Castle Hohenwald

9, by J. B. Li

1906, by A.

E HOH

PTE

host, the President, who, when he found how little heed was paid to his warning against imprudence, turned away, declaring to his friend the colonel that there really was nothing to be done with the

ou give a ball in April?" t

my keeping up the old custom and celebrating the occasion by a ball. This yea

; my officers have often braved more sudden changes of

is constitution is n

o harm. Come, come, let the young people alone.

ung officers upon the balcony, who had overheard all that had been said, laughingly grouped themselves

ht to take care of yourself, my dear Assessor; the sensitive nature of which you so often tell us can never endure what our coarse

Saldern,

a widow before she is a wife

place. It is true that I am peacefully disposed.

your own lips how lavishly mother nature has endowed you, denying you the gift of a robust constitution alone? Spare your preciou

ung fellows, and he knew that any serious remonstrance would but provoke anew Arnim's love of chaff. The more p

stened across the room to greet him, doubly pleased, since, if Arnim should chance to rally him upon

mbers, thoughtfully contemplating the brilliant scene. The élite of the large provincial town was assembled in the President's rooms to-

s of his house were quite famous,--his balls had been mentioned with favour by royalty itself,--had not the Prince, upon a visit to the town, accepted an invitation

he charming groups laughing and jesting on all sides, wondering while he gazed whom he should pronounce fairest among so many

face was indescribably lovely and attractive. The slightly pouting lips could surely smile charmingly, although now there

her before, and yet he longed to know why she, the fairest among this gay throng, sho

this moment? Scarcely of the whispered words of the man on the low seat beside her, for she never looked at him,

Count. I thought you were in Rome or Naples, and

not noticed his approach. Now, however, he held out his hand, saying, not unkindly, and with a smile, "You here

ed, "I have been here two years. Just after your departure, when I had passed my third examination, I was appointed to the post of assessor here. It is true that we forego much in the provinces, where however the heart finds truer contentment than amid the whirl of the capital, and therefore I am abundantly satisfied with my present li

e you are entirely at home in this society, where I am a total stranger. Not a soul in the room do I know exc

s are various, but as a poet nothing interests me more than the study of human feeling and aspiration. You have

ed your obliging amiability no less t

ature, but I make no boast of it. Que

on the divan to my left, with brown hair and the wreath of snow-drops; the beautiful creature who evidently care

o this enthusiastic description. "Ev

choly on that charming fac

orr! She may wel

e! You do not kn

o be wondered at that you take Frau von Sorr for a young girl: it is the same w

ng to her is, I su

and spendthrift, who throws away his money by thousands. They say Herr von Sorr knows how to pick it up, and th

d. "How deceived one may be by a face! I thoug

t scandal itself could not touch his charming wife. It is only on her account that he is endured in society in spite of his notorious past and his more t

e Russi

ntions. My observation is naturally very keen. I make no boast of it, but it is; and I am convinced that at this moment that poor woman is suffe

had inspired the Count, and it was still further heightened by a little scene tha

n him eyes flashing with indignation. The delicate colour in her cheek deepened to crimson, the beautiful lips unclosed as if to speak, when suddenly second thoughts seemed to assert their sway, and risi

o you think?" Count Sty

w went too far, and she

d I must hear more of her; pray tell me, m

. In the last few years he has squandered his own considerable property and his wife's fortune upon all sorts of follies, and worse, in the capital. What he now lives upon no one knows. All sorts of strange stories are told about that. They may not all be true, of course, but there must be som

rong, I sh

hen he sat next Sorr at play a hundred-thaler note had unaccountably disappeared; as I said, the man's character, or wa

ellow come to have

of his property. Herr Ahlborn, his wife's father, was a rich manufacturer; he never thought of saying 'no' when Sorr applied for his daughter's hand,--he was probably flattered by the pro

into the marriag

r sad fate with divine patience. Fortune dealt her its heaviest blows, for she lost her father, with whom she might have sought a refuge from her husband. Herr Ahlborn was ruined by the bankruptcy of a large business firm, and failed. There might have been some composition with his creditors, but being a man of an even exaggerated sense of honour, he gave up everything. Not one of his creditors lost a penny, but he forfeited his entire fortune. His business friends offered him money and credit wherewith to re-open his manufactory, but he could not endure the thought of beginning life again in a place where he had occupied so high a position. He became gloomy and misanthropic, even refusing to accept assistance from his daughter, who would gladly have given it to him. Taking with him but a small sum of money, the remnant of his large fortune, he left the scene of his former activity, ostensibly to sail for America. They say he never took leave of one of

s long narrative, saying, "Excuse me, my dear Count, for leaving you, but duty calls.

ever, for she herself, accompanied by Frau von Sorr, advanced to meet him, saying, with an enchanting smile that transport

Adèle. You cannot ask what I

ned; "the fulfilment of my request brings with it its own rewa

ntment to appear in his countenance, and his momentary annoyance vanished when Adèle continued, "We must be neighbours at supper, however; keep two places for me

ted him with such a degree of amiable confidence. He knew better than any one else how far he was from the attainment of his hopes, and therefore the bad

t which the guests seated themselves in groups selected among themselves beforehand. This obviated the necessity for caution lest the rules of

und an unoccupied table, and was looking round for Count Styrum and Adèle, when Count Repuin approached, and, without according him any salute

the Assessor was very much embarrassed. He was perfectly conscious of the obligation laid upon him to assert his right to escort to supper Frau von Sorr, whose hand still rested upon his arm, but such assertion was by n

htened. He cleared it, but could scarcely utter a word; nevertheless something must be ventured, else what would Fr?ulein A

aughtily replied, with a coldness that was almost insulting, "I did not address you, sir. It was not of your mistake th

ot do," Frau von

nd stood tall and stately before the Count, meeting his e

you forgotten, madame, that by your husband's permission I this morning requested to

ot even the words you addressed to me a fe

ily retorted. "If you deny me thus, I must a

Frau von Sorr is, I trust, secure from

n with a degree of dignity and resolution that added much to the Assessor's already great astonishment at such a manifestation on the part of so gentle and amiable a girl, and said, "You have per

his rage, and, taking Adèle's hand and kissing it with respectful humility, he said, "You shame me, Fr?ulein von Guntram, yet I cannot but be grateful to you for recalling me to a sense of the duty which, according not only to German ideas, but also to those entertained in Russia and throughout the world, every

hreat, but turned to Adèle, who replied to his word

escribably odious,--Russian from head to foot,--rough, coarse, and brutally passionate one moment, courteous, smooth, and smiling the next, but always false and untrustworthy. However, he has gone, and we will n

PTE

een for years. The ball had hitherto been rather a bore; he did not dance, and, stranger as he was in this society, he took little interest in watching others dance. The only figure that his eyes followed wit

et of and called his little sweetheart. In the busy years that ensued he had almost forgotten her; indeed, he had hardly remembered her name. Now he had come to M---- to arrange a personal adjustment with his uncle of a lawsuit between them concerning an inherited estate. It had been the cause of a not quite friendly corresponde

Heaven's sake, let it disturb the friendliness of our relations with each other any more than should our difference in politics, which latter, most unfortunately, embittered your father towards me during the last years of his life; to the day of his death he could not forgive me because we Prussians were victorious i

,--Karl was to her simply the son of an aunt whom she had dearly loved, and with whom she could remember passing happy weeks, in Dresden, in her childhood, when "Cousin Karl" had always been so kind to her. During all the long years of absence she had never forgotten him, and she treated him now with a degree of sisterly familiarity which greatly pleased him. He would gladly have availed himself of his uncle's kindness to pay frequent visits to his relatives, but his stay in M---- was very short, and most of his time was occupied in interviews with his lawyers, who would not listen to a friendly adjustment of the matter in hand, so that until this evening he had scarcely done more than exchange a few

here was no doubt that the golden-haired Adèle, with her earnest eyes sparkling with anger and then melting with tenderness, was, if not the more beautiful, by fa

t's melancholy and win a smile from her, she seemed to her cousin more enchanting than ever. She so managed the conversation that neither Frau von Sorr, who could not soon forget what had just occurred, nor the Assessor,

heir, had spent a year in attending the lectures at Tharandt. Then, in company with a former comrade in the army, who had been his fellow-student als

then asking an eager question, but Frau von Sorr was gradually aroused to attention and interest. The Assessor alone was very silent and not at all comfortable. In addition to the mortifying consciousness that he had failed entir

mention by the Count of the name of his companion, Arno von Hohenwald, he broke into the conversation with, "Do I understand you, Count? Are you really speaking of Baron Arno von Hohenwald? I can scarcely credit that you travelled for a year with that gloomy misanthrope, that inveterate woman-hater. And yet it must be so, for to my knowledge there is but one family of Hohenwalds in Saxony, and I ought to know, for I am distantly connected with them myself. I never j

gravely. "And yet I cannot blame you for it, for there are few who know how t

he is a perfect misanthrope, refusing to mingle in any soci

where you, my dear Assessor, are in your element. In the army he had but few intimates, And took no part in our card-parties and the like entertainments. Nevertheless he was a good comrade whom every one liked, for all knew that when there was need of a friend's assistance it was sure t

which ended in his being the furious woman-hater that he is! You must ask the Count to tell you that story, mada

ous," Frau von

t only confirmed all that Madame von Kleist said, but contributed various anecdotes to show that the old Baron was no better than an ogre, and that the son Arno was following worthily in his father's footsteps. The old Baron, they said, lives in perfect solitude in Castle Hohenwald, never seeing a visitor, nor indeed any one beside his two sons and his daughter, except, perhaps, the village priest, who is the young girl's tutor. All sorts of tales are told of the way in which the old man ha

prove the false reports current with regard to the Hohenwalds. "There can be no indiscretion," he said, "in relating facts known to many, although I certainly would rather avoid doing so since I know my friend Arno's dislike of any

ds might well apply to himself, but he judged it wise

on to-day. Another Hohenwald, the father of the present Baron, distinguished himself in the early part of this century as a warm friend of Prussia and a bitter opponent of the Franco-Saxon alliance and of the first Napoleon, who would have had him shot but for the interposition of the king, who declared, as Augustus the Strong had done, that the Hohenwalds were fools, not to be too severely dealt with. He, too, was sent to live in undisturbed retirement in his own castle. The present lord, Baron Werner, resembles his forbears; like them he is unyielding, keen in word and in action, a steadfast, severe man, living according to his own convictions, and holding himself aloof from a world that does not share them. I do not know him personally, but I have heard so much of him from my friend Arno and from my own father, who was intimate with him many years ago, that I have a very vivid idea of him, I can see him in my mind's eye,--a tall, stout old man, his stern face framed in beard and hair of silver, from whi

de a great deal of noise, are utterly without foundation. Even the Baroness, who died within a year after the separation, without seeing either husband or children again, never assigned to her parents any reason for her expulsion--for that is the only term to be applied to it--from Hohenwald. The relatives of the Baroness, who had hitherto always found a welcome at the castle, did all they could to effect a reconciliation between husband and wife, but they were repulsed by the Baron with such harshness and severity that they never renewed their efforts. My father, too, fared no better. Relying upon the clai

usly of his desire to see a friend from whom he had been separated for some time; but the Baron interrupted him with, 'Pray take no unnecessary pains, Count. I am not fond of idle phrases, and declare to you once for all that I will suffer no one to meddle in my affairs. If you have been sent hither, repeat this to whoever sent you; if you are here of you

d him to every one. So completely did he isolate himself from his former world that he answered no letters addressed to him except those relating solely to business. From that time he has led the life of a hermit in his castle, never leaving his estate, seeing no one except the pastor and the doctor. In spite of all this, his servants and the la

justice is one of my characteristics. I make no boast of it, for the gifts of nature are various; but so it is, and I am indebted to you

ou have already laid perhaps more than sufficient stress upon the faults which prevent mere acquaintances from rightly estimating his excellence

ter, then?" Adèle

rn to her father, Baron von Hohenwald recalled Arno to Hohenwald from school in Dresden, and engaged as tutor for him the pastor of the village, a very earnest and learned man. Thus the boy grew up sharing his father's solitude; perhaps his father confided to him the cause of his lonely life; certain it is that never during our years of intimacy has Arno mentioned to me his mother's name. His relations with his father were most intimate and affectionate. Whatever cause the old Baron had for repudiating his wife

associates at school had taught her the air and bearing of a higher social rank than her own. How could a young man, who knew nothing of society and the world, fail to be attracted by a girl of extraordinary beauty and a fair degree of culture, and with manners far above those of her class? How could he suspect the utter want of moral training beneath so fair an exterior, or dream of the arts that were practised to attract him? You spoke, Herr von Hahn, of a 'love-affair with the pretty daughter of a rope-maker;' a very grave 'love-affair' it was for Arno, for he asked the girl in marriage of her parents, and of course received from them a glad consent to his wishes. Not only this, but, to the extreme surprise of Rosalie's parents, the old Baron von

e with him. The colonel of our regiment, by advice from very high quarters, called upon Lieutenant von Hohenwald, but his representations availed nothing against my friend's obstinacy. Arno professed himself ready to request his dismissal from the army, but not to break his plighted faith. This offer on his part would doubtless have been accepted but that war with Prussia was imminent, an

was strange in her behaviour was fully explained to me by the physician whom I consulted with regard to my wound, and who had been a fellow-lodger of Arno's and his warm friend. As such he felt it his duty to acquaint me, the poor fellow's most intimate friend, with the wretched story that so closely concerned him, and that filled me with consternation and disgust. Arno had been infamously deceived both by his betrothed and by her parents, whose sole thought had been how to enrich themselves at whatever expense of honour and honesty. Some time before her betrothal to Arno, Rosalie had been secretly under the protection of a wealthy manufacturer in Dresden, her connection with whom, when the report of Arno's death seemed to her to free her from the necessity for concealment, became a day's theme for public gossip. She flaunted her disgrace abroad, meeting with no opposition from her parents in her downward career. There is no need to dwell upon the details of this miserable business; the investigations I felt it my duty to my friend to prosecute fully confirmed the physician's story. This being the case, what was I to do? Of course, I ought to acquaint Arno with the facts I had learned, and yet the knowled

did so, and he listened in gloomy silence, with downcast eyes, asking no question, giving no sign, except the convulsive clinching of the hand that lay on the coverlet, of the storm of emotion raging within him. When I had finished, he looked up with eyes that seemed to read my very soul. 'I do not thank you,'

arm was in a sling, while, although he supported himself upon a stout cane, he could scarcely stand. When I hurried towards him he sank, half fainting, into my arms, and I carried rather than led him to a lounge. He pressed my hand, and, as soon as he could speak, said, 'I thank you; you told me nothing but the truth, and yet not all the truth. You have saved me from a horrible fate, and I never will forget it. Add still further to my obligations to you by granting me one request: I entreat you never, never again to make the faintest allus

hat my lovely cousin Adèle, as the daughter of a Prussian official high in rank, could hardly appreciate the feeling that made it impossible for us to continue in the army after peace was concluded. Arno's political opinions so closely coincided with my own that our plan

nwald; that his father's seclusion must be invaded by no stranger. He attained his wish, however; his father had no objection to make to his plans; and so we both went to Tharandt to study, and later travelled through Europe together, until my father's death called

TER

deed, was so impressed and interested by all that she heard of the Freiherr th

signal for the renewal of dancing, by leaving the supper-room escorted by her cavalier. This duty the young girl, usually so attentive a hostess, had wellnigh forgotten, and she would have continued to question her cousin upon the subject that so interested her, had not her brother Heinrich remi

not used to be so eager to dance," Adè

s you would have seen yourself had not interest in your conversation with our cousin made you

o the ball-room. The other couples followed her immediately, and the supper-room was soon emptied of all the guests with the exception of the elderly gentlemen, for whom the

ited until the dancing should have begun to assemble there the chosen few. His father discountenanced gaming, and therefore there had been no mention of play before supper, but now that the President was occup

stood in a doorway, gloomily watching Frau von Sorr as she was wal

car

cour

ou aske

ou kno

do me a great favour if y

he always lost, when he did lose, with great equanimity, but he was naturally disinclined to exte

Whatever Arnim might say at the club with regard to Sorr, be sure that beneath your roof he will

d far rather that the invitation should come from you than from me. I could th

said was that he would not play when Sorr kept the bank, and we can easily arrange that. I will not f

rved that Count Styrum was standing alone, looking on at the dancers. "You are no dan

; and just now, as you

f you have not forsworn cards, cousin, you will find in my room a

u play

one else among us does so, except perhaps Herr von Sorr, when he has any money, w

t in the game. He would have refused his cousin's invitation but that he was curious to know more of Herr von Sorr, and thought that no better opportunity could offer for meeting the man who was husband to the beautiful woman who

r von Saldern, who, impatient to beg

s; each put in tw

t ten of us, and that would only make two hundre

ave a comfortable evening, and not dip too deep in one another's pockets. I agree to Guntr

t w

g; he has a wonderful scent for cards. I have declared that I

aking of Herr von Sorr, my dear Arni

ght to feel flattered by my fear of him. At all events, I am superstitious, and feel sure I shall lose my mone

seated themselves at the table; and Guntram, after receiving twenty-five thalers from each of the players, began

von Sorr," he added, aloud, as the latter seemed inclined to take a seat between Arnim and Count Styrum, "be good enough to find

ir tone and the manner in which they were uttered; but Sorr either did not or would not perceive intentional offence in them, an

had he been more disagreeably impressed by any one, and yet he could hardly tell why this was so. Herr von Sorr's features were regular; his fair full beard and curling light hair became him well; his blue eyes were fine in form and colour; but the expression of both features and eyes was to

there was a little heap of silver and paper money, from which he took his stakes and to which he added his winnings; beside it lay the pocket-book of the Count, who, for want of small notes, had one of larger amount changed by the banker. The gam

who began to stake larger sums, cursed his luck loudly, and was laughed at by Arnim, who had a ready word o

unt Repuin, who emptied glass after glass of the champagne, which Sorr refused, confining himself to a few glasses of seltzer water. The wine, however, appeared to produce no effect upon the Russian; he seem

p his money; "and you too, Count Styrum, seem but little interested. Shall we not, without disturbing the others, take a quiet

stranger in the next room? He must have some special aim in view, although what this was Styrum could not divine. He hesitated to accept the invitation of the man whose behaviour towards Frau von Sorr had so d

ht this interview with you for a graver object than any discussion of Italian experiences. I shall therefore, without circumlocution, come to the point at once with a question whic

n is indeed a

tely, if you will be so ki

I sat down to play I had five one-hundred-thaler notes in my pocket-book; one of these I exchanged for two fifties; one of these again I put into my pocket-book, using the other for the ga

d my apparently indiscreet question. Be so obliging as to take out you

is is a most extr

but you would greatly oblige me by first glancing at the conten

s pocket-book and counted his notes, finding, to his great astonishment, that they nu

t?" asked Repuin, who was wat

t must have dropped on the floor when I

ssian calmly rejoined. "I will find it for you, and, in doing s

o the next room, he called, in an imperious tone, "Herr von S

is breast-pocket, but before it could reach it it was seized by Count Repuin and held as if in a vice. "Leave t

ing the Russian lik

Although Repuin's last words had been spoken in a tone so low as to reach Sorr's ears alone, all had heard his first authoritative summons

n, gentlemen, we had better finish the game and go back to the ball-room as soon as possible.

" Herr von Sal

hat, and see that each one receives his due

untram that the less we hear of what is going on in the next room the better. Let us go back to the ball-room. This scandalous scene will at all events co

on of the riddle I have just read you, Count." As he spoke he leaned against the closed door, and looked with disdainful contempt

money; he remembered all that the Assessor had said of Sorr, and, recalling the keen scrutiny that Repuin had bestowed upon Sorr's movements at the gaming-table, he could not doubt why the Russian had summoned the pale, trembling wretch before him. Still, he could not understand the triumph with which Repuin was regarding

o not reply? Well, I will tell you; it is at present in Herr von Sorr's breast-pocket, whither it was conveyed from your pocket-bo

hought his friend. Pale and trembling, unable to articulate a word in self-defence, he bowed before the terrible fat

note to Count Styrum

l ruled him irresistibly. Automatically be put his hand into his

s your part, as the sufferer by his theft, to decide this. Shall we deliver him over to justice and a jail? He is ripe for it; this is not his first crime o

self at the Russian's feet. But Repuin thrust him from him. "Hands

etched Sorr turned with clasped hands. "Spare me, Count!"

le worldling who had squandered his means in every kind of low dissipation and was now nothing more nor less than a common thief? He deserved mercy less than di

of the horrible fate impending over her, had but a short time before listened to his words with such interest. Would not a just sentence pr

him to waver no longer. What reason had Count Repuin for convicting his friend of a theft? Was he weary of a friendship which, as the Assessor reported, cost him so much money? Had the disdainful repulse he had but now received f

aid, hastily. "What is do

itality extended to us beneath this roof to avoid a scandal wh

fellow go scot-free?"

illainy, his sole punishment must be the memory of th

d Sorr, to whose cheeks the colour began to return,

but to consideration for the society in which I find you, that you are spared the punishment you deserve. Go,--t

ow he should combat it. As Sorr approached him he looked up. "You are in too great a hurry," he said, disdainfully. "You and I are not yet quits; we have a few points to discuss that would hardly interest Count Styrum. I left the decision in this matter to you, Count, since you were the injured party, a

comply; he had no right to remain, although an imploring look from Sorr seemed to entreat him to do so.

Russian he was once more able to speak; his wrath he might hope to appease. Although Repuin's savagely passionate nature had always impressed him with a kind of terror, he thought he could devise a means to pacify him, difficult

nt at your hands? You know how devoted I am to your interests, how grateful for all you have done for me,--that

He had spent months in studying this man, and his servile, degraded soul was a

ssurances of friendship and gratitude, but to put a stop to any such. I have lost my interest in the game which you and your beautifu

understand

e to me; I knew, when I brought you to Guntram's room to-night, that you would deliver yourself into my hands, either by che

t of him was due to no sudden impulse, no outbreak of passion, but was the result of a cool, well-considered sc

ir with that other lost note of Herr von Saldern's, which I see you remember, but the fruit was not quite ripe, and I disdained to shake the tree. I am not fond of violent measures. I prepare them for my use, but I use them only in cases of absolute necessity. So long as I hoped to win your wife to listen to my suit, and to purchase her husband's easy compliance with money and a s

claimed, marking with terror the s

ered a few passionate words in her ear; and although by agreement with you she was eng

omised me so faithfully! She shall atone f

powerful, you should have exerted it e

I swear you shall. I do not deserve that you should punish me thus for Lucie's acti

have to expect, I will tell you plainly what I meant, and still mean to do. Entire frankness is the best policy between us. I love your wife passionately, madly; I have

e beauty when young men of fortune were to be decoyed to his house and to the gaming-table; his dissipated life had long since destroyed in him all ennobling affection for her; he felt no jealousy upon seeing her surrounded by admirers; he had even exulted when th

impossible!" he

o. Your fate in such a case is certain. Your only alternative would be to send a bullet through your brains before you were arrested. If, however, you consent to my will, I will not only be silent, and engage that Count Styrum shall be silent, but I will also pay y

age resolve, he felt that all hope was lost. "My wife

present support is closely confined behind bolts and bars? Upon the other hand paint to her the delights of a life by my side. There is no wish that she can frame that it will not be my joy

the Count's anger, and yet he dared not keep back the truth: "her pride transcends be

only to leave it immediately with your wife upon whatever pretext you may devise,--a sudden indisposition or something of the kind. I owe it to Count Styrum that you spend not an instant longer than is absolutely necessary beneath this

unt

upon you if you fail! I shall expect you to-m

hdrew, and finding Heinrich's room--whence the gamblers h

PTE

the assemblage a rumour that interfered greatly with the merriment of the evening. It was first heard in the ball-room; whence it originated no one could exactly tell, but there it was, flying from lip to lip. The younger men were seen to crowd ar

one could tell, but it circulated everywhere in the ball-room, and finally penetrated to the smoking-room,

playing, it is true, but there were only a few couples on the floor, and

the best authority--her informant had begged that his name might not be mentioned--that there was not a word of truth in the whole story. It all came from Herr von Arnim's recklessly accusing Herr von Sorr of playing unfairly. Poor Herr von Sorr was very likely not so much to blame; he played high, to be sure, but, good heavens! plenty of people did that nowadays, and Arnim was probably irritated because Sorr's luck was better than his own. He had lost his temper, accused Sorr of cheating; Sorr

rthy, but there must be something wrong, else how could the report of some kind of scene in Heinrich's room have circulated everywher

duced her to pay some heed to the talk of the two old ladies in hopes of learning some fact of consequence. Her only satisfaction had been in hearing that her cousin, Count Styrum, could give her the information she desired. It was not easy, however, to enter into conversation with him, for immediately upon his return to the bal

"I suspect why you have sought me. You want to know the truth with regard to the occurrence in Heinrich

s there a woman so self-controlled as she. Look, she is smiling now, as she must so often when her heart is almost breaking; but she cannot qu

st unfortunate woman the disgraceful scene which I was forced to witness. You are her most intimate friend, and yet I doubt

longer tête-à-tête with her cousin, if she withdrew with him from the throng; but she would brave it all for the sake of her poor Lucie. "

in the ball-room when Styrum le

g. I know they are relatives and all that, but it is possible to presume too much upon such relat

ered in her turn. "Adèle is as good as betrothed to the

handsome cousin. It is scandalous! Who would have thought of such things happening here a

ised her to ask infor

ll all about the matter if he would; you never hinted a word of advice. But of course Fr?ulein Adèle will blame you if her father scolds

lustrade, and the Count is standing at a respectful distance talking to her. He is telling her all about Herr von Sorr, it is plain to be seen; and at any rate, my dear, what affair is it of ours if Fr?ulein Adèle find

to Sorr; they had been matter of discussion in the President's family circle, and her father had often declared that he could not ask to his house a man whose reputation was so bad. It was only in compliance with Adèle's entreaty t

at he had ever been engaged in any dishonourable transaction she did not believe. Nevertheless, at times, when Lucie seemed oppressed with a sadness which no words of hers could relieve or lighten, doubts had occurred to her; doub

arned that all that had been hitherto whispered of evil against Sorr

, when Styrum had finished his narrative. "What will b

the thief or to bring him to justice, and he acquiesced in my decision, that out of consideration for your father the fellow must be let alone. And no one can blame him for wishing to adjust without my assistance his own relations with Sorr, who has hitherto passed in society for his friend. He has only done his duty, and that in the most honourable manner. All this I admit, and yet I cannot help suspecting that he acted in accordance with a deep-laid scheme and in furthera

as to me, and I was indescribably happy to see her once more. She showed me all her old affection, but not her old confidence. I soon perceived that she was very unhappy,--she could not prevent my seeing that,--but to all my questions she returned evasive answers, and I only judged from common report that her marriage was an unhappy one, she has never spoken of it to me. And of her relations with Count Repuin I know only what my own observation has taught me. He has been for months Sorr's most intimate friend; they seemed inseparable. Sorr lives very quietly, he never gives large parties, but he frequently entertains a few friends, among who

and filled with tears. How beautiful her eyes were!--almost more beautiful now when thei

on Sorr had already interested him; he was now resolved to do everything in his power to

in. "What will happen?" To this he could make no repl

ot help me to protect my poor Lucie from that horr

replied, taking her hand and kissing it so fer

How we can aid my friend I do not yet know, but I am sure that in her great need she will accord me her

f me what you will, you

hope. But look, cousin, there comes Repuin, followed by S

o this, since he did not wish to disturb the dancers. He paused in the doorway and let Sorr pass him, saying as he did so, "Good-night, my dear fellow," in a tone evidently intended

ch that worthy was about to address to him, by saying, "I am sorry for poor Sorr; he seems to me in a very bad way. See,

ntirely the effect of champagne?" th

o you think he can be ser

uted; but it enables me to understand you, Count, and it makes it all the more painful for me to tell you that you never will succeed in crushing this scandal,--nothing else if talked of throughout the room. See how every one looks

was obliged to pass in gaining his wife's side. What had taken place in Heinrich's room was already known here, then. The young offic

hoped to find the ball-room filled with dark rumours, and his wishes were gratified. Sorr would now be convinced that it needed bu

n," he said. "What ugly story is it that my discretion is to crush? Why should po

know bes

o propound them to me, but to tell me plainly what has happened.

lace in Heinrich's study, and had added his opinion that "Sorr was now done for," since Repuin had doubtless detected him in cheating at the game. Arnim's

osition. The only way out of it for him was to tell the Count what reports

since it concerns a private matter of Count Styrum's, to whom I have promised silence, but this rumour must be contradicted. Pray come with me,

ed Repuin's intention and were curious to know more of the scene in Heinrich's study. Thus the Russian was surrounded by quite an

s special evening; a scandal that had called forth a decided rebuke from the President with regard to the gaming in his son's apartment. He was also annoyed at the indiscretion that h

rtunate misunderstanding, which appears to be wide-spread. It concerns a conversation which took place between your cousin, Count Styrum, Herr von Sorr, and m

fuse to accede to his request. He beckoned to Count Styrum, who had returned from conductin

rder that the serenity of this charming entertainment may not be disturbed by any silly gossip. I therefore declare, and beg all the gentlemen who hear me to take notice of what I say, that the conversation between Count Styrum, Herr von Sorr, and myself, which ha

rom them that the question was of a personal disagreement, which, after a friendly adjustment, was to be forgotten. Did they not imply a justification of Sorr which S

Count?" Repuin asked again, on noticing Sty

it might give rise to a further misunderstanding, which is under all circumsta

there was no talk of a quarrel between Count Styrum and Herr von

ld be treated by another, you must do it rather more formally. Your conduct towards Herr von Sorr exposed him to suspicions which nothing that either Count Styrum or you have said suffices to allay. I have no desire, Count, to meddle in your private affairs; I do not care to know what was

d in making such a decl

mit that any one has a right to demand of me

o Heinrich von Guntram, he added, "I think, Guntram, that you now owe it to yourself, to your family

on of my words!" exclaimed Repuin, w

ough, and more than enough, annoyance for to-night. Have some regard for my father and my sis

puin. "Herr and Frau von Sorr are just leaving the roo

the matter is settled. You must decide for yourself, Guntram, how to act in future with regard to this precious Herr von Sorr. Do not, gen

ty as Sorr's champion. Everything was taking the course he desired; his victim could

Their suburban dwelling was not far from the President's, it took scarcely a q

avoided any such altogether. She knew nothing decided with regard to what had occurred at the President's. A few remarks, not intended for her ear, had hinted at a most disagreeable scene, in which her husband had been implicated, and in her anxiety she had ap

ar, few but significant. "Courage, dearest Lucie; remember, I am yo

m. Adèle could not know how insulting had been Count Repuin's presumption, or how sharply he had been reproved.

ncast had he looked on the day when he told her that the last remnant of his property had been lost at the gaming-table, and that not his money only, but also his honour would be sacrificed if he could not quickly find means to pay his gambling de

o, and she only called this scene to mind now because he had the same air of utter despair

rk ways by which he maintained his position in society was misery enough. Why should she wish to know the terrible truth? He must have been playing again; Repuin had probably lost, and some quarrel had

e. In the anteroom he lighted the two candles left in readiness for them. When they returned from an evening entertainment it was his custom, after lighting the candles, to retire

oding that a crisis in her destiny was at hand; that the communication whic

and then sank upon the sofa as if exhausted. He sat for a long time i

sofa, silently watching him, marking the convulsive twitching of his lips, the

nd paced the room with hurried, irregular strides, pausing at last before his wife. He tried to look at her, but he could not meet her eye. It was inexpressibly difficult to speak the

ot to be borne; he must break it by some wo

a long while," was Lucie's rep

--everything! More than we ever possessed! I am overwhelmed with debt; we

ve adopted it

tonishment. "What do

t last I shall bless this hour. By honest labour we can regain what we have lost. We have influential friends, by whose aid we can easily begin life anew in another city. You can

are

ure enough to eat! Tiresome work, from morning until night, and hectored by a superior officer, to whom one must cringe. Regarded askance by gentlemen. A pretty position! No, rather a bullet through my brains and the whole mummery at an end. No need to waste a word upon such nonsens

rcing herself to speak calmly; "a Catholic marriage can

it myself, but upon calm reflection you will see that in it lies our only means of salvation. You must first know how matters stand with me, and this I will tell you in as few words as poss

worst forebodings,--a thief! And he could confess his shameful deed thus with cynical frankness; he did not even repent it; he was not cru

ll share my dishonour. The wife of the thief who has escaped punishment only by voluntary death is an outcast from society. Your plan of honest labour would prove futile, for none would intrust their children's instruction to a woman at whom the world points the finger of scorn. You will sink into utter misery; that will be your fate, as mine will be to die by my own hand, if you refuse to accede t

of me?" Lucie inquire

ady to make any sacrifice for you now. But if he is again repulsed he is resolved upon revenge; he will then be our deadly foe; he will ruin both you and me. You see what is before us. If, however, you consent to our separation. Count Repuin will take

ot endure life until he should have ended, but she summoned up all her strength of mind and succeeded in conquering the t

an, and overwhelm him with reproaches for having dared to suggest such a scheme, but nothing of all this had occurred; she had listened quietly. He had prepared himself to overpower her resistance with th

a wife owes to her husband? You distinctly consent to our separation, and declare that you have no longer any claim upon either my life

that you are entirely free by my desire," Sorr replied,

ree before I decide. Unless you say 'yes' unconditionally, I swear

ucie; tell me what to say to Repuin; he expects me tomorrow

shall have my reply be

Luci

. I will not d

l. To-morrow morning ea

and, without even looking at him, took up a candle and left t

PTE

de the Prince bestowed upon him the hunting castle where he had previously been overseer, and in memory of his bravery gave him the name of Hohenwald,[2] which gradually came to belong to the castle and the neighbouring village on the estate. The ti

reach the grange; they thought themselves amply compensated by the wonderful beauty of the site of the castle, buried in the depths of a magnificent forest. The love of solitude seemed inherrent in the Hohenwalds. If some among them had in their youth frequented the Court, of Dresden, they were sure to return finally to Castle Hohenwald, and none of them ever left it in summer. They had lavished so much money and taste in fitting it up for a home, that it would indeed have been difficult to find one more charming and desirable. The imperial colonel had first begun to improve and add to the old hunting-nest, and each of his successors had done his part in giving fresh beauty and grace to castle, to gardens, and even to the forest, a po

and he thought more of solid comfort than of superficial splendour. Nothing had been spared to make the rooms pleasant and comfortable, but the hangings and

a terrace, whence a flight of steps led into the garden. As the castle crowned an eminence, from this terrace almos

here, even in winter, and in summer, when the tall doors were thrown wide open, the view from them part

again to his bedroom by his servant or by his son Arno. Every day he sat at the open doors, gazing out into the garden. In former years he had devoted much time to his garden; he was enthusiastically fond of flowers, but since the gout had confined him to his rolling-ch

ng in their beauty and the mild air of spring. He was in the most contented of moods; his book was laid aside; he could read at any time; storms did not interfere with that. His keen

thrope in this kindly old man with genial smile and gentle eyes; but the next moment the expression of the mobile fea

n former years his ears had been familiar enough with it; he could not be deceived. A visit was impending, for the road led only to Castle Hohenwald and ended there; any traveller upon

servant instantly appeared at the door leading into the hall. "Did you hear

Franz calmly replied. "Wh

re; hear it for yourself. The cursed postilion is bl

the greatest astonishment, as he hearkened to

z, to the castle gate; you know what to say. I receive no one; I'm sick,--I cannot see anybody. The carriage must turn round and go back; whoever it m

ebrows. With one hand he stroked, as was his habit when vexed, his full silver beard, with the other he rapped upon the

ould be the He

ed the Freiherr, mollified on the instant. "Of cou

he movement caused him, that he might better overlook the road leading up the hill, for i

sat an elegantly-dressed man leaning back among the cushions,

d at the unexpected arrival of his eldest son, for the frown did not quite leave his brow. He looked annoyed. "What does he want, co

he stones of the court-yard, and a few minutes later the Finanzrath vo

ess to their father, the brothers were so unlike that it was only after long familiarity with them, and a careful comparison of their features, that any resemblance between them could be detected. Both were handsome men, tall and shapely, but their air and bearing were entirely dissimilar, Arno having preserved the erect mil

st cordially. "I am delighted to see you looking so well, father," he said, kindly. "I trust that terrible gou

e-wisp? In the forest, in the park, in her boat on the lake, in the

moment, as it gives me an opportunity to speak to you and Arno, father, of a matter that lies very near my heart, and that I should like to have settled before I s

ve you any fault to find again with

to you and to Arno in regard to her. You both spoil the girl so completely that

wn up," Arn

. She is a charming, sweet-tempered creature, and I can hardly blame you, living with her here in this lonely forest, for being

laimed, angrily. "What are you think

or you will hardly call our old Kaselitz, who has always spoiled the child to her heart's content, a fit associate for a Fr?ulein von Hohenwald. The only person of education with whom Celia comes in contact, with the exception of yourself and Ar

nto the world!" the Freih

ou, 'You have robbed me of the joys of life, father! I might have been a happy wife and mother, but since you chose to keep me by your sid

led the Freiherr. "But go on. I shoul

les a fowling-piece with the skill of a gamekeeper. So far so good; but does she understand how to conduct herself in society? does she possess the talent

p to be a fine lady!" the

ulture, but a Baroness von Hohenwald should not be utterly ignorant of the forms of society. Celia must learn to conform to

now paused before his brother and nodded assent. "I, too, have pondered upon what was to be done for Celi

haps the one that will prove least pleasing to my father. Frau von Adelung's school in Dresden has the best of reputations, and Frau von Adelung herself is a woman of refinement and culture, who mov

ul to have my Celia, but I tell you, once for all, I will not hear of it. I cannot part with the child. Celia is my sunshine in this gloomy house. My heart rejoices at the sight of her. Th

of angry reproach had become

and mother," he said; and then continued: "If you will not part with Celia, she must have the training here in Hohenwald

y after day, week after week, and always have her interfering between our Celia and ourselves! Our entire life would have to be changed. If so pretentious a person were to come here she would require t

lia to school? I confess

oner than part with Celia I will endure a governess in the house. After all, she will be only a

o sit at table with us, nor to jo

ferable," the Freihe

ave recourse t

d school," growled the Freiherr; "let us

declaring that not a word more should be said upon the subject until Celia w

he matter settled on the instant. He saw, however, that his father was coming round, and he feared to injure his

n door leading to the garden, and a charming young girl appeared upon the threshold. It was Celia,

ms around his neck. "You are a dear, darling old papa!" she cried, gayly. "You will not let your Celia be sent to school like a little child; you will not let m

. He had not seen her for nearly a year; he had not been at Hohenwald since the Freiherr's last birthday, and during this time Celi

in the bright smile that lit up her lovely features, and in the gay defiance with which, after having fairly smothered her father with kisses, she confronted the Finanzrath with

tening, Celia?" th

hen crept up to the door on tiptoe. There, to my horror, I heard how the redoubtable Finanzrath had the impudence to tell my darling old papa that he

e had brought Celia up, mother Nature had done the best that was possible for her. Her every movement was graceful, her bearing that of a lady, and even

eplying. "You were ready enough just now to prate about my want of social elegance, and Herr Arno, in the ch

ried in high glee. "The little

you, if you ever send me to boarding-school I will run away immediately. Even if I have to beg my way back to Ho

if you had ever seen Frau von A

treat me as such. Remember that, Werner. I

say that I never will permit such an arrangement: that I

n I without you. So let Arno talk as he pleases. You and I know that I am very well brought up. Neither you nor Arno has ever found any fault with my manners,

ng. "So elevated a resolve adopted by a g

e! In two months I

not so advanced but that you may still have somethin

I have not practised much lately. Our good old p

u have considerable talent, and might give my father a great deal of pleasure if you had a good teacher.

s, I should like it very well, but if it tires the

a new leaf, and practise well,

pon the subject, for I foresaw that my plan of sending you to school would meet with invincible opposition from you and

Am I, grown up as I am, to be ordered about by an ugly old governess in green spectacles? I can hear her now: 'Fr?ulein Celia, sit up; you are stooping again! Fr?ulein Celia, no young lady should climb a chestnut-tree. Fr?ulei

very highly an accomplished young person, who, so far as I know, neither wears green spectacles nor

ia is right; the lady could not stay here a week. Our lonely castle is no place for such a wonder, nor is Celia any pupil for her. Neither my father nor I c

ame of the sex," Celia said, wi

sp. No need to talk artificial nonsense to you; you are no

er, the lady recommended by Frau von Ad

it. Most of them are pedantic, and al

d within its walls, that the governess would have no companionship save Celia's, that my father was ill, and therefore unfit for social intercourse, that Arno was a woma

u von Adelung's r

ind of situation that F

u describe, talented and accomplished, desire to bury herself in the solitude of

y in despair at his losses, and gave me to suppose, although for the young lady's sake she did not say so directly, that the poor girl was betrothed, and that the loss of her money broke her engagement. Alone, and dependent entirely upon her own exertions, the unfortunate girl is anxious to earn an honourable livelihood. The solitude of Castle Hohenwald, Frau von Adelung maintains, would make the situation here peculiarly desirable to Fr?ulein Müller. I expressly sta

tranger and his desire that Celia's education might be complete. But he was so far won over to the Finanzrath's views that he would not say 'no' to his plan. Celia must decide. "Well,

would be laid upon her in the future. But she thought also of her father's pleasure in her progress in music, and more than all, it

llow, Werner!" she said, after a short pause for reflection. "You do just what you please with us; but

ide. She had been serious long enough, and she ran laughing into t

PTE

t curve into Saxony, so that the Grünhagen lands are almost shut in by the Hohenwald forests and fields. The Grünhagen forest indeed forms a continuation of the magnificent woods of beech and oa

he herd-boy was not sufficiently on the alert, would stray into the Grünhagen fields and be taken into custody by Herr von Poseneck's people, and on one occasion the Hohenwald forester had actually sequestrated the fowling-piece of Herr von Poseneck, when that gentleman, who was devoted to

ened by the fact that, since the annexation of Saxony with Prussia, the Posenecks had become Prussian noblemen. No Hohenwald ever visited Grünhagen, and even in the days when Hohenwald h

tation when, in 1849, Kurt von Poseneck, who had allied himself with great enthusiasm to the revolutionists, was forced to sell Grünhagen to his brother-in-law, the Amtsrath

d all that he could to avoid giving cause for offence to the Hohenwalds, while he overlooked any slight trespass on their part. Thus open strife was avoided, but

he Hohenwald servants, from the steward and inspector to the commonest stable-boy, held the "Grünhagen Prussians" for an odious race of men,

in the meadow bordering upon the Grünhagen lands, stopped his horses and stared in surprise at a young, well-dressed man sauntering slowly along the disused road, crossing the boundary, and then, when near the village of Hohenwald, striking into a b

ovely landscape spread before him, the fertile fields and meadows, girdled by the glorious oaken forest, now clothed in the delicious green of early spring. As he reached its borders he paused again t

ange hatred of the two proprietors for each other. He had laughed aloud when the Amtsrath Friese had told him of it at Grünhagen, and he could not

ow foot-path crossed a broad road through the wood; here the stranger paused irresolute and looked about him searchingly. To the right the road wound through the forest, in whose depths it vanished; to the left it led through rows of trees up a gentle incline to Castle Hohenwald, one of the wings of which the stranger could discern in the distance. He had not thought himself so near the castle; the foot-path must have led him astray. According to the directions of the Grünhagen inspector, he should be upon the path which, cutting off a corner, was a more direct road to the Grünhagen woods than the one leading from the mansion; but if

a child. There was a bright smile upon her charming face, her eyes beamed with happiness,

denly started and shied, probably frightened by t

ng Amazon kept her seat perfectly, punished her horse by a smart cut with her whip, as she exclaimed, "What are you

ly from the higher walks of society. Now a well-educated young lady would certainly have found it becoming in such an unexpected encounter with a stranger in the lonely forest to display a certain amount of embarrassment, perhaps of timidity. Not so Celia. She scanned the intr

think," he replied, "that I have the hono

ch grown up. Hitherto she had been only Celia. Even the servants, who had known her from infancy, called her nothing but Fr?ulein Celia

t, produced a visiting-card, which he handed to her, saying, "I must pray your fo

e expression of her eyes manifested such surprise and even terror, that for Kurt all the inherit

enerations, Kurt had laughed heartily, but now when he thought he saw that this insensate hate had taken root in the heart of this lovely child, he

d a greater degree of attention at this young man, who did not in the least resemble the picture she had form

r cross-grained nor quarrelsome as his fr

her brother Arno and far handsomer, for Arno looked stern and gloomy, while Kurt smiled kindly. His full brown beard and moustache became him

irrored in her eyes,--and Kurt perceived to his great satisfaction the first start

ou shared the melancholy prejudice that has been the cause of so many terrible disputes

ecially

ks quarrel and hate one another as they choose, Fr?ulein Cecilia von Hohenwald and Kurt von Poseneck never shall be enemies!' Forget the mutual dislike that has divided our families. Will you not promise me this? I know it i

r always scolds me for having my heart upon my li

is We

new; but indeed you cannot know much about u

o. I knew and admired you, Fr?ulein von Hohenwald, from his description, and I am doubly rejoiced that chance has brought us toge

romise she held out her hand to Kurt, although her horse seem

friends, and I trust, Fr?ulein von Hohenwald, that if you should meet me again in the Hohenwald forest, bou

uld reach the Grünhagen wood by pursuing a path leading directly to the lake in the Hohenw

way through the lonely wood; she thought it very natural that she who was at home here should d

her how he had served in the Northern army in the war with the South, attaining the rank of major before it was over. He had then resigned, and, after his father's death, had disposed of the American property, and had now returned to Germany to assist in the managem

his uncle had told him, there was no possibility of establishing friendly relations between Hohenwald and Grünhagen, and tha

rno would have liked so much to ask his dearest friend, a Count Styrum, to stay with us; but, although papa thinks very highly of the Count, and says himself

o make your brother Arno's acquaintance; this will surely be faci

clined to come in contact with strangers. He never left Castle Hohenwald except when some

inking of? I have my own darling papa, and Arno, who is so kind; you cannot conceive how kind he is. Then I have my tutor, dear old Pastor Quandt, to whom I go every morning

t laugh at me," she said, with some irritation. "I am afraid I have said something that I ou

ge question, Fr?ul

yes' or 'no.' Ought I to

smile. "Do you really want

ould provoke me very

as you ask. In truth, I think you might learn much of a really good g

dious

I should provoke y

o have only known me a quarter of an hour, see that I need a governess, it must be so. But here

ng-whip a narrow path, so grass-grown that it could have bee

" Kurt asked, unpleasantly sur

y not angry with you," she said, cordially. "I was provoked, I do not deny it, that you should have

meant nothing

so pleasant to have you tell me more about America and your adventures there. But that cannot be,

in my goo

almost every afternoon about this hour, and am very fond of the broad r

Fr?ulein von

er horse with the whip, and vanished in a min

as it not something more than chance that had decreed that he, who had found his way so often

ad, the more direct course across the Grünhagen fields to the woods, but scarcely had he reached it, when chance guided him to the very spot upon the broad road leading from Castle Hohenwald where he had been so unfortunate as to frighten Celia's horse. The same chance that led Kurt to this place arranged that Celia also, who had hitherto been very careless about the time at which she took her afternoon ride, suddenly required her horse to be saddled on the stroke of four. Old John, the groom, cou

nce conducted her to the very spot where she had met him yesterday, and where she now met him again.

lady could not appoint a rendezvous with a young man whom she had seen but once, and then only for a short time. Of course it was c

tient horse! She held the curb in a firm grasp, but there was nothing unfeminine in the strength thus put forth. For a while her whole attention was given to her horse, but when she had reduced him to a state of obedient quiescence she replied kindly to Kurt's greeting, and when he expressed his pleasure that a fortun

the night helping her to hang oaken garlands all about her father's beloved garden-room, that he might be surprised by their beauty when Franz rolled him in from his bedroom at five o'clock on his birthday morning. And her father had been very much delighted,--he so loved his

aves and in the completion of her gift for her father charmed him. He thought her almost more lovely now than when, a few moments before, her eyes had sparkle

ld father, whom strangers could never portray truly, for no one knew how dear and good he was. Arno too, Frau Kaselitz and Pastor Quandt had often told her, was just as little known or appreciated as his father. She had seen yesterday, from the compassionate way

in consequence so misjudged. Arno, too, was as kind as he could be. He might look stern and gloomy, but he was not so,--only very sad,--and for this he had good cause. He had been betrothed, and had lost his love, of whom he was inexpressibly fond. Celia did not know how it had happened. Frau Kaselitz would not tell her anything about it, and she could not ask Arno, for when the engagement had been broken some years before, her fa

d passionate, but he had quite conquered this fault. Now he rarely allowed himself to be carried away by anger; his self-control was so great that even when he was deeply irritated he could preserve a perfect calmness of manner, and this was why he had such influence wi

nstantly laughed, and added, "Well, it may be best,--you think so, and

kind, but she could not love him as she did papa and Arno; she could not tell why, but so it was, and she could not deny that she was always a little glad when he went away again. She was quite sure th

achelor, and Frau Kaselitz, the housekeeper, who could not do enough to show her love for her darling Fr?ulein Celia. She, Frau Kaselitz, was the childless widow of one of the former stewards of Hohenwald, and had passed her entire life either in the village or at the

t Castle Hohenwald, and his admiration for the lovely speaker was increased tenfold. What a treasure of simple con

asked about his uncle Friese, and was amazed to learn that he was an amiable, kindly old man, who only desired to live at p

as Kurt, was surprised to find that they had reached the Grünhagen woo

turn back," said Cel

liked to talk on with her forever, and although in Celia's manner there w

nd," Celia added, with

g out his hand to Celia, he continued: "Chance has been so kind to-day that I trust it will prove no less so in the

ter day the pair passed slowly along the forest road to the Grünhagen woods, deep in innocent but profoundly interesting conversation. Kurt was on the spot with unfailing punctuality at four o'clock, and a few minutes later Celia would appear on Pluto, who now greeted Kurt wi

isconsolately watched the skies, covered with dull gray clouds that gave no ho

rm-chair and comfortably sipping his coffee, he was not in the least incommoded by the rain tha

May is wet

store-house w

of rain, and he was glad that it had come at last

said, with a smile, to Kurt, who,

d expected; but then the old man was thinking of his meadows and Kurt of Ce

gen church-tower struck

u going?" ask

walk in t

ch wea

of rain will

, a steady, soaking downpour. Still there is no accounting for tastes, and if forest walk

ride? It was possible; no, it was impossible; nevertheless, Kurt would not fail to be upon the appointed--no, it had never been appointed--spot in the forest; he could then tell her the next day that he had been there in spite of the storm

tutor. It was, for example, one of her articles of faith that across the boundary, just beyond that strip of meadow in Prussia, evil reigned triumphant. Prussian! The word stood for all that was contemptible,--rapacity, low ambition, greed of gain, and arrogant conceit. Like a good Saxon, Celia hated the Prussians from her very soul, and worst and most to be hated among them all was Bismarck, whose name her father never uttered without coupling it with some opprobrious epithet. Kurt was the first to present to her mind other views with regard to the state of affairs in Germany, and she listened to him with profound interest. It was exquisite enjoyment to Kurt to talk with Celia, and to note her rapt attention to all that he said, her quick espousal of any cause advocated by him. He loved her, and he knew that he loved her, but

omed path. He never heeded that in pushing through the trees and bushes he had become fairly drenched with rain. He reached the broad castle road: the distant wing of the castle, a glimpse of which could be had from here in fine weather, was veiled in mist. Sadly he leaned against the trunk of a giant oak, conscious th

now--yes, there was no mistaking Pluto's loud neigh, close at hand, as a tall figu

Then, as she looked at him, she burst into a merry laugh. "Good heavens! how

rproof can scarcely be called an elegant garment, but Celia looked lovely in this one. Her fresh rosy face smiled enchantingly from out

tramped through a wood in worse weather than this, and even slept soundly on a hill-side in just such a pour, with only a soldi

u expected

dently stay at home. It is no

. Why are you here if you thought I should not come? I had more confidence in you. I knew I should find you here, and I should have been terribly angry if y

Finanzrath has c

to come, for papa consented to Werner's plan only upon condition that he should truthfully describe the life she would have to lead at Castle Hohenwald. Werner did so. He re

e a description of the

ut a gloomy woman-hater, and called me a

ant no

eive nor pay visits, and that the family circle there could not indemnify her for such seclusion, since neither papa nor Arno was an agreeable companion. In short, he painted existence here in such gloomy colours that papa said Fr?ulein Müller must be a very extraordinary person if she accepted such

e the letter?" Kurt

ht to myself, 'Herr Kurt von Poseneck shall read it;' so I kept it and brought it with me. There, read it; but b

er and protected it with h

y that the handwriting shows the character of the writer; if that be tr

more bitterly undeceived afterwards.' But read, read, I beg

hort note, whic

the honourable position offered me of companion and teacher to Fr?ulein Cecilia von Hohenwald. I shall arrive at the station at A---- by the

much r

a Mü

ed, eagerly. "It does not seem odd to me at

a place, and that Fr?ulein Müller must be a false, exaggerated person to say that she accepts such a position with pleasure. Papa thought the same; and even Werner said that the brevity of

ition offered her? It certainly speaks well for her that she makes use of no stupid conventional phrases, and she shows a correct appreciation of her duties towards you, Fr?ulein von Hohenwald, in calling herself not your governess, but your companion and teacher. I really cannot see any

ed, with a sudden gravity, "we must discuss one point which I have never ceased to think of since the letter arrived to-day

is it not perhaps best that it sho

willing to learn. I will sit still for hours and play the piano every day, but I will not be put into leading-strings. It is not kind of you to wish it f

was questionable? It was hard for him to carry out his resolve of always being frank and true towards Ce

at Kurt with eyes large with wonder, she said, in a t

oided the formal Von Hohenwald; "yes, I tell you so

was quite blameless. Quite? Why, then, had she never mentioned these daily meetings at home in Castle Hohenwald? Why had she never uttered the name of Kurt von Poseneck to her father or Arno, and never even said a word when Arno had casually mentioned the fact that a son of the Poseneck who had emigrated to America had returned, and was living at Grünhagen with the Amtsrath, whose hei

s, and it was so pleasant to meet by chance. You have told me so much to interest me, I could always listen to you for hours; but if you think it i

e to seize and kiss the hand that hung down near him. Then, startled at what he had done, he

hort hour here every day talking together?"

times no!" he cried, rapturously. "I swear to you by my honour that you never shall have any cause to regret your confidence in me. I will not ask you to continue your rides,--you shall no

leaned down towards him their lips met for one instant in a flee

had ceased for a few minutes, was pouring down with renewed violence; that a sharp wind was blowing, colder than before. He stood like one entranced in the lonely forest, and, when unconsci

TER

---. One mi

out a young lady, civilly handed her her travelling-bag and railway wrap, cl

platform for a quarter of an hour easily recognized her as the person for whom he had been waiting. He approached her, and, r

anzrath, in spite of this terribl

e smile with which Werner looked at the young lady; he

be a much older man; his fresh, smooth-shaven face looked to her very youthful, and

o meet you, since I was the cause of your accepting a position for the difficulties of which you are perhaps not fully prepared. Before you enter Castle Hohenwald you ought to have a more vivid idea of those with whom your life there will be passed than it was possible to give you in my short letter. I described as impartially as I could the difficulties of

ter a moment's hesitation she accepted, he led her through the sta

fastened her luggage securely in its place behind the carriage. Not until all was arranged to his satisfaction did he take his seat beside her in the well-cushioned vehicle. The rattling of the carriage ov

ded the Finanzrath--who remembered all that Frau von Adelung had hinted to him of Fr?ulein Müller's misfortunes--an explanation of her readiness to accept the offer of a position at Castle Hohenwald. At length

ives,--his father, his brother, and his sister; he warmly extolled their good qualities--his father's kindness of heart and simple truth, Arno's stern sense of justice, his earnestness, his industry, his varied acquirements, Celia's gay good humour and childlike simplicity; but at the same time he concealed none of their faults. As he discoursed, the daylight had vanished and darkness had succ

with him in the dark carriage seemed to her almost insufferable. She shrank away from him at the very time when he was sp

n the Finanzrath broke off his discourse and, opening the window, as

" a voice from the box replied,

t that his fear betrayed itself in his voice? The sign of weakness instantly put an end to all Anna's dread of the Finanzrath. She felt strong, indeed, in v

as happened, John?" did he reply, sullenly, "Nothing has happened, Herr Finanzrath, but the devil himself could not find the way in this storm; you can't

's sake, John!" the Finanzrath

th great composure. "We must drive on; we c

ash! The wheels on one side of the carriage rolled over a stone, while those on the other sank

experienced a burning pain in her temple, and was near fainting, but the next mome

e where sat the Finanzrath. Anna hea

t?" she aske

replied, in a loud, distinct voice which soothed An

upon her, but she braved it, and exerting all her strength, she climbed out upon the side of the carriage and thence got down to the groun

ed about him, but in the gloom could see nothing. Anna's figure was hardly distinguishable, although she was but a few paces

r fellow has had a b

f his voice, and still less was there in the remark that followed. "The clumsy scoundrel cannot even hold t

vehicle overturned. They did not stir, and the Finanzrath climb

tep upon it?" Anna asked, compassionately.

t permit me to climb farther. What are we to

must lead to some house or village. Wait for me here. I

ried, in great agitation. "We are close upon the

omething must be done for the poor coachman, who has given no s

ust be labourers' cottages near the quarry. Help! help!" he thereupon shouted with all the force of

rd us!" Werner said, and the

oached. "What is the matter here?" a rough voice asked. "A carriage upse

re greatly in need of as

Were you going

Castle H

Then you belon

s not the time for talking. I beg you, my frie

to this request. After indulging in his ill-timed merriment,

, my fri

treated him indeed; and, by way of thanks, he wishes you a pleasant night!" With another scornful laugh the man turned on his heel and wou

ed, in amazement, after having lighted a couple of matches, which the rain, to be sure, inst

left all night in the quarry. The devil take the Hohenwalds;

without heeding the Finanzrath's entreaties,

t a red spark of light appeared in the distance; again he shouted as loud

raid," he said, "that John would miss the road, and so came out to meet you with torches; not soon enough, unfo

must be clo

chasm here. Give me you

upon the road. His foot could not have been severely

ller? I hope nothing

said Anna, who was standing in the shadow, "but

im also, but he was shocked at the sight of a dark-red streak that extended from beneath the chestnut curls on her temp

let us search for the unfortunate c

e? John, wh

or old John, who was lying unconscious by the roadside, with a terrible wound on his forehead. Arno kneeled beside h

g his brother's proceeding. "I thought it must be so when he did no

y bad, since you easily j

y. I never can walk to the castle

e said. "We cannot, then, drive poor old John to Hohenwald, but we can make a litter c

," he said, peevishly, "that I might be attended to before John. I cannot possibl

ou cannot walk," he said, coolly, "you can sit here! The old man

he pouring rain; I shall

ally. "Make haste," he said to the men, who were busy constructing

?" the Finanzrath asked, when

e from the castle and half

se of Grünhagen mus

s not ten mi

be much wiser to carry John there, and

ald in Grünhagen? Am I to ask shelter for old John and for you of the Amtsrath Friese or young Kurt von Poseneck, only to meet

uch prejudice, Arno. It speaks ill for your humanity th

and, taking off his hat, respectfully said, "No offence to th

nanzrath angrily inquired.

John himself if we took him to Grünhagen. If he had his senses he would be sure to say that he would rather die than be carried to Grünhagen. And, besides, if we do take him farth

e will take John to the Hohenwald village. Lift him careful

of me and of Fr?ulein Müller

. She had been disgusted with the Finanzrath's selfishness in desiring to be carried when his foot was evidently not severely hurt; and Arno's stern refusal to carry the wounded man to Grünhagen had also impressed her disagreeably. She had no desire to take any part in

e to the village; if you are very tired I will assist you. You, Werner, must help yourself. If you cannot walk with us, c

Grünhagen," a strong, manl

accident in the quarry, and had instantly given orders to have a carriage prepared, while he had hurried hither to entreat the gentlemen to turn towards Grünhagen, where they would be cordially welc

ks as he thanked the young man for his proffered hospitality, which, however, he declined. In vain did Werner add his entre

ed; "but you shall not force me, Arno, to share your folly. I accept your invitation gratefully, Herr von

" Anna protested. "I promised to be at Hohen

st in walking to Hohenwald in this weather? I

e, Herr Finanzra

y braved the storm; the wind blowing in her face cooled her burning temples, and she experienced a sense of strange satisfaction when, upon looking back, she found

en Celia's cajoleries could not smooth. The girl was seated on a low chair beside him, endeavouring in vain to win him to cheerfulness. Sure as she usually was of an affectionate reply to her questions, to-night he would not be amiable. She had been reading al

ple. "It capped the climax," he added, peevishly, "for Werner to tell me it was not the thing to smo

smoke without a word, until he drew out his huge gold watch and said, "Ten minutes after eleven! This household is topsy-turvy. It was not enough that Werner should insanely go to

pper at the right ti

fers because of you and this governess. It was the stupidest thing I ever did to listen to Werner. What's the

I can learn a great deal from a good governess, and some time,

nged, then? So Werner

r accused him; but she did not say one word in his defence,--she could not tel

imed, impatiently; "they ought to have

e has been n

meet them with torches an accident is impossible. There is just as m

ned to Werner or the lady, you never would forgive yourself for scolding Arno for going to meet them, Only hear how the wind howls and the rain beats against the windows. Fo

such a thing as being too kind. It is more than enough that Werner brings her from the station, that Arno goes to meet her, and that the table and you all a

t to provoke him further, so she bit her lips and obeyed in silence. At the same time she privately determined

d. "Fr?ulein Anna Müller. My father, my sister Celia." This introduction he evidently considered quite sufficient, for he instantly turned from her, and, tak

exchanged a word with a lady, but the memory of the time when he lived in society stirred within him as he looked at Anna. He had supposed that a negligent word of greeting would suffice for a governess, after all only a kind of upper servant, but he saw before him a lady to whom he involuntarily paid a mach greater degree of respect. It was not Anna's extraordinary beauty that thus impres

peace, but as he looked into Anna's pale face, and thought he saw an entreaty for kindness in her fine eyes, the expres

Baron, the girl stood rapt in admiration of the stranger's exquisite smile and melodious voice, and when she turned from the father to the daughter, the latter threw her arms around her in a sudden burst of girlish enthusiasm

he smiled benignantly, and watched with great satisfaction the two charming girls, the governess, apparently but a few years the elder of the t

ss, to enable her thus, by a single word, to transform his father, prompting him to utter that "heartily welcome," and now so completely winning over Celia, who had naturally

is father's chair up to the table. It was only when old Franz had placed the dishes on the table that Celia observed th

itional prejudices of his family that he has accepted Herr Kurt von Poseneck's invitation, and is at this moment

ather. Celia blushed crimson; but so far from seeming shocked at Werne

not his gout prevented; he muttered an oath, and exclaimed, "What a devil o

hly of Herr von Poseneck, pap

thinking of?" he asked. "Actually taking me to task! Since w

the absent, who do not deserve i

u send your old father to school? Truly, it seems hig

mile. "Positively," he said, "I shall henceforth believe in signs and wonders. A Hohenwald partakes of the hospitality of Grünhagen; Celia

eevishly. "Rather tell me how Werner

ent farther than he had intended. He could not forbear, for mere justice' sake, to enlarge somewhat upon the courage and unselfishness of Anna's conduct, in contrast with Werner's weakness and egotism, when he told how, although wounded herself, she had declined

n Celia, however, turned to her with a warm caress, saying, "Good heavens, you are wounded, and have said nothing to us about it!" she smilingly lifted the dark-brown curls up

, although his injury had at first seemed grave. He then gave a detailed account of Werner's desire from the first to go to Grünhagen, and of

n, but he was all the more irritated by the Finanzrath's acceptance of Kurt's invitation. "It is disgraceful!" he e

Herr von Poseneck, who has never done anything to you? It is poor thanks to him for hurrying out to the quarry in the storm to help Werner. And Werner was perfectly ri

the young Herr von Poseneck certainly conducted himself excessively well on this occasion; nevertheless, I did not wish to accept his invitation, nor did Fr?ulein Müller; Werner, however, is superior to all Ho

sneering, Arno. Go on with y

the Posenecks, although I confess I practise self-denial in not doing so." And he finished his narrative, describing Anna's courageous braving of the storm and rain on their way to the Inspector's at the village of Hohenwald, where they found warmth and shelter, and whence a messenger was despatched for Dr.

his son's narrative. The new governess was evidently no spoiled city lady. He briefly expressed to her his admiration and gratitude, and

he in discussing the events of the evening. Suddenly, however, he happened to glance at the clock, and discovering that it was just about to strike one, he remembered how fatig

TER

this letter would have reached you two weeks ago, if I had fulfilled my promise o

then, when you know the worst? Listen, and wonder, Arno. I am betrothed,--the happy lover of the aforesaid lovely little blonde. I beg leave to present to you the betrothed pair, Adèle von Guntram--Karl, Count Styrum. There! Do not throw the letter angrily aside, or you will not learn how it has all come about so quickly, and, besides, you must accustom yourself to

u that I am now her accepted lover, or rather that I am so much sooner than I could otherwise have bee

greatest service to me, for it kept me in M---- when I thought my presence necessary at Altenheim. Thus weeks and even months passed, and I was no nearer the goal than at first, that is, so far as the lawsuit was concerned, otherwise my stay in M---- was entirely delightful to me. My uncle Guntram was all that he could be in the way of affectionate kindness, Heinrich extremely amiable in a cousinly way, and Adèle--no, I will not write about Adèle, for you would only laugh at me and call me a love-sick fool. Wait until you come to M----, as friendship demands you should do, to be present at my marriage, and you will understand how welcome any

l the world declared that it was a settled affair, and as even the Assessor himself let fall several hints to the same effect, I thought I should be forc

, and even describing to her your father, your sister Cecilia, and your su

our to ask of you.' I need not tell you how fervently I assured her that she could not ask what it would not be my delight to grant. She then proceeded to tell me that her dearest friend, a Fraulein Anna Müller, who had been her schoolmate at Frau Adelung's, in Dresden, was forced by dire misfortune to seek a position as governess. Frau von Adelung had recommended the young lady to your brother Werner for your sister Celia, and Fraulein Müller was to start for Hohenwald this very day. The mighty favour that Adèle asked of me was to write to you and exert my influence with you to insure the young lady a favourable reception at Castle Hohenwald. I never can tell so evil-minded a woman-hater as yourself how exquisitely lovely Adèle was as she thus pleaded with me for her friend, nor how it happened that I retained the hand

have had the courage to confess to her that I loved her. The bugbear of her betrothal to Herr von Hahn would have prevented

family circle, may in time forget the misfortunes that have befallen her, and that your kindness may assist her to do so. I know your magnanimity and delicacy of sentiment, and that you only need be told that Fraulein Müller, owing to no fault of her own, is very unhappy, and that any allusion to her past, any question with regard to it, would be extremely painful to her. To alleviate her sorrow she only needs cordial kindness, confidence which she deserves in fullest measure, and considerate regard. All these I know she will find at Castle Hohenwald, and among yo

America has been the best of training for him; he is a fine fellow. I learned to know him well when he paid me a visit at Altenheim not long ago, and I assure you that I have rarely seen a young man so greatly to my mind, as I know he will be to yours. Although we are antagonistic in politics (he is a democrat, as was his father before him), I enjoyed eve

n-hater though you be, your congrat

rs a

l St

ft the garden-room, as we have seen, long after midnight. "He, too!" he muttered to himself, with another sigh, and then he read the letter for the se

o so with a heavy heart, for I know how much I lose by your betrothal,--I, who have hitherto held the foremost place in your regard, must content myself with the second, and I shall shortly, as mournful experience teaches, lose this also, for love is the mortal foe of friendship. Both cannot exist together in the same heart. Thus I know that I have already half lost you, and shall soon lose you entirely, for I shall never be content with the cold modicum of regard which is all that the bridegroom and husband has for an every-day acquaintance. This pains me profoundly. You were the only man in whom I could thoroughly confide,--the only one to whom I could look for entire comprehension and sympathy. Nevertheless, I wish you happiness, and my wish is all the more fervent sin

ed it possible that my father should treat a stranger with such urbanity, although a few hours before Fraulein Müller's arrival he had scouted the idea of any friendly familiar intercourse with the new governess, and had declared that while Celia's companion and teacher was entitled to a courteous and respectful reception in Castle Hohenwald, she could lay no claim to admission within our family circle. Fraulein Müller can have no cause to complain of any want of the cordiality you desire in my father's or Celia's welcome, but the requirement of such from me is, unfortunately, a demand with which I cannot comply. You know how I value your opinion, how highly I rate you

sition in the household as pleasant as it can be under the circumstances; you will not ask more of me. Enough for to-night. In a few days I will write you a detailed account of my adventures in bringing Fraulein Müller to Castle Hohenwald, and of my encounte

l ways your fa

on Hohe

g girl had made upon him, but in vain, although he conjured to his aid the ghosts of a vanished past. He would gladly have detested this stranger thus thrust into his life; he heaped her with all kinds of accusations, and yet confessed to himself that they were all unjust. What reason had he for crediting her with a desire for admiration? had she sought by look or by gesture to attract him? Would Styrum have commended her so warmly if she had not been worthy of all praise? Still, why should she alone of all women be careless of admiration? No; Styrum was in love; he saw with his betrothed's eyes. He was credulous, and had not purchased with his heart's blood the sad experience that the most innocent of smiles upon lovely lips is but a prearranged means to some desired end. Poor Karl! he had not seen through the game they were playing with him, or he would not have fallen into their toils so easily. The rich Count, belonging as he did to the foremost of the Saxon nobility, would at any time have been considered by the President Guntram as an excellent parti for his daughter; but the prospect of a happy conclusion to the lawsuit had doubtless made the match doubly desirable.

as she looked back to that last terrible night spent beneath the same roof with the wretch who would have bartered his wife's honour for a release from poverty and detection. She had clung to him faithfully, had always conscientiously fulfilled her duty to him, hoping that she might perhaps in the end influence him f

at dreadful night she had bolted herself into her bedroom, her resolution was already taken. Without hesitation she proceeded to carry it out. She exchanged her ball-dress for a simple stuff gown; she packed a few necessary articles of clothing in a travelling-bag, and hastily wrote these lines: "You have given back to me my freedom; I accept

folded the sheet, sealed it and placed it where its add

accede to his wishes, but the thought did not for an instant deter her. Only the coward, whose courage is never equal to the com

breathe heavily in his sleep,--but she could hear nothing: a proof that he was still awake. What if he should hear her and come from his room to prevent her departure? What then?

a long line of carriages in the street before it. Lucie paused and hesitated for a moment. The ball was not yet over. She had hoped this would be the case; else it would have been difficult for her to obtain an entrance to the house. But how was she to pass the line of carriages? So late a wanderer would be sure to be noticed by the coachmen and lackeys, and she might be the object of coarse jests. P

ounter as she hurried up a narrow staircase and along the passage leading to her friend's room, which she reached without being observed. Arrived he

fro in the house, and the rattle of carriages told Lucie that the ball was at an end. Another half-hour went by; the house grew quieter, the bustle

atches on the table

d-ni

ring light of which she distinguished a dark figure sitting on the sofa. She gasped with terror and ran towards the door, but was insta

here at

y extremest misery I seek refu

nd aid were poured into her friend's ear. Then she drew the curtains close and lighte

f the last few hours, remaining perfectly calm amid the storm of indignation with which her friend g

e, 'Trust in me; whatever happens, I will stand by you.' This has given me courage to take this decided step to break the fetters

etail of the miserable scene in Heinrich's room; he suspected you would soon need protection and assistance, and is ready to give it to you. You may trust him;

for the future are arranged. I need the help of faithful friends only in their executi

you propo

ich so young a man as Count Styrum cannot furnish me. I have therefore thought of writing to our dear old teacher, Frau von Adelung, in Dresden. I remember that she was constantly applied to for governesses. But I am afraid to confide wholly in her. With the best intentions she is something of a gossip, and would find it difficult to keep my secret, and yet her recommendation I must obtain. When Herr von Sorr finds my letter to-morrow and discovers that I a

he certainly would never expect to find her. The arrival of a lady alone and unattended in any little village would surely excite remark, while Lucie might stay for weeks in Adèle's room and her presence beneath the President's roof never be suspected. Adèle never received her friends in her bedroom or dressing-room, and neither her father nor her brother ever came to her there. All that was to be done was to take L

e told her the true reason for Frau von Sorr's flight from her husband's roof, and Lina, flattered by the confidence shown her, promised to keep such guard over t

xcited her sympathy and spurred her on to redoubled watchfulness. The scheme was eminently successful. Neither the President nor Heinrich nor any of t

assistance in his search for his wife; that inquiry had been made of all the hack-drivers of the town and the porters at the railway stations. No one could remember having seen the fugitive; an ext

in silence, and reported

tory from Adèle, who was well known to be Frau von Sorr's nearest friend. Among them were Madame Gansauge and

e why her friend had left M---- so suddenly; she could not look upon her disappearance as a fl

er at five o'clock in the morning near the Marble Gate, close by the large pond. The body had not yet been found, but doubtless

he Count would not believe that Sorr was ignorant of his wife's whereabouts. The affair was certainly very odd, for the Count behaved precisely as tho

had perhaps been willing to shield her from Count Repuin's persecutions. The Assessor remarked that he was too discreet to say more; he did not boast of it,

of the family she faithfully recounted to Lucie, and the friends congratula

cquirements, and culture of the young lady, who regretted that, never having dreamed of being obliged to support herself, she possessed no testimonials to her ability. Now, however, she was in great distress; her father had

ear Adèle, whose friendship for Fr?ulein Müller was a sufficient recommendation in her eyes. At present she knew of no situation f

s room, hearing from her all that was going on in M----. Count Repuin and Sorr had both suddenly left town, the latter deeply in

, or rather, as the young lady was sixteen years old, that of companion and teacher. Lucie and Adèle were greatly surprised by this letter; they well remembered the description given by Count Styrum on the evening of the ball of the seclude

s dreary picture of the castle and its inmates, far from deterring Lucie from accepting the post offered her there, only made her the more desirous to accept it, and s

o intrust Lucie's secret to her cousin, that he might write and insure her a friendly reception at Castle Hohenwald, but this Lucie permitted

on had made concealment possible; not one of the household even dreamed that the vanished Fra

m immediate notice of the appearance at any one of the M---- stations of the well-known Frau von Sorr. The polic

iscarded by her, was still reposing neatly folded in her trunk. She was about Lucie's height, and, with a few alterations, the peasant's dress was made to fit the lady perfectly, so that when, one morning towards

rprised that his cousin Lina should have stopped him, when they had driven no farther than the Marble Grate, to wait for a young girl, who shortly arrived and got into the vehicle. Still greater was his surprise when, at a little wayside inn some miles from M----, Lina made him w

her fear of discovery, and we have already heard of her safe a

had looked forward with a heavy heart to meeting the old Baron; but he had welcomed

cool glass window-pane. She could not tell what it was in his behaviour to her that so aroused her repugnance. He had been all that he should be, and no more, and yet his courtesy inspired her with dread; this man was antipathetic to her. But why trouble herself about him in any way? He was but a guest at the castle, where everything seemed so much more encouraging than she had hoped to find it; he would be gone in a few days, and Celia, this charming, lovely Celia, who had evidently conceived a sudden affection for her new companion, would still be with

ings, and in the fulfilment of a duty so interesting as the instruction of this sweet young girl; and yet she could not look forward i

PTE

ng slumber. She gazed around her in some bewilderment, and could not at first remember where she was; but in an instant all the past, her parting from her dear Adèle, her journey hither, and last night's adventures, flashed upon her mind, and brought with them the consciousness that she was actually in Castle Hohenwald. If her room had looked pretty and comfortable

brought over from Grünhagen, and is here in the next room--our morning room--with your

at; its windows opening upon an enchanting prospect of the garden, the mighty oaks in the park, and the distant mountains; near one window was a table, upon which lay a half-finished piece of embroidery, while another table, evidently new, and prettily furnished with writing materials, was plainly destined for the new governess. Upon it was a small vase filled with flow

ia. Every one who cares for me calls me Celi

nd a caress, could not be refused. The girl's fra

within her arm. "Papa is waiting for us; he drank his morning cup of coffee l

an hour. Seated in his rolling-chair in his favourite spot, he was rejoicing in the beauty of the lovely mornin

nking of other things as he expatiated upon the new ploughs and the building of fresh stables. He now and then paused in his talk, and seemed to lose the thread of his discourse. The case seemed the same with the Freiherr. He could think of nothing but what had already occupied his mind since he ar

gricultural discussion, and gave him an opportunity to ask after Fr?ulein Müller. Celia announced

omed to late hour

l night long, can endure without fatigue such a walk through the storm as Fr?ulein Müller took last evening? It was almost three o'clock when we went to bed, and it is now just seven

to take up the cudgels for your governess; she certainly has well earned a few hours of sleep.

unjust to Fr?ulein Müller, when she is so ch

e me to agree with you. Your enthusiasm lightens the duty with which my friend Styrum has charged me. I found a letter from him among my papers last night announcing his betrothal to his cousin,

not deserve the confidence, Arno, that Count Styrum reposes in your friendship. I cannot conceive how you

I did promise him was that the lady shall be annoyed by no inquiries or allusions to her past. In this respect Karl's word is all-sufficient, for not even the entreati

our, as was his father, once my intimate friend. I respect the young fellow, although I do not know him persona

d, turning to his sister, he added, "I hope you will be discr

ainly will be careful," Celia

Müller, if she is up, to take her breakfast

urned after his most genial fashion. Then, ringing the bell, he desired Franz to have Fr?ulein Müller's break

er part charmingly. The Baron found her possessed of a far higher degree of culture than he had thought

t certainly was a fact that Werner had found a treasure; his advice, after all, had been worthy of all gratitude. The old man was in an admirable humour, as was plainly shown when his sons unexpectedly entered the room together. He had intended on the previous evening to greet the elder upon his return from Grünhagen with a thunder-blast; but he w

ry. "It was not so very bad," he replied, with a smile, "although it certainly pained

ly accomplished, in spite of her

een able to walk so far had her injury been of the foot instead of the temple. I positively could not, and, as Herr von Pos

epting it," the old Baron said, angrily, his g

eside at Grünhagen, has certainly never insulted you, nor had any desire to insult you. He assured me that he had the highest resp

him try it!" the ol

seneck in no wise deserves the dislike which you have transferred to him from his late father, and that he really desires to testify his respect for

growled th

ospitality, for which I am greatly obliged to them. Herr von Poseneck, after he had conducted me to Grünhagen, went back with horses and men to the quarry to extricate the carriage and horses and get them under shelter; he sent over Fr?ulein Müller's trunk at daybreak this mor

r father, upon whose forehead the frown had deepened as Werner spoke, and whose rage now burst forth with, "I'll have the do

of you," Celia ventured to say; "

ed, angrily. "What are the Posenecks to you, that

on; she could not a

k, upon calmer consideration, you will find her conduct but natural. I am very sorry, sir, that I should so have provoked you, and will try to avoid doing so again. Of course I am not to be deterred by the unfortunate prejudice entertained by you against the Posenecks from fulfilling th

y health admits of my receiving

he weight of a lie of that kind," t

culiar; he constantly disputed with him, but in spite of his father's angry vehemence Werner usually gained his end, because h

iano, had been an involuntary listener to the dispute between father and son. Approaching her, the Finanzrath took her hand, and saying, with the air of protection which had so annoye

ed, and yet she could not endure that this man should avail himself of it; it seemed to her an unbecoming familiarity on his part. She acted upon an impulse, and she did not observ

"You must reserve all your fine speeches for another time, Werner," she said, stepping to Lucie's side; "Fr?ulein Müller belon

nd followed Celia from the room showed

nd at other times she would bury herself in a book,--an entirely new experience for Celia. It needed but a few weeks of intercourse with her new friend to arouse within her a genuine literary taste. The old Baron and Arno were astounded at the change; the

in Müller to visit the green-houses and the shrubberies; but her afternoon ride was never omitted. When the hour for this arrived she could no longer fix her attention upon her book: her thoug

the effects of his fall, his young mistress never now desired his attendance. She could not so easily have dec

e on her horse's neck, and Pluto, who was now on the best of terms with Kurt, knew perfectly well that before he was urged to greater speed than a leisurely walk an hour would elapse. An hour! How quickly it flew by! how much had both Celia and Kurt to say in that brief space of time! Celia told of her studies

country gentry and for the principal people in the neighbouring town of A----. He often spoke also of the Finanzrath, who was now frequently at Grünhagen. Kurt, who was always candid and unreserved to

d over him as when she once had yielded to an irresistible impulse. If he had uttered one tender word she would hardly have refused him a second kiss, but this word was not spoken; he

e simple-hearted girl could have a secret from her. She took delight in her charmin

is sociability was confined to a desire for the society of his immediate family circle, among whom he recko

ut the next moment he would rouse himself to renewed hatred of the entire sex, bethinking himself that this very enchanting smile was bit a trap set by overweening love of admiration, and could avail nothing with him. And yet he could not avoid her. When Lucie, occupied with some bit of feminine work, seated herself at the table beside the Bar

erner announced that he had just received a favourable reply from his chief in office to his request for a prolongation of his leave of ab

ic natures; but now he felt an absolute repugnance to him for which there was no accountin

the future Freifrau von Hohenwald must belong to a family through whose influence the Hohenwalds might recover the importance they had lost with the government. Arno thought he knew well that Werner, keenly devoted as he was to his own interests, never carried away by sentiment, would not be false to these expressed principles of his. It w

in the library, or walking with her in the garden. Then resistance was useless; he was forced to succumb to the impulse that drove him to plung

he had not been deceived. From her first meeting with him his manner had been not only indifferent, but even repellent. It was what she had hoped for, and she was glad of it; but her gladness was not heartfelt. Count Styrum's recital of his misfortunes had awakened Lucie's interest in the misanthrope, and this interest had grown since she had known him personally. His coldness and reserve did not irritate her; they were but natural after the terrible experience that life had bro

r officious; his courtesy and kindness never degenerated into any familiarity which Lucie could be justified in resenting. When he extolled her beauty and amiability, her delightful singing, her admirable instruction of Celia, and spoke of the excellent influence she exerted over her pupil, it was all done after so refined a fashion that s

PTE

ra post was again seen approaching Castle Hohenwald; and the ann

o to Berlin, where a friend whom he had not seen for a long while was awaiting him. He departed, remaining away but a few days, when he returned, only to leave again after two days, this time to see an old college friend in Hanover, and to take a trip to Cassel, where another of his friends reside

y, with a smile of satisfaction; he was not at all displeased that his eldest son should break in upon his prolonged stay at Castle Hohenwald with these

wont to say in excuse of his evident relief at his son's departure; and was it therefore t

the Herr Finanzrath's arrival a few moments

h Hohenwald as quickly as possible, and I bring news of vivid interest, especially for you, Arno. Not only for Arno, however, but for every one who carries a good Saxon heart in his bosom. To arms, Arno! It is time that you girded on your sabre again. I hope you will write to the king this v

ld Freiherr, who really thought that h

that calls upon you, Arno, in especial. You must re-enter the army immediately, for it is eminently advisable that the number of right-minded Saxon officers should be as large as possible, that Saxony may not fail to do her duty at the right moment. There is a w

ion?" Arno asked, incredulously. "Since when have you link

ou, Werner, come to the point. I should like to know something

y with the South German states just concluded, upon the friendship of the Emperor of Russia, and upon that of England, Bismarck, who has no suspicion of the secret alliance against Prussia, to which, in addition to the dispossessed princes, Austria, Bavaria, Würtemberg, and the hereditary princes of Russia belong,--Bismarck, I say, will undoubtedly choose war. This you will see by next week, perhaps sooner. We can rely upon Russia absolutely;

t hand?" asked Arno, who during the preceding glib explanations had been pacing the ap

ons that have no weight, however, with Saxon patriots. As in 1813, York, by his independent action, decided the destiny of Prussia and earned the gratitude of his king--as Saxon troops then, following the ignorant leading of the common people, went over to the German army with flying colours, so must they now, in the coming conflict, act independently for their fatherland. It will produce a tremendous impression upon the entire German people, and conduce essentially to the speedy overthrow of Prussia, if the Saxon regiments sunder the Prussian alliance and turn their

rno exclaimed, looking at his brother with flashing eyes. "Matters have

he explained his schemes and hopes with such reckless frankness. He suddenly found himself exposed to a danger of which he had not dreamed. What if Arno s

eason in 1813? Has not posterity honoured him as the saviour of his country? Do not judge too hastily, my dear Arno, do not yield to a momentary emotion, but ask yourself, after calm reflection, whether you are just

the arrogant, ambitious Prussian, but I have a fiercer hatred for the arch-enemy of all Germany, and it fills me with shame and indignation that a Hohenwald should dream of inciting his brother to a disgraceful league with France in a war with Germany. This is the error in your prudent calculations: you reckon upon the hatred of Prussia in South Germany, in Hanover and Saxony, but that hatred will vanish like chaff before the w

er, without waiting for a reply, left the room. "

least one Hohenwald who retains within him a sense of right and honour and a genuine love of his country. Not a word, Werner! I will hear no more of

over the ground he had lost. "I obey your commands, sir," he said; "I hope calm reflecti

It was a favourite retreat of his, and from its seclusion he could overlook almost the entire garden. Here, then, he sat down, and resigned himself to thought. So buried was he in reflection that,

ar without thrilling him to the heart. He looked up. Walking along a leafy side-path came Werner and Fr?ulein Müller; she was speaking, and look

gony expressed in Anna's face as she listened eagerly to her companion's whispered words. Werner spoke long and persistently, bending above Fr?ulein Müller the while, and devouring with passionate admiration the lovely

Near the castle gate they paused. Fr?ulein Müller, with a slight inclination to Werner, left him and entered the

the tear that had rolled down her pale cheek. If there were some private relation between them, it certainly was not a friendly one. Still the mere thought that Werner by some fine-spun scheme had induced the girl to accord him this tête-à-tête, and to listen with eager attention to his words, was torture to Arno. If he had succeeded thus far, what might not be the result? She must be warned, warned against the vile arts of the betrayer! Thus much was certain. But who should warn her? To whom could he confide his

Anna and Werner, that he might be able to give his friend a clearer idea o

y be called favourable,--it strengthened his suspicions as to Werner

ger avoided casually meeting the Finanzrath; she did not cut short her morning wa

convulsion was at hand; there were constant discussions at table and in the evenings in the domestic circle as to public affairs. On these occasions Celia'

for her country were centred on Bismarck. "His enemies," she said, with ardour, "conspire in secret; in their foolish conceit they believe him blind to their man?uvres

n she seemed to regret them,--they

"You know of my brother's

s of all petty governments; but he is out in his reckoning,--the German people is not yet so degraded as to lend itself to so frivolous a game. If war should really be declared, Germans will, with a few disgraceful exceptions, rally promptly around the b

cheeks glowed, and Arno thought he had

that you are a true

and when the German people is summoned to the defence of the fatherland; of that I am convinced from my very soul." She held out her hand to him: he seized it and pressed it to his lips: for the moment he scarcely knew what he was doing; his past, his prejudices, were all forgotten; it was as if a dark

looked up, and was shocked by her altered looks. Her cheeks were deadly pale, the light of enthusiasm in he

ed you?" Arno

Herr Baron; I must not and

oken the spell that parted me from you. My heart is filled with sunshine; I know now that I love you with my whole soul, that I have loved you from the first moment that I saw you in the quarry. I have struggled with this love, I have even tried to hate you; have in my blind folly often shocked and offended you, because I would have it that the deception which so blasted my first youthful p

for a few moments sufficiently master her emotion to attain an external calm. When she spoke at last, it was with an evident tremor in her voice. "There must be truth between us," she said; "you require it, Herr Baron, and I owe perfect truth both to you and to myself. Y

conjure

led. You say that the hope of one day winning my love will be the guiding star of your life; b

ther, then?"

Herr

mplore you not to turn from me; I ask for so little

I must not again expose myself to a danger from which I thought myself safe with you; my d

all hope?" Arno

ll

venture to add a single word of entreaty; after so decided a rejection he could no longer refuse to

oor had closed upon him, Lucie's hardly-won composure utterly forsook her. She s

d at her desk in her room, writing t

, and I must leave Hohenwald, where I was so content. I love the old Freiherr like a father, and I know he is fond of me; scarcely a day passes that he does not tell me that the sun has shone more brigh

he would ever succeed in forcing me to grant him a private and confidential interview, and yet this he has done. About a week ago he came into the garden where Celia and I were taking our usual morning walk. He had just returned from one of his frequent journeys, and I could not avoid replying to his courteous greeting. He joined us and entered into conversation with us. He talks extremely well, and even I could

fallen, although I soon recovered myself. The Finanzrath offered me his arm, and despatched his sister to the castle for a vinaigrette. I did not dare to refuse his proffered aid, lest I should offend him, and thus I found myself alone with him, forced to continue my walk leaning upon his arm. 'I thank you, Fr?ulein Müller,' he said, as soon as Celia had left us, 'for your readiness to grant me this tête-à-tête. It gives me a precious proof of your confidence in me,--a confidence which, I promise you, you never shall regret. Chance has revealed to me your secret; but I give you my word of honour it shall remain buried in my breast.' He then told me how he had learned who I was. Repuin is his friend,--he had seen him in Munich, and one day, while Repuin was engaged in writing

ied woman,' Repuin repli

as not to show the surprise I felt at this information. Fr?ulein Anna Müller the

could not rest without some explanation. Can you wonder at it, Fr?ulein

have seen her?" he cried. "There is no other face that resembles hers; tell me where

rack, and on the spur of the moment replied that I had shortly before travel

ng him, and questioned me further with the greatest eagerness. I told him that the young lady had been

t excitement. "I must find her! I have sworn to do it though it should co

, and was convinced that I had found its explanation. Let me assure you that it was entirely owing to my profound sympathy for you that I now begged the Count for further particulars concerning you. What I heard filled me with horror a

rath's story, which he concluded wit

I should provoke his resentment. Celia, who came from the castle with the salts, at last relieved me from my embarrassment. The Finanzrath left us. Then I determined to leave Hohenwald, but, as the days slipped by and the Finanzrath made no further allusions to my secret, I decided to remain, since the noble old Freiherr would sure

at he loves me. I thought his heart was dead to all affectio

tion was calmly and coldly to crush his hopes forever. I wept bitter tears when he left m

ord did I betray what I felt in rejecting him, but could I

ere as soon as may be. I rely upon your aid again, my dear, kind friend; try to find me another asylu

ear Adèle;

uc

PTE

that she might not be unpunctual, and for the first time Kurt was not at his post. She listened with bated brea

though he could not be to blame, still she felt aggrieved. Pluto, too, seemed to find his absence very unnatural. He pawed the ground impatiently with his fore-foot and shook his black mane; then pricked his delicate ear

ver, when she saw how warm he looked from his hasty walk. She held out her hand to him, and when he took it leaned down towards him. "You do not deserv

e word to betray Celia's childlike trust in him, to treat her as a brother would treat a tenderly-loved sister, and is it not perfectly allowable for a brother to kiss a dear sister? He was not wrong in kissing her. Had he been wrong several weeks b

led each other by their first names. It would have been ridiculous in Kurt, after becoming so intimate with Celia, to adhere to the forma

victory from his understanding. Kurt quieted his conscience when it would have reproached him. Was it his fault that he did not go directly to Celia's father and declare his love for her, and that she loved him in return? Ah, how gladly would he, if he could, have done this! But the miserable family feud, the invincible prejudice of the old Freiherr, forbade all approach. Should Kurt, then, sacrifice the happiness of his life, his love for Celia, to such a ph

anzrath whenever he came to Grünhagen loudly lament that it was impossible for him to invite Herr von Poseneck to return his visit? The attempt, too, w

ng to bestow her hand where she chose, perhaps, in direct opposition to her father's will, it would not always be so. Thus Kurt hoped

's confidential familiarity cast around him. He knew that no unholy thought stained his devoted love f

e walked slowly along beside Pluto. "You were angry with me for kee

d you were not here; I did not know what to think. You never kept me waiting before; indeed, you spoil me, Kurt, as does ever

sed that you forg

I ought to have scolded you for walking so fas

e again. In my heart I cursed that tiresome Assessor for detaining me, and when at las

ted an hour here for you at least." Again she held out her hand to h

g put at all out of countenance by the tender kiss imprinted upon her

ning. With his usual hospitality my uncle invited him to stay, and to my horror he accepted the invitation. He is a commonpl

s family, but I never heard anything of them, and did

le question concerning Fr?ulein Müller, where she came from, who she was, how she looked; whether she were ugly or pretty, young or old, learned or ignorant. He wanted to know all about her, and I could see was greatly dissatisfied with the scanty information he gathered from us. He tormented me with questions about you and your brothers and your father, and I escaped from him

to be a very agreeable m

uacity he supplied my uncle and myself with some important information w

n that conc

share in them. I never regretted so deeply as to-day that your father's and Arno's wretched prejudice against our family made it impossible for me to hasten to Hohenwald to warn your father, and to entreat him to turn a deaf ear to Werner's insidious whispers. I long to do

t you wish to say to my father and Arno? I am afraid that neither of them would pay me much heed, but I will induce Anna to he

ller any influen

relations between them seem to me very odd and quite incomprehensible. She cannot endure him, a

rous, then, to tru

ia exclaimed, indignantly. "You

yourself

idence in her. I trust her entirely. But you have told me nothing

me to acquaint a young girl of sixteen with political intrigues exi

id. "I am no longer a child; girls are far more precocious than boys, and at sixteen I may surely be trusted. And I am very much interested in p

d. Since you read the daily papers you know well how imminent is the danger of a war with France. At such a time it is the duty of every German to be true to the fatherland, and yet there is a large party in Ge

lia said in confirm

uthern Germany, in Saxony, and in Hanover will flock to his banner. There are at present French agents scattered through Germany employed in plotting and arranging for this disgraceful treachery. These agents are of every nation; some of them are even Germans of rank, who believe that thei

se frequent journeys. Werner is sufficiently unprincipled to lend himself from vanity and ambition to such treachery, but Arno, I assure you, Kurt,

ench agents, with a certain Count Repuin, for example; nay, that he is himself such an agent, working in the French interest among the Saxon nobility, and that he is probably assisted by your father and Arno, whose hatred of Prussia is well known. The Assessor implied further that C

hem!" Celia sa

t your father's first question

t I must bear that too. It has perhaps been wrong for us to have these meetings here every day. I have never been able to look papa full in the face when the Posenecks were mentioned, or any allusion made to my afternoon rides. I never before had a secret from my dear old father, and he has a right to be ang

sight and sound of you every day; I shall be wretched without this hour of delight; but you are right

st and the best fe

nstructed, just upon the borders of the Grünhagen forest, where they usually parted from each other. Many a time latel

nd her lovely head reclined upon his shoulder, while her ey

did not fear that this would be so, I would go to him myself, his commands to the contrary notwithstanding; but, as I told you before, I dread his transferring his doubt of him who warns, to the warning itself to the extent of reject

ake the sacrifice, but Kurt's words showed her that it would be useless; she was quite ready in a moment to convince herself that for

er upon his guard and tells him that she cannot mention the source whence comes her information, but that she knows it to be cor

uld confide everything to her friend, both as regarded their daily

errupted their confidential talk with, "Found at last! I beg ten thousand pardons for disturbing you; I never suspected that I should find Herr von Poseneck in such charming society. Now I understand his sudden

th anger flashing in his eyes, confronted the Assessor, who, in the best of humours, did not seem to perceive how unwelcome was his presence. This

arks had been quite out of place. In much confusion he stammered, "I beg pardon; indeed noth

ot help smiling, although she was anything but pleased with the present aspect of affairs. She could see that Kurt's indignation was still

tion to the Assessor, saying, in a much gentler tone, "It is not to me, Herr von Hahn, that you should excuse yourself, but to my betrothed, Fr?ulein Celia von Hohenwald." As he spoke he cast at Ce

ent as he looked from Kurt to Celia. "Ah--really--indeed"--he stammered, bowing low--"I had no idea--I humbly beg the

dly. "We will credit you with the most heartfelt good wishes. But"--and he suddenly changed his tone to one of grave admonition--"since chance has willed that you should be the recipient of our confidence, I must pray you not to misuse it. You know that there exists an hereditary feud between the Hohenwalds and the Posenecks,

eagerly replied. "Not a word shall es

d leads to Castle Hohenwald; by pursuing it until you reach three huge oaks in a group you will find a by-path on the right, which wi

rdly advisable to linger here longer. In a few choice phrases he expressed to Celia his delight at this chance meeting with so charming a cousin, and his sorrow that circumstances over which he had no control would

arest Celia?" Kurt asked s

I be angry

, and it was only by presenting you as my betrothed to the Asse

ed, with a little sigh, "it would not do,--it would not do at all; he would be terribly angry, for he does not know you, Kurt, does not know how dear and good you are, and if I should tell him we were betrothed he n

they had been together much longer than usual. Pluto was evidently impatient; still, Celia had more to say than ever before. Kurt put her

TER

nse pain, but it must be done,--she could not stay. She had written her letter to Adèle with feverish haste, almost immediately after

h from the Russian and from Sorr; both the old Freiherr and Arno would extend protection to her, and must she give it all up just because Arno loved he

elf-control. Could she have withstood his pleading a moment longer? Even while writing to Adèle the thought would not be banished from her mind th

gh she were forever parted from him. As she had herself said, her marriage could not be dissolved; she was fr

regard it without dishonour. Sorr's wife must not listen to Arno's words of affection; if she co

on which the groom was to take the daily mail from the castle to A----. Frau Kaselitz stood upon the steps just about to close the post-bag. One minute more and it would

o the court-yard, and then hurried down the great staircase to the hall-door. She could not trust herself, and

ring her. She had regained the calm self-control that would enable her to fulfil her duties towards the Freiherr and Celia during the time she should yet remain in the

efore, the old man added; indeed, she had had time to ride up and down the broad forest road to Grünhagen at least twenty times. Of course that was where she was; she always rode there. John could not see why she never tired of that road. Lucie was not ill pleased to hear that the girl was still

brooded the mystery of the primeval forest; in the vicinity of the castle no axe had rung a discord in the poetry of woodland life. The deep silence, broken only by the low notes of the woodland birds, harmonized with Lucie's m

hastening his steps with every sign of amazement upon seeing her. Not until he had approached her very nearly did she look up and start in terror. Could she believe her eyes? The Assessor von Hahn, whose element was fashionable society, here alone in the woodland solitude? Sh

med; "am I awake or dreaming? Frau von Sorr here in the forest! This is a surprise

r former acquaintances she would have preferred to have almost any one invade her retirement rather than the gossiping Assessor, but she could not let him perceive this; she banishe

d walk. But you, madame,--how happens it that I meet you here? You must be living either at Grünhagen or in Castle Hohenwald. Oh, I see, I see. My cousin, the old Freiherr, has overcome his antipathy to your charming sex and has admitted into his household a governess for my lovely cousin Celia. You are this

oustache into two long thin points, stayed the torrent of his wor

ld do no harm. "Your keen perception has not been at fault, Herr Assessor," she replied. "I live in Castle Hohenwald as governess to Fr?ulein Celia von Hohenwald, but I need hardly tell you that in order to obtain such a situation I have been obliged to change my name. The consequences would be disastrous to me if any one in Castle Hohenwald should learn my real name, and still more so if any one save yourself, Herr Assessor, wh

. I swear it by my honour!" he exclaimed, his hand on his heart. "I will be torn limb from limb sooner than that Herr von Sorr or Count Repuin or any enemy

re confidence. If I need your assistance I shall certainly apply to you, but at present I ask only

wishes, madame; I am discreet;

ut before we part let me ask one question. Have you

fair cousin, Celi

u know

that is, I h

ou mee

reference only to his betrothal, but he had expressly declared that he should call the Assessor personally to account for any indiscretion, and Herr von Poseneck seemed to be a man very likely to keep his word. Would h

ia in the forest? You can

sire that we should not be seen together; I has

he was in danger of overlooking the group of mighty oaks near which was the by-path to whi

soon reached a turning-point in the road that opened a long vista before her. Here her glance instantly encountered Celia, who was riding slowly towards her, attended by Kurt, whom Lucie instantly recognized, having seen him upon the evening of her arri

terious behaviour; this was the explanation of C

t's and urged her horse to where her friend stood. "Anna, my darling Anna!" she said, tenderly. "I am so rejoiced to see you! Now you shall learn all. Kurt himself can tell you all about it. Yes, Kurt, tell Anna everything,--how we first came to know each other, that we are betrothed, and th

Kurt, then gathered up her rein

ectedly made. It had never occurred to her that Celia, gay, innocent, frank child that she seemed,

lf possessed of Celia's entire confidence, and ashamed that her care of her pupil had been so ne

s an inexperienced child, who did not and could not know the

d been strengthened by what she had learned of him from the Finanzrath and from Adèle's letters. Even now, as she looked at him with severe scrutiny, she could not but admit to herself that his appearance was greatly in his favour. He was not, strictly speaking, handsome, his features were not perfectly regular; but his countenance was frank and manly in expression, his fine eye

, to give me the explanation to which Celia ha

ler, to ask this explanation of me, and I give it you the more readily, since my betrothed was about to give you her entire con

of sixteen cannot be betrothed without her father's consent? So far as I know, the Freiherr von Hohenwald has not given his paternal

thout hearing me!"

hat you can never hope for his consent. Was it right, was it honorable, that you, a man of ripe knowledge of the world, should induce a young,

hat you will judge me less severely when you have heard that I came to know Celia by chance, and that my love for her soon grew to a consuming passion that wa

in a long conversation between the two as the

the Assessor's intrusion to utter the decisive word that betrothed them on this very day. He went on to tell Lucie how he had agreed with Celia that she was to acquaint her dearest friend with their secret, and ask her for aid and counsel; that he had at first been resolved to go to the old Freiherr and confess everything to him, but that he had been deterred from doing so by Celia's entreaties an

ere must be an end to these meetings with Celia; this you must promise me,--this duty you must fulfil, however hard it may seem to you. Do not answer me immediately, but reflect. I know that at this moment you think it impossible to comply with my demand; nevertheless it must be done. You must have sufficient self-control to enable you to resign a fleeting moment of happiness. If you love Celia truly and honestly, and would not separate her from her father,

faith and affection if she should not fin

ed of you. It is very likely that she, too, will rebel against this sacrifice, and will blame both you and me; but this consideration ought not to deter you from doing your duty; thus onl

to her aid? And how easily this might happen! Am I not Celia's natural protector? You know what danger threatens the Freiherr through the Finanzrath's intrigues; if he,

ot to be held binding in so extreme a

e very

ty, and requiring that

d not but admit to himself that Lucie was right, and that in her influence wi

TER

ed at the silly vanity for which he was now paying so dearly! And he had asked for so little, for only one ray of hope, only for permission to love her, and even this she had coldly and firmly denied him. He had thought his heart desolated by the deceit from which he had suffered years before, but the contrary was proved in the bitter pain that now tortured him. He loved, and she whom he loved scorned his affection. Was her heart no longer free? Did she love another? She had denied this; but could he believe her? He remembered all that Werner had told of her, that she had been betrothed and forsaken by her lover when her father's wealth had vanished. Could she still cling to one so worthless? No; it was impossible. She must despise such a man, and she was too noble to give affection where she could not esteem. Had Werner's studied atte

as he thought by some animal making its way through the thicket. But no; in a few moments there emerged upon the open space,

d he evidently reflected that his presence here, instead of in the fields superintending the labourers, might seem strange to Baron Arno. He approached

al world by the Inspector's presence, "nor could I ha

d undertaken his walk through the forest were mere folly. "I beg pardon, Herr Baron," he said, meekly, "I should not have left my work with the men, but I saw

uld bring Herr von Poseneck to Hohenwald? Go back to your men,

, if the Herr Baron orders it I will return immediately, but it is a pity that I should not discover what Herr von Poseneck is con

f duty, but he now saw clearly that he had wronged Hauk, who had been a faithful servant for many years. Therefore

can be no good. He usually takes the path along the Grünhagen boundary, and gets into the forest that way; but to-day I saw him hurry directly across the Hohenwald meadow. Early in the spring, Kunz, who was ploughing near the Grünhagen boundary, saw him do

versal mistrust of the Posenecks that was rife among the Hohenwald tenantry and servants; still Arno wondered what could bring the young gentlema

besides, all the men at wor

een in the habit for some time of w

omen when they were gathering sticks, but they said nothi

women's go

eak to him, because the Freiherr has ordered us to avoid all quar

is very vague.

y afterwards that he had seen young Herr von Poseneck cross our field to the forest; that he had not been sure it was he until he saw him that night in the quarry; but that then he

hidden among the shrubbery, was a bench, whence there was a lovely view of the little sheet of water. This spot was a favourite one with Fr?ulein Anna Müller. Whenever, as was, to be sure, but rarely the case, she walked in the park during Celia'

e her; her avowal would, indeed, have pained him, but the pain would have been easier to bear than distrust of her. He suffered in the though

commands that I should r

eavour to encounter Herr von Poseneck, but I do not desire any one to spy upon his movements. Let him walk as much as he pleases in the Hohenwald forest; I am sure that no ill will towards us brings him here, and I will

the Inspector replied, with a

ed it on either side, he heard a voice that thrilled him; it was Anna's. He could not distinguish what she said, nor the words of the reply, which was given in clear, manly tones. He cautiously proceeded a few steps farther, until, parting the bushes, he obtained a clear view of the broad road. His worst fears were confirmed: Kurt and Anna were slowly walking along it engaged in earnest conversation. They approached the spot where Arno stood concealed; a few more steps and he should hear every word that was said, for they did not suspec

e same time to influence the old man to relinquish his foolish prejudice against Kurt. She could hardly warn him directly, but could it not be done indirectly through Werner, perhaps? If she should inform the Finanzrath that his connection with Repuin and other Fren

heir sitting-room; but, although the windows there were all wide open, the confinement seemed to stifle her; she wanted air,--not the air of park or garden, but that of the cool, fragrant forest. As she issued from the gate of the

wered her brother's harsh question. "I mi

een in th

going to t

ll detained her. "Do you usually sele

ything of her meetings with Kurt? With feminine evasion she hasti

ong since you retur

f an hour ago," sh

ide on the bro

go, Arno! How can it possibly i

ed punishment for Anna, but what impression would it produce upon his innocent sister? A second glance along the road reassured him,--Anna was slowly approaching the castle alone. He let go Celia's hand, reliev

ho went his way. Throwing her arms around her friend, she whispered, as she caressed her tenderly, "A

idence in me," Anna said, i

all, but I was so afraid lest you would be angry, and perhaps forbid my meetin

a; you must not meet Herr von

ght to meet him. But no, Anna dear, I will not be angry with you, only do not ask that of me. If you think it wrong for me to see Kurt alone in the forest,--and I have sometimes been afraid th

seneck has promised me that he wil

only after a long and grave explanation upon Lucie's part that the girl was brought to see that her friend's counsel was dictated by the truest motives

second task she had undertaken, and, instead of entering the castle, turned

annot talk together there, for Werner, as you know, will in

fternoon," Lucie replied, "and I beg you

ets with him?" Celi

Poseneck to warn your father of the danger that threatens him. I can

know Werner,--he will not believe you; he thinks he knows more than any one else. Do not have any confidences with Werner

Lucie insisted; "do not try to dissu

the winding paths until, as had been foreseen, Werner joined them, when she lingered behind to p

ntary speeches by saying, in a very grave tone, "Our meeting this afternoon, Herr Finanzrath, is owing to no

ave done so only by Lucie's desire. A secret hope that his endeavours to obtain the beautiful woman's favour were about to prove more successful flashed across his vain soul, but vanished as he

ed suspicion that you are of the number of French agents who are at work here, in the interest of the French Emperor, endeavoring to effect the dissolution of the treaty

nd clear as usual, as he replied, with forced composure, "Your information is indeed startling, madame; I am excessively grateful to y

rmation, but I can assure you that my warning is sent you by a sincere friend of yours and of your family, who is well aware

ll ear,

the source of her information had shaken his belief in its truth; but she went on qu

doubt me

s to the letters sent from here, but I know that it exists, and that the authorities have it in mind to crush any treasonable scheming before it becomes dangerous, by the arrest of the entire Hohenwald family. I think, Herr Finanzrath, that under these circumstances you will see that you owe it both to your family and to yourself to leave the castle as soon as possible. Your presence here imperils your father's safety. He will, on the other hand, be left undisturbed, though not unobserved, if you, the cause of this groundless suspicion, abse

he while. "Then my departure from Castle Hohenwald is the purpose of y

ope that your departure

ll the measure of your kindness by telling me to what good friend you owe your information, which has the air of proceedi

th," Lucie asked, amazed. "Do you reall

ain for the name o

ather will not, give it to you; yo

even desire it, but perhaps you will

nnot kn

s playing with me. Have a care, madame, that the b

t unders

equences of allowing me a glimpse into your heart,--of ruthlessly annihilating my fairest hopes. You

had never seen the calm, easy Finanzrath thus moved. "You speak in riddles, Herr Finanzrath," she said, looking frankly in his face. "

choose that I should speak it out plainly? Well, then, so be it! I am weary of the restraint that I have put upon myself for months I will no longer be your pl

. I must leave you!" Luci

ill force you to hear

are

never until now did I know it surely. Do you think I have been blind,--that I have slumbered through these long weeks? No, jealousy has spurred me on to constant watchfulness; not a look exchanged between Arno and yourself has escaped me. I have been insane with jealousy when you were alone with him in the library, but I would not believe that you could

continued, "Am I sufficiently clear now, madame? Now you know, I imagine, that you can no longer deceive me. You are right not to attempt it by any denial. One thing, however, you have forgotten, that I know your past, and that one word from me can put an end to your brief dream of love. My precious brother is an idealist who might indeed bestow his heart upon Celia's poor governess, the lovely Anna Müller, but who would turn with aversion and disgust from the runaway wife of Herr von Sorr! Hitherto I have kept your secret faithfully, but I might easily b

nt with a low bow, but with head proudly erect, hurrying towards the castle, and not even looking back at her whom he had so insulted. He did no

TER

m to and fro, he pondered upon the occurrences of the past hour. While in Lucie's presence, rage at the thought of his brother's successful rivalry had bewildered his understanding; he could not think clearly. Reason had returned, and he confessed to himself that he had played the part of a jealous fool. His brother was no intriguer, his ways were never those of a schemer. But whence, if not from Arno, could Fr?ulein Müller have received her information? She saw no one but the inmates of the castle, an

r relations with Adèle von Guntram the Russian's suspicions would surely be aroused; he would make his appearance at the castle with Sorr, who would enforce his marital rights. Should this occur, Lucie would be restrained by no considerations from betraying him. At present she would feel obliged to have some regard for the man who knew her secret and held her fate in his hands. He tore up his letter to Repuin, and decided to attempt to avert in another way the da

ould appear at the castle and require her to return to him! She felt sure that the old Freiherr would grant her his protection, but what would it avail her against her husband! And Arno? Lucie's heart died within her as she thought of the pain that a knowledge of her secret would cause him. Nothing was left her but a hurried flight. But no, she would not leave Hohenwald; had she not promised Kurt and Celia to use her influence with the old Freiherr to induce him to forget the wretched feud with the P

hat Werner had returned to the castle, joined her again, eager to know

Anna replied; "he does not believe me. I cannot tell you more,

dear Anna, Arno has the best heart in the world. He is not so amiable and agreeable as Werner, he cannot pay compliments, but you can rely upon him. I have often watched him when he thought no one was obser

ill await

nd she flew towards the castle, returning in a f

efused to come at first. Scold him well, Anna dear; although he does look so grim, he i

a kiss to her friend as sh

y to Lucie. "I await your commands, Fr?ulein Müller," he said. "You must forgive my momentary he

equested an interview with you, and I t

was Arno's

ng of their talk by a single word, she felt exceedingly uncomfortable. Her last words to him in the library had deeply offended him, as was evident from the fo

should. It was my duty to tell you the perfect truth; if I did this too harshly, I pray you not to be angry with me. I told you to-day that your words would drive me from Castle Hohenwald; I was overhasty. After calm consideration, I have deci

you do me justice; I am, indeed, too proud ever again to intrude upon you after the harsh rejection I have experienced. I assure you that you shall never hear from me a word that could cause

fulfil towards the Freiherr and himself in telling him of the warning sent to them from a perfectly trustworthy source. His brother's plots were discovered, Castle Hohenwald was under surveillance, and such suspicion rested upon his father and himself of sharing in the Finanzrath's schemes that they were threatened with arrest. "I trust you, Herr Baron," Lucie co

to you for your warning; but you must excuse me for putting one question to you. You tell me t

ot informed of the entire state of the case? He must know that the Finanzrath mistrusted him, and this Lucie could tell him only by letting him know of Werner's je

ed, after a short pause, "and yet

I have been induced by you to acquaint him with a fictitious tale o

y should I wish to drive him from the castle, and why should you lend you

ry insulting to me. He thinks that it is my desire as well as yours to banish him from Castle Hohenwald, that we may escape his o

ection; his love is an insult to you. I did not believe that he would dare to offend you by such unworthy suspicions; he is more w

s author? The answer that instantly occurred to him to this question disturbed the satisfaction that Anna's frankness had afforded him. Her

to the rival who had robbed him of Anna's love. Her warning lost all credibility in his eyes; he rebelled against receiving it from a man whom h

first address to her, said, "I owe you a debt of gratitude, Fr?ulein Müller, but let me pray you to complete your informatio

de you think of him?" Luci

ou do not deny, then, that Herr von Poseneck

t? But I really cann

Chance revealed to me your secret. I saw you to-day in the forest engaged in conf

Baro

pes which you crushed as they deserved. I reproach myself, not you. I deserved the harsh repulse which I received, but I did not deserve that you should deceive me at the very time when my heart was laid bare be

n, I assur

n, perhaps, you have refrained from any mention of your intimacy with thus gentleman, and you certainly are right, for even your powerful influence would hardly avail, I fear, to conquer the hereditary hatred of a Hohenwald for a Poseneck; but if you would keep your se

ion of her untruth. This wretched mistake! But could she undeceive him without betraying Celia? And if she did,--if she proved to him that it was solely upon Celia's account that Kurt came

ed his arm. "We must not part thus, Herr Baron," she sai

ay, Fr?ulein Müller?" A

gainst me," Lucie continued, "and you

scarcely an hour ago in the f

saw cor

ince your arrival at Castle Hohenwald, daily

too, is

seat hidden in shrubbery near the lake, where y

ue, at least so

he had ever heard her speak. "My word must suffice; I assure you that I have seen Herr von Poseneck but twice in my life, once upon the night of my

talking to him

very highly, I do not deny. He, inspired by the purest friends

ll you were

under no obligation to give you farther information, as you, Herr Baron, have no

erity of her words and manner, his heart felt lighter than before, and hope began to stir with

eiherr was already looking for her,--she wished to write a few lines to Adèle. This she did hastily, delivering her letter

had watched her from his window, had seen the letter in her hand, and had been

catch the evening mail?" he asked of the Inspector

Hauk replied. "Old John can go on Fr?ulei

rtant letter to send; and tell John to sadd

With a triumphant smile he took from it Lucie's letter addressed to Fr?ulein Adèle von Guntram.

ed? I hope soon to be able to let you know why I do this, but I cannot tell you to-day. I cannot leave Castle Hohenwald, and so y

put the letter in its envelope again, but it could not be done, the latter was too much torn. There was nothing for it but to destroy it. He tore it up therefore, and thr

PTE

In a few indignant words Arno informed him that Fr?ulein Müller had acquainted him with the manner in which her well-meant warning had been received, and said all that was possible in so short a time to induce his brothe

ference, and thus the two men entered the garden-room together, the elder dissembling his jealousy and rage beneath an easy amiability of mann

her charming songs, and meeting with a curt refusal, acquiesced in it without a word. He was all that a courteous, high-bred cavalier should be; and yet, in spite of his effor

o full to allow her to take any part in the conversation. This would soon have become monosyllabic in spite of Werner's exertions had he not casually mentioned a visit that he had paid a few days before to Grünhagen. So favourable an opportunity of turning the conversation upon Kurt did not escape Lucie; she asked Werner, with evident interest, how young Herr von Poseneck liked Grünhagen, and wheth

topic was not an agreeable one to him the

in his look. What could be Fr?ulein Müller's aim in this show of interest in Kurt?

; she said nothing, but not a word that was spoken escaped her. Werner

as exhausted. "You seem to take a remarkable degree of interest in this fellow Poseneck, Fr?ulein Anna," he said,

he Freiherr and, pushing her chair nearer to his, said, "What has poor Herr

ut I hate the Posenecks one a

ike Kurt von Poseneck if you knew

him!" the Freiherr exc

t in character, but with the enthusiasm of youth, a thorough gentleman, but no fop, he has won g

she looked at him with so charming an air of entreaty that he could not be angry with her,--he even smiled as he shook his finge

ompetent judge than I am. Count Styrum, my friend Adèle's lover, is a relation of Herr von Poseneck; his word is the best warr

egard, is certainly a recommendation for the young man, but fortunately I am entirely indifferent as to whether this Herr von Poseneck deserves your praise or not, for I have nothing to do with any of the Poseneck crew. One thing st

thanked her. She arose, and going to the piano unasked, sang one of the old man's

e room with the post-bag, which he said had just been brought to th

f importance. This he found in the first one that he opened; it contained the telegram reporting the abdication of the Crown Prince of Hohenzollern. With eyes sparkling wi

to Dresden, as I learn from this letter," Werner

, and, although the question expressed s

Franz orders the carriage I will pack my portmanteau, a

?ulein Müller? No?" as she answered by a gentle shake of the head. "I am sorry, but pray remember that you may always command me as you please. Adieu, Celia; be diligent and good, you little romp. Adieu, Arno; I

," he said, in too low a tone to be heard by the others. "I do not know your reason for t

then im

eply to deceit

her," the old Freiherr interposed; and Werner, with a shrug, let fall the hand

osition of his papers. It was not until he was certain that not a scrap of writing was left either in desk or writin

d not believe in the reason assigned by him for his hasty departure, and it aroused in his father's mind suspicions that he was more deeply implicated in rebellious plo

darkened; all Germany keenly felt the insult offered to the Kin

orget all petty jealousies and prejudices. We should be one nation in the struggle that France thus forces upon us. I am quite

y son! Only cowards and t

in whom he delighted. Celia threw her arms around her brother's neck and kissed him tender

intoxicated him and impelled him to offer her his hand

hose cares kept him from home almost every day,--it was only in the evenings that he could make one in the family circle; but these evenings, when his father's welcome was so affectionate, Celia's so enthusiastic, and Lucie's so fall of gentleness and sympathy, more than indemnified him for the hard labour of the day. Only one drawback marred the pleasure they gave him, and this was the manner in which he was constantly reminded by Lucie herself of his last tête-à-tête with her. What reason could she have for perpetually dragging in

g to her own declaration, she had seen but twice. This contradiction struck the Freiherr also, and he expressed his surprise at it, but Lucie only smiled and replied, "Oh, I have a private source of information which I know just how f

y Poseneck," but, nevertheless, it was plain to be seen that Lucie by her persistency had aroused in him a species of interest, and finally one evening, when she h

rd to Werner, from whom nothing was heard after his departure. Whether the Finanzrath were really in Dresden neither his father nor his brother knew, and when Arno at times saw accounts in the newspapers of the arrest

TER

these had been obliged to content themselves with places in a baggage-wagon, every carriage being crowded with troops in process of transportation. As soon as these three stepped upon the platform they were besieged with questions of all kinds from the throng of men waiting there,--questions which seemed especially anno

struggle to clear himself of importunate questioners, "Deuce take you all!" he

y successfully to where the Assessor von Hahn stood awaiting him. "Here I am at last!" he said, holding out to him the hand unencumbered by his travelling-bag. "I have been trying to get to you for

ook the new-comer cordially by the hand. "I am rejoiced to see you

interrupted him before he

eally, I do

e heard by the Assessor. "I do not wish these curious people to know who I am, or what I want

re right, you were perhaps in more danger than you thought. Do

knowledge of

at they were your fellow

again when I see them. The bearded fellow is the Russian of course. Pi

s not

rogues are bound for the castle, so the sooner we are on our way there the better. You

nce I received your despatch. The carriage is he

he name. And no one in Hoh

on

en." And preceded by the Assessor, he passed through the station-house, and getting into the carriage waiting for them, they were w

ral of his friends who had dared in Munich, Leipsic, and elsewhere to express unpatriotic sentiments had been roughly handled by the enraged populace. In fear, therefore, of a like fate, Werner judged it

--any amount of funds for the prosecution of the war would be voted unanimously. Werner bore his part admirably in the wild shouts of exultation that followed this intelligence, waving his

the platform. "Low-lived canaille!" the Russian exclaimed, giving vent to his

calmly rejoined. "Let them roar their 'Wacht am Rhein' as they please. I am annoyed o

you are right. Baron, he should have been here if he obeyed my comma

come by the next train,--but it is very unfortunate for me to have to wait here at the station. I

y, there is n

it him here while I go

ot refuse to give him a hearing. Then when he swears that he has broken off all connection with me, she cannot refuse to follow him, and should she

know Frau von Sorr detests you. Will she not instantly retu

ied, with an ugly smile. "There are means to tame the

will, to conquer her hatred of him? Brutal force spoke in the Count's words and gleamed i

of the danger threatening her, but the ties that bound him to the Russian were of such a nature that he dared not provoke the man's resentment, and every precaution must be taken lest his suspicion should be aroused. With as easy an air as he could assume he said, "I suppose you will find means to attain your object, but I wou

I do not suspect your good faith towards me. In your delay in informing me of Frau von Sorr's whereabouts there has been quite enough to put me on my guard

n is insulting

ire that we may continue friends, but I swear to you that any obstacle laid by you in the way of my plans h

himself. He adopted an aggrieved tone and answered, "I shall remain here unt

the last months he had greatly changed. There was in his appearance not a trace of the elegance that had formerly characteriz

or the Count, whom he did not immediately perceive, but who greeted

von Hohenwald and yourself, which will doubtless affect your plans. We are betrayed! You as well as the Herr Finanzrath are not safe for

trembled as he exclaimed, "I am warned

e part of our friends," said Repuin. "Wh

von Walte

. By the infernal gods, this is danger

in is shown by the fact that the arrests are to be made under the command of Count von Schlichting, colonel in the army, and formerly an intimate friend of the old Freiherr von Hohenwald. The notorious Geheimrath Steuber is associated with him in the search of the castle. When I went to the railway depot this morning, Count Schlichting was standing on the platform eagerly conversing wi

ake a requisition here for the military force needed to carry out his orders. Herr von Waltershausen enjoined it upon me to beg you both, gentlemen, not to delay an instant in escaping the threatened arrest. He is convinced, from matters being pla

hemes, which may ruin us all. We can still save ourselves by flight into Hanover, where we can be conc

the goal of my desires! Yes, I will fly with you, but only if Frau von Sorr accompany us. And if by word or even by look you attempt to thwart me, look to yourself, He

the trap at Castle Hohenwald aid you,

ight, although he does not know me; it therefore cannot excite his attention for me to leave the platform as soon as he arrives and despatch the messenger to you at Hohenwald, while I get into the other carriage and drive to R----, where I will await you. Before Count Schlichting has obtained the military aid he requires I shall be miles from here and in perfect safety. You, in the mean time, will have time enough at the castle to explain matters to your father and to employ every means to induce Frau von Sorr to follow her husband, f

would be much more prudent," he said, "to fl

His opinion is not asked; a

. "I shall do just as you please," he said,

"You never shall regret your amiable readiness to further

e Hohenwald, leaving a trusty messenger, who had formerly been an inspector on the Hohenwald estate, and a second car

e feared instant recognition; but Styrum was so absorbed in what Schlichting was saying that he did not look up until Repuin had left the platform. Before the guards had opened the doors of the railway-carriages the Russian had despatched his messenger to warn Werner at the castle, and was himself seated in the carriage he

TER

ought the library when Fr?ulein Müller was there. She sat for a while lost in thought. Arno had applied the day before for re-admission into the army; he was to leave for Dresden on the following day, and her heart told her that this

d, in great surprise. "Wh

brought it, and refuses to return without an answer!" was the reply. After which Franz lef

ittle heed; she open

Must I go without seeing my dearest Celia once more? May I not bid her good-bye and tell her how dear she is to me? I promised you not to see Celia again until you consented to our meeti

forest, where I will await you. Let me hope that you will grant my request. I need not tell y

reatest reg

von Po

Poor, and yet happy Celia! She might hope that if he whom she loved returned alive the old Freiherr would relent, and her lov

a pen and wr

hether Celia will accompany me or not depends upon th

rd, paused in astonishment as he heard her words. Was she really so intimate with young Poseneck that she corresponded with him? Perhaps the letter after all might not have been for Kurt von Poseneck; but all doubts on this head were set at rest by Franz, who, exercising his prerogative as a privileged servant, sa

e of welcome. "Why, here we have Fr?ulein Anna!" he said, in great satisfaction. "Have you come to bestow your charming society upon an old fellow at this unwonted hour? But what is that?" he added, p

rew a chair to his side and sat down. "Are you sure that you will not drive

re 'tis asked; I know of noth

will not do. You shall not be bound by a promise to gra

am curious; out with your request,

r Baron. My request conc

Poseneck; on the contrary, he laughed, saying, as if in badinage, "Always Poseneck! Really, child, I believe you

earted fellow, who now, after having served with honour in America, is going off to Berlin to enter the

never would have believed it of a Poseneck,"

to conquer his ambition as a former major in thus entering the army as a common soldier, but he sacrifices his whole future happiness. He passionat

l?" the Freiherr exc

a smile. "He is a man of honour, but the victim of a prejudice which so possess

d eyed Lucie suspiciously. "Stop! stop, child!" he said. "I begin to suspect that you have be

frankly to you?" Lucie asked, laying her little hand on the old man's

ith you? Oh, you have the old bear fast in yo

not an hour ago from Herr von Poseneck; it will tell you all, and

his features as he read. She saw his face darken, and then a smile dawned about

iherr said, he handed the note back to h

Herr Baron, and then jud

urt had given his promise never to see Celia without her governess's consent, and how faithfully he had kept his word. "And now for my request, Herr Baron," she said, in conclusion. "I know it will be hard for you to grant it, but I hope

orm, to take leave of him; the child might do it if she should hear that Poseneck was going away. But one very serious word I must speak. Your Poseneck certainly is an honest, honourable young fellow, his note and his whole conduct show that. Celia in her unsuspicious innocence might have fallen into bad hands. You cannot expect me to be quite content, but time will bring co

n, and I thank you from my very heart for conquerin

taking care that my dislike should gradually subside. Have you not hammered away at my heart with

he papers lay upon the table beside him. His thoughts were busy with the occurrences of the day. "Where can Werner be?" he suddenly asked himself. Several letters that had arrived at the castle for the Finanzrath and had been forwarded to his address in Dresden had

his man from the first instant of his appearance. In spite of his long seclusion from society the Freiherr had always retained the greatest neatness, and withal an old-fashioned elegance, in his dress. Nothing was more distasteful to him than a want of cleanliness or an air of neglect, and both of these characterized the former

g a stranger here? Don't you know that I receive no visitors? Whoever you ar

us treatment, was nevertheless abashed by this reception, and might perhaps sca

tion to you of Herr von Sorr. I appeal to your sense of justice, sir, in informing you that Herr von Sorr has no desire to intrude upon you, but has come hither be

th this man?" the Fre

orr, not by repulsing him in a manner that cannot but be offensive

ded, and turning to Sorr, said, with forced calmness, "Approach, sir; I regret it if my hastiness offended you,--such was not my intention. I can make no ex

man, but when he met his dark, searching eye the words which he had committed to memory that they might serve him in this

l, s

ee in me a wretched man, who appeals to you for aid in recovering his lost happiness. In the terrible misfortunes that have overwhelmed me I have not been guiltle

have you to ask me for your lost happiness?"

the wildest extravagances, and my income was always exceeded by my expenses. Thus my property dwindled almost without my knowledge. My wife, who loved me tenderly, warned me, entreated me, but even her prayers, all-powerful in every other direction, availed nothing to induce me to resist the fatal temptation offered me by cards. It dragged me down into an abyss that engulfed my fortune and that of my wife also. I found myself at last a beggar, my fortune, friends, position in society, and, worse than all, the affection of a wife whom I idolized, all gone. Meanwhile, one of my friends had, with inconceivable cunning and treachery, abused my confi

and more disgusted with Sorr, who had hoped his theatrical pathos was prod

. My treacherous fri

epuin, the Russian, Werner's frien

not where to turn for the barest necessaries of existence, he carried to my wife the false report that I was dishonoured, that I had been detected in cheating at cards, and that it was in his power to send me to a jail. It was a bold falsehood, but it found credence with my wife

indignantly exclaimed, involuntarily

rned his offers with contempt, and yet she believed him, and driven by despair almost to madness, she secretly left my house. When on the morning after the fearful night in which I had sacrificed my last hope at the gaming-table I sought my wife's apartment to pray for her forgiveness and to make her the promise for which she h

e me again. Should you dare to persecute me, you will force me to denounce you publicly, and to give to the world the reasons that

nd, I had a right to do so. All was in vain. Again and again I read her mysterious letter, and at last, upon a sudden impulse, I hastened to Repuin, showed him Lucie's note, and demanded and received its explanation. The wretch had the effrontery to tell me with a smile, of the manner in which he had destroyed the happiness of my life. We fought. I arose from the sick-bed, where a wound received in the duel prostrated me for weeks, an altered man. I have taken a vow never again to touch a card. I have since that day earned my daily bread by honest toil, correcting proofs for publishers, and giving lessons in French and Engli

ood God, sir! what do you mean? Are you mad?" he e

on," Sorr replied; "he

position of Celia's governess under a feigned name. I had, of course, no idea of this when I engaged her through Frau von Adelu

r?ulein Müller's past; there could be no doubt that Anna was Sorr's unfortunate wife, forced by a sad fate to fly from her husband. What the Freiherr did doubt, what, indeed, utterly discredited, was the man's assertion of an altered course of life. One glance at h

he man's motives, suspicion that attached in a degree also

spy here that you might betray

replied coolly to his father's reproach. "When I saw how great was her husband's misery, and h

d, "and for promising to set the crown upon his kindness by doing all that lies in his pow

an's threats conquered his distaste for it. He had gone too far to retrace his steps, and he therefore replied to Sorr, "I will certainly keep my word, although I think there will be little need of any influence of mine. Frau von Sorr, I feel assured, will

e contempt that shone in them as the Freiherr turned from his son to Sorr and said, sharply, "What you ask of me, then, He

dent hope that it needed only an interview with my dear Lucie to induce her to take her place once more beside me as my faithful wife whom I dearly love and will never forsake. Surely the last sad months have atoned for my wrong-doing. I have a right to demand that sh

st which his evident and nauseous hypocrisy only served to increase, and yet he coul

o Franz, who immediately made his appearance, "Beg Fr?

tion. I reserve my decision until then. Not until I have spoken to Fr?ulein Anna,--I always call her so, and I have

inced, Her

udgment unbiassed. You shall be confronted with th

no one but mys

ein Anna has to say; I will talk with her alone,--she shall not be influenced

ing her flight, and so destroy his web of specious falsehood. He would at least make an attempt to prevent this. "I entreat you, Herr Baron, to permi

It shall be as I say! Werner, take Herr von Sorr out upon the terrace

err Bar

d I will not be contradicted; I wish to be alone. Your place for the present is out there on the terr

him, as Werner knew, and as Sorr perceived; he did not dare further to gainsay

ed and she did not come, nor did old Franz return to explain the reason why. The Freiherr rang his be

for that old ass Franz!" he roared out to Werner. "Stay outside

ed, with the intelligence that Fr?ulein Müller was nowhere to be found. She was not in her room; Fr?ulein Celia said that the Fr?ulein had gone for a walk in th

TER

lia laughed and cried and kissed her friend amid tears

easonable, child!" Luci

ar, good old father! How unjust I have been to him! How could I keep anything from him? It

ppy one for Celia if she had told her father of her first meeting with Kurt. The girl went on pour

e clock s

ait. Her friend complied; it would have been cruel to detain the girl longer than was necessary to

raw hat, and an instant after

r von Poseneck," Lucie said, off

g! for relinquishing your purpose of referrin

ould have persuaded me to meet you again without the knowledge of my darling, kind old father. But, oh, Kurt, we are so happy, and

Kurt gladly promised to obey every condition imposed upon him by the Freiherr, declaring t

n the conversation, wandering along the grassy path a little in advance of the lovers, anxious that Celia shou

n thousan

startled. They had just reached the spot where the footpath from Grünhagen crossed the broad road, and confro

von Hohenwald, for intruding again,

there is not much discretion in appearing where you ha

thing to do with you or with my respected cousin, but with Madame--that is--I mean, I wish the honour of a few words with Fr?ulein Müller. I learned in Grünhagen, where I arrived half an hour ago, that Herr von Poseneck had gone

e attained your purpose, Herr Assessor," she said. "You probably bring me a message from my friend Adèle. The Assessor is an old acqua

efore: "Certainly, Madame--that is, Fr?ulein Müller, I bring you a message from Fr?ulein Adèle, and not merely a message. I am n

e only persons who could have any interest in discovering her retreat. She gazed towards the spot indicated by the Assessor, and, i

of my word. But I can assure you that you will rejoice to see my honoured companion. He wishes to meet you

companion may be, he has no right to require

with unusual earnestness. "I entreat you not to refuse. I assure you yo

on at such insolence to Kurt, saying, "I have nothing further to say to

honour that he comes by Fr?ulein Adèle's express desire; he is the only man in the world whom I would have conducted hither. I was so glad to meet you here in the forest, and not to b

hat his words produced some effect upon her. She hesitated, and wondered whether she were right in her refusal; but before she could rep

asping her own about his neck, kissed him again and again. "I have you again! Thank God! thank God!

e's kisses. "My child! my dear, good child!" he whispered, tenderly. "You are min

hat," Lucie said, at length, extricat

unceremoniously to Fr?ulein Cecilia von Hohenwald and yourself. I had hoped that my daughter would comply with our friend the Assessor's request and come to me in t

ion of his services by his fair cousin and Herr von Poseneck. But alas, poor man! he soon experienced the uncertainty of such a position, and felt himself no better than the fifth wheel to a coach with the two couples, who evidently desired to be left to th

re out of hearing the daughter gave words to her delight. "I am so happy, my darling father; I can scarcely believe the evidence of my senses that I am looking into y

been deceived in Sorr, and my only object in life was to work for you, my darling, that your future might be secure. With this one thought in my mind I went to America and plunged into a life of toil, in which, when I might have faltered and fallen, the thought of you sustained me. I added dollar to dollar with the parsimony of a miser. I embarked, like a madman, i

confirmed. His reputation was gone, his property lost; and I was told that he had removed with you to M---

ell you where I

at in your despair you had destroyed yourself. I left M---- a brok

was one of your adorers, I did not rebuff him when he recognized me and with a cordial welcome on his lips walked along by my side. I soon wearied of him, however, and paid no attention to the gossip he continued to retail to me, until I was aroused from my absence of mind by the question, 'Have you been to see your daughter yet?' If he were conscious that your friends mourned you as dead, why ask so cruel a question? I begged him instantly to tell me all that he knew of you, and this threw the little man into the greatest confusion; my joy was unbounded when he assured me positively that you wer

d she not show you my second letter, which she must

g to you, to insist that you should return to your old retreat beneath her father's roof. We consulted together what was best to be done. We agreed that you must leave the castle immediately, but in view of

ace in the crowded trains came hither. He was waiting for me on the platform, and before we left the station he po

reiherr." Then as she reflected that her kind old friend was absolutely ignorant of her past, now probably to be so misrepresented to him, she went on, in feverish agitation: "But, oh! my father, there is a danger which you cannot avert. What if my kind friend should be led to doubt me by the falsehoods th

n's close association with Sorr, and from her husband even Lucie's father could not protect her. Should Sorr require her to follow him, nothing remained for her save to elude him by a secret flight from the ca

n her part; she was so unwilling to leave without one word of explanation what had been to her a dear asylum, that at l

TER

er that when Lucie reminded her that it was time to return she begged for "one more quarter of an hour, dearest An

her. As Celia was looking back for Anna, her attention was diverted by the noise of a vehicle, and through an opposite entrance came a carriage that drew up before the steps leading into the castle hall. Two gentlemen descended from it

epuin would reach the castle before her, but in another instant she stood by Cel

return to the castle?" her father, who in

appreciate at first the result which a meeting wit

the Finanzrath's companion; but since Sorr himself is here, doubtless with the intention

y one word of f

t expose yoursel

ithout a word? Herr von Sorr will not venture to ma

You owe it to me, your father, as well as to yourself, to come with me. Fr?ulein Cecilia wi

called Sorr, threatened Anna with great danger, from which her father was entreating her to fly, and that her friend was unwilling to leave the castle without a w

d without one word of farewell to dear papa and Arno? Oh, no, Anna! Indeed, you must not think of doing so

really love my daughter?

my dearest friend. I owe to her all the happ

doing imperil the happiness of her life. Trust me, I implore you. You shall soon hear from us and learn all that want of time now fo

is at stake never think of us. I do not know how I shall live without you now that Kurt and Arno are both going to leave us, but not for worlds would I

she yielded to Celia's unselfish entreaty. At Herr Ahlborn's request the girl promised not to acquaint her father with Fr?ulein Müller's secret departure

struck into the foot-path leading through the forest and village of Hohenwald to Grünhagen. Kurt lingere

f her flight, Lucie walked on swiftly. Suddenly she paused with a thrill

urprise was great on beholding the Assessor, with whom he had formerly been slightly acquainted, and who now bowed profoundly, while his elderly companion accorded him a reluctant greetin

is folly in trusting Anna's words rather than his own eyes! How she must have smiled at his futile irritation when she persisted in reiterating Poseneck's praises! What did she mean now

e took his hand. "We must not part thus, Herr Baron," she said, with so kindly a look that in a mome

e you I can in some measure explain the grief that my hasty departure from the castle causes me. I told

of conventional courtesy, and regretted that the necessity for reaching A---- that very evening would prevent any prolongation of the interview. "I shall

e hour of their sorest need? No, Fr?ulein Müller, I cannot believe this. Tell me you will remain. My infirm old father and Celia cannot do without you, and I--but no, I will not speak of

annot!" Lucie replie

n exclaimed, impatiently. "Farewel

of private conversation with Baron von Hohenw

, take

nnot help it. I will foll

mblingly. "You must do as you please, only I implo

companied by Kurt, he pursued the path until one of its windings scre

yet she was irresolute how to begin. Her cheeks glowed with shame at the idea of imparting to him the

really going

s hesitation. "I must, Herr Baron," she replied. "I had hoped to fin

u so dread the few hours that are all I can yet pass in the

hand that still rested in his, Arno saw that she spoke the truth. "You are not the cause of my le

ave confided,

ld have followed my father, who is restored to me after years of hopeless separation, but I should not have been forced to st

ddles. I do not

n I tell you that the man whom your brother has just introduced at Castle Hohe

he dropped Lucie's hand and gazed at h

nce; hope seemed slain within

I am so wretchedly unhappy. I could not part from you without telling you the whole truth. I have lo

ing!" Ahlborn calle

uppressed all expression of her sentiments towards him. Never in the intercourse of daily life at Hohenwald had she for an instant relaxed in the stern watch and ward that she

ll hope; and now, as he looked into her imploring eyes and felt the soft pressure of her hand, the thought thrilled him with sudden ecstasy that she returned his love, that her li

n's warning voice, in more

all else forgotten in the ove

ate divides us forever, but in this last sad moment let me implore you never t

is time we

assionately. She did not resist, but in an instant turned and hurried to her father. As she r

ther, and Werner, his brother, had brought to Castle Hohenwald that other, her unworthy husband, from whom she had been forced to flee under a feigned name. In an instant he comprehended that it wa

ed within him at the thought that a man so evidently steeped in low dissipation should be Anna's husband. He felt that he hat

en we have not seen each other for several days? I will only detain you for one moment, however, to present to you in Herr von Sorr a guest whom you will doubtless be glad to welcome when I tell you that he is so fortunate as to be the husband of

nd horror at the intelligence that Anna Müller was Sorr's wife, but to his astonishment his brother did not betray the slightest surprise, bestowing only

coldly rejoined, "Frau von Sorr has already informed me of your bringing this ge

long

at I was at the cast

es

een us then as w

prob

tly avoiding us. Where did you see her? My father has bee

ll gratify him to l

that Werner and Sorr were following him; he paused therefore, and, barring the way, said,

know where his wife is and what you have

errace with your Herr von Sorr until I call you. No man in the world, and this Herr von Sorr least of all, has a righ

g once more, paced the terrace impatiently with Sorr. He knew that when h

I love. I can hardly believe that she is the wife of that low-looking scoundre

ather to him and told him that she was forced to flee from her unworthy husband. He also delivered Anna's farewell to t

aps you may guess when you hear that fellow's story." The Freiherr then related as briefly as he could the tale told him by Sorr, adding, finally, "I must do the man the justice to say that he acknowledged that he alone was to blame in his quarrel with his wife; he never accused her, and I might have put some faith in his protestations if it had not been for the scoundr

tell us s

rr exclaimed. "She went with Anna into the

her dear Anna, she refused to give any information with regard to Fr?ulein Müller's disappearance. Then, however, she told the little that she knew; no more, indeed, than

n now is, what is to be done with those two fellows outside. I must give them some answer." As he spoke, the Freiherr glanced towards Werner and Sorr, and observed to his surprise that they were no longer alone. A man, hat in hand, was hand

to decide instantly. Important information which I have just received forces me to leave here immediately with Herr von Sorr. I trus

err did n

ry moment is precious," Werner went on. "Any

lay you; go wh

in? Will not Frau von So

right to

s her to follow her husband. You sustain her in her disobed

" Arno cried, indignantly, b

disputing between you brothers. My decision is made; I

helter her, sir

N

expected no

no longer permit her to stay in Castle Hohenwald. The rest is your affair, or rather that of Herr von Sorr, whom I must now beg to leave me. I am far from well, and will hear nothing fu

chair, and by an imperious wave

room, Werner, still accompanied by Sorr, hurried first to the library where he hoped to find Lucie, and then up-stairs, where the maid informed them that Fr?u

rden-room alone, leaving Sorr to await him in the court-yard. The reception he met with was of the coldest; his father swore he would not hear a word from him, Arno refused to answer any questions, and Celia continued her performance of one

ster are evidently in league with your wife; they know where she is, but utterly

y wife; I do not dare to c

besides we may chance to meet her on our way. Will you come?" He opened the carriage-door and sprang in. Sorr hesi

r quarter of an hour, an open barouche, in which sat three gentlemen, two officers and a civilian. Colonel von Schlichting, with his adjutant, Lieutenant von Styrum, and the

ch came a detachment of mounted dragoons, and reported that he had seen not

tion. I was afraid upon learning at the station that immediately after our arrival a carriage and a horseman had left it at full speed that th

d Count Repuin, which had already been ordered. Stern necessity alone had overcome considerations which would else have prevailed even with the highest authorities, and both search and arrests were confided to the charge of the famous Geheimrath, who was at the head of all investigations of the treasonable combinations still existing after war had been declared. Thus the police official was, in fact, the leader of this expedition to Hohenwald, although for form's sake he appeared as the colonel's assistant, and this galled the old soldier, for the Geheimrath's past was more than questionable; he owed his lofty position entirely to his cunning. Schlichting would gladly have replied harshly to the exultation of the man who, with his old, wrinkled face and large, prominent eyes glari

st and to hope; you must not wonder, however, that with my experience I am readier to believe in guilt than in innocence. This, however, shall not prevent me from searching with equal vigi

that Baron Arno

hope of winning over his father and brother to what he calls the 'good cause.' I know further that he has lately developed a feverish activity, and that this very morning he arrived at Station A---- in company with Count Repuin, the most dangerous of all the French agents, doubtless intending to visit Castle Hohenwald in order to mature with their associates those arrangements that cannot be confided to pape

minder that it is to be fulfilled

r' was intended," Steuber rejoined, after which, leaning back

sistant, requested the colonel, who followed him somewhat less briskly, to place guards at every point of egress from the castle into the ga

uster the colonel ordered Styr

f the court-yard, made his appearance, staring in dismay at the strangers

Herr Freiherr von Hohenwald

an imperious tone. What, show a stranger into his master's ro

ron cannot s

ill s

ressly ordered that no stra

tacles had so threatening an air that old Franz felt constrained to obey. "This way, then!" he

oughts busy with Anna, who had so often sung him the very song that Celia was now beginning to play on the pia

he Freiherr said, after a long pause, taking his son's hand an

your hope

ng at his son, who was again lost in thought. Then he spoke once more, "Tell me

tion?" he said, reproachfully. "What is to you, father, or to any one, whether I loved or hated her? Our Anna, do you call her? Have you forgotten that she is

so great a pleasure to me to watch you during these last few weeks. My Arno will be happy after a

restlessly to and fro, never heeding the unu

e same moment steps resounded upon the terrace, and two dragoons with drawn sabres stationed themselves at the glass door leading to the garden. At this sight the old Baron's sadness was converted into violent anger. "Thun

luctant hand. "He conducted myself and this gentleman hither only upon compulsion. And we do not intrude voluntarily upon

t upon himself to suppress another outbreak. He looked from the colonel to the Geheimrath, and then out upon the terrace at the two dragoons stationed there, and the case suddenly became clear to him. He was not surprised that suspicion should attach to him in

there explain the 'august command' which brings my old friend here. It is not your fault that you must fulfil your d

your eldest son, and Count Repuin, your guest, and to assist this gentleman, the Geheimrath Steuber, from Berlin, in the execution o

complying, since I am, as you see, confined to my

oung lady,"--the colonel greeted Celia with chivalrous courtesy,--"I must entreat to remain here until my disagreeable duty is finis

Werner was in the castle, but he left it more than half an hou

e Count certainly accompanied the Finanzrath to H

said, kindly, "Be calm, old friend. The Herr Geheimrath has in his zeal for duty made use of a wrong expression. He cannot mean to

uin were probably still in the castle, although without the Freiherr's knowledge. He chose his apologetic phrases so well that the old Baron was entirely appeased, and even condesce

my friend's word,"

eiherr von Hohenwald will suffice

suffice you, sir," the o

, "It is the word of a man of honour, and therefore a word of honour; it suffices ent

ing to say;

sistance of his adjutant in my search, if he would himself prefer remaining here with his old friend, I hop

nstead of assisting in searching the castle, a duty that would have been extremely repugnant t

s, to intercept the flight of the Finanzrath and Repuin, giving the man the most minute directions as t

errified by the glance of the eyes behind the spectacles, that he obeyed with submissive promptitude. Encountering in the hall Count Styrum, who had just concluded the posting of his dragoons, Steuber

r by adding, "I do not ask you, Count, to take any part in this search, which indeed I now believe will be entirely fruitless. The aid I need, and which your superior officer permits me to require at your hands, consists simply i

ith old Franz for a guide, they beto

PTE

rther attempt to win over your father and brother,--it might be dangerous. Unfortunately, some of our friends have been very imprudent. I have received trustworthy information that many of us are under strict surveillance. The greatest caution is necessary; a new associate could avail us little,--one traitor might ruin us. Your brother's friend, Count Styrum, has already applied for re-admission to the army; if your brother should do likewise, he will rank among our foe

Steuber muttered, impatiently. "There is nothing here, and I have searched everything except the waste-paper basket." Thereupon he proceeded to examine all the papers it contained, worthless scraps, one and all, until nothing remained except some small fragments at the very bottom of the basket. Th

attention flattered the Geheimrath, who showed himself in the most amiable humour. "We will first undertake the strong, bluish paper," he said; "there are fewer of the scraps, and our work will be comparatively easy. I fear, however, that we are very indiscreet; the writing here is a lady's, and I suspect we have

ed to my betrothed." "Then the contents, which are quite incomprehensible to me, will interest you all the more; pe

ined? I hope soon to be able to let you know why I do this, but I cannot tell you to-day. I cannot leave Castle Hohenwald, and

uc

hich she had entreated that another position might be found for her, he could give the Geheimrath no information as

dressed to Count Repuin, care of Colonel von Berngberg, in Cassel. Colonel von Berngberg has never before been suspected of hostility to the government; this is a reward for all the trouble we have had." Again the malicious twinkle of his eyes, the joy he evidently felt at the implication in tre

I am working under orders, and in the service for the time of your superior officer, whom you now represent. Besides, I will wager that you will not regret l

post again. Send them in the way you know of; it is more secure, although less speedy, than the post. I will make one more attempt to win over my father and my brother, but I tell you frankly that I fear it will be fruitless. My father is no politician, and Arno is

Von

unt Schlichting that there can be no possible pretext for arresting the Freiherr or his son Arno; not a shadow of suspicion rests upon them. What do you thin

e Geheimrath left the garden-room and he found h

t assigned me in hopes that you would rather see a friend than a stranger, odious although his duties might make him in your eyes. I am rejoiced that Werner got wind of our comi

on that head?" the Fr

urn of the wheel, lead him to a ribbon and star. To-day a warrant of arrest is out against him, but who knows whether in another month he may not be held in high honour in Saxony and Southern Germany? I should be very sorry if you, old friend, and your son, who fought the Prussians bravely four years ago, had been led into any indiscretions; but indeed I c

ing within me; to-day it is forgotten in love of country, of the German fatherland, of which Prussia is now the representative, standing foremost in the conflict with the arch-enemy of German freedom, and as the defender of our

owing cheeks. "Your fidelity will atone for Werner's treachery, and

son, old friend; still, we will not judge Werner; let every man be true to his own convictions. I hear with pleasure, Herr von Hohenwald, that you wish to re-enter the army. I am at your service in this matter; nothing would

tely join his regiment. All of the little party in the garden-room, in the interesting conversation that ensued, quite forgot the

by his report, and by the request that the dragoons might be sent back to A---- and himself relieved of

on the Freiherr's earnest invitation, remained in the castle a few hours longer, that Arno might concl

s wrinkled cheek upon his silver beard. "Farewell, Arno! farewell, my dear son, pride and delight of my age," he said, drawing his son gently down to him and, for the first time since that son had grown to manhood, pressing his lips to his brow. "Farewell, Arno!" he repeated. "Make me one promise before you go. If, when you return, I am no longer here, be a father

k of startled inquiry, lay back in his chair. "Go, children!" he said, in a feeble voice. "You must leave me. This parting is almost more than I ca

TER

ing, making its surrender but a question of time, while upon the ruins of the empire that had crumbled to decay at Sedan the

uise had departed for England, leaving the castle in the charge of a cousin, the Baron de Nouart, who had arrived at Assais only a short time previously in company with the brother of the Marquise, a Russian count. The Baron was reported to have been so busy in Germany in the French interest that an asylum in the castle

r, while a pair of dark-blue glass spectacles made the colour of his eyes entirely undistinguishable. Thus disguised he appeared before the young officer of Uhlans in the court-yard of the castle. The officer scanned the strange figure before him rather curiously as he asked whether he had the honour of addressing the Baron de Nouart, and whether he could speak German. Upon being assured of the Baron's identity, as well as of his inability to speak German, although he understood it perfectly, the young man continued the conversation in French, informing the Bar

e Uhlan commander and the colonel, who was by no means favourably impressed with the man who, hat in hand, received him in the castle court-yard and in execrable German declared that he would gladly do all in his power for the comfort of the German officers, but must request t

red with his squadron to the support of the Saxon regiment in the work of ridding the surrounding country of the bands of franctireurs by which it was infested. "There are no such quarters in all France!" the captain c

hom he was sitting at the large round table in the dining-hall. "Are you as much pleased with our host, Count, as are our Prussian comrades?" he asked, in a tone too low to be heard by the other

the man for a moment, and at a distance, and yet it seems to me that I have s

re?" the co

struck me, however, that the Baron beat a hasty retreat as soon

that Monsieur may have some reason for requesting that we wil

villages. Arno had scarcely taken the place at table indicated to him by the colonel, with whom he was a favourite officer, when the young Uhlan lieutenant, who had brought the news

Schlichting's regiment only two days previously, Kurt reported that he had made a reconnoissance in all directions and had found no traces of the enemy. Th

ed to exist between the Prussians and Saxons, and the hall resounded with mirth

ice fade within him as he looked at the handsome young fellow, who showed in every word and glance his pleasure in thus meeting his Celia's brother. Only from Celia's letters had Arno heard of Kurt, who had written of his advancement to the old Freiherr. Now Kurt was not o

elia was no longer a secret. He had faithfully kept his promise never to write to Celia, but he had written to Frau von Sorr two letters

ith all the indifference he could assume,

mised to forward my letters to your father when there wer

rr is at present, and how she ha

n this score Herr Ahlborn was now quite easy, since Sorr and the Finanzrath had both been obliged to flee the country as proscribed traitors, and any return to Germany for them was impossible until the war should be ended. In her last letter Frau von Sorr had described her life with her father as all that she could desire, telling Kurt that she, with var

n unlucky bullet should chance to lay me up for a time.

at penetration and judgment she had shown in bestowing her heart upon this excellent young fellow! As a reward he allowed Kurt to read Celia's last letter,

and park. They walked on aimlessly until, emerging from a thicket of shrubbery, they saw before them one of the wings of the castle. All the windows here were darkened except two upon the ground-floor directly opposite them. The friends paused and gazed involunta

Baron's attention. He raised his head, seemed to be listening for an instant, and th

a low tone; "the Baron may else sup

ard for the hospitality he

reached the open lawn before the balcony of the dining-hall did he remark

ss I am much mistaken, that was no wine-bottle at his elbow; it hel

was an incorrigible drunkard; nev

I am convinced that he had other reasons for drawing those curtains so quickly,--the same probably that made him turn away this afternoon whe

his appearance only a few weeks ago; and although he is a zealous patriot, he is not, they say, a Frenchman, but a Russian. They say, too, that he can speak German extremely well

thus far for your distrus

rn what Kurt has told us," said Styr

parated and betook

TER

in his room with the brandy-flask at his elbow. And even then five minutes had scarcely elapsed when a slight noise causing him to turn his head, he plainly saw through the open window the three officers on the moonlit lawn, and that one of them was the man whom he so dreaded, Count Styrum. He started up and closed the hangings instantly, hearing distinctly as he did so Kurt's words, "Let us turn round; the Baron may else suppose that we wish to spy upon him." Then through a chink in the curta

e by a low tap upon the window, which he had closed. Could it be a belated officer? Hardly; he would not announce his p

ough the curtains, uttered an involuntary exclamation of horror, "Count Repuin!" and in an instant the curtains were drawn as

dow," whispered Repuin, who stood without in the disguise of a p

ruin both yourself and me; we shall b

Do as I tell you, an

he Count, who seized it, and with but little difficulty clambe

e, Sorr!" he said; "your hand trembles like a woman's. Shame on you! Why, I do believe the fellow is drunk again. There stands the

, and the sense of the danger with which it threatened him, helped to sober him. He drank several glasses of cold water, and then bathed his head an

ontemptuously. "You run no greater danger than I do.

at do yo

e is no confidence to be placed in the reports circulating everywhere; these French make

suppose that Count Schlicht

Schlichting i

egiment, and a squadro

st wait a few days. Is Count Styrum here? I suppos

e, and also Arn

ith your lovely wife. L

The Germans are to

ome scattering bands of franctireurs. I have learned enough for to-day, but you must contrive to keep me informed of all that is going on here. For a messenger you must employ the village ma

will be impossible to elude them, and, besides,

information we must depend upon Gervais; let him listen well. The

onel always speaks to h

for news, and let me hear it instantly

shall be discovered; and if we are, we are

shall be

e into ruin if you attempt to attack an enemy that so outnumbers you. We, the maire

direction and Count Schlichting shall learn by a letter from me whom your clumsy disguise conceals. Remember you are closely watched. If you are true to me you shall have your reward; but if you are a traitor, by Heaven! you shall meet a traitor's death. If you should escape a G

y the window. Sorr closed it softly behind him and stood at it for a lon

TER

remarkably fine and spacious. On returning from one of these walks about a week after their arrival at Assais, they found the castle court-yard a scene of much bustle and excitement, and learned that orders had arrived recalling the Saxon regiment to Nontron and Chalus,--orders that had been received with enthusiasm, since they pointe

rders, to prevent the formation of bands of franctireurs in the surrounding country. Although this was an honourable service, it was one that could be crowned by no laurels, and life in the castle, after the depar

no, and Kurt withdrew from the circle of their comrades on this last evening and passed together a farewell quiet hour. When they separated Arno pressed Kurt's hand. "We shall perhaps not see each other to-morrow," he said; "let us say farewell to-night; only for a short time, I t

ndows of both looking out upon the court-yard. The night had grown cloudy, and the long window before him, that would have given some light if the weather had been clear, was of no use to illuminate the darkness around him, but Kurt cared little since he could not possibly miss his door, the second from the end on his right. He had reached about the middle of the passage when his attention was roused by a noise upon his left; he thought he heard approaching footsteps. He paused and listened; yes, he was right; a door op

n, and only left him when he had ligh

ns that prudence would have suggested. Not one of them had hitherto thought it worth while to explore all the rooms and passages of the huge old castle. All had been content with the comfortable quarters assigned them by Monsieur Gervais, and had not reflected upon the facilities that the other rooms might afford for concealing spies and traitors. Kurt determined to

er threatening him; he dwelt rather upon Arno's last words to him; his heart beat at the thought that

r from the Uhlan's wakefulness. The enemy slept. Monsieur Gervais could now pursue his way unmolested, but he would guard against a second surprise. He put the lantern on the floor, took off his boots, and in his stockings glided swiftly to the grand staircase, which h

ered reply. "There is no time to waste; take off

ou taking me?"

through the blue

he back-stairs,

ter noon. Quick! quick! we have no time to parley; th

the door of the blue room, at which Gervais had appeared before Kurt. When it had admitted them and was closed behind them, the steward gave a sigh of relief. No officers were quartered

oming with me

r; he will tell you what you ought to know. Farewell, Monsieur Fourni

ns shall never capture me alive, and woe to the man

sued his way to the door of the Baron's

an an hour, and had begun to fear that some accident had befallen him. "At last you a

ts that I am i

d on the way to our friends, I should indeed bless my luc

? I would rather it were to-day, but that I have s

r that," the Baron rejoined; "but you

y errand and let me be gon

is to depart to-morrow morning early for Nontron and Chalus; the Uhlans only are to remain in Assais, and this probably only for a few days. All this Gervais has

anished the next instant in the mist. Again, as formerly, did the Baron listen, lest a shot should tell of the discovery of the fugitive, whom in truth

hould make the attack and be repulsed, would not Prussian vengeance first strike the French inmates of the castle? It had been folly to incite the Count to an attack! But no, whatever came of

rd would send the blood dancing in his veins again; a single glass! Repuin was far away, there was not the slightest danger threatening for the moment; was he an utter slave to the Russian? No; he would endure it no longer. He poured out a glass from the flask and emptied it at a

TER

Schlichting felt it his duty to warn Captain von S?ben before his departure that he must be upon his guard against treachery. The old colonel did not like to leave so small a force i

nce in search of franctireurs, and he could not, of course, take leave of his friends. When he returned in the afternoon Arno and Styrum had both gone, and Ku

iet of the apartment, where lately so much noisy gayety had held sway, had a depressing effect upon the Uhlan officers, whic

here were, it lay in the probability of an attack upon the castle from this direction. That such a danger existed Kurt was convinced by the behaviour of the country-people in all directions. They had shown no open hostility to the Uhlans, but their demeanour had been that of men looking fo

is mind. He was directly opposite the door at which Gervais had appeared, and the steward was at present busy in the dining-hall, which he could not leave for some time to come. There co

the window, and found that he had been correct in suspecting that the room led to the wing extending into the park, in which were the Baron's apartments; before him was the lawn, in front of the Baron's windows, and to the left was the par

s branded in his memory as that of Lucie's unprincipled persecutor. And he found it here upon an empty envelope postmarked Brussels. The connection was easy to divine, Repuin was the brother of the Marquise de Lancy, and the former inmate of this room. But he had not fled to Germany alone: Sorr had accompanied him. There suddenly occurred to Kurt an explanation of the fact that Styrum, Arno, and the colonel, to all of whom Sorr was personally known, had been puzzled by the resemblance of the Baron de Nouart to some one whose name they could not recall. If all this w

nt he spurned the unworthy thought. His friendship for Lucie should never influence him where duty was concerned. This duty, ho

at this room was connected with De Nouart's apartments by a winding staircase, which led past servants' rooms, Kurt return

en to all that he had to say. Of course Von S?ben knew nothing of Repuin or of Sorr. Kurt explained who they were, and their co

in is one and the same person with the brother of the Marquise de Lancy, and that the Baron de Nouart is

ng, Count Styrum, and the Baron von Hohenwald between

me that he has an excellent memory for faces, and should recognize one that he

of the Baron de Nouart. The Baron's avoidance of us, and his pretended ignorance

be one and the same person, he would have the poor devil shot without more ado; and it may be that, even although he wishes to avoid us, he does not meditate treachery. I am not fond of courts-martial, Herr von Poseneck, and I do without them when I can. Your discove

instant repose. But this was not so; he lay awake hour after hour; sleep fled his eyelids. In vain did he woo her by all familiar means, countin

ropriated to their horses, and back of those Kurt could in the brilliant moonlight get a view of a portion of the broad road leading to the village. The court-yard was empty; the two sentinels posted in front of the stables were slowly pacing to and fro, their sabres resting negligently in their arms, and one of them, as

light; the moonlight was all that he required. When quite dressed he sat for a moment, his head resting on his hand, reflecting whether it were not perhaps best to visit the sentries pl

hing towards the farm buildings and stables, while along the road from the village a dark mass was moving quickly, the moonlight glinting here and there upon polished rifle-barrels. In a few moments the assailants had attained their end; the two sent

round-floor of the castle; the franctireurs would be there before him. The captain he could rouse, and together they might escape into the side wing of the castle, through the room explored so short a time since by Kurt, and thence into the park. If they could succeed in reaching the stables behind the gardener's house, where they had seen the horses, they might perhaps be able to ride by roundabout ways to the village in time to save the Uhlans quartered there. In an instant Kurt had girded on his sabre and armed himself with a revolver; then opening the door of the captain's room, he found Von S?ben just about to step out of it. He had been

t was striding on to the head of the grand staircase when Karl detained him. "There is nothing to be done

f the village and Gervais--I recognized them both--are leading th

must make an attempt to save our fellows in the villa

will fol

the blue room they could plainly hear the blows of the franctireurs upon the doors of the rooms on the ground-floor; in another in

y his captain, rushed down the winding staircase to the passage on the ground-floor. By this the captain would have gained the park; but Kurt again detained him. "That door can be seen from the court-yard," he said, "and if we are perceived we shall have the whole rabble about our ears. We must find a way into the park through the window of some one of these rooms." He tried the first door they came to; it

n with a drawn sabre, the Baron sprang to his feet and glared at the intruders with lack-lustre eyes. He was half i

captain stretched him on the floor with a tremendous blow, deliver

d?" the ca

to the window. The lawn between the wing and the forest lay quiet in the moon light; not a

ightning speed across the lawn, and then in the shadow of the forest to the gardener's house. All here was quiet,--every one had hur

cavalry officers were in the saddle and gall

wing several shots were fired, but the bullets whistled harmlessly past the ri

t cried, as he drove the spurs into his horse's sides and turned towards

e window; he wavered in his saddle: a bullet had struck him in the side; he grasped his horse's m

irst noticed his companion's convulsive grip of his horse's mane and his failing exe

neath a tree, looked about for help. He remembered that a mounted sentinel had been stationed here, where the forest road ended in the open; but there was no horseman to be seen. He could not have deserted his post; a brief inspectio

n; how was he to be carried to a place of safety? Duty called Kurt to Assais, where, as a few straggling shots informed him, the fray had already begun, and duty forbade his abandoning his wounded captain to the pursuing franctireurs. He could not delay, the moments were priceless. "To Assais!" he

escaped from the village and was now galloping towards him. There were but a dozen of them, and as he rode to meet them with a thundering "Halt!" they obeyed instantly, and an old sergeant, who recognized the lieutenant, gave him an account of an attack upon the village, which had taken place almost simultaneously with that upon the castle. The outlying guard must have been fallen upon unawares and murdered by the villagers, as not one shot had been heard f

ke one dash into Assais at the head of the fugitives to rescue any of their comrades who might be prisoners there. It cost him a hard struggle to decide to leave Assais without one blow struck at the foe; but he knew that duty called him to

TER

dreaded Prussians,--a victory all the more brilliant since it had been won at so little loss. Only two franctireurs had fallen in

s, who had almost annihilated an entire squadron of those

of dozen of the enemy and several officers had escaped; they had n

ine that had restrained them at the beginning of the attack were rent asunder, and Count Repuin, their comm

gh the mud with savage yells, that made night hideous. Even women, drunk with the desire for revenge, aided their husbands and sons in this ferocious work, mutilating the dead in their fury a

ated the Prussians from his soul, he was their implacable foe; but this wholesale murder, this cowardly mutilation

e interference of some of his officers that the rage of the franctireurs was not turned against himself. There were scowling looks accompa

the victory was won. He now withdrew, after a last vain attempt to restore order, to the dining-hall of the castle, where, with one of his young officers, he paced restlessly to and fro. At each outburst of exultation that reached his ears from withou

ehind them; from these there was not much to fear, but the captain and his companion, who had slain the Baron de Nouart when he had probably attempted to impede their flight, had als

conversation with him, of how he had been warned by him not to attempt an attack upon a foe so much the stronger. "Count Schlichting knows no mercy!" had been Sorr's words. Then the Count had received them with a sneer; no

shot in cold blood by the hated Germans drove the blood from his cheek. He turned to the young officer at his side and confided his

best, but his efforts were fr

ng the roads from Nontron and Chalus, and that it would be upon them in less than half an hour. This intelligence sobered in an instant those drunk with wine and conquest. Now they hurried to obey the bugle-call, but it was too late! An orderly retreat was no longer possible. This Repuin perceived, as from the castle he marked the close ranks of the approaching enemy, who, thanks to the mad ne

d work-bench, the franctireurs, so despised by the Germans, defended every house in the vil

s imminent. The example of a few cowards who escaped upon the Uhlan horses found no followers. The young men with the villagers fought with desperate courage; even the wounded refused to yield, and fell fighting

t, where they scattered; the rest atoned with their lives for th

anctireurs had been better marksmen and had not suffered from the death of their leader, Count Repuin, early in the fray, they would hav

d and dying that cumbered its streets the Saxon soldiers were searching diligently for wounde

s had been arranged, upon which they might rest for the brief space of time that the regiment could

e wounded. "We have suffered heavily," he said to Count Styrum, who, with his arm in a s

lame can attach

uld both have been brought to a court-martial, and then all their villainous schemes would have come to light, your arm, Styrum, would have been free

is still unconscious, but the surgeon says that

at the latest we must take up our march for Nontron, and even there our wounded cannot rest. I must send them on farther. What n

, that I can save Hohenwald's life if you will allow of my undertaking his tran

nderstand y

-, a lady has established a private hospital; b

would have suspected it of our misogynist

le of service for some weeks, but I have strength enough to superintend the transportation of poor Hoh

t I can do for your friends s

sciousness and can answer for himself. His b

uch, gazing sadly at the pale, unconscious figure stretched there. "My poor old friend!" he murmured. "It will be a hard blow for him to learn that his darling son

have taken Arno and my cousin Kurt to Kaltenborn, near S----. He will be quite satisfied that Arno will be preserved to

ked in surprise at Styrum. "What n

instituted a private hospital on

to her; you would confide h

ime as governess to Arno's sister; she is warmly attached to the

d A

o less than do

your wishes. And, by the way, what has become of that scoundrel Sorr? Has Poseneck's suspicion been confirmed? Is the Baro

features seem greatly altered. I saw Sorr only once at a ball, but I remember him perfe

the blood from the face, and in so doing had loosened the false beard, which the colonel now tossed

, who was shot dead early in the engagement. I think, Styrum, that both you and Herr von Poseneck w

orting him to Kaltenborn. The surgeon, however, at this moment made his appearance and forbade further conversation, as Kurt's wound wa

principal parts in our story have prospered may be gathered from the fol

n, Decembe

mid hopes and fears, terrible distress, and yet happiness unspeakable. I could not wr

he delicious words, 'Out of all danger!' Since then I have been in a drea

t and nursing, and that they would arrive in an hour at the latest. I was ready to receive them, too glad to take charge of Kurt, and little dreaming how near the other two were to my heart. I never can tell you, dear Adèle, of all that I suffered during those first few days. Count Styrum's exertions in bringing his charge to this place had been superhuman; his own wound, not serious at first, had been greatly aggravated, and for a time he was utterly prostrated. But now the dreadful days are all past when the angel of death lingered beside the two so near to me, Arno and Kurt. As soon as your Karl recover

stranger, and that I breathed still more freely when I learned that I need no longer dread the persecutions of Count Repuin, who also fell fighting at Assais.

embe

to sit up for an hour; his voice is clear and strong, and when he l

embe

, and the doctor says he will be able to return to his regiment in two weeks, when your betr

to you, dear Adèle, that when the old doctor uttered this verdict I could have kissed him. Arno had been so much pleased at his increasing strength that he had entertained hopes of leaving Kaltenborn

n, January

to know of it for some time to come. Listen, I will tell you all. Early this afternoon I was seated in my little drawing-room at my writing-table, when I

e oddest figure imaginable. Had not the red cross on his left arm informed me in what capacity he had come to the Rhine, I shoul

nborn, and told him how glad I was to see by his

ing in charge of supplies for some of our hospitals in France. Early this morning, as my train was about to leave the station at Minden, as I stood upon the platform, my attention was attracted by an old gentleman who was berating a railway official in no measured terms. The official had just informed him that this was a train bearing supplies, and that no places could be procured on it

, mentioning the names of several la

e when I tell you that I recognized in the young lady with

; she was with her father, my respected relative, the Freiherr von Hohenwald. Fortunatel

e that my dear old friend had left his forest castle, where he had so long been conf

urt, as he told the Assessor, of his son's wound, and had determined not to await his recovery, but to go himself to Kaltenborn, that he might be near him. So, accompanied by Celia and old Franz, he had set out, and felt better and stronger than he had done for years. His desire to see his son again was intense, and hence his angry outbreak when told th

nd his daughter, that Arno might be prepared to meet them. They were, the Assessor concluded, awaiting his return

my dear old friend and Celia! My heart beat quickly as I went with the Assessor to Arno's room, w

l invitation to the Freiherr, and the Assessor took leave o

nt kisses, and the next instant I was in the carriage and in the Freiherr's arms. He kissed my forehead tenderly, and then, clasping both my hands in his, held me off from him with a smile of perfect content on his dear old face. 'You never thought, my dear child,' he said, 'that your old adorer would leave his rolling-cha

w his body would follow suit. You alone could be his true physician. But never blush about it; postpone that, dear child, until you and I have had

g to him. Clasped in each other's arms, for the moment the world about the happy pair was forgotten; the Freiherr's exclamation recalled Kurt to a sense of the present. He would have hurried out to the carriage, but Celia

the Freiherr called from the carriage. 'L

man with keen scrutiny. The result of it must have been satisfactory, for he nodded complacentl

her conduct the will-o'-the-wisp than the old father,' he said to Kurt, with a laugh. 'Give your arm to your Celi

d, leaning over me, whispered, 'Will you not promise, my

could not speak; but he needed no reply

at the door of his room by Arno himself, leaning upon you

emotion, 'We owe this happy moment to our Anna. She has been the guardian angel of those two,' pointing to Kurt and Celia; 'softening my old heart until I gladly receive Kurt

about me, his lips upon mine, and heard the ecstasy i

is, and the old Baron told in his turn of how the danger that had threatened the Finanzrath had fortunately been averted by the kind interference of influential friends. Upon Werner's promise, made in writing, never to return to Germany, the warrants out against him on a charge of high treason have been withdrawn, and he

me, the future is brilliant with glorious sunshine. Farewell, my ow

was joy indeed at Castle Hohenwald, where a double marriage was celebrated. Of course Lucie and Arno, Celia and K

TNO

est to give these titles in German; they m

2: Fore

E

OF TH

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n. Illustrated.

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noble and ignoble extremes of characterization. Religion, history, literature, owe Wilson Barrett a great debt for his productio

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