Thecountdescendedthestairsforthefifthtime，whisperedtothehostler，whowasquiteengrossedcountinghismoney，handedthetrinkgeldtothepalefellowsbythedoor，andmountedhiscarriage，drivingawayamidthemerrypealsofthepost-horn。
“Julius，“murmuredthesteward，softly，“givemyhairagoodpulling，thatImayawakefromthishorribledream。”
“Icannot，“hewhimpered，“myhandsandfeetarelame。Icannotmove。”
“Iwill，“saidthehostler，courageouslystretchingforthhishand，andpullingitsovigorouslythatthestewardwasfullyconvincedoftherealityofthings。
Againthepost-hornsoundedthe“DreiReuter；“againthecarriagestoppedbeforethedoor，andthecountdescended，givingtoeveryoneagiftlikethe“MaedchenausderFremde，“andforthesixthtimerolledaway。
“Wearebewitched；itisaghostfromtheinfernalregions！“groanedthesteward。
“Icannotabideitanylonger——Ishalldie！“saidthesecondwaiter。
“Idonotmindit，“saidthehostler，ashejingledthemoney；“iftheyareghostsfromhell，theeightgroschendonotcomefromthere，fortheyarequitecool。Seehow——Ah，therecomesthecountagain！“
Fortheseventhtimehepasseddownthestairway，bytheservants，whoworenolongerstandingbutkneeling，whichthecountreceivedasaproofoftheirprofoundrespect，andslippedthemoneyintotheirhands。
“PraiseGod，allgoodspirits！“murmuredtheheadwaiter；butneitherthecountnorthemoneyseemedtobemovedbythepiousexhortation，forhequietlyenteredhiscarriage，andtheeightgroschenlayintheservant\'shand，atwhichthehostlerremarkedthathewouldstandthereallnightifthecountwouldonlycontinuallypassbywithgroschen。Itpleasedthecounttodescendthestairsyettwicemore，dividethetrinkgeld，andmounthiscarriage。Ashedroveawaytheninthtime，itappearedasiftheDreiReuterweredeterminedtodriveoutofthegateandforsakethehotel“KingofPortugal。”Thehostwaitedawhile，andtalkedwiththeneighbors，who，rousedbythecontinualblastofthepost-horn，werecurioustoknowhowithappenedthatsomanyguestsweredepartingbyextraposts。Whereuponthehost，inahollow，sepulchralvoice，hiseyesglaring，andshrugginghisshoulders，declaredthattherehadbeenbutonegentlemanatthehotel，butninetimeshehadseenhimdriveaway，andthedevilmusthaveahandinthematter！
Shakinghishead，hereturnedtothehotel，andfoundtheservantsbusilycountingtheirmoney，occasionallycastingcovetouslookstowardthestairs，asiftheyhopedthecountwouldagaindescend。
ExactlyasCagliostrohadforetold，MinisterHerzbergdidnotreturnfromSans-Souciuntillateintheevening，andthenfoundWilhelmine\'sletterinhiscabinet。
ImmediatelythepolicewereinstructedtoarrestCountSt。Julienatthehotel“KingofPortugal。”
Anhourlaterthechiefofthepolicecametosaythatthecounthadalreadybeengonetwohours。Herepeatedtheaccountofthehost，corroboratedbytheservants，ofninedifferentcountshavingdrivenawayfromthehotel。
Herzbergsmiled。“Wehavetodealwithaverycleverscoundrel，“
saidhe，“anditisnootherthantheso-calledCountCagliostro，whowaslatelyexposedasaboldtricksterinMittauandSt。
Petersburg，andaboutwhosearresttheEmpressCatharineisverymuchexercised。Itwouldbeveryagreeabletothekingtoshowthislittleattentiontoherimperialhighness，andtraptheadroitpickpocket。”
“Wemightsucceedincatchinghiminhisflight，“remarkedthechief。“Forthelastsixmonthsthekinghasgivenordersthateverypassportshouldbeexaminedatthegates，andtherouteofthetravellersnoteddown，whichisallregisteredandsenttotheking。
Itwouldbeveryeasytodiscoverbywhichgatehedeparted，andhisroute，andthenhavehimpursued。”
“Thatiswellthoughtof，director；hastentoputitintoexecution，andinformusoftheresult。”Hereturnedinanhourtotheminister\'scabinet，shakinghisheadgravely。“Yourexcellency，itisverystrange，butheisawizard。Thismanhasdrivenoutoftheninegatesatthesamehourandminute。”
Herzberglaughed。“Thisisoneofhistricks，andbyitIrecognizethegreatnecromancer。”
“Yourexcellency，thisisnotrickery，butwitchery。Itisimpossibleforanyonemantodriveoutoftheninegatesatthesamehour，inthesamecarriage，withtwolargeblacktrunksandapostilionblowingthesamemelody，andprovidedwithacorrectpassport，whichheshowsandisrecognizedasCountSt。Julien，whoisgoingtoParisbyHamburg。Herearethenineregistersfromthedifferentgates，allthesame，ifIamnotbewitchedanddonotreadstraight。”
“Thistrickdoeshonortothecount，“saidHerzberg，smiling。“To-
morrowyoushallaccompanymetoSans-Souciandreadaloudtheregisterstotheking。Doyouthinkitwillbeimpossibletopursuethecountnow?“
“Ishouldbeveryhappytofollowyourexcellency\'sjudgmentinthismatter，andarresttherascalinanywaythatyoucouldpointout，“
saidthedirector。
“Iamconvincedthatheisinthecity；anddrivingputoftheninegatesatthesametimewasthebestmannertoescapebeingdiscovered，“saidHerzberg。“Heisconcealedinsomeoneofthehousesofthebrothers，andweshallbeobligedtolethimescapethistime。”
InorderthemoresecurelytocarryouttheinitiationofPrinceFrederickWilliam，incompanywithBischofswerderandWoellner，Cagliostrohadarrangedhispretendeddeparture。Foralongtimetheprincehadexpressedanextremedesiretobereceivedintothemysteriesofthemiraculousandholyorder，ofwhichhehadheardhisfriendsspeakwithsomuchreverence。Buthehadbeenputofffromtimetotimewithregretsandshrugsoftheshoulders，andexpressionsoftheimpossibilityofgrantingtherequest。
“Thespiritsdonotalwaysappeareventotheconsecrated，“saidBischofswerder。“Theymakethemselvesknownaftermanyferventprayersandimplorings，andwhenwehavewithdrawnfromeveryonewhocouldenticeustodoubtordisbelief。Ifearthatitwouldbeimpossibletoconjurethespiritsofthedeparted，solongasyourhighnesshonorsacertainladywithyourparticularfavor，whoridiculesthesublimeorderandmingleswithitsenemies。HowcantheyappeartothosewhohavejustbeeninthecompanyofafriendoftheIlluminatiandunbelievers?“
“Thespirit-worldonlyrevealsitselftothevirtuousandpure，“
saidWoellner，inaharsh，dryvoice。“Itsinhabitantscannotapproachthosewhoarenotchasteandinnocent，forsinandvicesurroundthemwithathickfog，whichkeepsthematadistancefromtheclearatmosphereofthesublime。Ifyouwouldcallupthespirits，youmustremovethiswomanwhoenticesyoufromthepathofvirtue，andrendersthesphereimpurearoundyou。”
Despitethewarningsandthegreatwishtheprincehadtobereceivedintothespirit-world，andbecomeamemberofthehighestgradeoftheRosicrucians，hecouldnotresolvetoforsakeherwhohadbeenhisfriendfortenyears，andwhohadborneshameanddegradationonhisaccount，refusingeligibleandrichmenratherthanleavehimandbecomealegitimatewife。Wilhelminewasthebelovedofhisyouth，themotherofhistwodearchildren，andshealoneknewhowtodriveawaytheennuiwhichpursuedtheprince，withheramiable，subtlewit。Nay，hecouldnotbesoungrateful，soheartless，astorejectherwhohadsotenderlylovedhimwhenyoungandbeautiful，nowthatthefirstbloomofyouthandbeautyhadfaded！
BischofswerderandWoellnerrecognizedthisdifficulty，andappliedthemselvesthemoreenergeticallyforitsremoval。TheysupposedthattheunexpectedarrivalofCagliostrowouldverynaturallyappeartotheprinceasaspecialmessenger，sent，withoutdoubt，fromthefathers，toaccomplishhisconversion。TheyannouncedtotheprincethattheInvisibleshadtakenpityuponhisdesireforknowledge，andhadconsentedtopermithimtogazeintotheregionsoftheblest，althoughhewanderedinthepathofvice，andthathemustholdhimselfinreadinesstoaccompanythemessengerwheneverheshouldbesenttocallhim。
ForthisreasonthecrownprincehadwrittentoWilhelminethatsheshouldnotexpecthimuntilthefollowingmorning，andhedidnotquithisroomtheentireday，withexcitedexpectationawaitingthesummons。Aseveningsetintheprincewascastdown，andquiteoftheopinionthattheInvisiblesdidnotdeemhimworthytoentertheirpurepresence，andthoughtthatWilhelminemustbethehinderance。Whilsthewasreflectingwhethertosacrificehisbelovedtothesalvationofhissoul，thesecretdoorgentlyopened，andtwomen，maskedandwrappedinblackcloaks，enteredandplacedthemselvesnearthedoor。Theprincedidnotremarktheirentrance，andwasquitefrightenedashechancedtoturn，andsawthesetwoimmovablefigures。
Withquiveringvoicehedemandedtheirmission。
Inthesametone，asifonewereanechooftheother，theyanswered，“Wedesirenothing，butyoudemandknowledgeofthespirit-world，andwouldhaveitsmysteriesrevealedtoyou，whichtheInvisibleswillnowgrantyou。Followus，therefore！“Theyreopenedthesecretdoor；oneofthemaskedprecededtheprince，andtheotherfollowedhim。
Theprinceshudderedatthethoughtthathemightberushingintosomeunknowndanger，andintrustinghimselftothosewhowouldmisusehisconfidence。Hedemandedtoseetheirfaces，declaringhimselfpreparedtofollow，whenacquaintedwithhisguides。
“Itwouldthenbebettertoremain，“repliedoneofthemasked。“Hewholacksconfidenceisnotworthyofit，andhewhotrustsonlytheVisibles，theInvisiblesflee。”
TheprincerecognizedthevoiceofBischofswerder，andsmiled，butheknewnotthatitwaspermittedhimtohearittoinspirehimwithcourage。
“Well，soletitbe；thefathersshallseethatIamabeliever，“
criedtheprince。
Immediatelyoneofthebrothersputhisowncloak，three-corneredhat，andmaskuponhishighness，stillremainingcloakedandmaskedhimself，muchtotheastonishmentofthepassiveprince。“Come，now，theInvisiblesawaityou，“saidoneofthemasked。Theprincesteppedcourageouslyintothelittlecorridorwhichledtothesecretstairway，onebrotherprecedinghim，causingasoftlighttoilluminetheirpath，theotherfollowinghim。
Insilencetheyreachedtheside-doorofthepalace，whereaclosecarriageawaitedthem。
“Whereareyoutakingme?“askedFrederickWilliam，asheentered，followedbythetwobrothers。
“TotheInvisibles，“answeredastrangevoice。
Againtheprinceessayedtobeginaconversation，hisonlyresponsebeing，“Purifyyourheartandpray。”Silentlytheygallopedoverpavedandunpavedstreets，theprinceheartilyrepentinghavingbeendrawnintothisadventure。HethoughtofhischarmingandbelovedWilhelmine，andhalfdeterminedtogivethecommandtodrivetoCharlottenburg。ThefactofBischofswerderbeingwithhim，andfearfulofappearingweakandwantingincourageintheeyesofhisfriendandfavorite，preventedhim。
Afterseveralhours\'drive，theystoppedatthemarblepalaceofPotsdam，neartheonewhichtheprincewasaccustomedtooccupy。Hishighnesslookedcautiouslyaround，andbreathedmorefreely，ashefeltthathewasnowsurelyamongfriends。
Thewhitepalacestoodsilentanddesertedinthedarkness，thispalaceatPotsdambeingonlyusedfortheguestsoftheking。Thecarriagestoppedattheside-door，wheretherewasnosentinel，andtheyalighted，enteringthepalace，windingalongthecorridorsinthesameorderasbefore，guidedbytheglimmeringlightoftheonepreceding。Solemnmusic，strangeringingsounds，fellupontheearastheyadvanced。Sometimestheyweresharpandcuttingasglass，thenthreateningandpenetratingasthewind，shriekingandmoaning，causingonetobeverynervousifnotterrified。
Thefarthertheyproceededtheloudergrewthesounds，andatintervalsgroans，moansandwailingswereheard，asofthosewaitingandimploringformercy。
Oneofthebrothersnowopenedadoor，andthenplacingthemselvesuponeachside，theunknownvoiceannouncedtotheprincethattheyhadarrivedatthelong-sought-forgoal。
“Whathavewecomeherefor?“askedtheprince。
“Tobeholdthatwhichyouhavemanytimespetitionedtobepermittedtosee，“repliedBischofswerder，gentlyencouragingandinspiringFrederickWilliam。“TheInvisibleshaveatlastyieldedtoyourwishes，andthespiritswhichyousummonwillappear。Ifyourcouragefailsyou，andyoudreadthepresenceofthedeparted，commandtobereconductedtoyourpalace，andwewillobey；butrenounceforeverthesublimehappinessofbeholdingtheInvisiblesandofholdingcommunionwiththespirit-world！“
“Ifearnot，butwishtobeinthecompanyofthespirits，“answeredtheprince，proudly。
“Kneel，“theycommanded，permittinghimtoenter，“andthricesummoninaloudvoicethenamesofthreedeparted，whowillansweryourquestions。Bewareofapproachingthem，fortheirglanceisdeathandtheirbreathdestruction！Thereforeremainkneeling，asitbecomesamortalinthepresenceofanimmortal。Hopeandpray，brother！“
Asthedoorclosedupontheprince，andhefoundhimselfinsuchimpenetrabledarkness，hesankuponhisknees，forhedarednotadvance，andretreatwasimpossible，inspiteofheart-quakings。
Theshrill，penetratingmusicceased，andavoicefromadistancecalled:“Summonthricethosethatthoudesiresttosee。”
“MarcusAurelius，Leibnitz，andthedistinguishedelector，“calledtheprinceinaloudvoice。
“Whosummonedme?“wasrespondedinhollow，sepulchraltones，anddirectlyoverthecrownprinceablue，vaporouslightwasvisible——
atfirstonlyacloud，thenbydegreesincreasingandcondensingitselfintoahumanshape，untilittooktheformofaRomanwarrioroftheoldentime；nootherthanMarcusAurelius，inhelmetandcoat-of-mail，withapale，earth-coloredfaceandglaringeyes。
“Whosummonedme?“repeatedthefigure。Theprince\'slipsrefusedtorespond，andshudderinghegazeduponthecorpse-likeface，soexactinfeaturetotheoldRomanemperor。
“Youanswermenot！“thunderedthevoice，“butIwilltellyouwhoyouare——onelostinsinandanapostate！——thecrownprinceofPrussia，afutureking，whowillbecalledtogovernapeople，andknowsnotself-government！Turnfromthepathofvicewhileitisyettime；risefromthedust，thattheashesofretributiondonotburyyouinalivingtomb，likethesinfulPompeians。Nomonumentmarkstheplaceofthesinful；hesinksintothenightofoblivion，orheiscursedbysucceedinggenerations。Thereforeturnfromtheerrorsofsin。Risetovirtue，thattheblessedmayapproachyou。I
shudderinyourpresence。Woetoyou！woe！woe！“
Thecloud-portraitvanished，anddarknessreignedforamoment。Theprincecriedinanguish:“Iwillhearnomore；thisairoppressesme——openthedoor——Irenouncecommunionwiththespirits；Iwillgoout！“
Thelightreappearedinthedarkroomandanotherformhoveredovertheprince——ofgrave，obscureface，withagreatperuke，staringathim。HerecognizedthedistinguishedphilosopherLeibnitz，whomhehaddesiredtosee，butwhonowfilledhimwithunspeakableterror。
Liketheformerspirit，healso，whenunanswered，reproachedtheerringprince，conjuringhimtoreturntovirtue。
Asthemenacingghostdisappeared，theprincefeltforthedoor，andshookitwiththepowerwhichterrorlends，crying，“Open，open！“Itopenednot，andthethirdsummoned，thegreatelector，FrederickWilliam，appeared，withhigh，up-liftedarm，glitteringeyes，advancingwithangrymien，shakinghislion\'smaneagainsttheerringsonofhishouse，whomhemenacedwithcursesandrevenge，ifhedidnotrenouncethecourtesanwhohadseducedhimtoviceandunchastity。
“Iwillbecomebetter，“groanedtheprince。“Iwillperformthewishofthespirits。Onlyhavemercyonme——freeme。Help！help！Openthedoor，Bischofswerder，Iwilldobetter。Openthedoor！“
Thistimeitreallyopened，andalongtrainofdark，maskedformsenteredtheduskyroomsurroundingtheprince，wringingtheirhands，imploringhimtoturnfromsin，andforsaketheunholywoman。
Theywhimpered，theyimplored，sinkingupontheirknees，beatingtheirclinchedhands，andweeping:“Turn，belovedelect！RenounceWilhelmineEnke；renouncevice！Repulsetheseductress，andturnyourcountenancetoVirtuewhichyouhaveseeninallherbeauty！“
“Iwillperformthatwhichyoudemand，“wepttheprince，asthedeathlyterrorandnervousexcitementmadehimyielding。
“Swear！“criedthechorusofmasks。
“IswearthatWilhelmineEnkeshallnolongerbemymistress。I
swearbyallthatisholythatIwillrenounceher！I——“
Voicefailedhim；therewasaringingandbuzzinginhisears；everythingswambeforehiseyes，andhesankfainting。Theprinceawokeafterlongunconsciousness，andfoundhimselfuponhisbedinthenewpalaceatPotsdam，Bischofswerderathisside，watchinghimwiththetenderestsympathy。Hebentoverhimandpressedhishandtohislipswithacryofdelight。“Heavenbepraised；mydearprince，youhaveawakedtocommenceanewlife！Younowbelongtothevirtuousandhonorable，whomtheInvisibleFathersbless！“
“Isittrue，Bischofswerder，“saidtheprince，languidly，“thatI
havesworntorenounceWilhelmineEnke，andnevertolovehermore?“
“Youhaveswornitbyallthatisholy，andallinheavenandonearthhaveheardyouroath，andthereisjoythereat。”
Theprinceturnedhishead，thatBischofswerdermightnotseethetearsstreamingdownhischeeks。
CHAPTERXXXIII。
THERETURNHOME。
ThebeautifulhousewhichHerrEbenstreitvonLeuthenpossesseduponthefineststreetinBerlin，“UnterdenLinden，“hadbeennewlyarrangedandsplendidlyornamentedsincehismarriageandelevationtoatitle，andnowawaitedhisarrival。Formanyweeksmechanicsandartistshadbeenbusilyemployed；andthegoodhousekeeper，oldTrude，sawwithbewilderingastonishmentthedailyincreasingsplendorofgildedfurniture，costlymirrorsandchandeliers，softcarpets，tapestries，andgold-embroideredcurtains，exquisitepaintingsandstatuary，whichthepossessorhadforwardedfromItaly，andmanyotherobjectsofartstandingupongiltandmarbletables。
Everythingwascompleted。Thebustleofthebusyworkmenhadceased，andTrudeslowlywanderedthroughthesolitaryrooms，examiningeveryarticle。Herfacebespokedissatisfaction，andasmileofcontemptwasvisiblethere。
“Miserabletrash，forwhichtheyhavesoldmypoorchild！“murmuredtheoldwoman。“Fortheseworthless，glitteringtoyshavetheyruinedthehappinessofthedearinnocentheart，andonthemtheguiltwillfallifhersoulislost！Iremarkhowsheischangedinherletterssincehershameful，mercenarymarriage。Shewritesofnothingbutthearrangementofherhouse，andspeaksasifthebeautyandcostlinessofthingswereonlytobethoughtof，andthereisnotevenaconfidential，heart-feltwordforheroldTrude。
Itwouldseemasifshehadforgottenallformerobjectsofinterest。Oh，whattroubleandsorrowstherichhave！Thatgood-for-
nothingmoneyhardenstheirheartsandmakesthemevilandselfish。”
Theloudringingofabellsoundedthroughthesolitarydrawing-
rooms。
“Thatis，undoubtedly，thegeneral\'swife，“saidTrude，shakingherhead。“Sheringsasifshewouldannouncetheking，withhernoseturnedupsohigh，orasifshewerethemoney-sacksofherson-in-
law！“
Trudewasright；hershrillvoicewasheardorderingthesteward，whohadbutjustarrived。“Itisabominable，itisunheardof！“shecried，aswithaheavypushsheburstopenthedoor；“thismanpresumestocontradictme，and——ah，thereyouare，Trude！“
“HereIam，“sheanswered；“wereyoulookingforme?“
“Yes，andIwouldaskyouifmyordersarenotthesameasifgivenbyHerrEbenstreitvonLeuthenorhiswife，orhaveyouinstructedthenewstewardotherwise，which，itislaughabletosay，youhaveengaged?“
“No，Ihavenotinstructedhimthus。DearMariehasnotordereditinherletter。”
“DearMarie，“repeatedFrauvonWerrig。“HowcanyoupermityourselftospeaksointimatelyoftherichBaronessvonEbenstreit?“
“Verytrue，itisnotright，“sighedTrude；“Ibegpardon。”
“Icameheretoseeifeverythingwasinreadiness，andorderedthestewardtoornamentthedoorsandcorridorswithgarlandsofflowers；hehashadtheboldnesstotellmehedaresnotdoit！“
“Heisright，FrauvonLeuthen。BaronessEbenstreitvonLeuthenhaveIgotthetitleright?wroteandexpresslyforbadeanyfestivitytogreetherarrival。Hereistheletter——Icarryitaroundwithme；Iwillreadittoyou:\'Iexpresslyforbidanymanifestationwhatevertobemadeatourreturn，whetherofgarlandsorflowers，astheyareonlyhypocrisyandfalsehood。Iwishnoonetheretoreceiveme——remember，Trude，noone！Informmyfamilythat，assoonasIhaverecoveredfromthefatigueofthejourney，Iwillmakethemthevisitofdutywiththebaron。\'“
“Whatcold，heartlesswordsarethese！Onecouldhardlybelievethatadaughterwaswritingofherparents。”
“Onherwedding-daysheperhapsforgotthatshehadany，“saidTrude，shrugginghershoulders，“andsheshouldnotbeatonceremindedofthattryingoccasiononherreturn。Iexpecthereverymoment，asthecourierhasalreadyarrivedanhourago，anditwouldbebetter——“
“Youcannotbesoimpudentastotellmetoleave?Indeed，IwillnotbepreventedfromwaitingtoreceivemyonlychildthatIhavenotseenforthreeyears。Onecanwellbelievethatamotherwouldbeimpatienttoembraceherdeardaughter！Ihavenootherhappinessbutmybelovedchild，andIlong，unspeakably，topresshertomyheartandtellhermysorrow。”
“Sorrow！isitpossiblethatFrauvonWerrighasanygriefs?I
supposedtherewasnothingintheworldtroubledher。”
“AndyetIamverymuchtormented。Icanwelltellyou，Trude，asyouarefamiliarwithourcircumstances，“sighedthecountess。“Youknowthegeneralistolerablywell；thejourneystoWiesbadenandTeplitzhavecuredhimofthegoutunfortunately，sothathecangoabout。”
“Areyousorryforthat，FrauvonWerrig?“
“CertainlyIam，Trude，ashehasreturnedtohisformerhabits，frequentingthesocietyofdrinking-housesandgamblers。Imaginethegeneralplayedyesterday，lostallhisreadymoney，andthatwasnotenough，butsignedawaytheyear\'spensionfromHerrvonEbenstreit，duringwhichtimewehavenothingbutthemiserablearmyannuitytoliveupon。”
“Thenyourincomewillbelesstoliveuponthanformerly，fordearMarieearnedsomethingwithherflowersandlessonswhichshegavetoyou，althoughshewasneverthankedforit。ShewasthenmydeargoodMarie，soindustriousandpatient，andworkeduntiringlyforherparents！Thensheforgotthemnot，andtoiledearlyandlate，and，oh，itbreaksmyhearttothinkofit，andImustcryinyourpresence！
Sheraisedthecornerofherdark-blueapronanddriedhereyes，holdingitthereasshecontinuedtoweep。
“Whatanuglyapron！“criedthecountess，“andhowmeanlyyouaredressedaltogether！Isthatthewayyouintendtogolookingasthehousekeeperofarichandgenteelfamily?Go，Trude，quickly，andputsomethingbetteron，thatyoumayreceiveyourmasterandmistressinasuitabledress。”
“IshallremainasIam，forIamveryproperlydressed。Itmaynotbesuitableforahousekeeper，butitbecomesoldTrude，anditismySundayfrock，whichIalwaysworewhenIwasmaid-of-all-worktoyou。Youmaynotrememberit，butdearMarieIshouldsayBaronessvonEbenstreitwill，perhaps，anditmayrecallherlittleroominthegarret，andthen——“
“Andthenshewillatlastthink，Trude，howwetookcareofher，andhowthankfulsheoughttobetoherparentsthattheymarriedhertoarichman。IfMarieseesitatlast——“
“Youforgetwithwhomyouspeak，FrauvonWerrig，“Trudeinterruptedher，scornfully，“andthatitdoesnotbecomeyoutospeakofMarietooldTrude，butyoushouldrememberhertitle。”
“Well，then，whenBaronessvonEbenstreitentersthiscostlyhouse，shemustunderstandthathermotherwasmindfulofherbestinterests，andthatsheowesallthistoher；andyou，Trude，mustremindherofit，andtellheraboutmydreadfultrialwithherfather，andthatitismydaughter\'sdutytoreleasemefromit，andbegherhusbandnottodeductthegambling-debtfromthepension，butpayitthisonce。Foritwouldbeadreadfulinjusticetomakemesufferforthegeneral\'srageforplay，andshowbutlittlegratitudeforthericheswhichIbroughther。Youwilltellmydaughterallthis，Trude，and——“
“Iwillnottellheranythingatall，FrauvonWerrig，“
interrupted。Trude，warmly。“Maymygoodgeniuskeepmefromthat，andburdeningmyconsciencewithsuchfalsehoods——Hark！Acarriageiscoming，andapost-hornsounded。Theyhavearrived！“
OldTrudehurriedoutjustastheydroveuptothedoor。Thestewardandtwoservantsinliveryrusheddownthestepstoassistthemtoalight，andTrudealsotogreetherfavorite，whowasnowsopale，grave，andchillinginherappearance。
Thelargeeyesoftheladyrestedwithcoldindifferenceupontheoldwoman，whoseeyeswereturnedtoherwiththetenderestexpression。“Ithankyou，“shesaid，coldly。“Husband！Ibegyoutogivemeyourarm。”Proudlyshepassedthestatuary，andoverthesoftcarpetswithoutcomment，orevenawordforoldTrude。
Thestewardandhousekeeperfollowedthesilentcouple。
“ShallItakeyoutoyourroomfirst?“askedEbenstreit，“orwillyoudomethepleasuretolookatthenewly-arrangeddrawing-rooms?“
“Certainly，“shereplied，withindifference。“Wewillfirstlookatthedrawing-rooms，asweshallprobablyreceivemuchcompanythiswinter，andtheyareofthefirstimportance。YouknowthatI
dislikesolitude。”
“Indeed，Irecallthatweareveryseldomalone！“sighedherhusband。
“Itwouldbefearfulifwewere，“repliedhiswife，withmarkedindifference。
Thestewardjustnowopenedthelittledooroftheante-room，sparklingwithchandeliersandmirrors。“Ah！thisisreallybeautiful，andwellchosen，“criedEbenstreit，lookingaboutwithanairofgreatprideandsatisfaction。“Tellme，Marie，isitnotworthyofyou?“
Glancingcoldlyaround，shereplied:“Itdoesnotpleaseatall。Thefurnitureisverycostly，andremindsoneoftheparvenu。Everythingrecallstherichesofthenewly-titledbanker。”
Herhusband\'sbrowcontracted，buthedidnottrusthimselftocontesthisdissatisfactionwithhiscold，proudwife，butsoughtanotherventforit。
“Youareveryunkind，Marie。Havethegoodnesstotellmehowyou，withthesesevereideas，cansufferthatTrudeforamomentshouldappearbeforeusinthispoor-lookingdresswhich，indeed，doesnotrecallanywealth！“
FrauvonEbenstreit\'seyesglancedquicklyovertheoldwho，shesaid，wastheonlyobjectwhichdidnotbespeakthegaudinessofnewly-acquiredwealth，butsheappearedastherespectableservantofanoldandnoblefamilyinfittingdress。“Remainasyouare，Trude，anddonotletyourselfbemisledbyourfollies！I——butwhatisthatIsee?“shecriedasthestewardopenedthenextdooratthesilentnodofherhusband。
“Oh，mybelovedchildren，thereyouareatlast；afterthreeyears\'
absenceIhavethehappinesstoembraceyou，myonlydaughter，“
criedFrauvonWerrig，assheapproachedthemwithoutstretchedarmsandanaffectionatesmile，essayingtothrowherarmsaroundMarie\'sneck，whowavedherback。
“Mychild，mychild，“whimperedthemother，“isitpossiblethatmydaughtercanreceivemethusaftersolongaseparation?“
TurningtoTrude，Marieaskedher，withareprovinglookandtone，ifshehadreceivedherletter，orifshehadforgottenherexpresscommandsthatnoonebuttheservantsshouldbeinthehousetoreceivethem。”
“Ididnotforgetit，mylady，andIhavereadtheorderstoFrauvonWerrig，butshe——“
“Knewthatthiswishhadnoreferencetoher，assheishermother——
Tellme，mybelovedson，isitnotverynaturalandfittingthatI
shouldbeheretoreceiveyou?\'
“Ifinditamatterofcourse，“answeredVonEbenstreit，towhomitappearedarelieftofindanallyinthemotheragainsthisproudandbeautifulwife。“Irejoicetoseeourdearmotherhere，andI
begMariewilljoinme。”
Mariecastanangryglancetowardherhusband，whichsoconfusedandperplexedhim，thathelookeddown。Thenadvancingtowardthedrawing-room，withherusualcolddemeanor，withoutfurthercommentupontheostentatiousfurniture，shecommandedherhusbandtofollow，whoobeyed，givinghisarmtohismother-in-law。
“Oh，thisisglorious！“hecried，smiling。“Whatsplendor，whatluxury！Tellme，mydearmother，isnotthisbeautifulreception-
roomveryaristocraticallyandappropriatelyfittedup?“
“Ishouldthinkaprincessoraqueenmightbesatisfiedwithit，“
shecried，withenthusiasm。“Eveninroyalpalacesthereisnothingofthekindtocomparetothisgold-embroideredtapestry。”
“Baron，“saidMarie，commandingly，“havethekindnesstodismissthesteward。IwishtospeakwithyouandFrauvonWerrig。”
Thestewardslippedoutwithoutwaitingtobesent，andTrudestoodnearthedoor，turningtotheyoungbaroness，asiftoaskifshemightremain。
“Didyounothear，Trude?“criedthemother，impatiently。“Tellhertogo！“
“Remain，Trude，“saidMarie，quietly。“Youarefamiliarwiththepast。Ihavenothingtodenytoyou；shutthedoorandstayhere——
Andnow，“shecontinued，ashervoicelostitsgentleness，whensheaddressedhermother，“ifitisagreeabletoyou，Ishouldliketohaveanunderstandingwithyou！“
“But，mychild，“sighedthemother，“howstrangelyalteredyouare！
Youaddressme，yourmother，asFrauvonWerrig，andyouspeaktoEbenstreitinaveryformalmanner，whohasbeenyourdear，faithfulhusbandforthreeyears。Oh，mydarlingson，whatdoesthisceremoniousmannermean?“
“Theveryfirsthour，afterourmarriage，thatwewerealonemydearMarieseverelyreprovedmeforhavingaddressedherinanintimate，affectionatemanner，likethecommonclass，asshecalledit，andI
haveneverdonesosince。”
“YoumustbeconvincedthatIamright，“saidMarie，calmly，“andthatitdoesnotbecometwobeings，whoneitherlovenoresteemeachother，andwholiveinthemostceremoniousmanner，toaddressoneanotherwithendearingepithets。Atanyratewearenotaccountabletoanyone，andFrauvonLeuthenmustknowtherelationswebeartoeachotherintheso-calledmarriage，asitisherarrangementforthemostpart。”
“AndIpridemyselfuponit，“shecried，withanimation。“Ihavebroughtaboutthismarriage，whichisgoodfortunetous，andIhopemydaughterwillprovehergratitude，andmysonwillshowmetheaffectionhehassooftensworntome。”
“Idonotknowwhatmyhusbandmayhavesworntoyou，butpermitmetosay，Idonotunderstandwhomyou，FrauvonWerrig，addressasdaughterhere；ifyouaccidentallyrefertome，youareinerror；I
haveneverpossessedamothertoloveme，althoughformerly，duringlongyearsIendeavoredwithtenderassiduitytowinaparent\'sheart。Thatislongpast，however。TheverydaythatImarriedHerrvonEbenstreitIrenouncedallfamilyties，andresolvedtobeself-
reliant。Myhusbandwillwitnessthathehasneverknownmetoyield，andthatIhavealwaysbeenfirmandresoluteinmydecision。”
“Noonewoulddoubtit，“repliedEbenstreit，timidly。“Wehadaverystrangemarriage，whichscarcedeservesthename。Weresemblemoretwocompanionswhohavejoinedinbusiness，theonesidereluctantly，andtheotherjoyfully。Ilongforahappymarriedlife，whichhasbeenquiteimpossiblethusfar。”
“Andwillbetotheend，whichyouwillyetlearn；andFranvonWerrigshouldunderstandit，asshebroughtabouttheunion，andshouldnotbeindoubtastotheconclusion。”
“IacknowledgethatIamalmostspeechlessandquiteparalyzedwiththatwhichIseeandhear。Ishoulddoubtthatthiscold，proudwomanbeforemeweremydaughter，ifitwerenotforthenameshebears，andherfeatures。”
“Thatwhichyouandmyhusbandhavecausedmetobecome。HeknewthatIneitherlovednoresteemedhim，andthataunionwithhimseemedsounendurablethatIwouldhavesoughtrefugeindeath，ifI
hadnotvowedtosupportlifetoattaintheaimwhichIimposeduponmyself。Thatisallpast；itisthefuturewhichwemustarrange。I
amgladthatyouarehere，FrauvonWerrig，thatwemayunderstandeachotheronceforall；butyoucameagainstmywishes。”
“Youmustexcuseit，dearMarie。Itwasthelongingofmother\'sheartwhichledmehither；thelove——“
Acold，contemptuousglanceofthelargeeyescausedthemothertocease，andquailbeforeherdaughter。
AfterashortpauseMariecontinued:“Iwishtoexercisealoneandunhinderedtheexecutiverightsofaladyinherownhouse。Doyouacknowledgethejusticeofthis，myhusband?“
“Perfectlyandunconditionally，dearMarie。YouknowthatIhavenootherwillbutyours，whichismyhighesthappinesstosubmitmyselftoinallthings，alwayshopingtogainyourloveandwinyourheart；that——“
“Thatthiswomanhaschangedtostone，“saidMarie，coldly，pointingtohermother。“Asyouthenrecognizemeasthemistressofthishouse，Ishallavailmyselfofmyjustright，andnoonecanpreventme，forIstandalone，absolvedfromallfamilyties。Bymybirthandyourriches，Ishalloccupythepositionofawomanoftheworld，andassuchIshalllive。”
“Iamdelightedtohearit，Marie，“criedherhusband。“ForthisreasonIhavehadthedrawing-roomsfurnishedinthemostcostlymanner，andIshallbeproudtoreceivethearistocraticsocietywhowillcometorenderhomagetomywife，astheyhavedoneeverywhereinParis，London，Rome，Madrid，andSt。Petersburg。Wehavefrequentedthehighestcircleinallthesecities，andtheyhavecrowdedourdrawing-rooms，charmedwiththebeauty，distinguishedmanners，toneoftheworld，ofyourdaughter。”
“Ibegofyoutomakebutonesubjectthesoleobjectofconversation，“saidMarie，harshly。“IhavesaidthatIwillavailmyselfoftheprivilege，asmistressofthishouse，ofreceivingnoonewhomIdonotwishtosee，andnoonecanenterwithoutconsent。
Isitclearlyunderstood，husband?“
“Yes，“heanswered，somewhatagitated；“itistherightofeveryhousekeeper——Iunderstandyou。”
“Itisalsocleartome，“criedFrauvonWerrig，withdifficultysuppressingherwrath。“ButIwillawaitthedecisiveword，andseewhetheritispossibleforadaughtertohavetheinsolentpresumptiontodrivehemotherfromherhouse！“
“IhavealreadyinformedyouthatIhavenomother，andthatnoonehastherighttocallmedaughter。Ifyouawaitmydecision，youshallnowhearit；youarenotincludedamongthosethatIwishtoreceiveinmyhouse！“
“Ah，dearMarie，youarecruel！“criedherhusband，quitefrightened。
“Sheisadegenerate，good-for-nothingcreature！“criedthemother。
“IfIamso，whohascauseditbutyou，bothofyou?Whobrokemyheart，andcrusheditunderfootuntilitceasedtofeel，andturnedtostone?Beartheconsequencesofyourcrueltyandheartlessness！I
cannotchangeit，andIrepeat，FrauvonWerrighasnottherighttoenterthishouse，ortoremainhereanylonger！“
Scaldingtearsfellfromthemother\'seyesassheshrieked，“Shedrivesmefromherhouse！“
“Iamonlytreatingyouasyoubehavedtooneofthenoblestandbestofmen，“repliedMarie，voiceandlookbetrayingherdeepfeeling。“Youthrustfromyourdoor，withscornandcontempt，amanworthyofyouresteemandrecognition，althoughyouknewthatmyheartwasbreaking。Iamonlyfollowingyourexampleandexercisingmyjustrights，andamlessguiltythanyouare，asneitherofushasneedoftherespectoresteemoftheother。”
“Canyousufferthis，myson?Doyouallowanyoneinyourpresencetotreatmesoshamefully?Afterall，itisyourhouse；dospeakandexerciseyourrightasmasterhere:tellyourwifethatIamhermother，andyou，myadoptedson，whobearsmyname，andthatIhavethejustrighttocomehereasoftenasitpleasesme。”
“SpeakyourmindtoFrauvonWerrig，“saidMarie，asEbenstreitremainedsilent。“Decidewhichshallremain，asoneortheotherofusmustleave；youareperfectlyfreetochoose。”
“Then，naturally，thereisnochoiceleftme，“repliedEbenstreit，despondingly。“Ideclaremyselfformywife，ofcourse，whoisthenoblestandproudestbeautyinBerlin，andwillmakemyhousethecentreofattractiontothearistocracy，nobility，andwealth。Thisismygreatestpride，andtosecurethisIwooedmybeautifulbride，andhavesubmittedtoallthesorrowandhumiliationwhichhavebeenmyportion。IfImustchoosebetweenthemotheranddaughter，I
naturallypreferthelatter。”
“Heabandonsmealso！“criedthemother。“Youareanungrateful，wretchedman！Youforgetthatyouoweeverythingtome，andthatwithoutmeyouwereamiserablemercenary，whosestupidityandtediousnessweretheridiculeofeveryone，andyouhadnevergainedtheentrancetoagenteelhouse。Whathaveyounowbecome?Ahigh-
bornman，whosehouseeveryonewillcrowd，andwhocouldevenappearatcourt，ashebearsournobleanddistinguishedname。Towhomdoyouoweallthis，buttomealone?“
“Godinheaven，Thouhearestit！“criedMarie，solemnly，withupliftedarms。“Sheacknowledgesthatshealonehasbroughtthismisfortuneuponme，andinthishourIstandjustified。”
“Pardon，FrauvonWerrig，“saidEbenstreit，haughtily；“youaregoingtoofar。Aftermyfortune，Ithankyouformyposition。Iamcertainlyofinsignificantbirth，butIamambitiousandrich。I
saidtomyself，\'MoneycanbringaboutallthatIwish，\'andyouseeithasaccomplishedit。Mywealthprocuredmeatitle，asplendidhouse，abeautifulwife，andapositioninsociety。Iacknowledgethatyouaidedmeinthecarryingoutofmyplans，butyouwouldnothavedoneit，ifIhadnotbeeninapositiontopayyou。Youreceiveaveryconsiderableannuityfromme，thereforeyoucannotaccusemeofingratitude，butmustconfessthatyouhavedrivenaverygoodbargain。YoumustforgivemeifIbegofyoutoendthispainfulscene。”
“ThatmeansthatImustleave，“saidFrauvonWerrig，mildly，rememberingthegamblingdebtandtheannuity。“Verywell，Iwillgo，andpromiseyounevertoreturn，upontwoconditions。”
“Havethegoodnesstocommunicatethem，“saidEbenstreit。
“Thefirstis，paythegambling-debtofmyhusband，whohasplayedawaytheentiresumyouallowusyearly，anddonotdeductitfromourincome。Thesecondis，increaseyourallowancefivehundredthalers，withoutlettingthegeneralknowit，andpayittome。”
“Itisimpossible，“criedEbenstreit，terrified。“YoumistakemeforaCroesus，whosewealthisinexhaustible。Ifthisexpenditureanddemandincrease，mycolossalfortunewillbeentirelywasted，and——“
“Youexaggerate，“interruptedMarie，withapeculiarbrilliancyinhereyes。“Suchwealthasyoursisnever-ending，andthebankingbusiness，whichyouarestillengagedinunderanothername，isaninexhaustiblesourceofwealth。Ibegyoutoaccepttheseconditions，thatwemayatlastbeatpeace。”
“Verywell，“saidEbenstreit，towhomthewordsofMariesoundedasthesweetestmusic。“Iwillthenaccordyourwishes，andyoushallhavethefivehundredthalersforyourself。”
“Formealone?“
“Yes，foryourselfalone，FrauvonWerrig。”
“Whovouchesforthefulfilmentofyourpromise?“
“Myword，FrauvonWerrig。”
“Ihavenoconfidencebutinawrittenpromise。”
“ThenIwillhaveitmadeout，andbringyouthedocumentto-morrowmorning。”
“Thenourbusinessisfinished，andIcango——Farewell，baroness；
thisismylastwordtoyou。Icursedyoufromthemomentyoucameintobeing。Ifyouhadbeenason，therichestateintrustofmyfamilywouldhavepassedtoyou，ofwhichIwasthenaturalheir。Asitwas，itwenttoadistantrelative，andwereceivednothing。
Thereforeyourparentscouldnotrejoiceatyourbirth，andweonlypardonedyouwhenyoumarriedarichman，whocouldfreeusfromwant，andnowtheseparationisnogrieftous。Youhavealwaysbeenadisagreeableburden，andIamonlyquitofadiscomfort，andrenounceforeverthesightofyou——Givemeyourarm，myson，andaccompanymeatleasttothethresholdofyourhouse，thatyoumaybeabletosaytothiscold-heartedviper，thatsheisforeverridofthesightofhermother，whowillneverthinkofherbutwithchillingcontempt。”SheseizedEbenstreitbythearm，whohadnotthecouragetoresisther，anddrewhimalongwithher，castingalookofsupremedisgustatoldTrude，whostoodpaleandsadnearthedoor。
CHAPTERXXXIV。
BEHINDTHEMASK。
Asthedoorclosed，andMariefoundherselfalonewithheroldfriendandnurse，apeculiarchangewasvisibleinhersadface；
somethingofitsformersunnyradiancebrighteneditsusuallysorrowfulexpression，andsheturnedtogreetTrudewiththesmileofearlier，happierdays，thoughitwastingedwithsadnessandgrief。Impulsivelyshethrewherarmsaroundherfaithfulnurse，kissingher，and，withquiveringlip，whispering:“Agreetingandablessingforyou，dearmother！Takemetoyourkind，disinterestedheart，andletmetherefindreposefromallthistortureandlovethepoorlostone，who——“
Shedrewsuddenlyback，herfaceassumingitsusuallycold，lookassheheardherhusbandenter。
“Sheisgone，dearMarie。Ihopethatyouaregratifiedwithmydecision，andperceivethereinaproofofmyexcessiveloveandesteemforyou，“saidEbenstreit，drawingalongbreath。
“Ididnotdesirethispoliteevidenceofit，“shecoldlyresponded。
“Wehavesolemnizedourentranceintothishouseinafittingmanner，andtheimportantmatterremainingforusistomakeknownourarrivaltothesocietyofBerlin。ThehorsespurchasedinAlexandria，andthenewcarriagefromLondon，havealreadyarrived——
havetheynot?“
“Mybook-keepersoinformedmeafortnightsince，whenwewereinParis，andcomplainedoftheenormoussumwhichhehadtodisburse。”
“Youmustforbidhimsuchalibertyonceforall，“saidshe，andthestrangeblendingofjoyandscornwasvisibleinherface。“Itisinadmissibleforasubordinatetopresumetocomplaintohismaster，oradvisehim。Hehasonlytolistenandobey。Thisallyourinferiorsmustunderstand，andknowthattheywillbedismissedwhomurmuroradvise！“
“Iwillinstructthemaccordingly，“hesighed，“thoughImustconfessmyhead-manwellunderstandsfinancialoperations，andduringthemanyyearsthathehasbeenwithmehaswontherighttobeconsultedandadvisedwith。”
“Thenproveyourgratitudeasitbecomesatruecavalierandanobleman，“dictatedMarie。“Settlehissalaryasanannuityuponhim，andreplacehim。”
“Buthereceivesverygreatwages，andisstillveryactive，thoughadvanced。”
“Themorethereasontopensionhim，thathemayreposehisremainingyearsandenjoythefruitofhislabors。Butdoasyoulike。Ihaveonlytoldyouhowanoblecavalierwouldact；ifyouchoosetobargainandhaggle，itisyourownaffair。”
“Heavenkeepmefromactingotherwisethanasanobleman！“criedEbenstreit。
Marienoddedassent，desiringthatthecarriagemightbeordered，withtheArabhorses。“Wewillmakeourvisitsatonce，asIwill，forthefirsttime，openourlargehouseforasoireeto-morrowevening，“sheadded。
“Ah，thatischarming！“saidEbenstreit，delighted。“IshallatlasthavetheopportunityofseeingthearistocraticBerlinsociety，andenterupontherankofmynewtitle。”
“Yes，“shereplied，withanexpressionofirrepressiblescorn，“youwillhavethisenjoyment。Sendmethesteward，Iwishtogivehimalistoftheinvitedguests。Youcanaddtoitatyourpleasure。”
“Ihavenoonetoinvite，“criedherhusband。
“Nomatter！Makethenecessarypreparations。Iwillgotomyroomtomakemytoilet。”
“Willyounotallowmetoaccompanyyou?Youarenotyetfamiliarwiththehouse。”
“Trudewillshowittome，andyoucanatthesametimegivetheorders。”
NoddingproudlytoEbenstreit，shetoldTrudetoprecedeher，followingtheoldwomanthroughthesuiteofbrilliantrooms。
“Hereismylady\'sdressing-room，“saidTrude，enteringoneornamentedwithmirrors，laces，andgauzes。
TheFrenchwaiting-maidwasbusywithin，unpackingthelargetrunksfilledwithsilkandsatindresseswhichhadbeenpurchasedbythedozensinParis。
“Layoutanelegantvisitingtoilet；Iwillreturndirectly，afterTrudehasshownmethehouse，“Theyenteredtheadjoiningchamber，Marie\'ssleeping-roomandfoundtheGermanmaidarrangingthelaceandsilkcoveringsforhermistresstoreposeherselfafterthelongjourney。Mariebetrayednoinclinationforrepose，butquestionedTrudeastowhithertheotherdoorledto。
“Intothelittlecorridor，baroness。”
“DidInotorderthatthereshouldbebutoneentrancetomysleeping-room，andthatfromthedressing-room?“
“Yourcommandshavebeenstrictlyobeyed，“repliedTrude。“Theonlydoorfromthecorridorleadstomytworooms，andthereisbutoneentrancetothemupontheotherside，whichcanbesecurelyfastened。”
Intothesimple，quietroom，atthebaroness\'srequest，Trudeopenedthedoor，saying，“Herewecanbealone。”
Mariepointedsilentlytotheseconddoor，andtheoldwomannodded:
“Thatisit，“saidshe。“Ihavedoneeverythingasyoudirected。
Afteryouleft，theysentmethefurnitureofyourlittlegarret-
room，whichIhavearrangedexactlyasitstoodthere。”
AsMarieopenedthedoorandfoundherselfinthesmallroom，soliketheonewhereshehadmadeflowers，givenlessons，consoledbyheronlyfriend，Trude，herprideandreservevanished。Sinkinguponherknees，asifcrushed，shegavewaytoherlong-pent-upgriefinonecryofanguish，clingingtoTrude，andweepingbitterly。
“HereIam，myfaithfulnurse，returnedtoyoumorewretchedandmiserablethanwhenIleft:then，IfeltthatIcouldscorntheworld，andnowIdespisemyself。Oh，Trude，theyhavecausedmywretchedness，theyhavemademeselfishandunkind。Iwascontenteduntilnow，andrejoicedinmymisery，andtriumphantlythoughtofthetimewhenIwaswonttobewailmybrokenheartandlostsoul。
Oncemorewithyou，andsurroundedwiththesouvenirsofmygirlhood，Ifeelahorrorofmyself，andcouldsinkinshameandcontrition。Ihavebecomeasbadastheyare。Canyouforgivethehard-hearteddaughterwhobanishedherownmotherfromherhouse?I
feltthatIcouldnotendureherpresence，andfearedthataninveteraterancorandhatewouldoverpowerme，andthatIshouldcurseher。”
“Shedeservesit，mypoorchild，“whisperedTrude，thetearsstreamingdownhercheeks。“Shehasjusttoldyouthatsheneverlovedyou，andinthispainfulsceneshethoughtonlyofbargainingandmakingmoney。GodhasheardherandforgivenyouasIdo，andI
begandimploreHimtopunishthosewhohavemadeyousowretched，andthatHewillhavenomercyuponthem，astheyhaveshownnonetoyou。Itbreaksmyhearttoseeyousochanged，andIcanhardlybelievethiscold，haughtyladyismyMarie。InyourtearsI
recognizeyou，andIblessGodthatyoucanweep；yourgriefprovestomethatyouareyetthechildofmyheart。”
“OhTrude，youknownothowIhavelongedtoseeyou；itwasmyonlyconsolationinthesepainfulyears。WhenIdoubtedeveryhumanbeing，thenIthoughtofyou，andwascomfortedandsustained。”
“Andwastherenooneelsetothinkof，mychild?“
“Yes，“shegentlymurmured，“Ithoughtofhim。Tellmeallyouknowabouthim，andhidenothingfrommeinthishour。”
“Ithoughtyouwouldaskme，andIwenttoDirectorGedickeyesterday，toinformmyself。”
“Whatdidyouhear?Tellmethemostimportant。Doeshelive?Isherestoredtohealth?“
“Helives，but，foroneyear，hewassowretchedthathecouldnotteach；nowheisbetter。HerrGedickewenthimselftoSpandau，immediatelyafterthewedding，andbroughthimbackwithhim，relatingasforbearinglyandcarefullyaspossiblethecircumstancesofyourmarriage，andofyoursacrificingyourselfforhimalone。”
“Howdidhereceiveit?Whatdidhesay?“
“Nothing。Hiseyeswerefixed，andhislipsutterednotasound。
Thislastedforweeks，andsuddenlyhebecameexcited，enraged，andtheywereobligedtobindhimtokeephimfrominjuringhimself。”
“Tellmenomore，criedMarie，shuddering。“Ithoughtmyselfstronger，nay，heartless，andyetitseemsasifahandofironweretearing，rendingmysoul！“
“Thatiswell，“saidTrude，gently；“youmustawakenfromthishardenedindifference；givingwaytoyourgriefintearswillsoftenyourheart，anditwillagainbepenetratedwiththeloveofGodandmankind。Iwilltellyoueverything；yououghttoknowhowpoor，dearMoritzsuffered。Afterheventedhisragehebecamemelancholy，andwithdrewtoHalleinsolitude，livinginahay-loft。Hisfavoritebooksandanoldpianowerehisonlycompanions；noonepresumedtointrudehim，andtheyevenconveyedhisfoodsecretlytohim，shovingitthroughadoor。Hetalkedaloudtohimselfforhourslong，andatnightsangsotouchingly，accompanyinghimselfuponthepiano，thatthosewholistenedwept。”
Marieweptalso——scaldingtearstrickledthroughherfingersasshelayuponthefloor。
Trudecontinued:“Moritzlivedinthiswayoneyear；hisfriendsknewhowhewassuffering，andtheyprovedintheirdeedshowmuchtheylovedandesteemedhim。TheteachersattheGymnasiumdividedhishoursofinstructionamongthem，thatheshouldnotforfeithisplaceandlosehissalary。Eventhekingshowedgreatsympathyforhim，sendingtoinquireforhim。HerrGedickevisitedhimfrequentlyatHalle；andoncewhenabouttomounttheladdertothehay-lofthemetMoritzdescending，carefullydressed，inareasonable，gentlemood，andthenhereturnedwithhimtoBerlin。Therewasgreatrejoicinginthecollegeoverhisreturn，andtheyfetedhim，witnessingsomuchloveforhimthatitwasreallytouching。Hehasbeenpromotedtoprofessor，andattheexpresscommandofthekingheteachestheyoungPrinceFrederickWilliaminLatinandGreek。
Oh，heissomuchesteemedand——“
“AndismarriedIhope，“murmuredMarie。“Ishenothappilymarried，Trude?“
“No。HerrGedickesayshecouldmarryawealthygirl，forheisagreatfavorite，andisinvitedintothemostdistinguishedsociety。
Herepelseveryone，andhasbecomeawoman-hater。”
“Hehatesthem——doesthatmeanthathehatesme?“
“Yes，hethoroughlyscornsanddespisesyou；somuchsothatHerrGedickesaysyoushouldknowofit，andkeepoutofhisway。Hehassworntopubliclyshowhiscontemptforyou，andthereforehisfriendswishyoutobeapprisedofit，andnotencounterhiminsociety。”
“Itiswell，Ithankyou，“saidMarie，rising；“Iwillactaccordingly。Kissmeoncemore，mydearmother，andletmereposemywearyheaduponyourbosom。Ah，Trude，whatasorrowlifeis！“
“Youwillyetlearntoloveitagain，Marie。”
“IfIthoughtthatIcouldsinksolow，Iwouldkillmyselfthisveryhour。Iknowmyselfbetter，andonlyforrevengedoIlive。
Hush！saynothingmore。Lookatme！Iamcursed，andthereinthosegaudyroomsinmypurgatory；hereismyparadise，andherethewickeddemonmaydaretochangeintothesad，wretchedwife，whomournsthehappydaysalreadyflown，andweepstheinconsolablefuture。OftwillIcomehereinthenightwhenthosesleepwhothinkmesoproudandhappy，andyoualoneshallbeholdmeasIam。NowI
mustbacktopurgatory——Farewell！“
AhalfhourlaterasplendidcarriagedrovefromthehouseofHerrEbenstreitvonLeuthen。ThepeopleuponthestreetstoodinwonderingadmirationofthebeautifulArabhorseswiththecostlysilver-mountedharness，andsoughttocatchaglimpseoftheoccupantsofthecarriage，aninsignificant，meagre，blond-hairedman，whoappearedlikeaservantbesidethelovelypalewife，thoughproudandindifferent，whokepthereyesfixedsteadilybeforeher。
Thechasseur，withhiswavingplumes，satupontheboxbesidetherich-liveriedcoachman。
Asthemarriedcouplereturnedfromtheirdrive，havinglefttheircardsatthemostdistinguishedhousesinBerlin，thebaronesshandedthelistofgueststoheinvitedtothebarontoexamine。Heglancedhastilyoverit，assuringherthateverythingshouldbedirectedasshedesired，deferringalltohersuperiorknowledge。
Suddenlyheseemedconfused，evenfrightened。“Whatisthematter?
Whatwereyouabouttoremark?“askedMarie，indifferently。
“Iwasinerror。Ihave，withoutdoubt，readitwrong。Ibegpardonforafoolishblunder，butwillyoutellmethisname?“
Mariebentforwardtolookatthepaperwhichherhusbandhandedher，and，pointingwithherfinger，read“ProfessorPhilipMoritz。”
“Doyouintendtoinvitehim?“askedEbenstreit，quitealarmed。
“WhyshouldInot?Hebelongstothecircleoffriendsandacquaintances，anditisnaturalthatIshouldincludehim。
Moreover，thereisnotalittlegossip，anditisnecessarytosilenceit。Ifyouarenotofmyopinion，strikeoutthename。”
“Notatall，dearest。Onthecontrary，youareperfectlyright，andIadmireyouforit。”
“Thengivethelisttothebutler，foritisquitetimethattheinvitationsweregivenout。”
CHAPTERXXXV。
THECURSE。
Theeveningofthesoireehadarrived。InquicksuccessiondrovethecarriagesupthebroadentrancetothemansionofHerrEbenstreit，Thecuriousstreetpublicpressedincompactmassesnearthegatetopeepin，oratleastcatchafugitiveglanceoftheladiesalightingfromtheircarriages，whowerereceivedbythebutleratthefootofthecarpetedsteps。Ahostofgold-bespangledfootmenlinedtheentranceuponeachside，whichwasornamentedwiththemostexquisitehot-houseplants，fillingtheairwithperfume。
Twotall，statelyfootmen，withbroadgoldshoulder-bandsandlargegiltbatons，stoodatthedooroftheanteroom，whichwasbrilliantlyilluminatedwithchandeliersandside-lights，reflectedinthenumerousmirrors。Theanteroomledintothereception-roombywidefolding-doors，wherethenamesweregiventotheusher，whoannouncedtheminastentorianvoiceinthedrawing-room。TherestoodtheBaronvonEbenstreittoreceivetheguests，allsmiles，andwithbustlingassiduityaccompanythemtotheadjoiningdrawing-
roomtopresentthemtothebaroness。
Amongtheselectcompanywereconspicuousthemostdistinguishednamesofthearistocracy。Generalsandstaff-officers，countessesandbaronesseswerecrowdedtogether，withtheladiesofthefinancialworld，nearministersandcounsellorsinthisgorgeoussaloon，whichwasthedelightandadmirationoftheenvious，andexcitedthetonguesoftheslanderous。Thoseacquaintedgatheredinthewindow-nichesandcosycorners，maliciouslycriticisingthemotleycrowd，andeminentlyconsoledwiththesureprospectoftheruinofthelatebanker，surroundinghimselfwithsuchunbecomingsplendorandluxury，thebadtasteofhisarrogant，overdressed，andextravagantwife。
“Haveyounoticedherparureofdiamonds?“whisperedtheCountessMoltketoFranvonMorien。“Iftheyarereal，thenshewearsanestateuponhershoulders。”
“ThefamilyestateofVonLeuthen，“laughinglyrepliedFrauvonMorien。“Youknow，Isuppose，thatthefatherofGeneralvonLeuthenwasabrick-burner，andhemayhavesucceededinchangingafewbricksintodiamonds。”
“Youarewicked，sweetone，“repliedthecountess，smiling。“Onemustacknowledgethathertoiletischarming。Ihaveneverseenitsequal。Thegoldlaceovertherose-coloredsatinissuperb，“
“Yes，andtheminglingofstrawfeathers，diamonds，flowers，lace，andbirdsistrulyridiculousinherhead-dress。”
“ItmusthavebeencopiedexactlyfromtheonewhichtheQueenMarieAntoinetteworeattheballatVersaillesafortnightsince。Thebaronesswaspresentatthiscourtballwithhergreyhoundofahusband，andcreatedquiteasensationwithhercostlyrechercheetoilet，astheFrenchambassadortoldusyesterday。”
“Certainlynotbyhermanner，“saidFrauvonMorien。“Sheisinsupportablyarrogantandself-sufficient。Whatdoyouthinkofthispretentiousmannerofannouncingournamesasifwewereatanauctionwheretheysoldtitles?“
“ItisaverygoodFrenchcustom，“remarkedthecountess。“Butitdoesnotbecomealadyofdoubtfulnobilityanduncertainposition，tointroduceforeigncustomshere。Sheshouldleavethistoothers，andmodestlyacceptthosealreadyinusebyus。”
“Oneremarksthepuffed-upparvenue，“whisperedFrauvonMorien。
“Everythingsmellsofthevarnishuponthenewly-paintedcoat-of-
arms。”
“Hush，myfriend！ItherecomesthebaronessleaninguponthearmoftheFrenchambassador。Sheisindeedimposinginappearance，andonecouldmistakeherforaqueen。”
“Couldanyoneeversupposethatthisqueenoncemadeflowerstosell?Come，countess，Ihavejustthoughtofacharmingscenetorevengemyselfuponthisarrogantpersonage。”
Givingherarmtothecountess，sheapproachedherhostessleaninguponthearmoftheMarquisdeTreves，theFrenchambassador，astheywerestandingbeneaththeimmensechandelierofrockcrystal，whichsparkledabovethemlikeacrownofstars，causingherdiamondstolookasifinoneblazeofdifferenthues。
“Oh，permitustosunourselvesinyourrays，matoutebelle，“saidtheCountessMoltke。“Onecouldwellfancythemselvesinafairypalace，soenchantingiseverythinghere。”
“Andthebaroness\'sappearanceconfirmsthisimpression，“remarkedthegallantFrenchman。“Fancycouldnotwellpaintamorelovelyfairyinone\'shappiestdreams。”
“Yes，trulyIwanderaroundasifinanenchantedscene。IfeelasifImustseizemyselfbytheheadandbewellshaken，toconvincemyselfthatIamreallyawakeandnotdreamingachapterfromAladdin。Imadetheeffort，butfeltthewreathofrosesinmyhair，and——“
“Andthatconvincedyouofyourwakefulness，“saidthebaroness，alittlehaughtily。Turningtotheambassador，sheadded:“Doyouobserve，monsieurlemarquis，whatadelicateattentionthisladyshowsmeinwearingawreathofflowerswhichImanufactured?“
“Comment！Thebaronessistrulyafairy！Shecausesflowerstogrowatherpleasure，andvieswithNature。Itseemsimpossible。Icanscarcelybelieveit。”
“Andyetitistrue，“saidFrauvonMorien。“Thebaroness，indeed，fabricatedtheserosesthreeyearssince，whenshehadthekindnesstoworkforme。YouwillacknowledgethatIhavekeptthemwell?“
“Itwasnokindnessofmine，butanecessity，“saidthebaroness，“andImustconfessthatIwouldnothaveundertakensotroublesomeapieceofworkfrompuregoodnessorpleasure。YouwillrememberthatIwasverypoorbeforemymarriage，andasFrauvonMorienwasoneofmycustomers，itisverynaturalthatshepossessesmyflowers。Shegavememanyorders，andpaidmeaverysmallprice，forsheisverypracticalandprudent，andunderstandsbargainingandcheapening，andwhenoneispoortheyareobligedtoyieldtotheshamelessparsimonyoftherich。Ithankyou，mydearbenefactress，forthehonoryouhaveshownmeinwearingmyflowers，forithasbeenapleasantoccasiontoexplainourselvesandrecognizeeachother。Havethekindnesstorecallotherremembrancesofthepast。”
“Idonotrememberpossessinganyothersouvenirs，“repliedthecountess，confused。
HaveyouforgottenthatIgaveFrenchlessonstoyourniece，thepresentFrauvonHohenthal?Shecametomethreetimesweekly，becausethelessonswereafewgroschencheaperatthehouse。”