemeforamomentasyourdaughter，andblessme！“

Theoldmanfoldedherinhisarms，tearsstreamingdownhischeeks。

“Godblessyou，mydaughter，asIblessyou！“

“Idarenottarry，“sheshuddered。“Letmyparentsenter。”

Slowlythevenerablemantraversedtheroom。Mariepressedherhandstoherheart，lookingtoheaven。Asthedooropened，andthegeneralentered，leaninguponEbenstreit\'sarm，followedbyhiswife，Marieapproachedthemwithahaughty，determinedmanner，whoregardedherwithastonishment。

“Father，“shesaid，slowlyandcalmly，“Iamreadytofollowyourwishes。Sendfortheclergyman:Iconsenttomarrythismanto-day，upononecondition。”

“Makeitknown，mydearMarie。Nameyourcondition。Iwilljoyfullyfulfilit，“saidEbenstreit。

“Idemandthatweleaveto-dayfortheEast，togotoEgypt——

Palestine——andremainawayfromthisplaceforyears。Areyouagreedtoit?“

“ToallthatwhichmydearMariewishes。”

“Youcannowweavethebridal-wreathinmyhair，mother。Iconsenttothemarriage。”

Threehourslaterthepreparationswerecompleted。Everythinghadawaitedthisforthreemonths。

Inthesitting-room，thedecoratorshadquicklybuiltamarriage-

altar，andornamentedthewallswithgarlandsofflowers，withfestoonsofgauzeandsilk，withflagsandstandards。Themotherworethecostlysilkwhichherrichson-in-lawhadhonoredherwithfortheoccasion，andalsoadornedherselfwiththegoldornamentswhichwereequallyhisgift。Thefatherworehisgold-embroidereduniform，andimaginedhimselfastatelyfigure，asthegoutlefthimtheuseofhislimbsthisday。

Theinvitedwitnessesbegantoassemble。JustthenEbenstreitvonLeuthendroveupinthehandsometravelling-carriage，whichwasawedding-gifttohiswife，andexcitedtheadmirationofthenumerousstreetpublic。

OldTrude，inhersimpledarkSundaydress，hadawaitedtheappearanceofthebridegroom，andwenttoannouncehisarrivaltothebride。

Mariewasinherlittlegarret-room，sounlikeinitspresentappearancetoitsformersimplicityandcomfort——asunlikeastheoccupanttotherosy，smilingyounggirl，who，yonderbythelittlebrowntableinthewindow-niche，taughtherpupils，orwithbusy，skilfulhandsmadetheloveliestflowers，theincomeofwhichshegavetoherparents，joyfullyandalthoughsheneverreceivedthanksorrecognitionforthesame。Nowthesamelittletablewascoveredwithmoroccocases，whosehalf-opencoversrevealedbrilliantornaments，laces，andsweetperfumes；superbsilkdresses，cloaks，andshawls，ornamentedwithlace，layaboutuponthebedandchairs。

HerrEbenstreitvonLeuthenhadtrulygivenhisbrideaprincelydowry，andhermotherhadspreadthethingsaroundroom。

SinceMariegaveherconsenttothemarriage，shehadfollowedouttheirwisheswithoutopposition。Sheworeawhitesatindress，coveredwithgoldlace，herarms，neck，andears，adornedwithdiamonds。Thecoiffeurhadpowderedandarrangedherhair，withoutherevercastingaglanceintothePsyche-mirrorwhichherbetrothedhadhadthegallantrytosendtoherroom。Shelethimarrangethecostlybridalveil；butwhenhewouldplacethecrownofmyrtle，shewavedhimback。

“Yourworkisfinished，“shesaid；“mymotherwillplacethat，I

thankyou。”

AsTrudeentered，Mariewasstandinginthecentreoftheroom，regardingitwithsinister，angrylooks。

“Thereyouare，Trude，“shesaid，“Iamgladtoseeyouamomentalone，forIhavesomethingtotellyou。Ihavespokenwithmyfuturehusband，demandingthatyoulivewithmeaslongasIlive。

Immediatelyaftertheceremonyyouwillgotomyfuturehomeandremainthereashouse-keeperduringmyabsence。”

Sadlytheoldwomanshookherhead。“No，thatistooimportantaplaceforme。Iwillnotleadalazylife，andplaythefinewoman。

Iwasmadetoworkwithmyhands。”

“Dowhatyouwillinthehouse，“answeredMarie。“Onlypromisemethatyouwillnotleaveme，andwhenIreturnthatIshallfindyouthere。Ifyouleaveme，Iwillnevercomeback。Promiseme！“

“ThenIwillpromiseyou，mypoorchild，“sighedTrude。

Marielaughedscornfully。“Youcallmepoor——doyounotseeIamrich?Icarryafortuneaboutmyneck。Go，donotbewailme——Iamrich！“

“Marie，donotlaughso，itmakesmefeelbadly，“whisperedtheoldwoman。“Icametotellyouthebridegroomandtheclergymanarethere。”

“Thetimehasarrivedforthemarriageoftherichandhappybride。

Go，Trude，begmymothertocomeupandadornmewiththemyrtle-

wreath。”

“DearMarie，canInotdoit?“askedTrude，withquiveringvoice。

“No，notyou；touchnotthefatalwreath！Youhavenopartinthat！

Callmymother——itistime！“

Trudeturnedsadlytowardthedoor，Marieglancingafterher，andcallingherbackwithgentletone。

“Trude，mydear，faithfulmother，kissmeoncemore。”ShethrewherarmsaroundMarie\'sneckandimprintedalovingkissuponherforehead，weeping。“Nowgo，Trude——wemustnotgiveway；youknowme；youwellunderstandmyfeelings，andseeintomyheart。”

Theoldwomanwentout，dryinghereyes。Marieutteredherlastfarewell。“Withyouthepastgoesforth，withyoumyyouthandhope！

Whenthedooragainopens，myfutureentersastrange，fearfullife。

Woetothosewhohaveprepareditforme——woetothosewhohavesocruellytreatedme！Theywillyetseewhattheyhavedone。Thegoodangelisextinctwithinme。Wickeddemonswillnowassumetheiroverme。Iwillhavenopity——Iwillrevengemyself；thatIsweartoMoritz！“

Hermotherrustledin，clothedinhersplendidwedding-garments。

“Didyousendforme，dearMarie?“shewhispered。

“Yes，mother——Ibegyoutoputonmymyrtle-wreath。”

“How！haveyounoendearmentforme?“sheasked，smilingly。“Whydoyousay\'you\'insteadof\'thou?\'“

“Itisbetterso，mother，“shecoldlyanswered。“Willyouadornmewiththebridal-wreath?“

“Willingly，mydearchild；itisverybeautifulandbecoming。”

“Doyourealize，mother，whatyouaredoing?YouplacethewreathtoconsecratemetoaninconsolablyunhappylifewiththemanthatI

hateanddespise！“

“Mydearchild，Iknowthatyouthinksoto-day；butyouwillsoonchange，andfindthatwealthisasupportablemisfortune。”

“Mother，onedayyouwillrecallthesewords。Crownmeforthehatedbridal。Thesacrificeisprepared！“

BOOKIV。

THEVISIBLESANDTHEINVISIBLES。

CHAPTERXXVIII。

OLDFRITZ。

Thewarterminated，thehostilearmiesreturnedtotheirdifferentGermancountries。FredericktheGreathadgainedhispoint，forcingAustriatorenouncethepossessionofBavaria。ThePrinceofZweibrueckenhadbeensolemnlyrecognizedbyhimastherightfulheirtotheelectorate，andthelawfulrulerandpossessorofBavaria。TheEmperorJosephhadsubmittedwithprofoundregretandbitteranimositytothewillofhismother，thereigningempress，andconsentedtothepeacenegotiationsofBaronvonThugut。Havingsignedthedocumentofthesame，inhisqualityofco-regent，heangrilythrewasidethepen，castingafuriousglanceatthehard，impenetrablefaceofThugut，saying:“TellhermajestythatIhaveaccomplishedmylastactasco-regent，andInowabdicate。FromhenceforthIwillstilllieherobedientson，butnosubmissivejointruler，toonlyfollowdevotedlyherimperialwill。ThereforeI

resign，andneverwilltroublemyselfinfutureabouttheactsofthegovernment。”Theemperorkepthisword。Heretired，piqued，intosolitude，woundedinthedepthsofhissoul，andafterwardtravelled，leavingthegovernmententirelytotheempressandherpiousconfessors。

Bavariawasrescued！Itoweditsexistencetothewatchfulness，sagacity，anddisinterestedaidofPrussia\'sgreatking。TheElectorMaximilianvowedinhisdelightthathe，aswellashissuccessorsandheirs，wouldneverforgetthatBavariamustascribeitscontinuancetoPrussiaalone，andthereforethegratitudeoftheprincesofthiselectoratecouldnotandneverwouldbeextinguishedtowardtheroyalhouseofPrussia。Frederickreceivedtheseoverflowingacknowledgmentswiththecalmnessofaphilosopherandthesmileofaskeptic。Heunderstoodmankindsufficientlytoknowwhattoexpectfromtheiroaths；toknowthatinthecourseoftimethereisnothingmoreoppressiveandintolerablethangratitude，thatitsoonbecomesaburdenwhichtheywouldgladlythrowofftheirbentshouldersatanyprice，andbecometheenemyofhimtowhomtheyhadsworneternalthankfulness。FrederickregardedtheseoathsofBavarianotasasecurityforthefuture，butasapaymentonaccountofthepast。

“IdidnotgoforthtorendertheBavarianprincesindebtedtome，“

saidhe，tohisonlyconfidante，CountHerzberg，ashebroughttohim，atSans-Souci，therenewedexpressionofthanksoftheprinceelector。“IwouldonlyprotectGermanyagainstAustria\'sgrasp，andpreservetheequilibriumoftheGermanempire。Believeme，thehouseofHapsburgisadangerousenemyforthelittleGermanprincipalities，andifmysuccessordoesnotbearitinmind，andguardhimselfagainsttheirflatteriesandcat\'s-paws，Austriawillfleecehimasthecatthemousewhoisenticedbytheodorofthebacon。PrussiashallbeneitheramouseintheGermanempire，norserveasaroastforAustria。Butsheshallbeawell-trainedshepherd\'sdogforthedear，patientherd，andtakecarethatnonegoastrayandarelost。”

“Yourmajestyhasdrawnanunfortunatecharacterforthefutureofourcountry，“sighedHerzberg，thoughtfully，“andImustgrantthatitissketchedwithseverebutcorrectoutlinessoitfollowsthatpoorGermanyhasmanycombatsandhardshipsinstore。”

“Whatdoyoumean?“askedtheking。“WhatcharacteristicdidI

name?“