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，andyouknowwellthatitwouldbeawelcomeopportunityforourWeimarPhilistinesastheJenastudentscallcommonplacegossipstocry\'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。”