Thelatter，withhiseyescastdown，andwithaperfectlyindifferentmanner，playedthecardindicated，andTrudelefttheroomquietlyandunobserved。
“Everythingisarranged，mychild，“saidTrude，asshere-enteredMarie'sroom。“Theyareplayingcards，whichalwayslaststwohours，thenHerrEbenstreitgoesaway，andthefamilywillgotobed。Youhaveeighteenhours，beforeyouwillbediscovered。Hark！itstrikesseven，anditisalreadyquitedark。Whenthepost-hornsounds，thenitistime。”
“Oh，Trude！mydearmother，myheartalmostceasestobeat，withanxiety，andIquakewithfear，“sighedMarie。“IamconsciousthatIhavecommencedafearfulundertaking！“
“Theyhavedrivenyoutoit——itisnotyourfault，“saidTrude，consolingly。“Everyhumanbeingisfreetoworkouthisowngoodorbadfortune，and，asourdearOldFritzsays，'tobehappyinthefutureworldinhisownway。'Theyhavesoldyouformoney，andyouonlyprovetothemthatyouarenoslave。”
“AndIprovealsothatIamadisobedientdaughter，“addedMarie，trembling。“Atthishour，itweighslikeaheavyburdenuponmyheart，andthewordsofHolyWritburnintomyverysoul——'Honorthyfatherandthymother，thatitmaybewellwiththee。'“
“Youhavehonoredthemallyourlife，“saidTrude，solemnly；“IcanwitnessitbeforeGodandman。Youhaveworkedforthemwithoutthanksorlove，receivingonlycontempt。Itisalsowritten，'Thoushaltleavefatherandmother，andcleaveuntothyhusband。'YoustillfollowthecommandsofGod，andmayitbringyouhappinessandblessing。Myprayersandthoughtsgowithyou，mychild！amothercouldnotloveheroffspringmoretenderlythanIdoyou。”
“Nomothercouldmoretenderlyandfaithfullycareforherthanyouhaveforme，Trude，“criedMarie，pressingherlovinglytoherbreast。“Throughyoualoneismyrescuepossible，foryougiveusthemoneytoundertakethelongjourney。”
“NotI，“shelaughed；“itisHerrEbenstreit，andthatmakesitthemoreamusing；thewickedalwayssetthetrapsintowhichtheyfallthemselves。”Suddenlytheloud，quiveringtonesofthepost-hornwereheard，“EsrittendreiReiterzumThorehinaus。”
“Hehascome！“criedMarie，andherfacebeamedwithdelight。“Hecallsme！Iamcoming！——Farewell，dear，peacefulroom，whereIhavesotoiled，wept，andsuffered！Ishallneverseetheeagain！Mybelovedcallsme，andIgotofollowhimevenuntodeath！Pardonme，OGod！ThouseestthatIcannotdootherwise！Theywouldforcemetoperjury，andIdarenotbreakmyoath！IcannotforsakehimwhomI
love！——Whentheycurseme，Trude，kneel，andimplorGodtoblessme，whoistheFatheroflove！Myconsciencedoesnotreproachme。I
haveworkedforthemwhentheyneededit；nowtheiradoptedson，towhomtheyhavesoldtheirname，allowsthemayearlyrent，andIcanworkformyself。”
“Hark！thereisthepost-hornagain，youmustgo，“murmuredTrude，strugglingtoforcebackhertears。
“Blessme，mother，“imploredMarie，kneeling。
“God'sblessinggowithyou，“shesaid，layingherhandsuponherhead，“andmayitrenderofnoavailthecursesofmen，butpermityoutowalkinloveandhappiness！“
“Amen，amen！“sighedMarie，“nowfarewell，dearmother，farewell！“
Marierose，andkissingTrudeagain，flitteddownthestairs，andoutofthehouse，Trudefollowing，holdingherbreathandlisteninginfearfulexcitement。
Againresoundedthepost-horn。
“Theyaregone，“murmuredTrude，bowingherheadandprayinglongandfervently。
Thegeneralwasparticularlyfortunatethisevening，whichcausedhimtobeunusuallycheerfulandsatisfied。Aftereveryrubberhegatheredupthethalers，untilhehadamassedamostsatisfactorypile。Astheclockstruckten，FrauvonWerrigdeclaredthattheymustfinishandgotobed。
Thegeneralyielded，withasigh，toherdecision，forheknew，bylongyearsofexperience，thatitwouldbeinvaintodefyherwill。
Heshovedhiswinningsintoaleatherbag，whichhealwayscarriedwithhim，andgaveLeberechttheordertorollawayhischair，whentheservant，withasolemnbow，steppedcloselytohim，andbeggedthegeneraltolistentohimamoment。
“Well，whathaveyoutosay?“heasked。
“Ihaveonlyonerequest——thatyouwillpermitmetoprovethatIamafaithfulservant，wholooksoutforthegoodofhisemployers。YouhavegivenTrudefivehundredthalersthatshemightwatchoveryourdaughter。Icanshowyouhowwellshedeservedit，andhowdifferentlyyourhumbleservantwouldhavedone——Havethegoodness，FrauyonWerrig，tocallTrudetobidFrauleincomedown，foryouhavesomethingimportanttocommunicatetoher。”
Hismistressproudlyregardedhimandseemedtotrytoreadhismeaninginhissmiling，humbleface。“Andifmydaughtercomes，whathaveyoutosay?“
“Ifshecomes，thenIamamiserablefoolandscoundrel，butIbegyoutocallTrude。”
Itwasalongtimebeforetheoldwomanappeared，confusedandsleepy，asking——“whattheywantedatsuchalatehour?“
“GoandtellmydaughterthatIwishtoseeheratonce。”
Trudetrembled，butcomposedherself，saying，“Thereistimeenoughto-morrow。Frauleinhasbeenasleepalongtime。”
“Shelies，“sneeredLeberecht，takingtheprecautiontoprotecthimselfbehindthegeneral'sarm-chair。“Sheknowsthatsheisnotinbed。”
“Oh，yousneak，yourascal，“criedTrude，shakingherfistathim，“howdareyousaythatItellalie?Howcansuchamiserablecreatureasyouimputetootherswhatyoudoyourselfeverytimethatyouopenyourmouth?“
“FrauyonWerrig，sheisonlyquarrelling，inordertogaintime——
everymomentisprecious。Ibegyoutogoup-stairs，andseeforyourself，ifyourdaughteristhere。”
“Frauleinhaslockedthedoorsoasnottobedisturbed。”
“Ah，“saidLeberecht，“Trudehaslockedit，andhasthekeyinherpocket。”
“Giveupthekey，“shriekedthegeneral，whoinvaintriedtorise，“orIwillcallthepolice，andsendyoutoprison。”
“Doit，butIwillnotgiveittoyou。”
“Doyounotseeshehasit?“criedLeberecht。
“Oh，youwretch，Iwillpayyou——Iwillscratchyoureyesout，youmiserablecreature！“
“Trude，bequiet，“commandedEbenstreit；“thegeneralorderstogiveupthekey——doit！“
“Yes，doitatonce，“shriekedFrauvonWerrig，“orIwilldismissyoufrommyservice。”
“Thatyouwillnothavetodo，asIshallgomyself。Iwillnotgiveupthekey。”
“Thedoorisold，andwithagoodpushonecouldopenit，“saidLeberecht。
“Come，myson，letussee，“saidthemother。
Theyhasteneduptotheroom，whilethegeneralscolded，furiouslythathemustsitstill。LeberechtandTrudecastfurious，menacingglancesateachother。
Suddenlyaloudcrashwasheard。
“Theyhavebrokenopenthedoor！“criedthegeneral。
“Isaidthatitwasoldandfrail——whatdoyousaynow，beautifulTrude?“
Theoldwomanwipedwithherhandthedropsofperspirationfromherforehead，causedbyheranguish。“Youareabadfellow，andGodwillpunishyouforyourtreason，thatyouhavetormentedanoble，unhappygirl。Isawthatyouwereaneavesdropper，andyouknowall。”
“Sheisgone！“shriekedthemother，rushingintotheroom。
“Theroomisempty，“criedEbenstreit。“Marieisnotthere。Tellus，Leberecht，whatyouknowaboutit。”
“Iwill，ifwecanagreeaboutthepay——theoldwomanbothersme，andbegtheyounggentlemantogointothenextroomwithme。”
“OAlmightyGod，havecompassionuponmypoorlittleMarie，“
murmuredTrude，kneeling，andcoveringherface。
Ebenstreitinthemeantimewithdrewtotheotherroom，followedbytheservant。
“Speak！“commandedhismaster，“andtellmewhatyouhavetosay。”
Leberechtshruggedhisshoulders。“Wearetwomenwhohaveurgentbusinesswitheachother。Iamnotatpresentaservantandyouthemaster。Iamamanwhohasanimportantsecrettosell，andyouarethemanwhowouldbuyit。”
“Whatstrange，unheard-oflanguageisthis?“saidEbenstreit，astonished。
“ThelanguageofamanwhocannotonlydeprivetherichbankerEbenstreitofalovelywife，butofhistitlealso。Yousaidyourself，sir，thismorning，thatitwasonlyvalidifyousucceededinmarryingthedaughterofGeneralvonLeuthen。Nononeknowswhereyoucanfindyourbridebutme。”
“AndTrude，“saidEbenstreit，quickly。
“YouknowshewillnotbetrayFraulein，andyouhavenoteventriedtomakeher。”
“Youaremistaken；Trudeisaseasilyboughtasanyone。”
“Yousaythatbecauseshehastakenfivehundredthalersfromyou。
Shehasnothelpedyou，anditisuselesstoaskforyourmoney，asshehasnotgotit。”
“Howso?Hasshegivenitaway?“
“Youprovidedthemoneyforyourbridetorunawayandmarryelsewhere，asTrudegaveittothem。”
Ebenstreitstampedhisfootwithrage，stridingbackwardandforwardinfuriousexcitement，whileLeberechtwatchedhim，sardonicallysmiling。“Letuscometoanendwiththisbusiness，“saidEbenstreit，stoppingbeforehisservant。“YouknowwhereFrauleincanbefound，andyouwishtosellthesecret——tellmeyourprice。”
“Threethousandthalers，andaclerkshipinyourbank，whichyouintendtocontinueunderanothername。”
“Youarebesideyourself。Iamnotsofoolishastograntsuchsenselessdemands。”
“EveryhourthatyouwaitIdemandathousandthalersmore，andifyoustoptoreflectlongyourbetrothedandyourtitlebotharelost。”
“Youareamiserablescamp！“criedEbenstreit，enraged；“Iwillinformthepolice。Therearemeansenoughtoforceyoutogivetheinformation。”
“Idonotbelieveit。Trudewillnottellyou，andIshouldliketoknowwhatcanforcemeifIwillnot。Thekinghasdoneawaywithtorture，andIhaveinformedyouhowtomakemespeak。Threethousandthalersandaclerkshipinyouroffice。Takecare！itisalmosteleveno'clock——atmidnightIshalldemandfourthousand。”
CHAPTERXXVI。
UNDERTHESTARRYHEAVENS。
Itwasabeautiful，clear，moonlightnight。Theworldreposedinsilence。Mankindwiththeircaresandsorrows，theirjoysandhopes，hadgonetorest。Overtownandvillage，overhighwayandforesthadflittedthesweet，consolingangel——Sleep。Thesadweresoothed，theheavy-ladenwerelightenedoftheirburdens，tothedespairingwerebroughtgoldendreams，tothewearyrest。Sighingandsorrowful，heturnedfromthosewithasadfacewhoseconsciencebanishedrepose，and，ah！theirnumberwaslegion。Tothewakefulandblissfulhesmilinglyglanced，breathingaprayerandablessing；butthesewerefewandfarbetween——forhappinessisarareguest，andtarrieswithmortalsbutfitfully。Asheglidedpastthejoyfulcouplewho，withwatchfulloveandgratefulhearts，satinthecarriagerollingoverthesilent，desertedhighway，twotearsfellfromhiseyes，andhisstarrywingswerewideroutspreadtorushmorequicklypast。
“Look，mydearMarie，twostarsjustfellfromheaven。Theyareagreetingtoyou，lovedone，andtheywouldsaytheyguideusonourway。”
“Oh，Philip，itisasignofill-luck！Fallingstarsbetokenmisfortune！“
Sheclungclosertohisside，andlaidherheaduponhisshoulder。
Hepressedhermorelovinglytohisheart。“Donotfear，dearMarie；
separationonlycouldcauseusunhappiness——wehavelongborneit，andnowitisforeverpast。Youhavegivenyourselftomeformyown，andIamyours，heartandsoul；wespeedonthroughthenighttothemorningofthebright，sunnyfuture，nevermoretebeparted。”
“Never！“sheferventlymurmured。“Oh，mayGodhearourprayer。
Never，nevertopart！Yet，whilethewordfallsfrommylips，ashuddercreepsthroughmysoul。”
“Whereforethisdespair，dearest?Reflect，noonewillbeapprisedofourflighttillearlymorning，andthentheywillnotknowwhitherwehavefled。MeanwhilewerushontoHamburg，whereapacket-shipsailseveryWednesdayforEngland；arrivingthere，wewillfirstgotoSuffolk，tomyoldfriendthevicarofTunningham。
Iwashisguestmanyweekslastyear，andheoftenrelatedtometheprivilegewhichhadbeenconferredontheparishchurchforalongtimetoperformvalidmarriagesforthosetowhoseuniontherewereobstaclesinterposedelsewhere。Hewillblesstheunionofourlove，andwillaccordmethelawfulrighttocallyoumyownbeforeGodandman。WewillnotreturnatoncetoGermany。IhavemanyconnectionsandliteraryfriendsinLondon，whowillassistmetoworthyoccupation。Besides，IclosedanagreementsomeweekssincewiththepublisherNicolaiinBerlinforanewwork。IwillwriteitinLondon；itwillbenonethelessfavoredcomingfromadistance。”
“MyflowersandpaintingswillalsobeaswellreceivedinasinBerlin，“addedMarie，smilingly。
“No，Marie，youshallnotwork。Ishallhavethepreciouscareofprovidingforyou，whichwillbemyprideandhappiness。Oh，mybeloved，whatacrowningblisstopossessasweet，dearwife，whoisonlyrichinimperishabletreasures，andpoorinexternalriches！
Whatdelighttotoilforher，andfeelthattherelivesinmyintellectthepowertogranthereverywish，andtocompensateherintheslightestdegreetheboundlesswealthofheraffection！Toalovingmindthereisnoprouder，happierfeelingthantobetheonlysourceofsupporttothewifeofhislove——toknowthatshelookstohimforthefulfilmentofherslightestwishinlife。IthankmyMakerthatyouarepoor，Marie，andthatIampermittedtotoilforyou。HowelsecouldIrewardyouforallyouhavesacrificedforme?“
“Youcannotsuppose，dearPhilip，thattherichesofmyobtrusiveloverwouldhavebeenanyattractiontome。Moneycouldnevercompensateforthelossofyourlove。Youaremylife，andfromyoualonecanIreceivehappinessorunhappiness。AtyoursideIamrichandjoyous，thoughwemayoutwardlyneed；withoutyouIshouldbepoorwithsuperfluity。Iamproudthatweinspirithavefreedourselvesfromthosefictitiousexternalswithwhichthefoolishburdenthemselves。Oh，mybelovedPhilip，mywholesoulisexultantthatwearenevermoretopart——no，notevenineternity，forI
believethatloveisanundyingsentiment，andthesoulcanneverbedarkenedbydeathwhichisbeamingwithaffection。”
“Youareright，Marie，loveistheimmortalityofthesoul；throughitmanisregeneratedandsoarstotheregionsofeternallight。
WhenIrecallhowdesolateandgloomywasmylife，howjoylessthedaysdraggedonbeforeIlovedyou，IalmostmenacedHeaventhatitcreatedmetowanderalonethroughthisdesert。Thebrightestsun'sraysnowgildmyfuture，anditseemsasifwewerealoneinparadise，andthatthecreationentireglorifiedmyhappiness，andallthevoicesofNatureshoutedagreetingtoyou，dearest。Oh，Marie，ifIlivedathousandyears，myheartwouldretainitsyouthfulloveandadorationforyou，whohavesavedmefrommyself，havefreedmysoulfromtheconstrainingfettersofasad，joylessexistence。Reposeyourheaduponmyheart，andmayitresttheremanyhappyyears，andreceiveinthishourmyoathtolove，esteem，andhonoryouasmymostprecioustreasure！Youshallbewife，child，sister，andfriend。Mysoulshallbefrankandopentoyou；
foryouIwillstriveandtoil，andwillcherishandfosterthehappinessreceivedfromyouasmymosttreasuredgift。Givemeyourhand，Marie。”
Shelaiditwithinhisownstrong，manlyhand，gentlypressingit。
Thelargefullmoon，highabovethem，lightedupthesenoblefaces，makingtheeyes，whichwerebentuponeachother，moreradiant。
Swiftlythecarriagerolledon，thenight-breezefanningtheircheeksandwavingbacktheirravencurls。
Moritzraisedtheirclaspedhands，andgazedatthestarryheaven。
“WeliftthemupuntoThee，OGod。Thouhastheardmyoath，O
EternalSpirit，whodwellestamongthestars；receiveit，andblessthewomanIlove！“
“Receivealsomyoath，OmyMaker。RegardthemantowhomIhavesworneternalfidelity，blesshim，andblessme。Letusliveinloveanddieinconstancy。”
Moritzresponded，“Amen，mybeloved，amen！“
Theyembracedeachotherfervently。Onwardrolledthecarriagethroughthetranquil，blissfulnight。Ohwhycannotthesesteedsborrowwingsfromthenight-wind?Whycannotthesoaringspiritbearaloftitsearthlytenement?Withdivinejoyandheavenlyconfidenceyougazeatthestars。Yousmilinglyinterchangethoughtsoftheblissfulfuture，whilstdiremisfortuneapproaches，andwillsoonseizeyouinitspoisonousgrasp！Doyounothearit?Doesnottheechoofswift-prancingsteedsringinyourears?Doyounotheartheshriekingandcallingafteryou?
Theylistenonlytothevoiceoftendernessspeakingintheirhearts，andwouldthatthesolemnquietofthisdialoguemightnotbebrokenbyaloudwordfromtheirlips。
Thepost-hornsounded！Theyhaltedatalonelyhousenearthehighway。Itisthestation。Changehorses！Thereisnotalighttobeseen。Threetimesthepostilionblewapealingblasteretheycouldawaketheinmates。Thewindowwasatlastopened，andasleepy，complainingvoicequestionedthenumberofhorsesandthedistanceofthenextpost。
Slowlytheywerebroughtforward，andstillmoreslowlyweretheyattachedtothecarriage，andallarranged。Whatmattersit?Thenightislovely，andlikeadreamitseemstoremainunderthestarryheavens，spreadoutlikeacanopyabovethem。
Doesnotyourhearttellyouthatsorrowstridesonlikethestorm?
Doyounothearthevoicesstillshriekingafteryou?
Thepostilionmountedhishorse，andagainthetrumpetpealedforthitsmerryair，andwasansweredwithashoutoftriumphfromtheswiftpursuers。
MarieraisedherheadfromPhilip'sshoulder。“Whatwasit?Didyounothearit?“
“What，mybeloved，whatshouldIhear?Dothestarssaluteyou?Dotheangelsgreettheirsisteruponearth?“
“Hark！thereitisagain！Doyounothearit?Listen！doesitnotseemasifonecalled'Halt！halt！'“
“Yes，truly，Ihearitnowalso！Whatcanhappen，love?Whytroubleourselvesabouttheouterworldandtheexistenceofotherbeings?“
“Iknownot，butIamsoanxious，myheartalmostceasestobeat，withterror！“
“Halt！halt！“thewindcarriesforwardtheshriek，andabovetheirheadsitsoundslikethescreechingofravens。
“Strange！Forwhomaretheycalling?“Moritzlookedbackalongthehighway。Whiteandclearitlayinthemoonlight，but，farinthedistancewasablackmass，takingformandshapeateverymoment！
Horsemen！horsemen！infullspeedtheycome！
“Postilion！driveon！quick！Letthehorsesgallop！Thereisaforestnear——driveustothat，thatwemayhideourselvesinthethicket！Onward，postilion！wearenotthievesormurderers。A
hundredthalersareyours，ifyousaveus！“
Thepostilionbeathishorses！Infullchasetheyfollowed——moreandmoredistinctlywereheardthecursesandyells。
“Oh，Godinheaven，havemercyuponusinourneed！“
“Faster，postilion！——inmercy，faster！“
“Halt！halt！——inthenameoftheking，halt！“
Thisstartledthepostilion，andheturnedtolisten，andagainafuriousvoiceyelled，“Inthenameoftheking，halt！“
Thepostiliondrewup。“Forgiveme，sir，butImustrespectthenameoftheking。”
Forwardgallopedthehorsemen。
“Philip，“whisperedMarie，“whydowelive——whydowenotdie?“
Hefoldedherinhisarms，andpassionatelykissedher，perhapsforthelasttime。“Marie，bemindfulofouroath——constantuntodeath！“
“Constantuntodeath！“sherepeated。
“Befirmanddefyallthestormsoflife！“
Marierepeatedit，withheightenedcourage。
Thehorsemensurroundedthecarriage，theridersuponpantingsteeds！Twoofficersinuniformsprangtotheside，layingtheirhandsuponMoritz'sshoulder。“ConrectorPhilipMoritz，wearrestyouinthenameoftheking！Youareaccusedofelopingwithaminor，andwearecommandedtotransportyoutoSpandauuntilfurtherorders！“Upontheothersidetwootherhorsemenhalted。TheforemostwasHerrEbenstreit，wholaidhishanduponMarie，andsawnotorcarednotthatsheshudderinglyshrankaway。
“MydearMarie，Icomeastheambassadorofyourparents，andamfullyempoweredtoleadyourbacktoyourfather'shouse。”
Sheanswerednot，butsatimmovableandbenumbedwithterror，thetearsrollingdownhercheeks。
“Youarrestmeinthenameoftheking，“criedMoritz；Ibowtothelaw。Ibegonlytospeaktothatman，“pointingtoEbenstreit，withcontempt。“Sir，dismount，Ihaveimportantbusinesswithyou！“
“Wehavenothingtosaytoeachother，“answeredEbenstreit，calmly。
“ButI！“criedMoritz，springingforward，furiousasalion，“Ihavesomethingtosaytoyou，yourascal，andIwilltreatyouaccordingly！“
Hesavagelytorethewhipfromthepostilion'shand，andstruckEbenstreitintheface。“Now，“criedhe，triumphantly，“Ihaveforcedyoutogivemesatisfaction！“
Thepoliceswungthemselvesfromtheirsaddles，andLeberechtquicklydismounted。TheyclinchedMoritzbythefeetandhands。Itwasadesperatestruggle，andMariegazedatthemwithfoldedhands，prayingwithoutwords。Theyseizedhimandheldhimfastwithmanacles。Ashriek，andMariesankfainting。Moritz'sheadsankuponhisbreast，almostintheagonyofdeath。
“Takehimtothenextstation，myfriends，“commandedEbenstreit，“thecarriageisalreadyorderedtoremovehimtoSpandau。”Hedismounted，andnowtooktheplacebyMarie，whostilllayinadeadfaint。“Postilion，mountandturnyourcarriage，Iretainyouuntilthenextstation。Ifyoudrivequickly，thereisalouisd'orforyou。”
“Iwilldriveasifthedevilwereafterme，sir！“shoutedthepostilion，andturnedtogallopoff，whenEbenstreitorderedhimtohalt，andLeberechttogetuponthebox。
Thenturningtotheofficers，“Gentlemen，“saidhe，proudly，“youarewitnessestotheill-treatmentandinsultsofthiswoman-
stealer。Youwillcertifythatthebloodfloweddownmyface。”
“Iwillmyselfmakeitknownbeforeallmen，“criedMoritz，withacontemptuouslaugh。“Ihaveinsultedyouandbrandedyou。”
“Wewillgiveourevidence，“respectfullyrepliedtheofficers。“AssoonaswehavedeliveredourprisoneratSpandau，wewillannounceourselvestoyou。”
“Thenyouwillreceivefrommethepromisedrewardofahundredthalers。Ifyouhushuptheentireadventure，sothatitisnotnoisedabout，afterthreemonths，stillanotherhundred。”
“Wewillbesilent，HerrEbenstreit。”
“Ibelieveyou；ahundredthalersisaprettysum。Forward，Leberecht，makethepostilionpushon，thatwemayarriveinBerlinbeforedaybreak，andnooneknowofthisabominableaffair。”
Thepostilionlaughedwithdelight，atthethoughtofthelouisd'or。UpontheboxsatLeberecht，asmileofmalicioustriumphuponhisface。“Thishasbeenaluckynight，“saidhe；“wehavealldoneagoodbusiness，butIamthemostfortunate，withmythreethousandthalersandafineplace。Iwishhehadwaitedanhourlater，andthenIshouldhavehadanotherthousand！“
Ebenstreitsatwithtriumphantsmilealso，byhisbetrothed。“Moneyisthekingoftheworld——withitonecanaccomplishallthings，“
saidhetohimself；“ifIhadbeenapoorfellow，thegeneralwouldnothavechosenme，northekinghavegivenmeatitle，norcouldI
havewonbackmybeautifulbride。Moneygivesposition，andIhopewillgivemethepowertorevengemyselfforthepaininmyface。”
HeturnedmenacinglytowardMoritz，whosawitnot。
Withbowedhead，speechless，asifnumbwiththehorrorofhismisfortune，herodewithfetteredhandsbetweenthetwoofficers，incapableoffleeing，astheyhadevenboundacordaroundhisarms，eachendheldfastbyoneoftheriders。
Thestarsandthemoonshonedownuponhimasbrightlybeautifulasanhourprevious。Oh，Marie，youwereright，fallingstarsbetokenmisfortune！Yourstarhasfallen！
CHAPTERXXVII。
THESACRIFICE。
Sincethatpainfulnight，fourweekshadpassed，fourlongonestopooroldTrude。Toherbelovedchildtheyhadfledinhappyunconsciousness。Inthedeliriumoffever，herthoughtswanderedtoherlover，alwaysdwellinguponherhopesandhappiness。Intheintervalsofreasonsheaskedforhimwithfearfulexcitementandanxiety，thenagainhermindwasclouded，andthecryofanguishwaschangedintoasmile。
Thencamethedaysofconvalescenceandthereturntoconsciousness，andwithitthemourningovercrushedhopes。SlowlyhadTrude，thefaithfulnurse，whowatchedbyherbedsidedayandnight，answeredherexcitedquestions，andtoherlittlebylittlethecircumstancesoftheelopement——howLeberechthadplayedtheeavesdropperandsoldMarie'ssecretforgold；howhehadpreviouslyarrangedtopursuethem，informingthepolice，orderingthehorses，andsendingforwardacouriertoprovidefreshrelaysateverystation。
Trudedepictedtheangerofherfatherandthethreatsofhermothertosendhertoprison。Butbeforeshecouldexecuteherpurpose，Ebenstreithadbroughthometheunconsciouschild，andsheherselfhadliftedherfromthecarriageandborneher，withtheaidofhermistress，toherownlittleatticroom。
Marielistenedtotheserelationswithagloomycalmnessandadefiantsorrow。Illnesshadwroughtapeculiarchangeinhermind，andhardenedthegentle，tenderfeelingsoftheyounggirl。Griefhadsteeledhersoul，benumbedherheart，andshehadrisenfromhercouchasonebornanewtogriefandtorture。Herpresentsituationandlosthappinesshadchangedtheyoung，loving，tenderly-sensitivemaidentothecourageous，energetic，anddefiantwoman，whorecognizedafutureofself-renunciation，combat，andresignation。
Trudeobservedthesechangeswithdisquietudeandcare。ShewishedMariewouldonlyoncecomplain，orburstintotears。Afterthefirststormofdespairhadpassed，thetearsrefusedtoflow，andhereyeswerebrightandundimmed。Onlyoncehadprofoundemotionbeenawakened，asTrudeaskedherifshehadforgottenherunhappylover，andcarednomoretolearnhisfate。Ithadthedesiredeffect。
Adeathlypalenessoverspreadherdelicate，transparentcheek。“I
knowhowheis，“shesaid，turningawayherface，“Irealizehissufferingsbymyown。Wearemiserable，lost——andnohopebutindeath。Erethiscomes，thereisadeserttotraverseinheat，anddust，andstorm，andfrost，alone，withoutconsolationorsupport。
Hush，Trude！donotseektorevivemiserablehopes。Iknowmyfate，andIwillendureit。Tellmewhatyouknowabouthim?Whereishe?
Havetheyaccusedhim?Speak！donotfeartotellmeeverything！“
Butfearingherself，shethrewherhandkerchiefquicklyoverherface，andsatwithitcoveredwhilstTrudespoke。
“Iknowbutlittleofpoor，dearMoritz。Hehasneverreturnedtohislodgings。Adayortwoafterthatnight，twoofficerssealedhiseffects，andtookawayhisclothes。Hishostesshasnottheleastsuspicionofthemysteriousdisappearanceofherotherwisequiet，regularlodger。Thesecretoftheelopementhasbeencarefullyguarded，asnooneoftheneighborsknowit，andthereisnogossipaboutyouandMoritz。Thosewhothinkheistravellingarenotsurprisedathishavingleftwithouttakingleave，astheysayhewasaccustomedtodoso。But，“continuedTrude，inalowertone，“HerrGedickelookedverysadandgrave，asIaskedfortheConrectorMoritz。'Hehasdisappeared，'hesighed，'andIknownotifweshalleverseehimagain。''Oh，Jemima！'Iscreamed，'youdonotthinkthathehascommittedaself-injury！''No，'saidthedirector，'nothehimself，heistoohonorableaman。Othershaveill-treatedhimandmadehimunhappyforlife。'Itwasinvaintoaskfurther；heknewnotorhewouldnotsayanything。IbelieveyourfamilyknowwherepoorMoritzis，foryourmotherspeaksofhimasoneinthepenitentiary，andquitetriumphantlyshetoldmeyesterdaythattheking，inhisnewbookoflaws，hadexpresslycondemnedthepersonwhoelopeswithaminortobesenttothehouseofcorrectionfortenyears，andthenshelaughedsocruelly，thatI
trembledtohearher。”
AsTruderelatedthis，shesearchinglyglancedatMarietoobservetheeffectofherwords，hopingtoseeherweeporcomplainandthat，atlast，griefwouldmelttheicycrustaroundherheart。
ButMariesatmotionlessandwithoututteringasound——notasighoramoanescapedher。Afteralongsilence，whenhergriefwastoodeepfortears，shedrewthehandkerchieffromherface，thepallorandrigidityofwhichstartledTrude。
Shesprangforward，foldingherinherarms。“Marie，childofmyheart，doweep，docomplain！Iknowthathelovedyoudearly，anddeservesthatyoushouldmournforhim。Haveyounomoreconfidence，though，inyouroldTrude?Isshenolongerworthytoshareyourgrief?“
Marielaidherlanguidheaduponthebosomofherfaithfulnurse；along-drawn，piercingcryofanguishwasherresponse，shetrembledviolently，andthetearsrandownhercheeks。
Truderaisedhereyestoheaven，murmuring，“Ithankthee，OLord！
Herheartisnotdead！Itlives，foritsuffers！“
“Itsuffers，“groanedMarie，“theanguishofdeath。”
Thispassionateoutburstoffeelingwasofbutshortduration。Hertearsweredried，andherquiveringfaceassumeditsusuallycalmexpression。
“Trude，“saidshe，gently，continuingtoreposeuponherbosom，“I
amsowretchedthatwordscannotexpressitortearssootheit。IfI
shouldgivemyselfuptosorrowandmourningIshoulddie，andthatcannotbe，forImustlivetowaitforhim——torescuehim。HowI
knownotyet；mythoughtsandresolutionsaresoconfusedthattheyflickerliketheignesfatui。Iwillforcemymindtobecalm，andthesewanderinglightsshalluniteinoneglowingflametodestroythewallsandobstructionswhichconfinehim。Heisaprisoner；I
feelitinmyheart，andImustlivetofreehim。Thisismytask，andIwillaccomplishit；thereforeIwouldbecomposed，andstronginmyself。WondernotthatIweeporcomplainnomore，anddonotrefertomymisfortune。IshoulddieifIdidnotsuppressthisanguish，andIwouldbecomestrongandactive。Seeknottoenfeebleme，butaidmetohardenmyself；refrainfromcomplaint，thatImaybesilent。Ithinkonlyofhim，andIasknothingfurtherthantoyieldmylifetofreehim。Letusneverspeakofitagain，forI
feelthatallthefirmnesswhichIhadgainedhasbeensweptfrommeinthisgivingway，andthatImustbeginanew。”
Fromthishourshecommencedtobuild，androseuponhergriefasonacolumnwhichprojectstowardheaven；leaneduponit，andreceived，asBrisaeusfromtheearth，thepoweroflifeandaction。Shehadalreadysoconqueredherselfastobeabletoleaveherownquietroom，anddescendtothatofherparents。Thereshewouldsitcalmlyforhours，listeningattentivelytotheconversation，hopingtocatchsomewordthatmightgiveheraclew。
Theyavoidedeveryexcitingtopic，andweremilderandmorethoughtfulforher。Evenhermothermadenoreproaches，andneveralludedtothepast，becauseshefearedtodelayherrecovery，andremovethelonged-forgoalinhinderingthemarriagewithEbenstreit。Thelattercarefullyavoidedtroublingherbyhispresence；whenheheardMarie'sstepintheanteroom，whodescendedatacertainhoureveryday，hewithdrewbytheotherentrance。
“WhogoesouteverytimeIcomein?“askedMarie，onedayassheappearedinthesitting-room。
Thegeneralcoughedwithembarrassment，andglancedanxiouslyathiswife，whoseeyesresteduponherdaughterwithacold，searchingexpression。Theireyesmet，andwereriveteduponeachother。A
cold，cruelsmileplayedaroundthethin，bloodlesslipsofthemotherassherecognizedthedefianceandfirmnessinherchild，andfeltthatshehadrecovered。
“Itisyourbetrothed，“sheanswered，“ourdearEbenstreit——agood，generous，andself-sacrificingson，forwhomwethankGodeveryday，whowishestospareyoutheannoyanceofseeinghim。”
“Heneednotinconveniencehimselfonmyaccount。Nothingexcitesorwoundsmyfeelingsnow。Itwouldbeapityforyourheartless，thanklessdaughtertodepriveyouofthesocietyofyourdearson。
Lethimremain；itisnotnecessaryforustonoticeoneanother。”
Herparentsregardedeachotherastonished，and，assheceased，theystilllistenedtothedyingtonesofhervoice，whichsoundedsostrangelytothem。“Sheismuchchanged，“mumbledthegeneraltohimself。“Shedoesnotseemthesameperson，sheissohaughtyandmajestic。Shemightwellinspirefear。”
Thefollowingday，asMarieenteredtheroom，Ebenstreitwasthere。
Heapproachedher，extendingbothhandssmiling，andgreetingherwithtenderwords，rejoicingatherrecovery。
Shetooknonoticeofhisfriendlydemonstrations，butcoldlyandharshlyregardedhissmilingface，andparticularlythebroad，blood-redscarwhichranfromforeheadtochin。Thensuddenlyherfacelightedup，andanexpressionofsavagetriumphshotfromhereyes。“Howdisfiguredyoulook，“shecriedexultingly。“Wheredidyougetthatscar?“
“Youknowwell，Marie，“hemurmured，gloomily。
“Yes，“shecried，triumphantly。“Iknowit。Hebrandedyou，andyouwillwearthismarkbeforeGodandmanaslongasyoulive。”
“Youareverycrueltoremindmeofit，Marie，“hesoftlywhispered。
Shelaughedaloudsowildandsavagely，thatevenhermotherwasstartled。“Cruel——Icruel！“shecried。“Ah，sir，itbecomesyouindeedtoaccusemeofit！“
Trudeenteredatthisinstant，paleandexcited。
“Whatisthematter?“
“Thereissomeoneherewhowishestospeakwithyou，Marie；hehassomethingveryimportanttotellyou。”
“Howdareyouannounceanyonewithoutmypermission?“criedFrauvonWerrig。
“Silence，mother！——ifImaybeallowed，letushearwhoitis——
Speak，dearTrude，whoisit?“
“ItistheDirectorGedickefromtheGrayCloister，“saidTrude，withquiveringvoice。
Mariewasstartled——aglowingredoverspreadhercheeks，andshewasobligedtoleanagainstachairforsupport。
“Iforbidyoutoreceivehim，“saidhermother。
Shesuddenlyceased，andstaredatthedoor，whichopenedatthatmoment，thetall，dignifiedformofavenerableoldmanappearing。
“Pardonme，sir，“saidhe，withacold，reservedmanner，“ifIenterbeforeIreceivepermission。Thecommandoftheking，towhichI
believeweallyieldwithoutresistance，empowersmetodoso。”
“How，sir，youcomebytheking'sorder?“askedthegeneral，whorosewithdifficulty。“HashismajestygivenyouamessageforGeneralvonLeuthen?“
“No，general，IcomewithacommunicationfromhismajestytoFrauleinvonLeuthen，thebetrothedofHerrEbenstreit，andtheorderrunstodeliverthesamepersonallyandwithoutwitnesses。”
“Professor，“criedthemother，shrugginghershoulders，“youmistakeusforveryinnocentpeople，ifyousupposewebelievethissillyinvention，andthatyoucangainasecretconversationbyarusewithourdaughter。Youarethedirectorofthegymnasium，andnaturallythefriendofConrectorMoritz。Inhisnameyouwillspeak，andbringasecretmessage。Verysly，indeed，verysly，butitwillnotsucceed。”
Forresponse，thedirectordrewtwolargefoldeddocumentsfromhispocket，approachingthegeneral。“Doyourecognizethisseal?“heasked。
“Yes，“solemnlyansweredthegeneral；“itistheroyalsealfromtheking'sprivatecabinet。”
“Readtheaddressuponthis，andtheunopenedletter。”
“Truly，thelatterisdirectedtomydaughter，andtheothertoProfessorGedicke。”
HerrGedickeopenedtheletter，askingthegeneralifhecouldrecognizetheking'shandwriting。
“Yes，“heanswered，“Iknowitwell。”
“Havethegoodnesstoreadthelinesuponthemargin，“midtheprofessor，unfoldingtheletter，sothathecouldonlyreadthosereferredto。
Thegeneralread:“ProfessorGedickeshallgohimselftoFrauleinvonLeuthen，andbringhertoreason，readingthedocumenttoherwithoutwitnesses。Iwishthisaffairtocometoanend。TeachMamsellemores！mores！mores！“FREDERICK。”
“Youhaveheardtheroyalcommand，ladiesandgentlemen；willyourespectit?“saidtheprofessor，turningaroundwithanairofproudsatisfaction。
“Mydearson-in-law，“saidthegeneral，solemnly，“itisaroyalcommand；givemeyourarm，asyouknowIamfeeble；andyou，mywife，takemyotherarm，andwewillgointothenextroom。Hush！
notaword——wehaveonlytoobey，andnotreason。”
Heseizedhiswife'shandhastilyandfirmly，thatsheshouldnotslipaway，andwinkedtoEbenstreit，uponwhosesupporthecrossedtheroom，drawinghiswifewithhim，andpushingopenthedoorofthenextwithhisfoot。
Mariehadstoodduringthewholetransactionpaleandrigidinthecentreoftheroom，lookinghaughtyanddefiantaslongasherparentsandHerrEbenstreitwerepresent。Now，asthedoorclosed，lifeandactionwerevisibleinthismarbleform；sherushedtotheoldgentleman，scarcerespiring，andlookingupathisdignified，sadface，asked:“Isheliving?Tellmeonlythis，orisheill?“
“Yes，helives，hedoesnotsufferfrombodilyills，butthesicknessofthesoul。”
“AnddonotIalso?“askedshe，withquiveringvoice。“Oh！Iknowwhathesuffers，aswearewretchedfromthesamecause。Buttellme，haveyouseenhim?“
“Yes，Fraulein，Ihave。”
“Whereishe?Wheredidyouseehim?“
“Inprison！“
Mariegrewpaler，andretreated，shuddering。Thedirectorcontinued:
“Inadark，dampprisonatSpandau。Thepoorfellowhasbeentherefortwomonthswithoutair，light，oroccupation，andhisonlysocietyishisownrevengefulthoughtsandangrylove-complaints。”
Mariegaveonehollowmoan，coveringhercorpse-likefacewithherhands。
“Inthisabodeoftorture，inthisdwellingofthedamned，hemustremaintenlongyears，ifdeathdoesnotreleasehim?“
“Whatdidyousay?“shegroaned。“Tenlongyears?Havetheycondemnedhim?“
“Yes，hewasguiltyofagreatcrime——elopingwithaminor——who，withtheking'sconsent，andthatofherparents，wasbetrothedtoanother。Readthesentenceofthecourt，whichwasforwardedtomeastheheadofthecollegewhereMoritzwasemployed。See，hereistheking'ssignature，whichaffirmsthesentence，renderingitlegal，andhereuponthemarginarethelinesyourfatherread。”
Trembling，Marieperusedthecontents。“Tenyearsinthehouseofcorrection！“shemurmured。“Onmyaccountcondemnedtoalivingdeath！No，no，itisimpossible！Itcannotbe！Tenyearsofthebestpartoflife！Hecondemnedasacriminal！Iwillgototheking。I
willthrowmyselfathisfeet，imploringformercy。Iamtheguiltyone——Ialone！Theyshouldjudgeme，andsendmetothepenitentiary！
Iwillgototheking！Hemustandwillhearme！“
“Hewillnot，“sighedthedirector。“Listentome，poorchild！AsI
heardthesentence，IfeltitmydutytosummonallmypowerstorescueMoritz，forIlovehimasason，andhadsetmyhopesuponhim。”
“Ithankyouforthiskindword，“saidMarie，seizingthehandoftheoldman，andpressingittoherlips。
“IwentimmediatelytoMinistervonHerzberg，and，uponhisadvice，asheexplainedtomethekingmightlightenhispunishment，I
betookmyselftoFrederick'swinter-quartersatBreslau。”
“Younoble，generousman，IshallloveyouforitaslongasIlive。
Didyouspeakwiththeking?“
“Yes，andeverythingthatmyheartormindcouldinspire，toexcuseandjustifymyunhappyfriend，Ihavesaid——butallinvain。Thekingwasmuchembittered，becausehehadhadthegracetogranthimanaudience，andexplaintheimpossibilityofthefulfilmentofhispetition。Ididnotceasebeggingandimploring，untilIsoftenedthegenerousheartoftheking。”
“HashepardonedMoritz?“Marieasked，withbrighteninghopes。
“Undercertainconditionshewillallowthatheshouldescapesecretlyfromprison。Theyareformallywritten，andifMoritzconsentsandbindshimselfbyoath，hewillnotonlybefreed，butprovidedwithmeanstogotoEngland，andreceiveimmediatelyanappointmentastranslatortothePrussianembassyatLondon。”
“Whataretheconditions，sir?“
“Theyare，first，thatMoritzshallbyoathrenounceeverywishandthoughtofunitinghimselfwithFrauleinyonLeuthen；secondly，thatbeforeheleavestheprison，heshallwritetotheyounglady，inwhichheshallsolemnlyreleaseher，andenjoinituponherasadutytoacceptthehandofthemantowhomherparentshavebetrothedher。Theseweretheconditions，andthekingcommandedmetogotoSpandau，andwithsensiblerepresentations，toconferwithMoritz，andpersuadehimtoacceptthem，andassurehimselfoffreedom，andanhonorablefuture，freefromcare。”
“YousawMoritz?“
“Yes。”
“Didyoucommunicatetheconditions?“
“Yes。”
“Andhe?“
“Herefused，withrageandindignation！“
“Herefused?“criedMarie，joyfully。“Oh，mydearPhilip，Ithankyou。Youlovemetrulyandfaithfully。Yourgloriousexampleshallinspiremetobeasfirmasyou。”
“Unhappychild，youknownotwhatyouaresaying！“criedthedirector，sadly。“Ifyoureallylovehim，youcouldnotfollowhisexample。Readwhatthekinghaswritten。”
Shetook，inbreathlesssilence，thedocument，andbroketheseal，unfoldingthepaper，butherhandshookitsoviolently，thatshecouldnotdistinguishthewords。
Shereturnedittothedirector。“Readit，Icannot，“shesaid，andsankkneeling，lookinguptotheoldmanwithunspeakableanguish，andlisteningtoeverywordthatfellfromhislips。Itranthus:
“HismajestyannouncestoMademoiselleMarievonLeuthenthatheisexceedinglyindignantatherimproperandundutifulconduct，whichdoesnotatallbecomeamaidenlovingofhonor，andparticularlyanobleone。Hismajestyennobledherfatherforabravedeed，andheisangrythatthedaughtershouldbringshameuponthetitle，ingivingway，notonlytoapassionwhichisbeneathher，butissolittlemindfulofmoralityastofleefromthepaternalhouse，atnight，inanimpropermanner，withamanwhosewife，accordingtothecommandofthekingandthewillofherfather，shecouldneverbe。Ifhismajestydidnotrespecttheformerserviceofherfather，andthenewtitle，hewouldsendthedaughtertothehouseofcorrection，andpunishheraccordingtothelaw。Buthewillleavehertothereproachesofconscience，andlettheweightofthelawfalluponherpartneringuilt，PhilipMoritz。Heisrightlysentencedtotenyearsinthehouseofcorrection，andhewillnotbereleasedoneyearoronedayfromthesame，asheisguiltyofagreatcrime，andhissentenceisjust。”
“Just！“shriekedMarie，inanguish——“tenyearsjust?“
Thedirectorcontinuedtoread:“Hismajestywillproposealastopportunitytotheobstinateandinconsiderateyoungladytoreinstateherownhonor，andreleaseatthesametimeConrectorMoritz。Hismajestyhaspersonalknowledgeofthelatter，andrespectshisscholarlyattainmentsandcapabilityandwouldbringanendtothisaffairforthegeneralgood。Ifmademoiselle，asbecomesanhonorableyoungwoman，andanobedientdaughter，followsthewishesofherfather，andwithoutdelaymarriesHerrEbenstreit，andleadsarespectablelifewithhim，thesamehouroftheceremonyConrectorMoritzshallbereleased，andafitpositionbecreatedforhim。Thisisthefinaldecisionoftheking。Ifthedaughterdoesnotsubmitinperfectobedience，shewillburdenherconsciencewithagreatcrime，andthankherselfforMoritz'sunfortunatefate。
Hismajestywillbeimmediatelyinformedofherdecision。Ifshelistenstoreason，tomorality，andaffection，shewillsubmittothepropositionwhichDirectorGedickeiscommissionedtomakeknowntoher，andannouncetoherparentsinhispresencethatshewillobedientlyfollowtheircommands，ConrectorMoritzwillbeatoncesetatliberty；otherwisehewillbesenttoBrandenburgtothehouseofcorrection。Thisistheunalterablewilloftheking。
Signed，inthenameoftheking，“FREDERICK。”
“Nowdecide，mychild，“continuedthedirector，afterasolemnpause。“Iknownothingtoaddtothisroyalwriting。Ifithasnotitselfspokentoyourheart，yourreasonandyourhonor，wordsareuseless。”
“OGod，itiscruel——itisterrible！“criedMarie。“ShallIbreakmyoathofconstancy，becomingfaithless，andsufferhimtocurseme，forhewillneverpardonme，butdespiseme！“
Shespranguplikeatigress，withhereyesflashing。“Oh，“criedshe，“hemayevenbelievethatIhavebeenenticedbyriches，byabrilliantfuture！No——no！Icannotconsent！MayGodhavemercyonmeifthekingwillnot！Iwillnotbreakmyoath！NoonebutMoritzshalleverbemyhusband！“
“Unhappygirl，“criedtheoldman，sadly，“Iwillgiveyouonelastinducement。IknownotwhetheryouhaveanyknowledgeofMoritz'spastlife，sotriedandpainful，whichhasmadehimeasilyexcitedandeccentric。Adangermenaceshimworsethanimprisonmentordeath。Hisunaccustomedlife，andthesolitudeofhisdark，dampprison，iscausingafearfulexcitementinhim。Heishabituatedtointellectualoccupation。Whenheisobligedtoputontheprisoner'sjacketinthehouseofcorrectionandspinwool，itwillnotkillhim——itwillmakehimmad！“
ApiercingcrywasMarie'sanswer。“Thatisnottrue——itisimpossible。Hecrazy！——youonlysaythattocompelmetodowhatyouwill。Hisbrightmindcouldnotbeobscuredthroughtheseverestproofs。”
“Youdonotbelieveme?Youthinkthatanoldman，withgrayhair，andonefootinthegrave，andwholovesMoritz，couldtellyouashamefuluntruth！Isweartoyoubytheheadsofmychildren，byallthatisholy，thatMoritzalreadysuffersfromanexcitementofthebrain；andifhedoesnotsoonhavelibertyandmentaloccupation，itisalmostcertainthathewillbecomeinsane。”
Almostconvulsedwithanguish，Marieseizedtheoldman'shandwithfiercepassion。“Heshallnotbecrazed，“sheshrieked。“Heshallnotsuffer——heshallnotbeimprisonedandburiedinthehouseofcorrectiononmyaccount。Iwillrescuehim——Iandmylove！Iampreparedtodowhatthekingcommands！Iwill——marrytheman——which——
myparentshavechosen。But——tellme，willhethenbefree?“
“To-dayeven——inthreehours，mypoorchild！“
“Free！AndIshallhavesavedhim！TellmewhatIhavetodo。Whatistheking'swill?“
“Firstsignthisdocument，“saidthedirector，ashedrewasecondpaper。“Itrunsthus:'I，MarievonLeuthen，thatofmyownfreewillandconsentIwillrenounceeveryotherengagement，andwillmarryHerrEbenstreitvonandbeafaithfulwifetohim。Iwitnesswithmysignaturethesame。'“
“Giveittomequickly，“shegasped。“Iwillsignit！Hemustbefree！Heshallnotgomad！“
Sherapidlysignedthepaper。“Hereismysentenceofdeath！Buthewilllive！Takeit！“
“Mychild，“criedtheoldman，deeplyagitated，“Godwillbemindfulofthissacrifice，andinthehourofdeathitwillbeambrightlyuponyou。Youhavebythisactrescuedanobleandexcellentbeing，andwhenhewinsfamefromscienceandarthewillowetoyoualonethegratitude。”
“Heshallnotthankme！“shewhispered。“Heshallliveand——ifhecanbehappy！——thisisallthatIaskfor！Whatistherefurthertobedone?“
“ToannouncetoyourparentsinmypresencethatyouwillmarryHerrEbenstreit，andlettheceremonytakeplaceassoonaspossible。”
“Youswearthatheshallthenbereleased?Youareanoldman——
reflectwell；yousweartomethatassoonasthemarriagetakesplace，PhilipMoritzwillbefreethisverydayandthathewillbereinstatedinanhonorable，activeoccupation?“
“Iswearittoyouuponmywordofhonor，bymyhopeofrewardfromabove。”
“Ibelieveyou。Callmyparents。Butfirst——youareafather，andloveyourchildrenwell。Ihaveneverhadafatherwholovedme，oreverlaidhishanduponmyheadtoblessme。YousaythatyouloveMoritzasason！Oh，lovemeforamomentasyourdaughter，andblessme！“
Theoldmanfoldedherinhisarms，tearsstreamingdownhischeeks。
“Godblessyou，mydaughter，asIblessyou！“
“Idarenottarry，“sheshuddered。“Letmyparentsenter。”
Slowlythevenerablemantraversedtheroom。Mariepressedherhandstoherheart，lookingtoheaven。Asthedooropened，andthegeneralentered，leaninguponEbenstreit'sarm，followedbyhiswife，Marieapproachedthemwithahaughty，determinedmanner，whoregardedherwithastonishment。
“Father，“shesaid，slowlyandcalmly，“Iamreadytofollowyourwishes。Sendfortheclergyman:Iconsenttomarrythismanto-day，upononecondition。”
“Makeitknown，mydearMarie。Nameyourcondition。Iwilljoyfullyfulfilit，“saidEbenstreit。
“Idemandthatweleaveto-dayfortheEast，togotoEgypt——
Palestine——andremainawayfromthisplaceforyears。Areyouagreedtoit?“
“ToallthatwhichmydearMariewishes。”
“Youcannowweavethebridal-wreathinmyhair，mother。Iconsenttothemarriage。”
Threehourslaterthepreparationswerecompleted。Everythinghadawaitedthisforthreemonths。
Inthesitting-room，thedecoratorshadquicklybuiltamarriage-
altar，andornamentedthewallswithgarlandsofflowers，withfestoonsofgauzeandsilk，withflagsandstandards。Themotherworethecostlysilkwhichherrichson-in-lawhadhonoredherwithfortheoccasion，andalsoadornedherselfwiththegoldornamentswhichwereequallyhisgift。Thefatherworehisgold-embroidereduniform，andimaginedhimselfastatelyfigure，asthegoutlefthimtheuseofhislimbsthisday。
Theinvitedwitnessesbegantoassemble。JustthenEbenstreitvonLeuthendroveupinthehandsometravelling-carriage，whichwasawedding-gifttohiswife，andexcitedtheadmirationofthenumerousstreetpublic。
OldTrude，inhersimpledarkSundaydress，hadawaitedtheappearanceofthebridegroom，andwenttoannouncehisarrivaltothebride。
Mariewasinherlittlegarret-room，sounlikeinitspresentappearancetoitsformersimplicityandcomfort——asunlikeastheoccupanttotherosy，smilingyounggirl，who，yonderbythelittlebrowntableinthewindow-niche，taughtherpupils，orwithbusy，skilfulhandsmadetheloveliestflowers，theincomeofwhichshegavetoherparents，joyfullyandalthoughsheneverreceivedthanksorrecognitionforthesame。Nowthesamelittletablewascoveredwithmoroccocases，whosehalf-opencoversrevealedbrilliantornaments，laces，andsweetperfumes；superbsilkdresses，cloaks，andshawls，ornamentedwithlace，layaboutuponthebedandchairs。
HerrEbenstreitvonLeuthenhadtrulygivenhisbrideaprincelydowry，andhermotherhadspreadthethingsaroundroom。
SinceMariegaveherconsenttothemarriage，shehadfollowedouttheirwisheswithoutopposition。Sheworeawhitesatindress，coveredwithgoldlace，herarms，neck，andears，adornedwithdiamonds。Thecoiffeurhadpowderedandarrangedherhair，withoutherevercastingaglanceintothePsyche-mirrorwhichherbetrothedhadhadthegallantrytosendtoherroom。Shelethimarrangethecostlybridalveil；butwhenhewouldplacethecrownofmyrtle，shewavedhimback。
“Yourworkisfinished，“shesaid；“mymotherwillplacethat，I
thankyou。”
AsTrudeentered，Mariewasstandinginthecentreoftheroom，regardingitwithsinister，angrylooks。
“Thereyouare，Trude，“shesaid，“Iamgladtoseeyouamomentalone，forIhavesomethingtotellyou。Ihavespokenwithmyfuturehusband，demandingthatyoulivewithmeaslongasIlive。
Immediatelyaftertheceremonyyouwillgotomyfuturehomeandremainthereashouse-keeperduringmyabsence。”
Sadlytheoldwomanshookherhead。“No，thatistooimportantaplaceforme。Iwillnotleadalazylife，andplaythefinewoman。
Iwasmadetoworkwithmyhands。”
“Dowhatyouwillinthehouse，“answeredMarie。“Onlypromisemethatyouwillnotleaveme，andwhenIreturnthatIshallfindyouthere。Ifyouleaveme，Iwillnevercomeback。Promiseme！“
“ThenIwillpromiseyou，mypoorchild，“sighedTrude。
Marielaughedscornfully。“Youcallmepoor——doyounotseeIamrich?Icarryafortuneaboutmyneck。Go，donotbewailme——Iamrich！“
“Marie，donotlaughso，itmakesmefeelbadly，“whisperedtheoldwoman。“Icametotellyouthebridegroomandtheclergymanarethere。”
“Thetimehasarrivedforthemarriageoftherichandhappybride。
Go，Trude，begmymothertocomeupandadornmewiththemyrtle-
wreath。”
“DearMarie，canInotdoit?“askedTrude，withquiveringvoice。
“No，notyou；touchnotthefatalwreath！Youhavenopartinthat！
Callmymother——itistime！“
Trudeturnedsadlytowardthedoor，Marieglancingafterher，andcallingherbackwithgentletone。
“Trude，mydear，faithfulmother，kissmeoncemore。”ShethrewherarmsaroundMarie'sneckandimprintedalovingkissuponherforehead，weeping。“Nowgo，Trude——wemustnotgiveway；youknowme；youwellunderstandmyfeelings，andseeintomyheart。”
Theoldwomanwentout，dryinghereyes。Marieutteredherlastfarewell。“Withyouthepastgoesforth，withyoumyyouthandhope！
Whenthedooragainopens，myfutureentersastrange，fearfullife。
Woetothosewhohaveprepareditforme——woetothosewhohavesocruellytreatedme！Theywillyetseewhattheyhavedone。Thegoodangelisextinctwithinme。Wickeddemonswillnowassumetheiroverme。Iwillhavenopity——Iwillrevengemyself；thatIsweartoMoritz！“
Hermotherrustledin，clothedinhersplendidwedding-garments。
“Didyousendforme，dearMarie?“shewhispered。
“Yes，mother——Ibegyoutoputonmymyrtle-wreath。”
“How！haveyounoendearmentforme?“sheasked，smilingly。“Whydoyousay'you'insteadof'thou?'“
“Itisbetterso，mother，“shecoldlyanswered。“Willyouadornmewiththebridal-wreath?“
“Willingly，mydearchild；itisverybeautifulandbecoming。”
“Doyourealize，mother，whatyouaredoing?YouplacethewreathtoconsecratemetoaninconsolablyunhappylifewiththemanthatI
hateanddespise！“
“Mydearchild，Iknowthatyouthinksoto-day；butyouwillsoonchange，andfindthatwealthisasupportablemisfortune。”
“Mother，onedayyouwillrecallthesewords。Crownmeforthehatedbridal。Thesacrificeisprepared！“
BOOKIV。
THEVISIBLESANDTHEINVISIBLES。
CHAPTERXXVIII。
OLDFRITZ。
Thewarterminated，thehostilearmiesreturnedtotheirdifferentGermancountries。FredericktheGreathadgainedhispoint，forcingAustriatorenouncethepossessionofBavaria。ThePrinceofZweibrueckenhadbeensolemnlyrecognizedbyhimastherightfulheirtotheelectorate，andthelawfulrulerandpossessorofBavaria。TheEmperorJosephhadsubmittedwithprofoundregretandbitteranimositytothewillofhismother，thereigningempress，andconsentedtothepeacenegotiationsofBaronvonThugut。Havingsignedthedocumentofthesame，inhisqualityofco-regent，heangrilythrewasidethepen，castingafuriousglanceatthehard，impenetrablefaceofThugut，saying:“TellhermajestythatIhaveaccomplishedmylastactasco-regent，andInowabdicate。FromhenceforthIwillstilllieherobedientson，butnosubmissivejointruler，toonlyfollowdevotedlyherimperialwill。ThereforeI
resign，andneverwilltroublemyselfinfutureabouttheactsofthegovernment。”Theemperorkepthisword。Heretired，piqued，intosolitude，woundedinthedepthsofhissoul，andafterwardtravelled，leavingthegovernmententirelytotheempressandherpiousconfessors。
Bavariawasrescued！Itoweditsexistencetothewatchfulness，sagacity，anddisinterestedaidofPrussia'sgreatking。TheElectorMaximilianvowedinhisdelightthathe，aswellashissuccessorsandheirs，wouldneverforgetthatBavariamustascribeitscontinuancetoPrussiaalone，andthereforethegratitudeoftheprincesofthiselectoratecouldnotandneverwouldbeextinguishedtowardtheroyalhouseofPrussia。Frederickreceivedtheseoverflowingacknowledgmentswiththecalmnessofaphilosopherandthesmileofaskeptic。Heunderstoodmankindsufficientlytoknowwhattoexpectfromtheiroaths；toknowthatinthecourseoftimethereisnothingmoreoppressiveandintolerablethangratitude，thatitsoonbecomesaburdenwhichtheywouldgladlythrowofftheirbentshouldersatanyprice，andbecometheenemyofhimtowhomtheyhadsworneternalthankfulness。FrederickregardedtheseoathsofBavarianotasasecurityforthefuture，butasapaymentonaccountofthepast。
“IdidnotgoforthtorendertheBavarianprincesindebtedtome，“
saidhe，tohisonlyconfidante，CountHerzberg，ashebroughttohim，atSans-Souci，therenewedexpressionofthanksoftheprinceelector。“IwouldonlyprotectGermanyagainstAustria'sgrasp，andpreservetheequilibriumoftheGermanempire。Believeme，thehouseofHapsburgisadangerousenemyforthelittleGermanprincipalities，andifmysuccessordoesnotbearitinmind，andguardhimselfagainsttheirflatteriesandcat's-paws，Austriawillfleecehimasthecatthemousewhoisenticedbytheodorofthebacon。PrussiashallbeneitheramouseintheGermanempire，norserveasaroastforAustria。Butsheshallbeawell-trainedshepherd'sdogforthedear，patientherd，andtakecarethatnonegoastrayandarelost。”
“Yourmajestyhasdrawnanunfortunatecharacterforthefutureofourcountry，“sighedHerzberg，thoughtfully，“andImustgrantthatitissketchedwithseverebutcorrectoutlinessoitfollowsthatpoorGermanyhasmanycombatsandhardshipsinstore。”
“Whatdoyoumean?“askedtheking。“WhatcharacteristicdidI
name?“