Shedidascommanded，andbeheldthefigureofawonderfulwomanstretcheduponthecouchasindeepsleep，clothedintransparentrobes。“Layyourhanduponherbrow，anddirectinyourthoughtsaquestiontotheprophetessoftheorder，andshewillansweryou！“
Uponthelofty，whitebrowofthesleepingone，shelaidherhand；
immediatelyasmileflittedoverherbeautifulface，andshenodded。
“Yes，“saidshe，“youmustbelieve。Youdarenotdoubt。Heistheelect，theholyMagus！“Wilhelminetrembled，fortheanswerwassuitedtothequestion。“Demandasecondquestionoftheprophetess，“commandedCagliostro。Againshelaidherhanduponthebrowofthesleepingone，andagainshesmiledandnoddedwithherbeautifulhead。“Fearnot，“shereplied；“hewillalwaysloveyou，andwillneverrejectyou，onlyyoumustnotleadhimastrayfromtherightcourse——butguidehimtothetempleoffaithandknowledge。Whenyouceasetodoit，youarelost。Shameuponearthanddamnationwillbeyourportion。”Theanswerwasexact——forWilhelminehadprayedtoknowiftheprincewouldalwaysloveandneverrejecther。“Stillathirdquestion，“criedCagliostro。InsilenceWilhelmineasked，andtheprophetessansweredaloud:“Youwillbecountess，youwillbecomeaprincess，youwillpossessmillions，youwillhavethewholeworldatyourfeet，ifyoucalltoyouraidtheInvisibleFathers，andimplorethepowerandmiraculousblessingoftheGreatKophta。”Wilhelmine，deeplymoved，sankoverpowereduponherknees，andcriedaloud:“IcallupontheInvisibleFathersforaidandassistance；IimplorethepowerandmiraculousblessingoftheGreatKophta。”Suddenly，amidtherollingofthunderandintensedarkness，Wilhelminefeltherselfliftedup——
borneaway，asloudprayerswereutteredaroundher。Thenshefeltherselfloweredagainandwiththefreedomofmotion。“Fly！flyfromtherevengeoftheimmortals，ifyoustilldoubt，stillmistrust！“
criedafearfulvoiceaboveher。“Beholdhowtheimmortalsrevengethemselves。”Immediatelyalightbegantodawnbeforeher，aformrosefromthedarknesslikeherown。Shebeheldherselfkneeling，imploring，herfacedelugedwithtears，andbeforeheratall，erect，muffledfigure，withaglitteringswordinhisupliftedarm，whichsankgraduallylowerandloweruntilitpiercedherbosomandthebloodgushedforth。Wilhelmineshriekedandfainted。Shewitnessednomoremiracles，beardnomorepropheciesandrevelationswhichthemagimadetotheelect。Shebeheldnottheappearanceoftheblessedspirits，whichattheimportunityofthebrothersflittedthroughtheapartment。SheheardnotCagliostrotakeleaveofBaronvonBischofswerder，whenallhadwithdrawn，saying，“Ihavenowexaltedyoutobechiefdirectoroftheholyorder。YouwillatoncereceiveordersfromtheInvisibleFathers，announcedtoyouinwriting，andyouwillfollowthemfaithfully。”
“Iwillfollowthemfaithfully，“humblyansweredBischofswerder。
“Youwillberewardedbytheknowledgeoflifeandofmoney；youshalldiscoverthephilosopher'sstone，andthesecretofgoldshallberevealedtoyou，whenyouperformwhattheInvisibleFathersdemand。”
“Iwilldoeverything，“criedBischofswerder，fervently；“onlymakeknowntometheircommands。”
“Theydesire，atthepresent，thatyouseektobetheconfidantofthePrinceofPrussia。Gainhisaffection，thengovernhim，makingyourselfindispensabletohim。Surroundhimwithservantsandconfidantsthatyoucanrelyupon。Inspirehimwithdevotiontotheholyorder。Become，now，thefriendoftheprince，thatyoumay，oneday，ruletheking。YouarethechiefoftheorderinPrussia；themoremembersyougainthemoresecretswillberevealedtoyou。Theholyfatherssendmeafar，butIshallreturn:ifyouhavebeenactiveandfaithful，Iwillmakeknowntoyouagreatsecretandbringyoutheelixiroflife。”
“Whenwillyoureturn，master?“askedBisehofswerder，enthusiastically。
Cagliostrosmiled。“BeforethecrownprinceofPrussiabecomesking。
Asknofurther。Befaithful！“
CHAPTERXII。
THEJESUITGENERAL
Nooneremainedinthedrawing-roombutCagliostroandthebeautifulwomanwhostilllayquietlyonthecouch，uponthethrone。
Cagliostroapproachedher，and，raisingtheveil，regardedheramoment，withanexpressionofthemostpassionatetenderness:“Wearealone，Lorenza，“saidhe。Sheopenedhergreateyes，andlookedaroundthedimly-lightedroom；then，fixingthemuponCagliostro，whostoodbeforeherinhisbrilliantcostumeofmagician，sheburstintoamerrylaugh，soloudandsoirresistible，thatCagliostrowasseizedinvoluntarily，andjoinedher。
“Oh！wasitnotheavenly，wasitnotagloriouscomedy，anddidI
notplaydivinely，Joseph?WasInotbewitchingasthegoddessofNature?“
“Youlookedtrulylikeagoddess，Lorenza，andthereisnothingmorebeautifulthanyou，inheavenoruponearth。Butcome，myenchantress，itistimetobreakup，aswearetosetoffearlyto-
morrowmorning。”
“Havewenowmuchmoney?Wasthetributerichlypaid?“
“Yes，wehaveahundredlouisd'orsandadiamondringfromthemistressofthishouse。”
“Giveittome，“criedLorenza。
“Notthering，Lorenza，butthediamond，sosoonasIhaveafalsestonesetinthering——whichImustkeepasaringinthechainwhichwillbindthiswomantoourcause。”
“WasInotastonishinglylikeher?Wasitnotalmostunmistakable?“
“Yes，wonderfullydeceptive。IshudderedmyselfasIsawthedaggerpointedatyourbosom。”
“Andtheblood，howitgushedforth，Joseph！“Lorenzaburstintoamerrylaughagain，andCagliostrojoinedher，butsuddenlystopped，and，listening，turnedtowardthedoor，whichhehadclosedafterBischofswerderdeparted。Itseemedasifheheardanoise——apeculiarknocking。Fourtimesitwasrepeated，andCagliostrowavedhishandtoLorenzanottospeak。Againwereheardthefourpeculiarrhythmicalsounds。“Bequiet，forHeaven'ssakebequiet，Lorenza！
Letmecoveryouwiththeveil；itisamessengerfromtheInvisibles。”Cagliostroflewtothedoor，unboltedit，andstoodhumblyneartheentrance。Amaskedfigure，envelopedinacloak，openedit，andentered，reboltingit。
SlowlyturningtowardCagliostro，heharshlydemanded，“Whoseservantareyou?“
“TheservantoftheInvisibleRulersandFathers，“hehumblyanswered。
“WhoaretheInvisibleFathers?“
“Thefourambassadorsofthegreatgeneraloftheexiles。”
“CallhimbythatnamewhichheborebeforeahereticpopeinRome，aweakempress，afree-thinkingemperorinGermany，alost-in-sinFrenchemperor，andahereticSpanishminister，condemnedhimtobanishmentanddestruction。”
“GeneraloftheJesuits，“heansweredrespectfully，bowinglower。
“Doyouknowthesignbywhichhemayberecognized?“
“Yes，byaringwiththelikenessofthefounderoftheorder，theholyIgnatiusLoyola。”
“Thenlook，andrecognizeme，“criedthemask，extendinghishandtoCagliostro。
“TheGeneral，“hemurmured，frightened，gazingattheringuponthesmall，whitehandoftheother。“Theholyfounderoftheorderhimself！“Heseizedhishandandpressedittohislips，sinkinguponhisknees。Themaskremainedstandingbeforethemagician，aslowlyashemightbowhimself，whowasstillarrayedinhisbrilliantcostumewiththebanduponhisbrowsparklinglikediamonds。
Withacold，reservedmannerheanswered，“Iamhe，andamcomeheretogiveyoumycommandsbywordofmouth。”
“Commandme；Iamthyhumbleservant，andbutaweaktoolinthyhands。”
“Itismywillthatyoushouldbecomeapowerfultoolinmyhands。
Rise，forIwillspeaktothemanwhomuststanderectinthestorm。
Rise！“Theproudcommanderwasnowanhumble，obedientservant。Heroseslowly，standingwithbowedhead。
“Whenandwheredidwelastmeet?“demandedthemask。
“In1773，atRome。”
“Intheyearofcurseandblasphemy，“saidthemask，inaharshvoice。“TheyearinwhichtheinfamousPopeClementXVI。condemnedtheholyorder，andhurledhisfamousbull，Dominusredemptornoster。Theholyorder，condemnedanddisbandedbyhisinfamousmouth，werechangedintoholymartyrs，withoutcountry，withoutpossessionsorrights，aspersecutedfugitives，wanderingaroundtheworld，tothewickedascorn，tothepiousalamentableexampleofvirtueandconstancy。Exiledandpersecuted，youfledtoahouseofoneofourorder，andthereweforthefirsttimemet。Thedaughterofthismanwasyourbeloved。TellmewhydidyouconcealyourselfafterflyingfromPalermo?Iwillseeiftheelevatedoneungratefullyforgetsthedaysofhisdegradation。”
“TheyaccusedmeinPalermooffalsifyingdocumentsbywhichrightfulownersweredeprivedoftheirlawfulpossessions。Theythrewmeintosubterraneandungeons，andIwasneardying，whentheInvisibleProtectorsrescuedme。”
“Wastheaccusationwellfounded?Hadyoucommittedthecrimeyouwereaccusedof?“
“Yes，“answeredCagliostro，inalowvoice，“Iwasguilty。”
“Forwhom，bywhoseauthority?“
“Forthepiousfathers，whocommandedme，andwhosepretensionstothepossessionsoftheDucCostaRicawereclearlyprovedbythosedocuments。”
“Youthenlearnedthepowerandthegratitudeofourorder。Fromundergroundprisonstheyfreedyou，andprocuredawayofescapetoRome，tofindasafeasyluminthehouseofabeliever。Butjustatthattimecondemnationburstuponus，andfromapowerfulorderwewerechangedintoapersecutedone。TheforgerJosephBalsamosoughtthebrazierFeliciano，whogavehimmoney，lettersofrecommendation，andinstructedhimhowtoservetheorder，andprocureanagreeablelifeforhimself。Isitnotso?“
“Itisso，“answeredCagliostro，softly。“ItwastheorderoftheGeneralwhichunitedyouinmarriagetoyourbelovedLorenzaFeliciana，whoinitiatedyouinthesecretsciencesandthesecretsofNature，thatyoumightemploythemforthewell-beingofhumanity。”
“Itisso，master。”
“Youimploredalso，asyouwereabouttoseparate，toseethefaceofyourbenefactor，toengraveituponyourheart。Wouldyounowbeabletorecognizeit?“
“Icouldinaninstant，amongthousands。”
TheGeneralslowlyraisedthemask；apale，emaciatedfacewasvisible，withgreatblackeyesinsunkensockets，thinbloodlesslips，andahigh，bonybrow。“Doyourecognizeme?“
“No！“sadlyansweredCagliostro，“itisnotthesameface。”
“Yousee，myson，manchanges，butknowledgenot。Iamanother，andyetthesame，fortheoutwardhumanformisonlythevesseloftheeternalbandintowhicheverlastingtruthandtheholydoctrinesarepoured。Ifthevesselbreaks，itisreplacedbyanother，andaninexhaustiblespring。Thoughtandholyknowledgeflowintotherenewedvessel。Iamanewvessel，butthesamespiritwhichformerlyspoketoyou。Iknowyourpastlife，andforwhatpurposeyouareintheworld。AstheGeneralthenspoketoyou，sospeakI
now。Theunholyhaveputtheholyunderaban——theyhavepersecutedandcondemnedus。TheHolyOrderoftheFathersofJesusislifelessbeforetheworld，butnotbeforeGod。Jesuitsdonotdie，fortheybeareternallifeinthem，andtherewilladaycomewhentheywillburstforthfromdarknessintolight。Go，myson，andhelppreparetheday，helpsmooththeway，thatwemaywalktherein。Haveyouobeyed?“
“Ihaveconsecratedmywholelifetoit，youreminence。Ihavewanderedaroundtheworld，andeverywherestriventodisseminatethedoctrineoftheInvisibleFathers，andwindisciplesandadherentstotheorder。TheBrothersoftheEgyptianMasons，theBrothersoftheRosicrucians，arethediscipleswhichIhavewon，andyouknowwelltherearemanymightyandillustriousmenamongthem。”
“Iknowit，andIamsatisfiedyouareanactiveandusefultool。
ThisIcametotellyou，thatImightstimulateandadviseyou。
Greatdeedsyoushallperform，greatachievementstheholyIgnatiusLoyolaannouncesbymymouth。Theworldliesinsin，andthedevilstridesvictoriousoverit，sincetheholyorderhasbeenproscribedandpersecutedbythewicked。Thedevilisarrogantprogressandboastingreason。Theywholistentohimthinkthemselveswisewhentheyarefools，andspeakoftheirenlightenmentwhiletheystillwanderinthedark。Tocombatthisreason，toopposethisintelligence，isthetaskofourorder，whichwillneverdie。ForGodSentitforthtotheworldtofightthedevilofprogress，whoistherulerofdarkness。Ihaveobservedyou，Ihavefollowedyou，andIamsatisfied。ButIawaitstillgreaterthingsfromyou。”
“Whatshallitbe?Speak，Omaster；command，andIobey！“
“YoushallstrivethroughoutEuropefortherestitutionoftheholyorder。Youshallsubjecttoitallminds；maketherich，thepowerful，theeminentandgreat，serviceabletoit。IntotheOrdersoftheRosicruciansandEgyptianMasonsyoushallgatherallthestrayandisolatedsheepintoaflock，toawaitwithlongingthecomingoftheshepherd，andprepareaplaceforhim。TotheholyChurchyoushallconsecratethebandofbrothers，theonlyblessedChurch，whichistheloftyabodeofthefatherofourorder。Tousbelongstheworld；youshallassisttoreconquerit。Unbelieversshallbefoughtwitheveryweapon。Everydeception，slander，persecution，andmurder，areholyifusedforthebenefitoftheholyorder。Youshallshrinkfromnothingwhichisusefulandbeneficialforthesublimegoal。Themurderofaprinceisnosin，butajustpunishment，whenitisnecessarytoremoveamightyenemy。Ifyoucreaterevolutions，causenationstoteareachothertopiecesingrimcivilwar，theserevolutionswillbesanctified，thecivilwarsblessed，iftheyservetostrengthenthepowerofourorder，andgainvictoryatlastagainsttheopponents。Onlythroughourordercanhappinessreentertheworld，andmankindberescued。
IftheHolyFathersdonotsitinthecouncilofprinces，iftheyarenottheconscienceofthepowerful，andsteerthemachineofstate，theworldgoestodestruction，andmankindislost。Youshallhelp，myson，toturnasidetheevil，andpreparehappinessforearth。Youhavealreadydonemuch，butmuchmoreisrequired。Goandworkmiracles；beliefinthemsanctifiesthemind。Ourfatherswillsustainyoueverywhere，foryouwellknowtheyarealwayspresent，thoughitisimaginedtheyarenot。TheinfamousGanganellihasstrippedthemoftheiruniform，butnotannihilatedthem，asweare，andevershallbe。IhavesentoutninethousandbrothersinEuropeforthebenefitoftheorder，andyouwillrecognizethembythewatchword。Theywillserveyouasyouwillservethem。Ifdangermenacesyou，ourbrotherswillknowit，andrescueyou。Youwillbeunassailable，solongasyouworkfortheorder，andwindisciplesforit。Prussiaisourimportantstationasyourightlyjudged，andIextolyouforyourforesight。Youpreparethefuture，forhereitwillbe！Whentheroyalmockerofreligiondies，thencomesanewkingdom，andtheRosicrucianswillrisetopower。Vicesaswellasvirtuesmustserveus；thereforeDischofswerderandWilhelmineEnkeareusefulmeansforholypurposes。ThatyouhaverecognizeditI
praiseyou。Continue，myson，asyouhavebegun，andyoushallbecomepowerfulupontheearth。NotahairofyourheadshallbetouchedsolongasyouarefaithfultotheInvisibleFathers。Butsosoonasyouturntraitortotheholycauseyouarelost，andourangerwillcrushyou！“
“NeverwillIturntraitor，“criedCagliostro，holdinguphishandsasiftakinganoath。
“Ihopenot。Ourenemiesshallbeyourenemies，andourfriendsyourfriends。Ifoneofthebrothersordersyouinmyname，'Killthismanorthatwoman，'sokillthem！Swearit！“
Shuddering，Cagliostrorepeated，“Iswearit！“
“Assoonasoneofthebrothersordersyou，inmyname，'Rescuethismanorthatwoman，'sodoeverything；evenriskandsacrificeyourlifetorescuehim。”
“Iswearit。”
“Youstandintheholytempleoftheorder，butalsounderitsavengingsword。Bemindfulofitinallyouracts。Theworldisopentoyou，andourinfluencewillbewithyoueverywhere。Youshallwintheheartsofthegreatandthemightytous，andplacetheOrderoftheRosicruciansonthestepsofthethrone。TheGreatKophtashallleadbelieverstous。”
“TheGreatKophtawillperformallthatyoucommand，asheisonlythehumbleservantofhisgeneral，“saidCagliostro，kissingthehandextendedtohim。
“Donotkissthehand，itisonlythatofaninferiormortal:kissthering，foritistheimperishablesignofourimmortalsaint。”
“IkisstheringoftheimmortalIgnatiusLoyola，andsweareternalfidelity，constantobedience，andfirmlove，untildeath。”
“Rise！forthetimehascomeforustoseparate。Ihaveprovidedforthejourneysthenecessarymeans。HerearelettersofrecommendationtoWarsawandMittau，otherstoParisandLondon；but，themostimportantofall，lettersofcredituponwell-knownbankerstothevalueoffivehundredthousanddollars——allvalid，thoughdeliveredyearshence。”
“Ahalfmillion！“criedCagliostro，almostterrified。
“Doesahalfmillionastonishyou?“repeatedtheGeneral，andhisgray，fleshlessfacewasdistortedintoasmile。“TheGreatKophtamusttravelandlivelikeaprince，thathemaydazzletheeyesofthebrothers，andsubjugatethemindsofthepowerful。Wegiveyouthemoney，butrememberyouarealwaysunderthewatchfuleyeoftheorder，andthereisnospotonearthwhereyoucanhideyourselffromourvengeancewiththetrustconfidedinyou。Youshallspendittobuysoulsandwinthrones，forheartsandconsciencesaresold；moneywillbuyeverything。Takeyourlettersofcredit；youshallliveasagreatlord，andtheGreatKophtashallbeequalwithprinces。”
HehandedCagliostrofivesealedletters，saying:“Theyaremadeoutforfiveyears；onlyoneforeachyear，asthenumberindicates。
Numberoneisforthisyear，andnumberfiveisonlyvalidattheexpirationoffiveyears。Theorderismindfulofyoursecurity，andthusfiveyearsofyourlifearefreedfromearthlycare。Youshallworkinspirit，andyoushallenchanttheworld，thatitmaybesavedthroughtheonlysavingChurch，andtheHolyOrder。”
Hebowedafarewell，makingthesignofthecrossuponCagliostro，andbenthisstepstothethrone，raisingtheveilwhichenvelopedLorenza。Shelookeduptohimwithglowingcheeksandsparklingeyes，smiling。Bythisshewouldexpressherthanksfortheprincelygifttoherhusband，andsweartotheGeneralherdelight，herfidelity，andlove。Heregardedherascoldlyandcalmlyasaphysicianapatient。
“Yes，holyfather，Ihaveheardall，“shesaid，withasweet，flute-
likevoice。“Myheartisfilledwithgratitudeandemotion。”
“Proveitbyassistingyourhusbandtoattainthegoalforwhichwesendhimforth。Ihavealreadysaidthatvicemustservevirtue，Lorenza。Beautyisapower，andifitservesholypurposes，soisitsanctified。Employyourbeautytowinadherentstotheorder，andextendthepoweroftheRosicruciansineveryland，andamongallnations。”
“Iswearthatthisshallbemyholiestendeavor，“criedLorenza，rising。
TheGeneralpressedherbackuponthepillow，saying:“Remain，forthereisnoonehereforyoutoenchant。Ibringyoupardonforyoursins，andanindulgenceforeverysinwhichyouwillcommit，ifyousweartoservefaithfullytheholyChurchandthepiousfathersofJesus。”
“Iswear，“solemnlycriedLorenza。
“HereistheletterofindulgencefromPiusVI。himself，madeoutinyournameforyou。Takeit，andperformyourduty。”Helaiddowntheparchmentprovidedwiththepapalsealuponhershoulder，anddrawingtheveiloverhermadethesignofthecross，saying，“I
blessyou，andgiveyouabsolutionforyoursins。”
“Blessmealso，lordandmaster，“criedCagliostro，kneelingupontheloweststeptothethrone。
“IblessyouinthenameofLoyola。Remainuponyourknees，andfollowmenot。”Heextendedhishandsoverhim，andblessedhim，thenslowlywithdrew。
Thefirstbeamsofthemorningsunshonethroughthegreatwindow-
panes，lightingupwithitsgoldenraysCagliostro'skneelingform。
HeremainedwithhisheadboweduntiltheGeneralhadpassedout。
“Heisgone；Heavenbepraised，heisgone！“
“Yes，heisgone，“repeatedLorenza，springingfromthecouch。“Isittrue，hashegivenyouhalfamillion?“
Cagliostroheldupwithtriumphantairtheletters。“See，theseaddressesareuponthefirstbanking-housesinRome，Paris，London，andBerlin！“
“Doyoubelievethattheyaregenuine?“
“Iamconvincedofit。”
“Thenwehaveattainedouraim；wearerichandpowerful。”
“No，“answeredCagliostro，mournfully，“wearepoorerthanever。
Thismoneymakesusslaves，makesusdependenttools。Didyounothearhimsay，'YouareadmittedintotheTemple，buttheavengingswordoftheordereverywherehangsoveryou。'“
CHAPTERXIII。
APENSIONEDGENERAL。
“Wife，“criedtheGeneralvonWerrig，limpingaroundtheroom，leaninguponhiscrutch，“hereistheanswerfromourmostgraciouslordandking。Thecourierarrivedto-dayfromthewardepartment，andsentittomebyanexpress。”
“Whatistheking'sanswer?“askedthegeneral'swife，apale，gauntwoman，withapock-markedface，harsh，severefeatures，dullgrayeyes，whichneverbeamedwithemotion，andthin，bloodlesslips，uponwhichasmileneverplayed。“Whatistheking'sanswer?“sherepeated，inaroughvoice，asherhusband，puffingandblowingfromtheeffortofwalking，sankdownuponachair，anddriedhisfat，rubyfacewitharedcottonpocket-handkerchief。
“Ihavenotreadit，“pantedtheoldman。“IthoughtIwouldleavethehonortoyou，asyou，myverylearnedwife，wrotethelettertohismajesty。”
Hiswifewasnotintheleastastonishedatthisthoughtfulconductofherhusband。Sheimpetuouslyseizedthesealeddocument，and，retiringtothewindow-niche，slowlyunfoldedit，whilsttheoldgeneralfixedhislittlegrayeyesuponheremotionlessface。Hisownwasbloatedandred，expressingthegreatestanxietyandexpectation。Perfectstillnessreignedforsomeminutes，onlytheregularstrokesofthependulumwereheardfromtheclockonthewall；and，asthehandspointedtotheexpirationofthehour，acuckoosprangoutofthetreepaintedoverthedial，andeleventimesherhoarse，croakingvoicewasheard。
“Itgetseverydaymoreoutoftune，“growledthegeneral，ashelookeduptotheold，yellowdial，andranhiseyeoverthecordswhichsupportedtheweights。Thenglancingaroundtheroom，hesaweverywhereage，decay，andindigence。Therewasanolddivan，withapatched，fadedcoveringofsilk，andagrandfather'sarm-chairnearit，thecushionofwhichthegeneralknew，bythelongyearsofexperience，tobehardasastone。Aroundtablestoodnearthedivan，coveredwithashabbywoollencover，tohidethemuch-
thumbed，dullpolish。Afewcane-chairsagainstthewall，anoldblack-oakwardrobenearthedoor，andthesewing-tableofMadamevonWerriginthewindow-niche，completedthefurnitureoftheroom。Atthewindowhungfadedwoollencurtains，andonthegreenpaintedwallssomepicturesandportraits，conspicuousamongthemabeautifulportraitoftheking，paintedoncopper，whichrepresentedFrederickinhisyouthfulbeauty。Itwasamorose，sullen-lookingroom，arrangedmostcertainlybyitsfeminineoccupant，andharmonizedexactlywithherfretfulfaceandangularfigure，voidofcharms。Atlastthegeneralbrokethesilencewithsubmissivevoice:
“Iprayyou，Clotilda，tellmewhatthekingwrote。”
Shefoldedthepaper，joybeaminginhereyes。“Granted！everythinggranted！“
Thegeneraljumpeduptoembracehiswifewithyouthfulactivity，inspiteofthegout。“Youareacapitalwife，“hecried，atthesametimegivingheraloud，smackingkissuponhercold，graycheek。“Itwasthebrightest，cleverestactofmylifemarryingyou，Clotilda。”
“Imightwellsaythereverse，Emerentius，“shereplied，complainingly。“Itsurelywasnotsensibleforme，ayoungladyfromsuchagenteelfamily，andsospoiled，tomarryanofficerwhomthekingennobleduponthebattle-field，andwhopossessednothingbuthiscaptain'spay——afickleman，andagambler，too。”
“Yes，Clotilda，loveusurpedreason，“soothinglyrepliedthegeneral；“loveisyourexcuse。”
“Nonsense！“criedMadamevonWerrig。“Loveisneveranexcuse；itisfolly。”
“Well，letussuppose，then，thatyoudidnotmarryforlove，onlyfrompurereason，becauseyoufoundthatitwasquitetimetoespousesomeone；andthat，inspiteofyourmanyancestorsandgenteelfamily，nootherchancewasofferedyou，unfortunatelynoonebutthiscaptain，whomthekingennobleduponthebattle-fieldofLeuthenonaccountofhisbravery，andwhowasaveryhandsome，agreeableofficer，expectingstillfurtherpromotion。Andyouwerenotdeceived。Iwasmajor，whentheHubertsburgertreatyputanendtoagaywar-life。YouwillrememberIwasadvancedduringpeace；
hismajestydidnotforgetthatIcutawayforhimthroughtheenemy，andhemademelieutenant-colonelandcolonel，whenIwasobligedtoresignonaccountofthisinfamousgout，andthenI
receivedthetitleofgeneral。”
“Without'excellency，'“repliedhiswife，dryly。“Ihavenoteventhispleasuretobecalled'excellency。'Itwouldhavebeenaslightcompensationformysad，miserableexistence，andvexedmanyofthefemalefriendsofmyyouthiftheyhadbeenobligedtocallme'excellency。'Butmymarriagebroughtmeonlycares，notevenatitle。”
“Donotforgetalovelydaughter，Clotilda。OurMarieisbeautiful，wise，andgood，andthroughheryouwillyethavetranquilhappiness。Foryousaythekinghasgrantedallwewish。”
“Everything！“repeatedthewife，withemphasis。“Wehaveatlastfinishedwithwantandcare，andcancountuponanindependent，quietoldage，forGodhasbeengracious，andforcedyou，fromthegout，togiveupgambling，andwearefreedfromthemiserywhichhassooftenthreatenedusfromyourunhappypassion。”
“Atthebeginning，Iplayedfrompassion；afterward，IonlyplayedtowinbackwhatIhadlost。”
“Andinthatmannerplayedawayallwepossessed，andplayeduponyourwordofhonor，sothatforyearsthehalfofourpensionwenttopayyourgambling-debts。Heavenbethanked，thekingdidnotknowit，orwewouldhaveexperiencedstillworse！“
“Iprayyou，belovedClotilda，donotfretyourselfneedlesslyaboutthepast；itisallover，and，asyousay，Iamunfortunatelyaprisonerinthehousefromthegout，whichshieldsmefromthetemptation。”
“Ididnotsayunfortunately；Isaid'Heavenbepraised，thegouthadputanendtoyourficklelife。'“
“Then，thankHeaven，mydear；wewillnotquarrelaboutit。Itispast，and，asthekinghasgrantedall，weshallhaveapleasantlifenow。”
“Wewillsoonreceivefromourson-in-lawayearlypension，whichwillbepaidtome，andIshallspendit。”
Thegeneralsighed。“InthatcaseIfearthatIshallnotgetmuchofit。”
“Atanyrate，morethanIhaveeverreceivedfromyourpension。”
“Thereisbutonethingwanting，“repliedthegeneral，evasively，“Marie'sconsent。”
MadamevonWerriggaveashort，grufflaugh，whichdidnotintheleastbrightenhersullenface。“Wewillnotaskherconsent，butcommandit。”
Thegeneralremarked，timidly，shrugginghisshoulders，“Mariehadaverydecidedcharacter，and——“
“Whatdoyouhesitatetospeakoutfor?What——and——“
“IthinkshestilllovestheConrectorMoritz。”
Asecondlaugh，somewhatmenacing，soundedlikeachallenge。“Theschoolmaster！“shecried，contemptuously。
“Letherdaretotellmeagainshelovestheschoolmaster；shethedaughterofageneral，andanative-borncountessoftheempire！“
“Mydear，itwasyourfault——theonlyfaultyouevercommitted，perhaps。Howcouldyouletsuchayoung，handsome，andagreeablemancometothehouseasteachertoourdaughter?“
“HowcouldIsupposemydaughterwassodegeneratedastoloveacommonschoolmaster，andwishtomarryhim?“
“Itistrulyunheardof，anditwouldmakeanyoneangry，mydearwife，forsheinsistsuponlovinghim。”
“Shewillnotinsist，shewilldowhatsheiscommandedtodo——mywordforit！Butwhytalkaboutit?Itisbettertodecidethematteratonce。”
SoFrauvonWerrigrosewithadeterminedmanner，andrangthesmallbrassbellwhichwasuponthesofa-table。Butafewsecondselapsedbeforealittle，crookedservantappearedattheside-door，withherdirtyapronputasidebytuckingthecornerinherbelt。“Gotomydaughter，andtellhertocomedownimmediately！“
Theservant，insteadofhasteningtoobeytheorder，remainedstandinguponthethreshold。“Idarenotgo，“saidshe，inahoarse，croakingvoice。“Frauleintoldmenottodisturbherto-day，forshehasstilltwobouquetsofflowerstoarrange，andtwolessonstogive，andsheissobusythatsheisnotathometovisitors。Shetormentsherselffrommorningtillnight。”
“IorderyoutotellFrauleintocomedownatonce；wehavesomethingimportanttotellher。Nocontradiction！go，Trude！“
Theservantunderstoodthecold，commandingtoneofthemother，anddarednotdisobey。
“Itisnothinggoodthattheyhavetotellher，“grumbledTrude，asshehurriedupthestairswhichledfromthefirststoryintothelittle，lowroomintheattic，undertheslopingroof。Hereandthereafewtilescouldbelifted，whichlightedthegarretsufficientlytoshowthedoorattheend。“MayIcomein，mydearFraulein?itisTrude。”
“Thedoorisopen，“criedasweetvoice，andTrudeentered。Itisamostcharminglittleroom，justthatofayounggirl。Thebedhasasnow-whitecovering，andwhitecurtains，suspendedfromahookinthewallaroundit。Thesamecurtainsatthelowgable-windows，whosedepth，sotospeak，madealightanteroomtotherealgloomyoneinthebackground。Inthislittleanteroomtheyounggirlhadplacedallthatwasnecessaryforherpleasureanduse。Therewerethemostbeautiful，sweet-scentedflowersuponthewindow-stool；inaprettymetalcagewasalight-coloredcanary。Therewerealsoprettyengravings，anduponthetablestoodavasefilledwithsuperbartificialflowers，andbeforeitsatthepossessorofthisroom，thedaughterofGeneralandFrauvonWerrig，surroundedwithherwork-tools，paper，andcoloredmaterials——ayounggirl，scarcelytwenty，ofaproud，dignifiedappearance，butsimplyandgracefullydressed。Accordingtothefashionoftheday，herhairwasslightlypowdered，andraisedhighaboveherbroad，clearbrowwithabluerosette，andendsattheside。Thenobly-formedandbeautifulfacewasslightlyflushed，andaroundthemonthwasanexpressionofcourageousenergy。AsoldTrudeentered，theyounggirlraisedhereyesfromtherose-budwhichshewasjustfinishing，andlookedather。Whatbeautifulblackeyestheywereastheysparkledunderneaththedelicately-arched，blackeyebrows！
“Now，oldone，“saidshe，kindly，“whatdoyouwish?DidyouforgetthatIwantedtoworkundisturbedto-day?“
“Didn'tforgetit，myFraulein，but——“
“Butyouhaveforgottenthatuphere，inmyattic-room，IamnotyourFraulein，butyourMarie，whomyouhavetakencareofandwatchedoverwhenachild，andwhosebestandtruestfriendyouhavebeen。Come，givemeyourhand，andtellmewhatyouhavetosay。”
OldTrudeshuffledhurriedlyalonginherleatherslippers。Herold，homelyfacelookedalmostattractive，withitsexpressionofglowingtenderness，assheregardedthebeautiful，smilingfacebeforeher，andlaidherhardbrownhandinthelittlewhiteoneextendedtoher。“Marie，“shesaid，softlyandanxiously，“youmustgodownatoncetoyourmotherandfather。Theyhavesomethingveryimportanttotellyou。”
“Somethingveryimportant！“repeatedMarie，layingasideherwork。
“Doyouknowwhatitis?“
“Nothinggood，Ifear，“sighedtheoldwoman。“Asoldierhasbeenherefromthewardepartmentandbroughtaletterforthegeneral，andhetoldmethatitwassentfromtheking'scabinetatBreslau。”
“Oh，Heaven！whatdoesitmean?“criedMarie，frightened，andspringingup。“Somethingisgoingtohappen，Iknow。Ihavenoticedcertainexpressionswhichescapedmyfather；theproud，threateningmannerofmymother；butabovealltheboldimportunityofthatman，whomIdespiseasonedetestsvice，stupidity，andennui。TheywillnotbelievethatIhatehim，thatIrather——“
“Marie，areyounotcoming?“calledthemother，withacommandingvoice。
“Imustobey，“shesaid，drawingalongbreath，andhasteningtothedoor，followedbyTrude，whopulledherbackandheldherfastupontheveryfirststep。“Youhaveforbiddenmetospeakofhim，butI
must。”
Mariestoodasifrootedtothespot，herfaceflushed，andinbreathlessexpectationlookingbacktooldTrude。
“Speak，Trude，“shesoftlymurmured。
“Marie，Isawhimto-day，anhourago！“
“Where，Trude，wheredidyouseehim?“
“OveronthecornerofFrederickStreet，bythebaker's。Hestoodwaitingforme，asheknowsIalwaysgothere。Hehadbeentheretwohours，andfearedthatIwasnotcoming。”
“Whatdidhesay?Quick！whatdidhesay?“
“Hesaidthathewascomingtoseeyouto-dayattwelveo'clock；
thathewouldratherdiethanliveinthisway。”
“To-day?andyouhavejusttoldmeofit！“
“Ididnotmeantosayanythingatallaboutit；Ithoughtitwouldbebetter，andthenyouwouldnothavetodissemble。Butnow，ifanyharmcomestoyou，youknowheiscoming，andwillstandbyyou！“
“Hewillstandbyme——yes，hewill——“
“Marie！“criedhermother，andherdry，gauntfigureappearedatthefootofthestairs。Marieflewdowntothesitting-roomofherparents，followinghermother，whotookherplaceinthenicheattheopenwindowwithoutspeakingtoher。
CHAPTERXIV。
THEKING'SLETTER。
“Marie，“saidthegeneral'swife，afterseatingherselfuponthehardcushionofthedivan，nearwhichsatthegeneralinhisarm-
chair，busilystrokinghispainfulrightleg——“Marie，takeachair，andsitnearus。”
Marienoiselesslybroughtacane-chair，andseatedherselfbythetable，oppositeherparents。
“Wehavejustreceivedacommunicationfromtheking'scabinet，“
saidthemother，solemnly。“Itisnecessarythatyoushouldknowthecontents，andIwillreaditaloudtoyou。Iexpresslyforbidyou，however，tointerruptmewhileIamreading，inyourimpetuousmanner，withyourremarks，whicharealwaysofthemostobstinateanddisagreeablekind。Youunderstand，doyou，Marie?“
“Perfectly，mother；Iwilllistenwithoutinterruptingyou，accordingtoyourcommand。”
“Thiscommunicationisnaturallyaddressedtoyourfather，asI
wrotetothekinginhisname。”
“Ididnotknowthatyouhadwrittentohismajestyatall，dearmother。”
Themothercastafuriousglanceatthegentle，decidedfaceofherdaughter。“Youalreadyforgetmycommandandyourpromisetolistenwithoutinterruptingme。Idid，indeed，writetohismajesty，butitisnotnecessarytotellyouwhatI，orratheryourfather，solicited，asyouwillhearitintheanswerfromourmostgraciousking。Itrunsthus:'Myfaithfulsubject:Ihavereceivedyourpetition，andIwasgladtolearnbythisoccasionthatyouarewell，andthatyounowleadasteady，reasonablelife。Formerlyyougavegoodcauseofcomplaint；foritiswellknowntomethatyouledadissolutelife，andyourfamilysufferedwantandmisfortunefromyourabominablechance-games。YouknowthatIhavetwicepaidyourdebts；thatatthesecondtimeIgaveyoumyroyalwordofassurancethatIwouldneverpayagroschenforyouagain。Ifyougaveyourselfuptothevice，andmadegambling-debts，IwouldsendyoutothefortressatSpandau，anddepriveyouofyourpension。
Neverthelessyouplayedagain，andcommencedyourviciouslifeanew。
Notwithstandingwhich，IdidnotsendyoutoprisonasIthreatened，andasyoudeserved，becauseIrememberedthatyouhadbeenabravesoldier，anddidmeagoodserviceatthebattleofLeuthen。ForthisreasonInowalsograntyourrequest，that，asyouhavenoson，yournameandcoat-of-armsmaydescendtoyourson-in-law。ThenameofWerrig-Leutheniswellworthytobepreserved，andbeanexampletosucceedinggenerations。IgivemypermissionforLudwigEbenstreit，banker，tomarryyourdaughterandonlychild，and——'“
Marieutteredacryofhorror，andsprangfromherseat。“Mother！——“
“Bestill！Icommandedyounottointerruptme，butlisten，withbecomingrespect，totheend，tothewords'ofhismajesty。”And，withaloudervoice，occasionallycastingasevere，commandingglanceatherdaughter，shereadon:“'AndcallhimselfinfutureLudwigWerrigyonLeuthen。Iwishthatheshouldhonorthenewname，andprovehimselfatruenobleman。LudwigEbenstreitmustgiveup，orsell，withoutdelay，hisbankingbusiness，asIcannotpermitanoblemantocontinuethebusinessofcitizen，andremainamerchant。
Anoblemanmusteitherbeasoldieroralandedproprietor；andifyourfutureson-in-lawwillnotbeeither，hecanliveuponhisincome，whichmustindeedbeample。ButIcommandhimtospenditinthecountry，notgotoforeigncountriestospendwhathehasgainedinthecountry。Ifheshoulddoit，itwillnotbewellwithhim，andheshallbebroughtbackbyforce。Youmaycommunicatethistohim，andhecanjudgeforhimself。Iwillhavethelettersofnobilitymadeoutforhim，forwhichheshallpaythesumofonehundredlouisd'orstothe'Invalids'atBerlin。Itdependsuponhimwhetherasatruenoblemanhewillnotgivemypoor'Invalids'agreatersum。ThemarriageshallnottakeplaceuntilthelettersofnobilityhavebeenpublishedintheBerlinjournals，forIdonotwishthedaughterofageneral，andacountess，tomarrybeneathher。Youcanprepareeverythingforthewedding，andletthembemarriedassoonaspublicationhasbeenmade。Iwillgivethebrideathousandthalersforadowry，thatshemaynotgotoherrichhusbandpenniless；themoneywillbepaidtoyourdaughterfromthegovernmenttreasuryatherreceipt。AseverIremainyourwell-
disposedking，FREDERICK。'
“Andhereonthemargin，“continuedthegeneral'swife，lookingovertoherhusbandwithmaliciouspleasure，“thekinghaswrittenafewlinesinhisownhand:'Ihavegivenordersthatthemoneyshallbepaidtoyourdaughterinperson，withherreceiptforthesame，forIknowyou，andknowthatyoudonotplay，notbecauseyouhavenotthemoney，butthegout。Ifyouhadthecashandnotthegout，youwouldplayyourdaughter'sdowrytothedevil，andthatIdonotwish，foranoblemaidenshouldnotmarryarichhusbandaspoorasachurchmouse。FREDERICK。'“
Aprofoundstillnessprevailedwhenthereadingwasfinished。Thegeneralbusiedhimself，asusual，rubbinghisgoutylegwiththepalmofhishand。Mariesatwithherhandspresseduponherbosom，asifshewouldforcebackthesighsandsobswhichwouldbreakforth。Hergreat，blackeyeswereturnedtohermotherwithanexpressionofpainfulterror，andshesearchedwithadeathlyanxietyforatraceofsympathyandmercyuponhercold，immovableface。
Hermotherslowlyfoldedtheletter，andlaidituponthetable。
“Youknowallnow，Marie——that，asitbecomesparents，wehavedisposedofyourfutureandyourhand。Youwillsubmittotheirwisheswithoutmurmuringoropposition，asitbecomesanobedient，well-brought-updaughter，andreceivethehusbandwehavechosenforyou。Hewillcometodaytohearyourconsent，andyoufromthisdayfortharethebetrothedofthefutureHerrvonWerrig。Ofcoursefromthisveryhouryouwillceasethehighlyimproperandungenteelbusinesswhichyouhavepursued。Youmustnotmakeanymoreflowers，orgiveanymorelessons。Thetimeofsuchdegradationandhumiliationispast，andmydaughtercannolongerbeaschool-
mistress。Youhaveonlytowritethereceiptto-day，andIwillgowithyoutothetreasurytogetthemoney。”
“Iwillnotwritethereceipt，“saidMarie，gentlybutfirmly。Hermother，intheactofrising，sankbackuponthedivan；andthegeneral，apparentlyquiteoccupiedwithhisleg，stoppedrubbing，andraisedhisred，bloatedfacetohisdaughterinastonishment。
“DidIunderstandrightlyyourwords，thatyouwouldnotwritethereceipt?“
“Yes，mother，Isaidso；Icannotandwillnotwriteit，“repliedMarie，gently。
“Andwhycannotyou，andwillyounotwriteit?“saidhermother，scornfully。
“BecauseIhavenorighttothemoney，andcannottakeit，mother，asIwillneverbethewifeofthemanyouintendmetomarry。”
Thegeneralsprangwithasavagecursefromhisarm-chair，andwouldhaverushedtohisdaughter，buthiswifepushedhimbackintohisseat，andapproachedMarie，whorose，regardinghermotherwithafirm，sadexpression。“Whycanyounotbethewifeofthemanwehavechosenforyou?Answerme，WHYyoucannot?“
“Youknow，mother，“shereplied，andgraduallyhervoiceassumedamoredecidedtone，hercheeksreddened，andaninspiredexpressionbeamedfromhereyes，andpervadedherwholebeing——“youknow，mother，thatIcanneverbethewifeofHerrEbenstreit，forIdonotlovehim。Idespiseandabominatehim，becauseheisamanwithouthonor；heknowsthatIdonotlovehim，andyetheinsistsuponmarryingme。Ifitwerenotso，ifIdidnotdespiseandabominatehim，Iwouldnotreceivehissuitandmarryhim。”
“Whynot?“criedthegeneral，shakinghisfistathisdaughter。
“Whynot?“criedthemother，withacold，icyglance，voidofpityoranger。
Marieencounteredtheselookswithbeamingeyes。“BecauseIambetrothedtoanother，“andthewordscamelikeacryofjoyfromherheart——“becauseIamengagedtomybelovedMoritz！“
“Shameless，obstinatecreature，havewenotforbiddenit?“criedherfather。
“Stop！“interruptedhiswife，withacommandingwaveofherhand，whichsilencedtheobedienthusbandimmediately。“Itbelongstometoquestionher，forIamhermother，andmydaughterowesmesubmissionandobedienceaboveallthings——Answerme，Marie，didyounotknowthatwehadforbiddenyoutospeaktothisman，orhaveanycommunicationwithhim?DidyounotknowthatI，yourmother，hadmenacedyouwithacurseifyoumarriedthisman，orevenspoketothemiserable，pitiablecreature?“
“Mother，“criedMarie，vehemently，“heisnotapoor，miserablecreature。Youmayhatehim，butyoudarenotoutragethenoble，thegood，andjustman！“
“Heisagood-for-nothingfellow，“criedherfather；“hehastriedtowinaminorbehindtheparents'back。Heisashameful，good-for-
nothingseducer。”
“Heisdishonorable，“criedthegeneral'swife——“adishonorableman，whohasmisusedourconfidence。Weconfidedtohimourdaughtertoteach，andpaidhimforit。Heimprovedtheopportunitytomakeadeclarationoflove，andstolethetimefromustoinfatuatetheheartofourdaughterwithflattery，andfromhispupilwinabride。”
“Oh，unworthy，shamefulslander！“criedMarie，hereyesflashingwithanger。“Youwellknowthatitisavilescandal，thatMoritzwasnopaidteacher。Ifhehadbeen——ifhehadfeltobligedtoyieldtothesadnecessityofbeingpaidforhisvaluabletime，becausehewaspoor，andforcedtolivebyhisintellect，hewasafreeman，andhadtherighttolovewhomhechose。Helovesme，andIhaveacceptedhisloveasthemostprecious，mostbeautiful，andmostgloriousgiftofmylife。Ah！donotlooksoangrywithme，father；
Icannotsayotherwise。Icannotcrushordenytheinmostlifeofmylife——Oh，mother，forgivemethatIcannotchangeit！YouknowthatotherwiseIhavebeenamostobedientdaughtertoyouinallthings，althoughyouhavenevertaughtmethehappinessofpossessingalovingmother；thoughneitherofyoucouldeverforgiveyouronlychildfornotbeingason，whocouldinherityourname，andwinabrilliantposition，yetIhavealwayslovedyoutenderlyandtruly，andnevercomplainedthattheunwelcomedaughterreceivedneitherlovenortenderness，onlyindifferenceandcoldnessfromherparents。”
“Beautiful，verybeautiful！“repliedthemother，contemptuously。
“Nowyouwishtoblameusthatyouareaheartlessandthanklessdaughter——Wehavenotunderstoodherheart，anditisourfaultthatherlovehasflownsomewhereelse。
Thisisthelanguageofromance。Ihave，indeed，readitintheromancesofHerrMoritz，andmydaughterhasonlyrepeatedwhatshelearnedasadocilepupilfromherschoolmaster。Veryfine，topayHerrMoritztoformourdaughterintotheheroineofaromance！Sheoughttohavelearnedthelanguages，buthaslearnedonlythelanguageofromances。”
“Youareverysevereandverycruel，mother，“saidMarie，sadly。“I
wouldnotcomplain，onlyexcusemyself，andimplorepityandindulgence，anddefendmyselffromthereproachofhavingbeenacold，unlovingdaughter。Oh！GodknowshowIhavelongedforyourlove；thatIwouldwillinglyprovethatIwouldjoyfullydoeverythingtoembellishyourlifeandmakeyouhappy。Itgavemesuchpleasuretoearnsomethingforyouwithmydearflowersandlessons，andaffordyoualittlegratification！“
“Ah！now，shewillreproachuswithhavingtoiledforusandsacrificedherself。Husband，thankyourselfforthevictimwhoworkedforyou，whogaveheryouthforusthatshemightstrewourlifewithroses。”
“Ihavehadenoughofthistalkingandwhining，“criedthegeneral，furiouslybeatingthetablewithhisfist。“Mydaughtershallnotbeaheroineofromance，butanobedientchild，whosubmitstothewillofherparents。Youshallmarrythemanthatwehavechosenforyou；
thekinghasgivenhisconsent，anditshalltakeplace。Icommandyou！Thatissufficient！Iwillhearnomoreaboutit；thethingisdonewith。HerrEbenstreitiscomingthisafternoontomakeyouaproposalofmarriagewithourconsent，andyoumust，accepthim。I
commandyoutodoit！“
“Icannotobeyyou！Oh，donotforcemetorebelagainstGod'sholylaws！Havepityuponme！Ihaveobeyedyouuntilnow，andyieldedtoyourwishes，althoughIthoughtitwouldbreakmyheartsometimes。
YouhaveforbiddenMoritzthehouse，andturnedhimoutofdoorslikeaservant，withscornandcontempt，andhehassilentlyborneitonmyaccount。Youhaveforbiddenmetowriteorreceivelettersfromhim，orevertomeethim。MymotherwouldcursemeifI
disobeyedher，andIsubmitted。Ihavegivenupeverything，sacrificedeverywish，andrenouncedmylove。Butyoucannotexpectmorefromme，ordareaskit。Icanforegohappiness，butyoucannotaskmetoconsenttobeburiedalive！“
“Andwhatifweshouldwishit?“askedhermother。“Ifweshoulddemandourdaughtertogiveuparomantic，foolishlove，tobecomethewifeofayoungmanwholovesher，andwholovesus，andwhoisrichenoughtoassureusacomfortableoldage，freefromcare?“
“Marie，“criedthegeneral，inabeggingandalmostimploringtone，“Marie，provetousnowthatyouarereallyagoodandgratefulchild——wehavehadsomuchcareandwantinourlife，somanysorrowfuldays！Itliesinyourhandstomakeourdecliningdaysjoyousandbright，andfreeusfromwant。WehaveoftengrumbledagainstGod，thatHedidnotgiveusason；nowmakeustorejoicethatHehasgivenusadaughter，whowillbringusasonandinheritournamethroughherchildren，andwhowillgiveuswhatwehaveneverknown——prosperityandriches。Ibegyou，mydear，goodchild，grantyourparentsthefewlastyearsoftheirlifefreedomfromcare！“
“AndI，Marie，“saidhermother，inasoftenedandtendertone，whichMariehadneverheardfromher——“Ibegyoualso，beagooddaughter，pityyourmother！Ihavealwaysledajoyless，unhappylife。Ilivedunmarried，anative-borncountess，withproudrelations，whomademefeelbitterlymydependence；whenmarriedmyexistencewasonlytrouble，privations，care，andsorrow。Ibegyou，Marie，teachmetoknowhappiness，forwhichIhavesolongedinvain；givemeindependenceandprosperity，whichIhavealwaysdesired，andneverknown。Ipray，Marie，makeushappyinbringingusarich，genteel，andgoodson-in-law，HerrEbenstreit。”
Marie，whometthescornandthreatsofhermotherwithfirmnessandaprouddemeanor，trembledassheheardthesesevereandmercilesslips，alwayssocoldandharsh，nowbeggingandimploring。Atfirstshewasquitefrightened，andthenterrified，andcoveredherfacewithherhands，herheadsinkinguponherbreastashermotherspoke。
“Speak，mydaughter，“criedthegeneral，ashiswifewassilent。
“Speak，mydearMarie。Saytheword，andweshallbeallhappy，andtherewillbenohappierfamilyfoundinBerlin，ortheworldeven。
SaythatyouwillmarryEbenstreit，andwewillloveandblessyousolongaswelive。Dosayyes，dearMarie！“
Herhandsfellfromherface，andstretchingthemouttowardherparents，shelookedatthemindespair。
Therewasafearfulpause。“Icannot，itisimpossible！“sheshrieked。“Icannotmarrythisman，forIdonotlovehim。Iloveanother，whomIcanneverforget，whomIshallloveforever。I
love——“
“HerrConrectorMoritz！“announcedTrude，hastilyburstingopenthedoor，andlookinginwithatriumphantsmile。
CHAPTERXV
HATEANDLOVE
“HerrConrectorMoritzwishestopayhisrespects，“calledoutTrudeagain。
“Wedonotwishtoreceivehim，“criedFrauvonWerrig。
“Hedarenotpresumetoenter！“shriekedthegeneral。
Mariecried，“Moritz！Oh！mybelovedMoritz，“rushingwithoutstretchedarmstowardherlover，whojustappearedatthedoor。
“Godhassentyoutosustainmeinthisfearfulhour。”
OldTrudepeepedthroughthehalf-closeddoor，wellsatisfiedtoseeherdearyoungladyfoldedinMoritz'sarms，andherheadleaninguponhisshoulder。“Yes，“shemurmured，closingsoftlythedoor，“Marieisright，Godhimselfsentherloverinthishour，andI
wouldnotletherwicked，hard-heartedparentssendhimaway。”
Quickasthoughtsheturnedthekey，fasteningthedoor，andbetookherselftothefarthestroom，carefullyclosingeverydoorbetweenthem。“Nowwewillseeforoncewhethertheywillshowhimthedoor，andpitchhimout。No，theywillbeobligedtolistentohim。OldTrudewishesit，foritwillmakeherdearMariehappy。ItisallthesametomeiftheoldGermantriestoscratchmyeyesoutforit；Iwilltakegoodcaretokeepoutofhisway。Imustgoandlistenonce。”
Sheputhereartothekeyhole，andthenhereye，toseehowthequarrellerslooked。
Atfirstthegeneralandhiswifewerequitealarmed，andalmostspeechlessastheywitnessedthejoyfulmeetingofthelovers。Thefathersprangupsuddenly，withclinchedfist，butinsteadofbitterinvectivesonlyafearfulshriekofpainwasheard，ashesankgroaningandwhimperingintohisarmchair。Thegouthadagainseizeditsvictim。Angerhadexcitedthegeneral'sblood，andhadalsobroughtonthepaininhislegagain。Hiswifetooknonoticeofhiscriesandgroans，foritwasquiteasagreeabletohertobetheonlyspeaker，andhavehermoaninghusbandakindofassentingchorus。“Leaveeachother！“shecommanded，assheapproachedthelovers，flourishingherlongshrivelledarmsabout。“Leaveeachother，andleavemyhouse！“
LayingherhandonMarie'sarm，whichwasthrownaroundherlover'sneck，sheendeavoredtotearheraway，anddrawherdaughtertowardherself。ButMarieclungonlythemorefirmly，andMoritzpressedhermoreferventlytohisheart。Theyheedednotandheardnottheoutburstofangerwhichthemothergavewayto。Theyreadineachother'seyesthebliss，thejoyofmeetingagain，andtheassuranceofconstant，imperishablelove。
“Youarepaleandthin，mybeloved！“
“Sorrowforyouisconsumingme，Marie，but，thankHeaven，youareunchanged，andbeautifulasever！“
“Hopeandlovehaveconsoledandstrengthenedme，Philip。”
“Enough！Iforbidyoutospeakanotherwordtoeachother，“andwiththepowerwhichragelends，themothertoreMarieaway。“HerrMoritz，willyoutellmebywhatrightyouforceyourselfintoourhouse，andsurpriseuslikeastreet-thiefinourpeacefuldwelling?
Butno！youneednottellme，Iwillnotlistentoyou。Thosewhopermitthemselvestoenterourroomunaskedandunwelcomed——Iwillhavenothingtosaytothem。Leave！thereisthedoor！Outwithyou，offthethreshold！“
Withcalmdemeanor，MoritznowapproachedFranvonWerrig，demandingherpardon，saying:“Yousee，madame，thatIamnotsounwelcomehere，thereforeyouwillbeobligedtoletmeremain。”
“Yes，thatshewill，“sneeredTrude，outsidethedoor。“ItwillbedifficultforhertosendhimoffsolongasIamunwilling。”
“No，Iwillnotpermitit。Wehavenothingtodowitheachother。
Outofmysight！——Away！“
“Away！“criedthegeneral。“Oh，thegout，themaddeningpains！I
cannotthrowtheboldfellowoutofthehouse！Imustliehere，andwrithelikeaworm！Icannotbemasterofmyhouse。Oh，oh！whatpain！“
“Stay，Philip，“whisperedMarie，assheagainleanedtowardMoritz。
“Theywishtosellmeandforcemetoahatedmarriage。Donotyield！saveme！“
“Youaremine，Marie；yonhavesworntomeeternalconstancy，andnoonecancompelyoutomarryifyoudonotwishto。”
“Weareherparents；wecan，andwewillcompelher，“triumphantlycriedFrauvonWerrig。“Thekinghasgivenhisconsent，andifitisnecessarywewilldraghertothealtarbyforce！“
“Doit，mother，andIwillsaynobeforealltheworld。”
“Wewilltakecarethatnoonehearsyoubutthepriest，andhewillnotlisten，asheknowsthatthekinghascommandedyoutosayyes！“
“ButGodwillhearher，FrauyonWerrig，andHewilltakevengeanceonthecruel，heartlessmother。”
“Iwillawaitthisvengeance，“shesneered。“Itdoesnotconcernyou，andyouneednottroubleyourselfaboutit。Leavethehouse！“
“Icameheretospeakwithyou，andIwillnotgoawayuntilyouhavelistenedtome。”
“ThenIwillleave，forIwillnothearyou，andIcommandyoutofollowme，Marie！“
SheseizedMariewithirresistibleforce，anddrewhertowardthesidedoor，whichwasfast。Thenhurriedtowardtheentrance，draggingherdaughterafterher，butshookitinvain；thatdoorwasfastenedalso。
“Oh！Icouldkissmyself，“murmuredTrude，asshepattedherold，wrinkledcheeks。“IwasascunningandwiseasSolomon。There，shriekforTrude，orderhertoopenit。Trudeisnotthere，andshehasnoearsforyou！“
“Thisisaplot——ashamefulplot！“criedFrauyonWerrig，stampingherfeet。“Thatgood-for-nothingcreature，Trude，isinit。Shehaslockedthedoors，andtheschoolmasterpaidherforit。”
Trudeshookherfistathermistressbehindthedoor。“Wait！thatgood-for-nothingcreaturewillpunishyou！Youshallhavesomethingtobeangryaboutwithmeeveryday。”
“IsweartoyouthatIdonotknowwholockedthedoors，“repliedMoritz，calmly。“Butwhoeverdidit，Ithankthemfromthedepthsofmysoul，foritforcesyoutolistentome，andmaylovegivemywordsthepowertosoftenyourheart。GeneralandFrauvonWerrig，I
conjureyoutohavecompassionuponus。Isitpossiblethatyouaredeaftothecryofgriefofyourownchild?“
Suddenlyassumingacontemptuouscalm，FrauvonWerrigsankbackuponthedivanwithgreatdignity。“AsIamobligedtolistentoyou，throughashamefuldeception，letitbeso。Trytomakeearsinmyheart，whichyousayisdeaf。Letmelistentoyourwonderfuleloquence！“
“Oh，Philip！“saidMarie，claspinghisarms，“youseeitwillallbeinvain。”
“Letmehopetosucceedinawakeningasparkoflovingmercy，asMosescausedthefountaintogushfromtherock——Ayearsinceyouturnedmeinsultinglyfromyourdoor，FrauvonWerrig，andyouforbademewithscornandcontempttoevercrossyourthreshold。IntherebelliousprideofmyheartIsworenevertodoitagain，nevertospeaktothosewhohadsoinjuredme。Theholy，purelovewhichbindsmetothisdeargirlhasreleasedmefrommyoath。Wehavetriedtoliveseparatedfromeachotheralongyear，aninconsolable，unhappyyear！Wehopedtorenounceeachother，althoughwecouldnotforget。Marie，asanobedientdaughter，obeyedyourcommands，andreturnedthering，whichIgaveherinamomentofaffectionandholytrust。Ireleasedherfromtheoathofconstancy，andmadeherfree！Butitisinvain！DuringthisyearI
havestrivenwithsorrowasaman，helplessinadesert，whowrithesinthefoldsofthepoisonousserpent。Ishouldhavegonemadifaconsolingwordfromagreatandnoblemindhadnotrousedmefrommydesolation，andiflovehadnotshedarayoflightintomybenightedsoul。Ilistenednolongertosickeningprideandhumbledsenseofhonor。Lovecommandedmetocomehere，andIcametoaskyou，Marie，inthepresenceofyourparents，ifyouwillbemywife；
ifyouwillacceptmypoor，insignificantname，andbecontentedbymysidetoleadaquiet，modestexistence。Icanonlyearnsufficienttoassureusapeacefullife。Ihavenosplendor，notreasurestoofferyou，butonlymylove，myheart，mylife，mywholethoughtandbeing。Willyouacceptit，Marie?“
“Idoacceptit，Moritz，asthegreatesthappinessofmylife。I
desireonlyyourlove，andIcanreturnonlymylovetoyou！Hereismyhand，Philip，itbelongstoyoualone！Letuskneelinhumilitybeforemyparents，andimploretheirblessing——Oh，myfatherandmother，havepityuponus！Seethisdearman，towhommywholeheartbelongs。Idesireonlytoliveandtoilwithhim。Therearenoriches，notreasures，tocomparewithhislove！“
“GeneralandFrauvonWerrig，grantmethewifeofmyheart！“criedPhilipMoritz，deeplymoved。“Itistrue，Iamnotworthyofher，I
havenoname，noposition，toofferher，butIsweartostrivetogainitforher。Iwillwinbymytalentsandknowledgeadistinguishedname，andperhapsonedayyouwillconcedetomyfamethatIamanobleman，thoughnotanobleman。Willyouseparatetwoheartswhichbelongtoeachother?Takemeforyourson-in-law，andIsweartobedevotedandfaithful，toloveandhonoryouforyourdaughter'ssake。Icansaynomore——wordscannotexpressallthatI
feel。Lovecausesmetokneelbeforeyou，lovemakesmehumbleasachild。Iimploreyoutogivemeyourdaughterinmarriage。”
“Ialsoimploreyou，“criedMarie，sinkingdownbesideMoritz，“givetomethisman，whomIloveandhonor，formyhusband。”
Itwasabeautifulandimpressivescene——thesetwoyoungbeingspleadingforhappiness；theireyesflashingwiththeinspirationoffeeling，consciousthattheywereoneinaffection，andreadytocombatthewholeworldforeachother。ButFrauvonWerrigwasimmovable，andthegeneralwastoomuchoccupiedwithhisgouty，throbbinglegeventocastalookuponthebeautifulgroupofyouth，love，manlydetermination，andtenderresignation。
Outsidethedoor，Trudekneltimploringly，withfoldedhands，whilethetearsrandownheroldcheeksinbigdrops。“OGod，Iwellknowthattheyhavenopity；havemercyThou，andcausemydearMarietobehappy！Suffernotthatthathard-heartedwomanshouldsellher，andmarryhertothatbadmanmyMariedespises。IwellknowthatI
amapoorcreature，andnotworthythatThoushouldstlistentome，OLord！ButIlovethatyounggirlasifsheweremyownchild，andIwouldgivemyheart'sbloodforher。Oh，myGod！IimploreTheetoletmyMariebehappy！“Thenshecontinued，assherosefromherknees。“Now，Ihavespoken，andIcommiteverythingtoGod，andHewilldowhatisbest。Shehasbeenobligedtolistentohim，andifitcannotbeotherwise，hemustgo。”
CarefullyoldTrudeunlockedbothdoors，andthenstoppedtolisten。
Trudewasright，therewasnomercyinFrauvonWerrig'sheart。
“Haveyoufinished?Haveyouanythingmoretosay?“sheasked，inhermostunsympathizingmanner。
“Nothingmorewithourlips，butourheartsstillimploreyou。”
“Idonotunderstandthislanguage，sir，andyouhavenotsucceededingivingmehearing，orearstohearwith。InthisuselessstrifeI
willsayalastword，whichIhopewillbeforlife。Youshallneverbethehusbandofmydaughter！Youcanneverbeunited。”
MarieandMoritzsprangfromtheirknees，layingtheirhandsineachother's，andlookedwhatwordscouldnothavebetterexpressed——“Weareinseparable，nothingcandisuniteusbutdeath！“