Quicksands

4, by J. B. Li

TEN

AP

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Castle's Lo

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News Fro

etter And

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A Wise Y

Widman as a

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Two Lett

-A Force

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-An Ac

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ischief Fo

Past And

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-Clara To

lara Dea

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CKS

PTE

XCHA

a charming retreat, where he was safe from all intrusion from wayfarers passing through the forest by any of the roads or paths that intersected it at a sufficient distance from this spot. The soft

insects; the very birds which had twittered and sung in the early morning seemed silenced by

is comfortable position so as to rest his head upon his hand as he leaned upon his elbow. "That deadly-tiresome, monotonous stretch of brilliant blue sky is the very image of my own weary existence. Nothing but light and splendour; it is intolerable. If the sky were only covered with clouds,--if there could be a flash here and there of lightning, with thunder crashi

her out of the six of hearts. It was irritating not to succeed in hitting each with the same precision. A useless and silly enough aim in life, to be sure; still it was an aim, and now that it is attained it is just as tiresome as everything else. To-day you are to find my heart as surely as the h

is lips as he contemplated the little weapon. "You will do your duty as you have always done it. You never were to blame if every spot on the card was not exactly

s ago,' etc., and there will, of course, follow a long description of the place where it was found, and of the condition and clothes of the corpse. The more there is to tell, the better for some poor devil of a reporter. I do not grudge it him. I can at least serve one man in the world by my death. And the news will fly like wildfire. It would be almost worth living for,--the hearing of all that heartless gossip. How busy all those empty heads will be with wondering what could have d

ed hand, when suddenly the hand sank b

d of a man's tenor voice singing the hymn 'Rock of Ag

will be known to-morrow. No, no, those good people must puzzle their brains for a while to discover what has become of me. My Herr Papa must have some chance to show the world what a tender, anxious parent he is. We must choose a

cket of a very well made summer coat, and, rising to his feet, walked sl

great pains to make no noise. He wished to see the singer without being seen himself, an

ing these he saw before him a landscape of extraordinary beauty. Beyond the velvet sward of a small meadow the land sloped down some eight or ten fee

lovely picture; he was far more interested in t

ones. He was a young man hardly older than twenty-six, although the sallow, flabby features of his beardless face, showing no trace of youthful freshness, might well have caused him to be thought older than he real

which lay like a train behind him on the grass, hung in disorderly fashion about his bony frame; black, wrinkled trousers, a black waistcoat sufficiently open to display linen of doubtful cleanliness, a high, rusty, black

e still held up his clasped hands to the skies. For a few moments he w

ardon my betrayal of my trust, my having again yielded to temptation. Pardon w

ut he paid it no attention. Clasping his hands above his head, he leaned forward, gazed for an insta

he thick underbrush, and in a moment had reached the spot whence the singer had taken the fatal plunge. Here he threw off his coat and hat, keenly scanning the while t

could easily clamber upon land; scarcely ten steps to the left he saw what he

seeing a dark form directly before him he merely gave it a powerful push in the direction of the shelving shore, taking good care to avoid the grasp of the wildly struggling man. Keeping clear of this, he contrived to push him before

tly looking at him. The unfortunate man presented a still odder and uglier appearance than before; his long black hair hu

t me die?" he cried

ame two or three times, to the surface gasping for breath, sinking to rise again, and hastening your death, perhaps, by the frantic efforts you made to retain a detested existence. Finally, you would have sunk to rise no more, and at this moment you would be lying quiet and comfortable, with only a slight quiver of the limbs, at the bottom of the lake. My impetuosity has deprived me of an interesting spectacle an

n fear at his preserver, who could talk so calmly of such horrors, and when the latter proposed that he should try another plunge into the lake he was seized with a nameless dread. Involuntarily he recoiled a step, and with a gestur

ve interfered with your plans in so uncalled-for a manner. My coat lies on the bank yonder; in its breast-pocket there is a six-barrelled revolver. I was just putting it to my temple when I was arrested by your song. I only need two or three balls for my purpose. Come up on the bank with me, wait until my work is done,

nor die! Help me, I implore you! Shoot me down with your revolver; I

ecidedly, as he replied, "Very sorry, but the part of an executioner does not suit me; one must conclude such matters one's self,

I do? I implore you to

ave no knowledge of you or of the circum

man in the world! You have saved my life, and I w

. An hour more or less makes no difference. Let us sit down in the shade on the grass;

too cool for us in our wet c

at this strange mixture of de

consequence to me. And now, since we find ourselves comrades after this odd fashion, here at our e

ch-tree, while his companion was looking for

in him of the contrition and despair which had possessed him a few moments since, his whole mind was given to the choosing of a spot in the sunshine. At last he found a fragment of rock which suited him, he sat down upon it, and leaning forward propped hi

for my sins, although I have tried to lead a pious, resigned life, however heavily His hand m

world is quite so detestable and tiresome as circumlocution. If I am to listen, you must be brief, simple, a

lucky; my very name was a misfortune,--not my first name, Gottlieb, which I received in holy baptism, but my surname, Pigglewitch. I always see a smile of derision upon the lips of those who hear it for the first time, when

tch! You are forgettin

n as a little child I had to work hard for my daily food, he employed me to tend first his geese and afterwards his sheep. I was sent with the other village children to the village school, but as soon as I came home I had to work for my uncle, and the dread of a beating often made me perform tasks that were far beyond my strength. I was given many a blow, with very little to eat, and never a kind word; my uncle declared that I was a good

ie, too, would sometimes bring a piece of bread out to me in the fields and stay a while and play with me. Those

Piggle

ation as a Candidate for the ministry. The Lord was gracious to me. My mind moves slowly, and when I went up for examination I was conscious of ignorance with regard to various branches of secular knowledge. I was afraid of being plucked, but the Herr Director encouraged me. He told me to trust in the Lord, who would not forsake the most faithful of His servants. So I went up for examination, and passed, although all my fellow-students predicted my failure. Immediately afterwards, through the influence of the Herr Director, I obtained a position as private teacher in Wilhelmshagen. I was delighted to receive my first employment in my old home. My uncle had left the place for a better parish in Wennersdorf, in Silesia, and I was quite free. Never have I felt so happy as then. I never dreamed that the Lord was about to try me beyond my strength,--poor, sinful man that I am. I had hitherto lived with the greatest economy. I had never had a penny in my pocket. My comrades at th

n, and Annemarie had fallen upon my neck and given me an honest kiss. I was alway

itch's discourse grew too unctional, started and sat upright when the speaker uttered the word love. He stared in amazement at the forlorn, bedraggled figure perched on t

nt that Gottlieb became embarrassed.

t a miracle that I am actually interested in you and your history? I thought that nothing in this tedious world could entertain

welcome there, and I knew why. A hundred times I vowed improvement, but in vain. In short, I went on playing,--I could not help it,--and because I almost always lost, I drank too much in my despair. Several times my companions had to take me home drunk. I was most unfortunate. After living three years in Wilhelmshagen, I had to leave it. I had lost my entire patrimony at play, and with only twenty thalers in my pocket I had to look for another situation. When I bade farewell to Annemarie, I thought I should have died, only the hope of seeing her again sustained me. I knew that the Herr Director in town would befriend me and procure me another situation. I told the Schulze this, and since I was on the subject of my hopes, I confessed my love for Annemarie, and declared my intention of returning to ask for her hand so soon as I had found another situation. I should not have had the courag

n Berlin upon twenty thalers a

play, I got along. I had been more than a year in Berlin, when just three weeks ago to-day I received a letter from my patron, the Herr Director. He wrote

glew

osed a letter of introduction to Frau von Osternau, and another to my Principal requesting him to put no obstacle in the way of my good fortune, but to release me immediately from my engagement to him. I was supremely happy. Three hundred thalers and my board! I could save up two hundred thalers a year, and in two years and a half at the

Why, that is the d

d permitted her to write. She would be true to me, and surely wait the three years for me, but she was nevertheless afraid that we never should be man and wife, for she was forced to go with her father across the sea to America. They had been very unfortunate,--their farm-house had been burned down just after harvest, before the crops had been insured, and her father had therefore resolved to dispose of his farm and to try his fortune in America. Everything was prepared for their departure. Her father was to bring her to Berlin on the 1st of July, that he might receive the last payment of the purchase-money

awled, contemptuously. "But go on;

confidence in me was entirely restored, as was shown me the next day, when, after he had received all the purchase-money for his estate, he intrusted to me twelve hundred and seventy-two marks to hand over to my uncle in Wennersdorf. Many years ago my uncle had loaned this money upon interest to the Schulze, and had always objected to its repayment, but now, upon the eve of his departure for America, the Schulze as an honest man insisted upon returning it. On my way to Osternau in Silesia, it wo

and I had hardly done so before three men, who had entered the house just after me, took their places at my elbow. In the early morning we four were the only people in the room. The men talked for a while, and then began to play cards,--lansquenet,--taking no notice of me. I looked on, not thinkin

igglewitc

at the end of an hour I had staked my last piece of money, I suddenly became conscious that I had gambled away my life. I was a thief condemned to jail, for I had lost not only my own money, but the sum intrusted to me for my uncle. I sat alone at the table, the gentlemen had left me, finding I had nothing more to lose, and I had not noticed their departure. The last hour seemed to me like an evil dream. I laid my head upon the table and wept. After a while a waiter roused me and r

The thought of it came to me like an inspiration. I gathered myself together. On the chair beside my bed lay my travelling-bag, I packed it early in the morning for my noon-day departure, and it contained, as I now remembered, ten silver thalers, every penny I possessed in the

xclamation. "You are a compound of contradictions. I do not understand you, and least of all can I comprehend

awaited me," Pigglewitch declared. "O

ally plucked to pieces a tiny wild-flower. His face, rather handsome than otherwise, suddenly lost i

idea. You please me, you interest me, and that is saying a great deal, for I assure you that it is years since I have taken any interest in anything, or any pleasure in a living creature with the exception of my Bello, an abominable mongrel pug, whose int

in a doleful tone of reproach. "I have done

oment to devote to the boy, who was, besides, admirably cared for by a most expensive tutor and an excellent housekeeper? When Fritz Fortune was ten years old his mother died suddenly of disease of the heart. He did not miss her, for he scarcely knew her. His father was a model parent, he was willing to make any sacrifice for the child, upon whom he lavished enormous sums of money, save one,--the sacrifice of his time, which was devoted partly to business, but mostly to pleasure. Weeks passed continually without the boy's even seeing his father, but then no toy was too expensive to be purchased for him so soon as he expressed a wish for it to the housekeeper, there was no delicacy upon which he might not feed until it disgusted him. Everything, everything save affection was lavished upon him. Was he not the silliest of lads in that so far from being contented he sometimes shed bitter tears over his lot? He had soon done with tears, however. His tutor did just as the boy told him to, and the housekeeper and all the servants followed his example. Fritz Fortune's will was never gainsaid, if he had not chosen of his own accord to go to school, he never would have been sent there, but he was tired of his home, and hoped to be better entertained at school, consequently to school he went. There too luck pursued him. As he was clever enough

rsuing any laborious course of study: he was wealthy in his own right by inheritance from his mother, and was, besides, the only son of an immensely wealthy father, who gave him everything save affecti

were worth. He despised the rabble of young men as he had despised their childish prototypes, but he was too wise to let this be seen. Solitude was too tedious. He wanted to enjoy life. To do this he needed joll

ich. He was everywhere received with distinction,--the mothers flattered his vanity, the daughters met his advances far more than half-way. Once or twice, when a pair of blue eyes looked innocently into his own, when a rosy cheek blushed rosier still at his words, he thought the glance and the blush due to his real self, his heart beat high, hope dawned within him, bu

on's every wish, only asking in return that his son should not interfere with him or with his little amusements. Could a son ask more of a parent? Certainly Fritz Fortune's was a most enviable lot. He was surrounded by young men of rank who called themselves his devoted friends, and he was an idol among women. Wherever he went he was treated with distinction, he drained every delight of the German capital to the dregs, there was no necessity for his denying himself a single pleasure. Whatever money could procure might be his, for his father's cashier stood ready to honour his drafts to any amount. What

idea occurred to him. It was suggested by his reading in the morning's paper that a young banker of his acquaintance had shot himself. What in this case had been done in despair might

ing no trace of his whereabouts. His fancy was excited. He made all sorts of plans for best putting an en

ed. Forthwith he proceeded to the carrying out of his resolve. He drew from his father's bank a considerable sum of money, that his friends might

harming forest in the neighbourhood of Wilhelmshagen. He remember

tered the forest without meeting a human being. Every trace of him was lost, no one could surmise what had become of him. For some hours he wandered about until he found a spot suitable for his purpose. Here he lay down upon the grass, and once more passed in mental review his entire wearisome, frustrated existence, it seemed to

ent in his prominent eyes. "And is that all?" he asked, th

As I told you, my story

mpossible! I am almost always bored, especially when I am alone, but it never occurred to me t

ht perhaps endure existence. This thought occurred to me while you were telling your story, and I suddenly fancied that I should like to try whether existence under your circumstances could make the burden of life supportable. Should it prove as devoid of interest, as tiresome and insufferable as my former existence, I can always have recourse to my faithful revolver. I will make you an offer,

tch cried, eagerly. "Ask what yo

ith the necessary articles and documents thereto belonging,--to wit, your testimonials, credentials, letter of introduction to Osternau, etc., and, above all, your beautiful black suit, which fits you so admirably,--promising also to go direct from here to Wilhelmshag

lewitch said, in his most lachrymose tones; "bu

certainly owe me nothing, and need think of nothing save your own advantage in deciding whether or not to accept the bargain I offer you, for I am not jesting. I make you the serious offer of three thousand five hundred marks c

king? Three thousand f

ewitch, and your black coat, with its long, pointed swallow

calmly, but whom he was inclined to pronounce insane. "What

or how long? I do not know; and besides that is not the question between you and me. I shall go on living from day to day until

ess was that of Gottlieb Pigglewitch? The proposal was most tempting,--three thousand five hundred marks. He might well sell his credentials, which would be valueless in America, for such a

ious look at Herr Fortune,--"I can hardly believe it,-

elightful fellow!" cried Fortune. "Ther

's tall beaver and travelling-bag. In the breast-pocket of his coat Fortune found a pocket-book, which he opened, taking from it a thick bundle of bank-notes of a thousand or five hundred marks each, with here and there one for a hundred only. At this sight everything glimmered before the

four thousand marks; our bargain was for three thousand five hundred, but I add the rest and make the four thousand complete on condition t

most generous. I thank y

; why do yo

a poor man like myself you must not carr

ought," he said; "you are right. It were best to throw the

seizing the young man by the arm as he was about to toss the pocket-book into the water

ger one would assuredly plunge you into misery. But you were right, nevertheless, to prevent me from destroying this money, it would have been folly. I always act foolishly when I follow the impulse of the moment, and I thank you for hindering me. I will keep the pocketbook. There is no danger for me in the money, I know its worthlessness. Gi

world too wide' for his slender, muscular figure, dangled and hung loosely about him, he clapped the tall black hat upon his head and exclaimed with a laugh as he looked at himself in a small pocket-mirror which he had taken from his own coa

ed his image with much complacency. He thought he presented

e leave of each other, but first swear to me by all that you hold sacred, by the very salvation of your soul, that you ne

en!" Pigglewitch rejoined, rais

other world more pleasantly than we did in this. You are going towa

g and hung it by the handle on the end of a stick, which he rested up

PTE

ERN

uriance of cultivation. The undulating landscape forbids an extended view, it is only from the summit of some of the larger hills that the l

ll of a tender, benignant beauty, and in the eyes of Herr von Osternau, who was agriculturist to his very heart's core, there was in all Silesia no more beautiful spot than his dear Osternau. A field of wheat was far more lovely in his eyes than the most picturesque bare rocks. The steep mountains, available only for the cultivation of ti

ould lay claim to a pension from the government they had followed their natural bent, resigned their positions, and retired to Castle Osternau, where they had loyally assisted the elder brother in the management of his estates. But few of these younger brothers had ever married, most of them had died bachelors. Thus the male descendants of the Osternau line had never been numerous. At present there were but three of them. The head of the

few years. His credit was good, for it was supposed by the Berlin money-lenders that the present owner of Osternau was consumptive and could live but a few months longer at the furthest. But t

ished. His creditors, hitherto most patient, besieged him, and in one case, where he had imprudently given his note of hand, he was threatened with a complaint to be lodged with his commanding officer. Until now the lieutenant had

ed with open arms. The good-natured Friedrich considered it a duty to indemnify his only relative, in some measure at least, for his shattered hopes. He recognized the severity of the law of entail which cuts off all the

t of yearly laying aside considerable sums, which were usually, however, expended in the improvement of the estates, wherefore his

y sent to the colonel of the regiment a notice of the note that was due. Upon the payment of his claim he would gladly have recalled it,

habits he could not possibly have maintained his position as cavalry officer of the guards without loading himself with

ded his misfortune. Baron Friedrich invited him to come to Osternau, there

upper superintendent upon the very estates which he had been wont to consider as his own in the future. Could the munificent compensation offered him by his cousin atone to him for what he relinquished, for the delights he must resign? He felt no gratitude towards his generous relative; he hated him as he had always envied him. For years he had set all his hopes upon the death of the man whom he had believed a prey to consumption. These hopes were now annihilated, and he felt almost inclined to reproach his cousin for still living, and for being blessed

family were united beneath its roof. Albrecht occupied some elegantly-furnished rooms in the third story of the

to the house, he thus contrived still to maintain a supervision of his people. He would sit at these windows from early morning when the weather was bad, only leaving his post to repair to the dining-hall at dinner-time. From half-past two until half-past four was his only time for recreation or repose. If the weather were propitious he spent

re on the opposite side; to the right were long rows of stables for horses and cows, and to the left were those devoted to various breeds of she

heap before the cow-stables, the pride of its possessor and the ornament of the court-yard of an agricultural estate, was well kept, and gave no impression of uncleanliness; indeed, the neighboring landed proprietors regarded it with admiration when they drove past th

TER

E'S LORD

arrant for length of life, but care he must take. In stormy or very warm weather he must stay in the house, he must avoid violent exercise, and never ride far afield even in fair weather after an attack of coughing, as physical exertion might provoke a return of it. Since this verdict of the famous physician's, Frau von Osternau never had allowed her husband to indulge in his agricultural mania when he had coughed during the night. She would permit him to take a short walk, upon which she always accompani

The court-yard was so lonely and deserted that its master grew tired of looking out of the window, and taking up a book he tried to read

st laziness. Everybody is busy in the fields, and I sit here doing nothing. I cannot bear it any longer, Emma, I m

ch simple kindness of heart that one forgot, in looking at it, its irregularity of feature, and in spite of her forty years she was still youthfully attractive. Her smile was really irresistib

of us slept an hour, and now you want to go out into the hot sun with the harvesters. For my sake, d

words, but resigned himself to his fate with a

pause, "do you know that

; but what makes

xpected the tu

ly be here in the

r. We should have been wiser to engage a governess for Fritzchen. A cultivated, well-born young woman is a pleasant addition to one's household; she could easily

ss to desperation when she was a child of seven, it is hardly likely that she would be very docile as a girl of seventeen. She is too unaccustomed to control. No, no, it is better as it is. And I may as well tell you, Fritz, although I know how you will lau

aordinary idea!" Herr von Ost

pathy to everything ugly, there could be no danger for her in an ugly, awkward man. Director

r father's before we were married. A very unattractive, awkward young ma

told him so in my letter, and frankly confessed to him the reason why I wanted an ugly tutor. I did not wish that there should be any d

of an angel, and you hear the rustle of his wings; there comes the tutor. Come to the window,

ll too far off to allow of her distinguishing his features, but his figure was certainly suggestive of a scarecrow. With his clothes hanging loosely upon his long limbs and the tails of his black coat dangling against his legs, the man looked like a caricature. His tall, rusty hat, as well as his coat, seemed the relic of a bygone age. With a shabby old travelling-bag hung over his shoulder on the end

rather meekly; she began to feel that she had laid too mu

tly well formed, and the face was too pale to be pronounced very handsome; but surely the large, dark eyes might be so considered, as they looked observantly about the court-yard; and when, upon advancing sufficiently near the castle to perceive Herr and Frau von Osternau at the

o see him." His wife said nothing, but looked eagerly towards the door of the sitting-room. She had not long to wait. In a moment Hildebrandt, Herr von Osternau's old personal attendant, appe

observe that the man did not look like a respectable tutor, but like some tramp who had stolen his ill-fitting clothe

and his air and bearing. He held his shabby old hat in his hand with the careless grace of a gentleman paying a morning call, and the bow with which he greeted the mistress and master of t

llow me to introduce myself as the Candidate Gottlieb Pigglewitch, whom Herr Director Kramser has recommended to you for a tutor. I beg to thank you for your kindness in consenting to postpone my entering upon the duties of the important post assign

in her gentle, kindly way she was used to be equal to any emergency, but, oddly enough, she hardly knew how to treat this tutor whom she had engaged, this young man who was henceforth to occupy a superior position among the dependants of her household. She had thought it but natural and right that she sho

tor entered, and when the latter took a chair near the sofa, in compliance with Frau von Osternau's invitation,

friend of my wife's, that you will inculcate fidelity to duty and punctuality in your teaching of my Fritz, but I must warn you upon one point. I prefer to undertak

owards the master of the house as he replied, "I thank you for relieving me of your son's religiou

ve supposed the contrary from H

e no vocation. I decided to do so in a moment of excitement. Perhaps I should not have done so. Still, I may be able to overcome all difficulties, and accomplish my desire to do well and honestly what is required of me. I do not know whether I possess the patience, force, and talent requi

best to dismiss Herr Gottlieb Pigglewitch at once. However, the young man's last sentence allayed his doubts. There could be no harm in making the trial of which he spoke. Therefore he replied, "I accept your proposal,

r been a pri

able modesty. You certainly will have some difficulties to overcome. Fritzchen is an und

thought my duties were confine

cal, we thought you might give some lessons weekly upon the piano to our daughte

om instruction in religion; instead

Kramser informs me, and you have a fi

said, I

be very sorry if your talent and capacity in this respect have been overrated by the Herr Director, for I laid special stress in my letter to him upon my desire that the tutor whom I engaged should be a good musician, not

to give you some idea now of the amount of artistic skill I possess? the fine instrument yonder invites the test. You can at least judge whether my execution and touch are satisfactory, whether my voice pleases you. One does not like to purchase an article without first examining it; why should you engage a music-teacher without first hearing him? He

he notes upon the music-desk. "Beethoven," he said. "Is your daughter then so far advanced? It is refreshing nowadays to find such music open upon a piano. Young ladies whose execution is sufficiently brilliant to play the 'Moonlight Sonata' usually prefer to exhibit in what is called drawi

had expected to hear from the tutor recommended by Director Kramser, that she looked in wide-eyed wonder at the singular person wh

she never had required of them the servile respect customary among people employed in such capacities by many families of rank, but the negligent ease of Gottlieb Pigglewitch's manner and address seemed to her scarcely permissible. She was tempted to recall him to a sense of his position, but whil

to him so shallow and wearisome that he could not spur himself to the exertion of extricating himself from its cheerless misery. But now, when the first tones of the piano responded to his touch, they awakened within him memories of hours in which he had lost himself and revelled in the world of melody and harmony, music cast its spell around him once

nds from the keys upon which his gaze had rested dr

it is my misfortune that I lack self-control. But I will try to improve, and will make an instant beginning by praying you to suggest

's eyes were mois

the ridiculous name Pigglewitch, but it had to be done, nevertheless, and as she uttered it the spell that had held her was broken. The man's name recalled her to prosaic reality; again she was aware of the ugly, old-fashioned coat with its

nd discover whether you are fitted for the situation, and whether you can be comfortable in fulfilling its duties. I frankly confess to you that I have my misgivings. You do not at all answer to the idea I had formed of the tutor recommended to me by

we can part friends, but I hope we shall succeed. From this moment the castle is your home, and I pray you to consider it such. My old Hildebrandt will show you to the rooms that have been prepared for you, and I will send Fritz to you that you may make ac

ployers courteously, and when old Hildebrandt appeared in answer to a touch upon a silver bell on the tab

knitting, the needles clicked incessantly as they always did when the lady was lost in thou

know. I cannot

scarecrow when I saw him coming across the court-yard, but as he sat playing

d since my good old friend Kramser has rec

w have been led to adopt teaching as a vocation? Will he, do you think, ever tame down the spirit that sparkles in those eyes to the dull routine of every-day lif

PTE

IN GOLD

ndidate, I must requ

would have picked it up to carry it to his room himself, but this Hildebrandt would by no means allow. "I will call a servant," he said, taking the bag from the young man's hand, and in

tory to his dignity to carry such a fellow's luggage up the stairs. "It's not my place to fetch and carry for him!" he was mentally ejaculating, when he suddenly encoun

long a wide corridor, at the end of which he threw open

red sofa, with its large pillows, the big arm-chairs, the piano in one corner, the well-filled book-shelves, the study-table, all gave the place a refined air of comfort which gratified the y

n a charming old-fashioned garden filled wi

es at three o'clock punctually, and Herr von Osternau likes to have every one in the dining-hall as the clock begins to strike. It would be well if you would set your watch by the castle clock so as to be dressed by five minutes of three, when I shall w

s, then?" Pigglewitc

Should you require anything further, you will be good enough to pull your bell three times in succession; the H

man save myself would be perfectly happy. Was it worth while to don Pigglewitch's ridiculous attire to be pursued here too by my fate? And, besides, how can I answer it to my conscience to deceive these worthy, unsuspicious people? If they were what I imagined them, arrogant, brutal, looking down with contempt upon the man whose services they had hired, there would have been some amusement in bringing their pride low in a contention with them. Such a struggle would have been worth a couple more weeks of existence. But now? Well, why not? I have something very different here from the eternal monotony of a fashionable society life. This one may be as tiresome, but variety will make it endurable for a time. I am already refreshed and enlivened by t

their course by the clear, joyous voice o

m, lifted him in her arms, kissed him, and then putting him down with "Now catch me, Fritzchen!" she vanished again among the bushes. It was a charming picture. The graceful, girlish figure had glided like a fairy over the lawn, seeming to the spectator rather to fly than to run. With

! Fr?ulein! Fr?

gravel-path that ran through the g

swiftly. As they crossed the lawn, however, they slackened their pace, so that Pigglewitch could observe them at his

from a distance. The tone of her voice delighted the ear of

rr Tutor has come. Fritzchen is to

d hand in hand with her little brother she ran so swiftly towards

upil in music. Here was another surprise. Would fortune never tire of showering her favours upon him? This time, however, her gifts did not strike him as tire

g steps were heard in the corridor, then came a l

me

sooner did her eyes encounter Pigglewitch's figure than she burst into a laugh, which she vainly tried to suppress. She blushed, her efforts at self-control were evident, but they were of no

f upon the impression his slouching, bedraggled figure would make upon the aristocratic inmates of Castle Osternau. His expectations had been fulfilled, and were being fulfilled at this moment, but he was not enjoying himself. The prolonged laughter

ontrolled herself for a moment sufficiently to reply, "I am so sorry, but in

ste in dress and to love of truth rather th

no harm, but I must laugh when I look at you." Then, suddenly altering her tone, she went on, "But why should I excuse my conduct? Have you not just called my reply pertinent and a proof of good taste? consequently you must know yourself how utterly ridiculous that old-fashioned coat is, how ugly you look in it. If you co

he thus lectured him, and shook her

gglewitch replied, colouring in spite of himself at the girl's reproof,

no better we could not help laughing at you although we should pity you, but your words betray your consciousness of the ridiculous appearance you present, and yet you come dressed thus to Castle Osternau. Papa

forth again, while little Fritz, whom awe of the new tutor had hitherto

had only not been so just! He cursed himself for his folly in exchanging clothes with

verty, Fr?ulein," he observed

she laughed, but still more attractive when she

u for wearing a threadbare coat, although I cannot understand how a young man who has only himself to provide for sh

Her question embarrassed Pigglewitch. Had he told the truth he must have replied, "I d

to provide myself as soon as possible with the best clothes that can be found here in the country. Until I have done so, I will beg madame your mother to dispen

y that you should stay away from table for several days, for it will take the tailor fully that length of time to provide you with a new s

Herr S

to dinner or when you give me my first lesson on the piano. Herr Storting has just come in from the fields, I saw him ride into the court-yard a moment ago. I will go and ask him, and he will be here in five minutes and will offer to do anything for you. You need not say a word. Run quickly to the in

ither accept or reject her proposal she had tripped away,

, must submit to be treated accordingly. He could withdraw from such treatment, for he was not as yet bound even by any promise. The idea occurred to him that he had best leave Castle Osternau as quickly as possible, but it was banished almost before it had taken shape. It would be unpardonable weakness, actual cowardice, he said to himself, to end the struggle for existence which he had hardly begun, by a flight from the scene of action. Was it the struggle only that interested him? Was there not an attra

. He had laughed when he had first looked at himself in the glass, but as he now caught sight of his reflection he was positively ashamed. "Sh

to be sure, another suit of clothes rather better than Pigglewitch's travelling attire, but it was made after precisely the same fashion, and when Egon put on the coat he thought he looked more like a scarecrow than before.

s he might find it, he had resolved to taste, as Gottlieb Pigglewitch, the joys and sorrows of a poor Candidate, and he would carry out his intention. What would Gottlieb Pigglewitch do in his place? This was a question difficult to answer. He would hardly have been very sensitive beneath the laugh of the charming fairy. His usual dress had not been odious to him, and he would not probably have wished to exchange it for any other. In vain did Egon attempt to devise some way of procuring decent habiliments without having recourse to his pocketbook. He was pacing hi

h obligations to a stranger. Herr Storting's tall, well-made figure was like his own. Fr?ulein Lieschen had truly guessed that the young inspector's coat

gardener's boy, with the exception perhaps of the Herr Lieutenant, for turning the world upside down. It is Fr?ulein Lieschen's wish, and to this wish you must bend. Pray come with me to my room. We shall soon be able to equip you suitably. To be honest with you, the

rstand,

t do to wear a coat which I do not need myself, for

self out? But when shal

You are for the moment in so

ng this to b

upon my recommendation, if you will promise to make quarterly payments on account when you receive your salary. He has a large establishment of ready-made clothing, and is not too dear. For fifty thalers you can easily procure a summer outfit, and I shall be happy to be of service to you in yo

l, and he quite enjoyed the idea of needing a sponsor to procure him a credit of fifty thalers, and of selling the

s specially needful to be always well dressed in the country, where there is so much temptation to be negligent, and where one's authority among the peasants and labourers depends more than would be believed upon a certain d

ef that he stripped off Pigglewitch's habiliments. As he did so Storting observed with surprise in his tone, "You are a riddle to me, Herr Candidate. Your linen is of the finest, and of the latest and most expensive fas

ing-glass was an entirely new sensation. Involuntarily he wondere

PTE

AND D

f they belonged to his family, gave them a place at his table, and frequently invited them to join the family circle in the evenings. Nevertheless he observed certain forms. When his inspectors appeared at din

le was set. Here he paced the long room to and fro, and it pleased him to have the members of his family bear him company here. During this half-hour before dinner he liked to talk with his children. He would often pa

n Osternau, who belonged to the family, and who was, besides, not very strict in the discharge of his duties, although he drew with great punctuality when quarter-day came round the very considerable sum which he received as salary. As he himself was wont to say, his office as superintendent of the entire estate did not require him to oversee the smaller details of its managem

Herr von Wangen, was overseeing the harvesters in the Oster meadow and had excused himself from appearing at table, and Herr Storting was busy with the reception of the first instalments of hay

hen came to take her father's arm and accompany him in his daily promenade. Cousin Albrecht accosted her, but she slipped

en should betray him. Kind and courteous as was the castle's lord, he could hardly be ple

sound came from your room as I passed your door a while ago, that I stopped for a moment to wonder what it was.

at my room door? What

in Albrecht, I was on my way to one more worthy of such an honour, our new Candidate. Why do you look surprised? Oh, I understand, you do not know yet that we have a new inmate. You h

y Herr von Osternau's turning to Lieschen with the inq

I was frightfully

u like him?" as

thinking that over for an hour

eschen, and told him he looked like a

ut, Lieschen, you ought not to have used such a word to him: you are too old, my child, to let your tongue so run away with you. We ought not to say everything that we think, and, besides, it is impossibl

ks," interpose

and that was precisely why I told you just

. They had each used almost the same words which Lieschen had just utter

ordinary man," Albrecht remarked. "What is his

glew

into a laugh, in which Lieschen and Fritz joined, wh

name! I am really curious

hear the wondrous charm of his music," Herr von Osternau replied to Albrecht's remark. "There's magic in his playing. It positively bewitched

. "The name of Pigglewitch will act as a counter-charm to

show of amusement at his odd name. It would be best that, until he became used to its sound, he should address his tutor as Herr Candidate, "and Lieschen and Cousin Albrecht," she added, with a glance towards the pair, "would do well to observe the same rule." Whereupon Cousin Albrecht declared that he could not promise to do so, that rid

despising all, even the most cultivated, of the bourgeoisie, and quite unable to conceive how a Candidate could prefer any claim to be received in what he called society, while the elder cousin with much greate

he felt great compassion, but to-day he showed some irritation in the warmth of his defence of the Candidate's rights. He declared that he wo

was too much his inferior to be worthy of notice; he could not possibly treat the Candidat

al soothing effect, when fortunately the bell of the castle clock tolled three, and before it had finished the folding doors of

ique, dangling habiliments. So easy and unconstrained were his movements in the simple summer coat with which Herr Storting had provided him that there was hardly anything about him by which to recognize Pigglewitch. His first glance as he entered the room

l circle, Herr Pigglewitch. Most of its members you are already acquainted with, my children have introduced themselves to you, and Herr Storting has become known to y

the faintest acknowledgment of his cousin's introduction, he only slightly inclined his head, with a half-smile at the scowl with

ittle scene with some displeasure and was in a hurry to cut it short. "Let us

erintendent, Cousin Albrecht, but he knew that he should receive unsatisfactory replies from that quarter, and accordingly he conversed upon these subjects directly with Herr Storting and the third inspector, Her

dried grass and was used for fodder for horses and cattle, but he had no idea of the importance of the labour which was necessary to gather in and duly store this precious product of the fields. He really could not follow the conversation which was carried on almost en

ng little nod, and when her father began his agricultural talk

le----" She paused; "He

rupt yourself, Fr

ak my word. You must not take it amiss, but indeed your name is to

ugh if you like, and I will join your laughter at 'Pigglewitch.' The owner of such a na

oked at him

however ridiculous it may be? For him who bears it a name must be something sa

Lieschen, you ought not to

l you by your name, and I promise you that n

ntrary it will please me if the name of Pigglewitch excite your merriment, and I am convinced t

ifled with. I do not know what to think of you. You really pleased me just now when you reproved me, but your s

besides, I am capable of improvement, as I have proved to you. Have I not sacrificed to you my beautiful coat with its charming l

ady thanked

extremely kind to me, to go early to-morrow to Breslau, where my beautiful black coat is to find its grave in the shop of some humane old-clothes dealer until some needy wretch effects its resurrection. I

my thoughtless word," Le

on me. You see I am capable of being instructed. Perhaps you may be induced

ion, but indeed you might learn one thing from me,--frankness. Papa blamed me a little while ago for always speaking out my thoughts, but indeed I cannot help it, and I tell you plainly that I think your way odious of ri

ital lent so ready an ear to him, manifesting the greatest interest in everything that he said, and from this knowledge he had acquired the habit--now become to him second nature--of treating them with an easy air of superiority. He was consequently greatly surprised to find a

for diplomacy they make a soldier of him, and if there are fears as to his passing his examination as an officer he is thought at all events clever enough for agriculture. They buy him an estate, and should he find a clever, well-taught superintendent, the machinery of his farms works well, and the opinion that the dullest fellow is not too dull for an agricultural career receives confirmation. The poor development of our agricultural resources in many parts of our country is owing to this wretched prejudice. The larger number of landed proprietors have no idea of the significance of their vocation, they farm after the fashions which have been handed down to them through long generations, without a thought of the study which should be devoted to the agriculture of to-day. For the enlightened management of a large farming interest a constant and keen observation of nature's methods is required, and an understanding that must be well directed by a cultivated intellect. It is so easy to tread the well-worn paths that our forefathers have

w gave daily, and the number of calves born on the estate in a year, all which details he was desirous of giving to his master. The sheep were passed in review before their lord, and the administrator grew enthusiastic over the merits of Negrettis and Merinos. Egon hardly understood a word of his explanation, and was simply bored. Then horses were brought, and the two men rode over the entire estate. Egon was called upon to admire the crops, when he really did not know the difference between wheat, oats, and rye. Everything that the administrator admired tired his master. Egon was delighted to leave Plagnitz at the end of four days; he made up his mind that nothing was more stupid or conducive to intellectual torpor than the pursuit of agriculture. Since this visit he had not even read his administrator's letters; he gave them to some one of his father's clerks to answer, and drew from his father's bank the income from the estate, heedless whether it was as large as it ought to be or not. Such details were too insignificant to occupy his attention. He had

sent by a sneering remark of the Lieutenant's: "You are preaching to deaf ears, m

hich I thank him. I frankly confess that I have hitherto had no idea that the cultivation of the soil required any amount of intellectual capacity, and I cannot tell whether I shall ever feel any real interest in agriculture. At

an's frank confession of ignorance, at w

r Kramser wrote me that you were the son of a countr

a boy I had a great dislike for every sort of occupation not connected with my books. And then the small farm attached to a country parsonage is a very insignificant affair. I took no kind of interest

ou must have become wonderfully

nod and said, "You have turned your time to good account, Herr Pigglewitch, your wonderful music to-day was proof of that. I can understand how long and how diligent has been the practice which has given you so brilliant an execut

ortunate in having such a light to illumine the path of wisdom for him. 'Tis a pity that for the present Fritz must confine himself to the A B C of learn

to be competent to teach will be complete," Egon rejoined, qu

asked in amazement that a Candidate should be thus accomplished. "I though

natural gift for languages. I like to read great poets in the original, translations are apt to be but weak transcriptions, therefore I studied English to read

but she spoke both French and English quite well. She addressed him in English, expressing her pleasure at his proficiency in languages; he answered her in the same tongue with an accent and with fluency superior to her own. French he spoke with equal purity and facility. She could not, after a short conversation in both tongues, forbear an expr

sire to begin to-day," the Lieutenant replied, giving the insufferable Pi

eschen interposed; "you would come to grie

young cousin, for Herr von Osternau rose fr

lingered and asked for leave of absence for the next morning. Herr von Osternau seemed surprised. "Is you

in the young man's stead. "He and Herr Pigglewitch must both pay a visit there

hy not

is no affair of his. I am sure, papa dear, you will allow Herr Storting and the Herr

darling's forehead. "I will ask no questions. Certainly they should both have gone without your interference. I

re most kind, Herr von Osternau. I was perhaps i

ly postpone, and I'll tell you in your ear

s a favour to me, Herr von Osternau, and I really cannot see why it should be kept secret. I could not appear at dinner in the only clothes which I possessed. Herr Storting therefore very ki

nt. "And Herr Storting was to go to Breslau d

sence could be any disadvantage in the farming operations, which are carried on under the distinguished auspices of Herr Lieutenant von Osternau

ed to her father. "Think of that black coat! No, you must n

d Herr Pigglewitch would start on the morrow for Breslau, and if they found their business required more time than was anticipated, they need be in no hurry to return, but could spend the entire day there. When the Lieutenant here ventured to remark that Herr von Wangen would find it difficult to superintend the harvesters alone, his cousin replied, with some asperity, "Then perhaps you, Cousin Albrecht, will have the kindness to take Herr Storting's place, since he is certainly going to Breslau. And now no more of this. We will take our coffee in the

s glory with me: he is, no doubt, also a ma

soon establishing the Candidate's insignificance and his own supremacy as a player. But he was much mistaken; he could not but see very shortly that he had found his master. At Egon's first successful stroke Albrecht muttered something about "luck" and "beginners," but when the course of the game did but further reveal the Candidate's skill and brilliant play, the Lieutenant grew furious. He tried to preserve

breathes withi

meadows nat

entleman, who appears to have used his time for study to such good purpose, really played a better game of billiards than I. My calling is not that of a bill

the Lieutenant in a voice which he forced to sound calm: "You have made use of a word, Herr Lieutenant, which I require you instantly to retract. Out of regard for the ladies a

sumes to take me to task and

revocable. I told you an hour ago that I would not suffer the man to whom I have intrusted my children's instruction to be treated beneath my roof otherwise than as a gentleman. You have insulted Herr Pigglewitch without provocation; this I will not permit. I give you yo

eceived into his household? His figure, usually slightly bent, stood erect, his keen glance scanned Albre

u sincerely for your generous words, which make all the more clear to me the necessity for ending this contest by my departure from Castle Osternau. I see clearly that I am not fit for the position of t

sed to do, attempt the duties of my children's tutor. Until that attempt has been made I shall not release you from your promise. And as you have just heard, I demand an a

in's resolve when once made known, how implacable his resentment when once it had found a lodgement in his kindly nature. There was no choice left him. What was he to do if his generous relative refused to shelter him? He thought of the future with horror. He had lost at play during his occasional visits to Berlin the entire larg

lbrecht, I awai

replied to his cousin, "There really was no need of harsh words from you, Cousin Fritz, to induce me to recall a thoughtless expression, which I regretted as soon as I perceived that it had been misunderstood. I had no idea of styling Herr Pigglewitch a professional gambler, and I should have told him this, and asked to be excused for my misunders

will be quite satisfied," said Herr von Os

ied him, finding in the reference to a difference of rank a fresh insult, but in the Candidate Pigglewitch such conduct would be unjustifiable, he must submit to seem content. He was even forced to admit that his

PTE

AN'S

r new tutor concerning the course they wished him to pursue with their son. Frau von Osternau was desirous that the child should not be kept too long at his books. She thought that with two hours of daily instruction he could soon learn to read, write, and cipher, which was all that need be thought of a

conducted his own education; nevertheless they seemed reasonable, and he undertook, by Fr

oy to read and write. He had but the faintest remembrance of how he had been taught himself, and there was besides a dim idea in his mind of having heard somewhere that the old methods were no longe

hich his table had been provided by the careful mother of his pupil, and t

en a timid knock was heard at the door, and Fritz entered shyly. Positively Egon felt his heart beat quicker. Never, even when about to pass the most difficult examination, had he felt such trepidation, such a sense of the ut

heart. He had intended to play a madcap prank, but the jest had come to be earnest. He was really undertaking the duty of a teacher, and this

il, but he collected himself, and drew the little fell

ing to please mamma, and

romised Lieschen that I will not lau

primer, and I see you have brought a

tle pupil upon the spot, and the boy's cleverness and capacity interested him in turn. Egon could hardly believe that an hour

hing be more charming than harvest in such glorious weather? If you will come with us, Herr Pigglewitch, I can perhaps fulfil the wish you expressed to-day in derision, and do something in aid of your neglected education. You may be very

tentive and grateful pu

alk, that I may enter immed

n, let us ride. We have had no ride to-day. You w

, but since I h

o, now I think of it, I must not offer you papa's riding-horse, he does not like to have Cousin Albrecht or the inspectors ride it, and Herr Stor

should not take advant

in his stall," F

d and uncontrollable. No one can ride him except Cousin Al

oliman would thro

who is a very skilful horseman, has as much as he can do to control Soliman; he advised p

in riding a quiet horse. The pleasure in riding comes from the necessity of strai

ngerous, I cannot have him sa

ek occasion for investing our commonplace existence with interest by means of physical and mental exertion. One mig

wide-eyed wonder. "What wicked nonsense are you talking? I cannot comprehend your

ralist, with her dark, reproachful eyes raised to his, was so very charming. S

not spoken of danger, Fr?ulein Lieschen, I should not have exposed myself to your censure. Th

effect at last. Fritz was sent to order Soliman, with his sister's mare and his own Shetland pony, to be brought round, and Lieschen r

saddled for the Herr Candidate. No good would come of it, he said; but since Fr?ulein Lieschen had ordered it, it must be done. He was

"Are you saddling Soliman? Who is going to ride the

t well enough to ride at all to-day. T

ense! Who order

nt Master Fritz to te

e Herr Candidate has six necks and will not mind breaking on

It will never do. But I have

date; it will be a very interesting sight. What is it to me," Albrecht muttered to himself

hen were already waiting, Lieschen looking wonderfully lovely in her clo

ride Soliman, because there is no other riding-horse in the stables except yours. I have allowed myself to be persuaded to h

as admirably as he plays billiards. It would be an insult to him to dissuade him from riding Soliman, w

ate of mind, Herr Lieuten

ly to offer you my lamb-like riding-hor

prefer to r

e. You have no spurs, I see; take my riding-whip. A good

ent increased every minute. She reproached herself for the consent she had given, which could not now be withdrawn, and her fears

leading up Soliman, keeping a sharp watch upon the s

e old man muttered, intentionally loud enough for Lieschen to hear, while his glance

hen exclaimed, her anxiety reaching its height, "to give u

, who had approached the beautiful animal and wa

while to show Herr Pigglewitch that the horse is not so wicked after all. But you are quite right, Herr Pigglewitch, to accede to Lieschen's request. Soliman migh

parkled with irritation and

voice. "Do you wish me to be thus derided and accused of cowardice? I will keep my word

ousin. "It will be your fault, Cousin Albrecht, if there is any

t. Without the aid of the stirrups the despised Candidate had swung himself into the saddle, and caught up in a firm hand the bridle which old Wenzel dro

led down to her. "Soliman will know in a

his tricks," the Lieutenant

wn him in the dirt,--the same tricks that had forced his former possessor to sell the magnificent creature for a mere song. He rea

result. Egon sat as quietly firm in the saddle as if he were part of the animal, holding the bridle in a hand of iron, and so compressing the horse's flanks with his knees that, after a few more unsuccessful plunges, the creature stood still, with dilated nostrils and foaming at the bit. His rider, however, showed no signs of physical exertion; he nodded wi

o the Lieutenant little short of miraculous in a Candidate, put the horse through all his paces, guiding him in a wide circle around the court-yard. Soliman attempted n

er. Her cousin Albrecht was a bold and skilful horseman, the best she had known hitherto, but his glory faded when she compared him with this rider. How could she ever have thought that pro

his hands and shouted, and old Wenzel grinned as he said, "He knows how t

ted all the more bitterly. He had been outdone, outdone in the very art upon which he most prided himself. He had e

to old Wenzel, in order to put Lieschen on her mare, he muttered a curse, turned his horse, and rode out of the court-yard in a direction opposite to that in which lay the Oster meadows. Lieschen

TER

RVEST-

ue, followed the direction of her extended riding-whip, but his attention was not given to the rather commonplace landscape; his interest was all for his charming companion. How pure and clear was the look in the dark-blue eyes raised so confidingly to his own! Her smile was

complishments had always aroused the suspicion in his mind that such words were for the wealthy Egon von Ernau, uttered to flatter his vanity, to entrap him. But as he listened to Lieschen's artless talk he paid homage to the sincerity of this

d out from the summit of a low hill, which

l of their ride, and he would gladly have ri

rming?" Lieschen asked, when she w

panion's lovely face. As if awaking from a dream, he saw before him a picturesque landscape,--a green extensive valley, through whic

d hay-wagons, each drawn by four stout horses, were beginning their slow journey to the barns of Castle Osternau. All who were able to work were busy gathering in the plentiful hay-crop of the year, for there had been warning clouds in the west at sun

t to the wild grandeur of rocky mountain fastnesses, to the splendour of glacier and torrent. The more savage the aspect of nature the more beautiful it had seemed to him. When he had been caught in a mountain storm, the crashing of the thunder among the giant peaks and the vivid play of the lightning had quickened his pulses. What could make this simple landscape at which he was gazing with Lieschen seem so charming in his eyes? Had he undergone a transformation in the last few hours? Could it be that a warm, sunny ray from heaven had pierced his soul and made

greeting to Lieschen as he drew near, but as he drew up his horse beside Egon he excla

eplied, curtly, his

only rides it in the fields just beyond the garden. Pardon my saying so, Fr?ulein Lieschen, but you have been wrong in exposi

torting. I insisted on riding Soliman precisely because of his tricks and his temper. And now we know e

beg you to return at once, and at all events do not attempt to ride him down into the meadows. The brute shies terribly, when people are about he grows restless, and the least sudden movement,

rd and patting the beautiful creature's slender neck. "I could wish you would try your wo

urn back. If you ride down to the meadows you run the risk of having

ounsel with none, if I choose to end the drama with a bullet in my heart or a wild ride. Come, Soliman, let us measu

ect upon the fiery animal, who had scarcely yet been brought under his rider's per

, who was being carried directly towards the spot where the river was deepest and the current strongest. To the inspector the ma

d him. Storting could hardly believe his eyes. Was that wonderful rider sitting easily and as if unconscious of danger upon the fiery brute, now stamping the soft meadow soil with

h and skill, and she had entire confidence in them. Still there was a cloud upon her brow, and the gaze with which she followed the daring rider was scarcely one of approval. When she saw that the

rein, and then he obeys every pressure of the knee. The magnificent creature knows me now, and I will answer for it will not shy or run so long as he feels my hand upon his bridle. You see that your reproof was quite undeserved by Fr?ulein Lieschen. If the horse is really timid I will engage to cure him of it. Shall we not ride towards those people who are wo

e fact that she was seriously displeased with Herr Pigglewitch. She took her place again, it is true, beside him, but she answered his questions in monosyllables, and left it to Storting to give him any information with regard to the harvesting. His desire to receive the promised instruction from her

himself to listen with an appearance of interest to Herr Storting's explanations, out of regard for the inspector, but the merry songs of the girls raking the

d thus Egon being left alone with Lieschen had an opportunity to ask her the cause of her s

y up at him, and

ed me? Yes, I am displeased. I cannot forgive you for sneering at what is most sacred. I t

provoke such a reproof from

you said here upon the hill, yes, upon this very spot, just before you gave Soliman that stroke with your whip? Y

t the right to end my miserable existence if

urage in putting an end by the act of an instant to an intolerable existence? It is cowardice, miserable cowardice, to turn and flee from the battle of life. I have heard pity bestowed upon

ple words of the young girl's staggered him in the views he had hitherto held. Involuntarily the image of the real Pigglewitch arose in his mind, he saw the ridiculous figure kneeling singing upon the green bank, then suddenly start up and leap into the water. He saw the wretched creature standing dripping before him, wringing his hands and entreating to have his miserable lif

the impulse of the moment; thus it was wit

beg you not to be angry with me any longer. I cannot bear to have you look so gravely and disapprovingly at me. I will try never to shock you again by thoughtless wor

making game

ay for the first time that the experience of my life has made me morbid. Regard me as a sick man, and when some word of mine s

. When a little while ago you talked so wickedly and urged Soliman towards the river, I was afraid of you, and now you suddenly speak so sadly and gently that I almost have fait

TER

FROM

ing his ride to the Oster meadows, Herr von O

stop to it. He was not aware of the true state of the case until the moment when Egon swung himself lightly into the saddle, and then remonstrance was useless. Involuntarily he had uttered an exclamation of dismay, which called Frau von Osternau t

iding-party had left the court-yard, when Herr vo

row, and so did Lieschen when she first saw him, he looked so inconceivably ridiculous and uncouth, but ten minutes had not passed before I changed my mind. As he sat there at the piano, playing in that inspired way, he seemed to me a divinely-gifted artist. He cannot be a mere ordinary Candidate. His carriage and air are those of one used to refined society, and the conventional habits of such society are acquired only by association. Remember his manner to Albrecht in the billiard-room. He demanded satisfaction just as any well-bred gentleman

ent to what he said, and he went on: "The more I think of it the more incomprehensible it is to me that Kramser should have recom

led as yourself," Frau v

us read it once more, and see if

e letter from her desk and r

ason of childhood, you still remember me, and honour me with the great confidence shown in your esteemed epistle. My hear

mong my numerous scholars of one possessing the qualifica

e to give lessons to your daughter of seventeen. You require, finally, that the young man shall be in no wise distinguished by beauty of person. Nay, y

n, all are indeed qualified as scholars to teach the rudiments of learning to a boy of six, but few, alas! are sufficiently proficient in music to give lessons on the piano to a lady. At last

great piety, strong in faith in the Lord. There are, indeed, deficiencies in his worldly attainments, but he knows quite enough for the instruction of a boy of six, and his mus

' school in Berlin, where, as I am assured by the principal, he has discharged his duties with dilig

r upon its duties before the 6th of July, since he is not released from his present situation until July 3d. Should this arrangement meet your approval, r

respectful regard

ams

ge ought to be deficient, but sufficient for the instruction of a child of six, yet he speaks French and English fluently. He ought to be awkward and ungainly, and nothing can be more easy and grac

ed Albrecht, I thought him actually handsome, and I could not but admire him again just now as he rode out of the court-yard, keeping Soliman so perfectly in rein. It makes m

e conducted himself with such absolute propriety, it would be a crying injustice to dismiss him. D

be glad to have Lieschen marry Albrecht. What

orget his gay life in the capital, indeed I am afraid that he has continued it in his frequent visits to Berlin, and that he is in debt again. But why should we puzzle our brains with what the future has in store for us? I cannot deny that it is a disagreeable sensation, the not knowing what to think of this strange man, I wish we had some one else, even although much more awkward and uninstructed, for Fritz's tut

Liesc

s superintend the girl's music-lessons if it will make you less anxious to do so, and

her child's entertaining any warmer feeling for Herr Pigglewitch than that which a pupil should have for a teacher was extremely distasteful to her. She was not reassured when, soon after the above conversation, she saw the riders return fro

to tell his father and mother, first about the charms of his new tutor during the study-hour, and then of his wonderful riding. "Even Herr Storting grew pale when he

as sensibly increased. She was hardly pleased when her husband sent old Hildebrandt to invite the Candidate to take tea with

sing with perfect frankness her admiration for the fearless rider and his courage reassured her mother, and when the girl went on to give a faithful account of her conversation

her, although, as she repeated to herself, her fears had not been altogether groundless, since the girl's interest in the stranger was evident from her ma

er of the circle. His humour was not improved by hearing Herr von Osternau request the tutor to consider himself henceforth as one of the family, joining them at tea whenever he felt so in

the centre of conversational interest, but he suddenly found himself superseded by the Candidate, who conducted himself with an easy assurance inconceivable in a man of his station, re

his mastery of Soliman, he made no claim to any special bravery or skill, but smilingly put by all the compliments addressed to him, and skilfully changed the subject by remarkin

ewitch mentioned the singing of the girls and men as they raked the hay, Herr von Osternau called to mind the praise given by Herr Kramse

piano, where he sang to his own accompaniment,

forest st

hes fresh

shade a th

y love h

ntly, with eyes fixed upon the singer. Her husband sat leaning back in his arm-chair, scarcely daring to move, for fear of losing one delicious tone, while Lieschen bent forward in rapt delight with sparkling eyes and parted lips, and when the

g. Every note came from the heart, and, of course, went straight to the heart. You understand, Herr Candidate, how to

ing forced to repress his irritation, uttered a few commendatory phrases in order to display his appreciation of music. His praise sobered Egon at once. He would willingly have disclaimed it in a few sharp words, but he supp

Pigglewitch," Herr von Osterna

h could not possibly be for him, but there was no h

e world that letters are all we have to connect us with it, and of course we wish to open our envelopes as soon as they are brought to us. The post-bag comes in at this time every evening, and each of us instantly opens and reads whatever it

sorbed in its contents that he did not observe that Egon thrust the one

around the tea-table. Frau von Osternau and the Lieutenant were busy with the newspapers, and Lieschen turned over the leaves of a jou

ong pause, turning to his wife. "He wishes us to invite Bertha von Massenburg to pay a long

igglewitch's letter, started from his revery as the name of Bertha von Massenburg struck upon h

burgs, and Sastrow reckons upon the relationship. Bertha should be withdrawn from public attention and the gossip of the capital for a considerable t

ppened?" ask

ory. I had better read you Sastr

ld not but remind Herr von Osternau that there was a stranger present who had no right to a knowledge of pr

incredibly short space of time. If Bertha von Massenburg comes to us, the scandal of which she is the innocent subject will follow her very shortly; all our neighbours will know everything about Bertha and her unfortunate betrothal, and it will be hard to separate truth from fal

he post at dawn, that you may receive it tomorrow evening. This reason consists in my great desire to avert as far as is possible the consequences of a most unpleasa

always in pecuniary difficulties, but even I, poor as is my opinion of him, should not have suspected him of attempting to

ded with the young man's father, who declared that his son was nothing loath. All that remained to be done was to bring the young people together that the betrothal might take place in the usual way, since it

nobility of the Ernaus should receive the aristocratic veneer which would be given it by a union with the old knightly line of the Massenburgs. He was so persistent in his entreaties that at last I consented, although sorely against my better judgm

sty and business capacity has never been even breathed upon, but he is the most insufferably self-important, conceited fellow, who never loses an opportunity of seeing his name in the papers, so great is his love of notoriety. He keeps open house, and poses as a patron of art and science with

d from his father--with whom, moreover, he is on terms of no intimacy, father and son sometimes not meeting for weeks--an enormous stock of vanity, which, however, he shows after an entirely different fashion. It is his pleasure to pay no heed whatever to the opinion of the world, to appear alike indifferent to praise and to blame, to at

Massenburg was shortly to be celebrated by a grand entertainment, and Werner himself had been so imprudent as to admit this when questioned upon the subject. The betrothal was already an open secret, much discussed among the aristocracy of money as well as of blood. There was pity expressed for the poor girl who was to be sacrificed to a vain, heartless roué. There were various remarks made at the club in Werner's hearing with regard to the burnishing of an aristocratic scutcheon

hat was asked of me. I did so, however, only upon condition that I should be allowed immediately after Bertha's arrival to lay before her the true state of affairs.

out on the platform. I had not seen her for several years, and she had grown from a pretty little school-girl into an elegant young lady. She, however, instantly recognized me, rushed i

ation. We were alone, and I had plenty

ed unnatural in so young a girl, she explained that the faults which I attributed to Herr von Ernau were common to all wealthy young men who had lived fast, and that she was not at all shocked by them. Certainly, from all she could hear, she judged young Ernau to be a man of honour, very clever, and withal extremely rich, wherefore she was quit

nineteen--to be deceived by any illusions as to 'love's young dream,' that the place to seek such was in popular romances; in real life a poor girl of rank must learn to be practical and to take reason for h

so frankly rejoiced to relieve him from his embarrassments, to restore to him the possession of his ancestral estate, and she expressed her joy so warmly and with so much love for her father, that I was quite reconciled to her again. And it was just

did not come. Hours passed, and at four o'clock Werner appeared in his stead. Bertha rushed into his arms, she was bewitching in he

ine race-horse than for his charming daughter, whose caresses evidently annoyed him. He endured without re

n his face, burst forth, he raged and swore, talked of putting a bullet through his brains;

-law of his desires had disappeared, thus destroying t

s betrothal. He therefore sent to desire his son to come to him. The servant sent returned in a few minutes with Egon's man, who explained that his master had not returned home at all on the previous night, his bed was untouched, and upon his writing-table a le

h the servant, and searched them through in hopes of finding some scrap of writing that might allay his

ng strengthened the Privy Councillor in the belief that his son had committed suicide. He had hitherto taken but a languid interest in his son, he had often indeed passed weeks without seeing him, although the same roof sheltered both; now the Privy Councillor suddenly assumed the part of a

d to soothe him, to represent that there was as yet no proof that his terrible suspicion was correct; in vain did his cashier declare that if Herr Egon had contemplated suicide he would not have drawn, as he had done the day before, twenty thousand marks fr

t the wretched proposed betrothal had driven Egon to despair. By noon the universal topic on 'Change was young Ernau's suicide and its cause, and the story flew like wildfire all through the town. An hour previously it had reached Werner, and he had hurried to the Councillor, with whom he had gone through a terrible scene. The Councillor, i

into this frightful difficulty by a too ready acquiescence in his plans. She must be completely compromised by the scandal, which was now known all over the town, an

ess. He left me at last with the task upon my

n my wife spoke indignantly of young Ernau, she shrugged her shoulders. 'I am sorry for him,' she said, in a tone expressive of quite as much scorn as pity; 'he is evidently one of those unfortunate men who, bred in the lap

t Werner's fear lest her reputation should suffer from what had occurred wou

e part of a family of rank. Fr?ulein Bertha von Massenburg knew that he was in love with a girl of the middle class, but would not withdraw her pretensions because she did not choose to lose a wealthy parti. The young man had been l

In the course of it my wife has had more visits than she has received for weeks from friends and acquaintances of every degree of intimacy, and she is in despair over the expressions of commiseration and the curious

Instead of pitying the poor girl, as people would have done a few days ago for being sacrificed to a roué, all now condem

senburg recall her to K?nigsberg, where gossip would inevitably pursue her and be more rife in the provincial town than in the capital. Moreover, Aunt Mas

ive her an asylum in your house until the storm has blown over. After a few weeks, at most after a few months, no o

w Bertha even to the depths of the country and cause you annoyance, but I know you well enough to be sure that you will not on that account hesitate to do such a kindn

Do not let her be vexed with her old uncle for asking so gr

str

Osternau waited in vain for some expression of opinion from his wife. "We

Osternau replied. "The punishment

eproach? She obeyed her father, consented to make a brilliant match, and did it gladly. She could not possibly fores

cannot even pity her. She knew from Uncle Sastrow all about that odious Egon von Ernau,--that he was a man wit

refused to obey her fath

d have believed it of her. She was so charming, so good-natured, so kind, I liked her so much when she spent nearly the whole summer with us here a

tgaged, and he took no interest in his child. She was obliged thankfully to accept shelter with her aunt Massenburg, at K?nigsberg. There her life must have been absolutely wretched. I know what a hard and loveless woman Gunda Massenburg is. We must not c

e her here, then?" Frau vo

a refuge with us from the gossip and sla

Frit

lled. I will write to-night both to him and to Bertha. Herr Pigglewitch is going to Breslau with Herr Storting to-morrow morning early. If he will kindly post my let

t had really heard nothing of what had since been said. It was his fault, all this wretched scandal which so pain

duce among his acquaintances; he had never once fancied that his voluntary departure from the world could cause any real regret to a living being. He knew that his father was incapable of feeling genuine grief; there was no one to be pained by his sudden death. Egon had loved and been loved by no one. And his imagination h

wed no affection, and the equally well acted sympathy of his acquaintances. All were aware of the farce at which they were ass

e had not thought of was that his death could cast a shade upon a

truth in the written picture. A fleeting blush had passed over his cheek when he heard the terms in which Bertha von Massenburg had summed up his character, 'An u

ride, she had expressed her detestation of suicide.

s going on about him, and when startled by Herr von Osternau's appeal

is gentle, kindly way, "Herr Pigglewitch has had a most fatiguing day, and it is very natu

nd receiving on the instant an assurance from Egon that he woul

ur of you. We have all been moved by Sastrow's letter, which will give me at least a troubled night. Perhaps you may su

s touched the keys the old spell threw its charm over him. He forgot that Herr von Osternau had asked him to play, he forgot that he was among strangers, of whom one, the Lieutenant, was eying him with dislike and suspicion; he played for himself alone. Involuntarily he glided after a brief pr

aw no more, he felt his pulses quicken, any word of praise or thanks would have been intolerable to him. Rising from the piano, he would have left the room in silence, but that he suddenly remembered what was due from Gottlieb Pigglewitch to his employer. Little as he had learned of self-control, it must be exercised now. So

he the same Egon von Ernau who had never paid the slightest regard to what others might think of him,--to anything

PTE

R AND I

d slowly covered all the skies, the night was very dark, the gloo

relief to him. The old trees waved and creaked in the blast, the rustling of the leaves, the crashing of boughs, and the moaning of the wind

upon the past. He had lived in the present, obeying the impulse of the moment, with no thought of the consequences of his actions.

h Gottlieb Pigglewitch and borrowed his name, but what had he gained? Was he happy? Was life any more attractive to him? No, not in the least. Formerly, when he had thought it worth while to recur to the past, he had done so without regret, without the slightest remorse, he had recalled his past with a kind of weary indifference; today this retrospect begot within him a sensation of shame. His

ch he had received a few hours before. Egon had forgotten it; he pic

retched letter, which prevented me from yielding to the impulse of the moment. Shall I never, then, be master of myself? 'He is a man of no force of character, he has no self-control.' Those were old Sastrow's words, and, by Jove! he is right. Always the sport of the mo

date Gottlieb Pigglewitch, at Castle Osternau, near Mirbach;" but just after the name Pigglewitch two words, enclosed in brackets, were written, in a handwr

eal Pigglewitch. No one else knew this name, and hence it was clear that the note was for E

my immortal soul, saving it from mortal sin. And in your inexhaustible generosity you provided me with means not only to repay my uncle, but to emigrate to America and live happy there. Four thousand marks you bestowed upon me. Permit me, however, to remark tha

m for me, but I would not mind it, I should now be in Hamburg or Bremen, ready to

ist. Wretched man that I am, I have again lost everything,--everything! There is nothing left for me, Herr Fortune,

t hopes, I encountered near the station the same men who had shortly before won all that I possessed. But why dwell upon these wretched details? In little more than an hour I was again a beggar, with hardly money enough for food

serable man who knows no help save in you. I entreat, I implore you to send me four tho

he best will in the world it is impossible for me to keep my promise. I cannot now emigrate to America, I must stay here, and in order to live I must find a situation here; to do this I need my papers. Yes, I must lay claim to the situation promise

l pain me to cause you any annoyance. I am so grateful to you that the thought of your being arrested a

st at play. I swear to you, by all that is sacred, that by the next mail after the receipt of the money I will transmit my uncle's money to him, and

noured Herr Fortune, I implore you on

erate, bat eternally

eb Pigg

ottlieb Pigglewitch, Berlin, 52 E

itical gratitude, servility, stupidity, and dishonesty the creature must be, thus to threaten me indirectly in hopes of getting more money from me! He talks to me of arrest, and thinks that for fear of

ught of the miserable letter and the rogue who had penned i

he courage to attempt it he might bring the false one into a dea

he Pigglewitch who had vanished from Osternau? Nobody would suppose that Egon von Ernau, suddenly appearing in the capital again after a short pleasure-trip, had for a day or two taken it into his head

nts, and the amazement of his father thus interrupted in his successful performance of the part of a broken-hearted parent. His poor father! But there would be some consolation for him in the sensation caused by his so

Yes, it would be his wisest course to leave Castle Osternau on the morrow, never to return. And

hemselves, Bertha von Massenburg need not leave Berlin, for--here Egon shuddered--the betrothal could take place as agreed upon, the betrothal to which Egon had thoughtlessly consented because it

who was described as so beautiful and amiable? "Never, never," he muttered. He could

acter, his ability to carve out a new life for himself. Was it for this alone? Did not a lovely vision hover before his mental vision

ternau by the real Pigglewitch. For should the latter make good his claim, as he could, to the name now bo

him to be influenced by the rogue's threats, but he had no choice. He could secure himself from discovery only by sending the fellow four thousand marks. Should he then be secure? Could he trust th

reaking your promise you have forfeited all right to my clemency. You owe the money which I herewith send you to my pity for your inconceivable stupidity, not in the least to your threat as to arrest, etc., which, I would remark by the way, is absolutely futile, since your papers were given me voluntarily by yourself, and the only inconvenience to which you could subject me would be the p

If in your new home you should ever need money to purchase a farm you may again apply to me. I may perhaps be induced to remember that I saved you

rks. Any communication made from you to me before your arriv

z For

PTE

T AND

so brilliantly that the light of the rising sun shining in at his window

e dewy flowers filled him with a new delight. Although he had slept but a few

leading to the Oster meadows. He had time for a walk, for he was not to be ready for

When he saw Egon he waved his hand, and spurred his horse on to where the young man was standing. Egon recognized Herr Storting. "Good-morning, Herr Pigglewitch," Storting called from afar. "I did not expect to meet you in the Oster meadows at five in the morning. Did you wish to be sure that the storm has done us no h

ion's conduct, and he walked his horse slowly back to the castle at Egon's side, pointing with pride to the luxuriant f

d respect and esteem for the man of whom an intelligent ins

aiting, and beside his plate a letter addressed to Colonel D. von Sastrow, Berlin. It was the one he had been requested by Herr von Osternau to take charge of on the previous evening, and the sight of it reminded him of his own letter to Pigglewitch, which he had laid away unsealed after he had writte

arks. Thus much, he reflected, Gottlieb must have possessed before falling into the hands of the sharpers, and so much therefore his substitute might surely

itch could not possibly pay the two hundred and fifty marks requisite for the furnishing him with two respectable suits of clothes, except by quarterly instalments. Storting, however, came to the rescue. His credit with the tradesman was excellent, and he arranged the matter, while Egon stood by, now and then biting his lip to keep himself from laughing, so ludicrous did the whole situation seem to him. In less than an hour his outfit was complete. The clothes borrowed from Storting and one of his own new suits were packed up to be sent to the railwa

op he felt it his duty to make a special acknowledgment to the inspector for his great kindne

Not very flattering to you, but for me a command to be obeyed under all circumstances. I tell you frankly that but for this I should have had some hesitation in going su

hen's word is y

of his lips. "Fr?ulein Lieschen rules at Castle Osternau. Just as you controlled Soliman yesterday, Fr?ulein Lieschen will control you before two days a

infinitely more entertained. Storting defended his interests bravely. The Jew dealer declared that he should be ruined by the purchase at any price of such antiquated garments, but finally with many lamentation

r Osternau. This time he employed in the purchase of linen and school-books, and arrived with Storting at the station just in t

im of the value of money. The tailor's hesitation to trust him for the insignificant sum of two hundred and fifty marks, the petty haggling for an infinitely less sum in the old-clothes shop, were a lesson t

the same man who was so anxious to save expense for the poor Candidate Pigglewitch did not hesitate to pledge himself to pay a hundred and fifty marks in case the tutor should be unable to do so. And this when the sum in question w

ng him gave him pleasure. Hitherto Egon had been disposed to regard any favour shown him as due to his wealth and position. Storting's disinterestedness

re. His little pupil's boyish eagerness to learn, his affectionate enthusiasm for his dear Herr Pigglewitch, warmed Egon's

ty lest Lieschen's interest in her teacher might transcend the limits of that which a pupil should feel for a master seemed entirely groundless. The girl admired the musician, as did Frau von Osternau. She listened to every word of his, and did her best to obtain his approval. When he praised her her lovely face beamed with smiles, but it was to the teacher as such that she paid her tribute of respectful attention. The lesson once concluded, Lieschen was again the merry, artless, audacious child. She teased Herr Pigglewitch as she was wont to tease Co

progress made by her pupil, and she was no less charming when she laughed at him for his ignorance. Herr Storting was right when he prophesied that Egon would, like all the other inmates of the castle, shortly yield Fr?ulein Lieschen a willing obedien

that he had known hitherto, threw a strange spell around him, made him calm and con

e pleasure. Frau von Osternau also would give the young man a kindly nod as she marked his growing interest in such topics. The Lieutenant alone was discontent; he never let slip an opportunity for a covert sn

regarded him with kindness, that Fritz positively worshipped him, that Frau von Osternau had confidence in him, that her husband treated him as his equal in rank, as a friend of the family. And Lieschen? She was as frank and merry as upon their first meeting. She even te

PTE

ADV

on Osternau, looking up from the letter whi

s afterwards he had thought with a kind of dread of the threatened visit from Fr?ulein von Massenburg, but as the invitation remained unanswered, and as there was no mention made by any of the family of Bertha, he had forgotten

rtha would refuse our invitation, since she has le

e here towards evening. You can read his letter, or I will read it to you. Albrecht and Herr

had seen him in Breslau two or three days after his disappearance. Werner had himself seen this acquaintance, a certain Baron von Freistetten, and had heard the tidings from his own lips. The Baron assured him that as he was driving to the railway-station in Breslau he had seen Ernau on the sidewalk, walking very quickly. The Baron was in a hurry to catch his train, and so had not accosted his friend, but he knew him well enough to be sure that it was he. He nodd

stances, and decided that a notice should be sent to the newspapers contradicting the report of the suicide of young Ernau, who had merely left Berlin upon a pleasure-trip. The Councillor was also to engage the police to make search for his son in Breslau. They agreed that if, as the

gain high, and he thought it quite natural that young Ernau, who had always followed the impulse of the moment, should have chosen this time for a short absence from Berlin. Accordin

ed that nothing should induce her to leave Berlin until the matter of Egon's absence was fully explained; she wo

s had proved him entirely incapable of making a wife happy. I painted her future linked for life with so eccentric, selfish, and blasé a husband; but

conscious of possessing enough beauty to inflame the heart of any man susceptible to a woman's charms, if she so desired to do. Therefore she must stay in Berlin. So brilliant a match must not be resigned without a struggle. Herr von Ernau's reputed eccentricities mattered nothing to her; he was immensely rich, a gentleman, and born and bred in th

ects of this impression. The girl has taken the greatest pains to please us since then, and has been charming and bewitching, but in vain. I cannot but think, whenever I look at her, of her sordid vie

lous gossip, but such has not been the case. You can have no idea of the annoyance

evidently tempted to make an angry retort, but she possesses immense self-control: she thanked me most amiably for allowing her to stay with us until now in spite of the annoyance she had caused us. She declared herself quite ready

to keep her with you for some time, but I cannot help hoping that this visit may turn out well. Bertha can be extremely delightful if she chooses

str

-natured uncle Sastrow is so indignant with Bertha von Massenburg, she must have behaved

Sastrow says expressly that she can b

e replied. "Indeed, Bertha von Massenburg does not seem to me a fit companion

morrow, and hospitality demands that she be kindly received

ist upon marrying that miserable Egon von Ernau when she knows that he does not like her and that he is a worthless man. I cannot tell yo

or a while. You are no longer a child, Lieschen, and you must learn to fulfil the conventional requirements of society. I never desire you to play the hypocrite, and a courte

ather, and she replied, meekly, "I will try, papa," while her mo

y Lieschen least of all ought to find fault with her frank expression of her sentiments as to wealth. As in royal families, so also in the higher aristocratic circles, marriages were contracted without the sentimental affection talked of in novels; Bertha was only conforming to the laws of good society if she overlooked Egon von Ern

clared that she could not understand a nature so coldly calculating, and thought it detestable, and all that Herr von Osternau said was that he could not judge Bertha until he had seen her, and that, whatever she might be, no me

t was not in his music, and he soon arose from the instrument. It was impossible to resume the customary happ

s. They scarcely spoke during dinner, and but for the talk between the mas

e Fritzchen was about to rush off to ord

ome flowers in Bertha von Massenburg's room, so I cannot be away from home long, and yet I have a

gglewitch," Fritz cried out, with a discontented air, but Egon pacified him by promising to ride with hi

med unable to begin, and even when Egon asked the name of a distant hamlet she gave a brief, hasty reply, and then walked on with downcast e

ked up

ing tells me what I ought to do, and I follow its promptings, but to-day it leaves me in the lurch, I am doubtful whether I feel and judge rightly,

omise

o confidence in you, you talked so oddly, and ridiculed what I held sacred,--I was almost afraid o

otten none o

ruction. You looked strangely and your laugh was so bitter that it hurt me, but now you laugh from your heart, and you look so kind and sincere that I cannot help having

Formerly such praise from girlish lips would have excited his ridicule, now it delighted him. "I hope your opi

f? To my parents? Oh, I know how ready they are to help me, but upon this point they do not agree. To Albrecht? Nev

ut his eyes were more

eceive her kindly, but in me it would be hypocrisy. Must I be a hypocrite? Should not truth be our first consideration? Ought I to be false to myself out of conformity with conventional ideas of courtesy? Nothing makes me so indignant as falsehood, and now I am asked to act a falsehood myself. My mother thinks as I do, but she submits. In whatever my father seriously desires she always obeys him.

s ears. Was not his whole life at Castle Osternau a falsehood? She did not dream of the sentence she had passed upon him. She hated falsehood, and asked advice of him! He commanded his voice with difficulty, and, wi

e to say? You have n

ou judge her? Do you know him at all except from the description of a man who is not acquainted with him? And if he is, as Herr von Sastrow says, at odds with life, do you know what has made him so? I can imagine a wretched man satiated from earliest childhood with every pleasure that money can procure, with no wish ungratified save that for affection, never having known the love of either father or mother, miserably lonely, surrounded by flatterers and parasites who feign friendship for the sake of his riches, but who care nothing for him in reality. Is it his fault if h

actly as if you knew Herr von Ernau! And how agitated you have become! you have gr

y wished to point out to you the harshness of your judgment both of him and of Fr?ulein von Massenburg,

ertha Massenburg coldly, but to suppress my dis

do anything save to act according

have shown me clearly that I was wrong in condemning Herr von Ernau and Bertha, and that my dear father was right in asking me to receive Bertha kindly. I am glad I came to you for counsel

TER

VON MAS

rode into the courtyard a dusty carriage was standing before the carriage-house, and o

ing to dispense with his society upon this particular occasion. He therefore commissioned Fritzchen to tell his father that he would not intrude upon the family this evening, but would remain in his own apartments. Scarcely had he reached them, however, before Fritz made his appearance to say that his father had sent

o confront Bertha von Massenburg, he knew that he must meet her sooner or later, and he resigned him

knew the thing well enough, he had played it several times himself, but always with distaste, for he did not like this style of music, b

t in which to enter the room unnoticed than just when every one was occ

owards him, his second upon a tall mirror opposite that re

of the delicately-chiselled mouth, in the dark, fiery eyes that sparkled beneath long lashes, in the grace which informed every motion of the full yet slender figure. A piano-player is seldom graceful in the exercise of her art, but with Bertha von Massenburg even the rapid movement of hands and fingers as they flew over the keys see

iece was concluded; the performer arose, and was greeted with enthusiastic applause from the Lieutenant, who advanced from the recess of a window. Herr von Osternau also expressed his admiration of the performance. "Bri

ts, his bow upon being presented, in short, she observed him so closely as almost to embarrass him, as she said, easily, "My kind uncle pays a very high compliment to my indifferent performance in ranking me with you, Herr Piggle

to be so? Had untruth become to her a second nature, as to so many women of the world of society? Egon suddenly felt himself transported to the old life which he knew so well,--Herr von Osternau's plea

s as he replied, "Is it possible that you fear criticism, Fr?ulein? A mastery of technique is the ideal of our modern art. You are certainly aw

called me an artist, and

rue artist. He alone represents the true modern ideal; he is never led as

uch a criticism upon modern art," Bertha replied, sharply. "Pray take my place at t

autiful. Her tone and her words were not those of a ball-room puppet. Bertha was not of them, then; she could b

m black to dark, melting blue, and were filled with sympathy for the mental struggles through which he was constantly passing. The spell of the moment that had summoned up the past was dissolved; he belonged again to the peaceful present. Involuntarily the hands upon the keys began to give expression to the gladness that arose withi

ve of art by applauding the detested tutor, clapped his hands loudly

en standing behind him, and, who involuntarily held ou

and her voice faltered. "I promise you that you never

played so delightfully before. It is your work, Fr?ulein von Massenburg. Of course, Herr Pigglewitch did

Lieutenant's persistence he closed the piano, and just in time,

otice that at first Frau von Osternau's manner was but coolly courteous, and that Lieschen scarcely spoke at all, and never addressed her. She talked on innocently and gaily, and was so cordial and amiable that Frau von Osternau could not but abandon her reserve, and Lieschen became herself

she showed the estimation in which she held so accomplished a musician. She said not one flattering word to him with regard to the pleasure he had given her, but t

the Lieutenant clumsily alluded to it. She spoke of her uncle von Sastrow

iring, and did so at last only in view of his wife's admonition that it was time to bid go

, "do you now think that Bertha will be a disturbing element in our

to her gay, innocent talk, and looked into her dark, sparkling eyes, I was charmed with her; she captivated me as she did you and Albrecht and Herr Pigglewitch, and even Lieschen, who finally treated her as affectionately as she used to do when Bertha visited us years ago.

fro, pondering upon the evening he had just passed. Frau von Osternau was right in saying that Bertha had c

, and his imagination ran riot in picturing what might then have been his future. To call that exquisite creature his own, t

s thrown there by the light in his room. Whence came the other? Involuntarily he wondered, whence? Ah, from Lieschen's window. Was she too gazing out into the dark night? Her image s

lovely image, while Bertha's faded into night and da

TER

YOUNG

onger, and embraced in its charm every individual of the household, with the exception of Lieschen. Both the inspectors, Herr von Wangen and Herr Storting

ive all her interest in country pursuits and occupations, and was never weary of introducing a discussion of her uncle's favourite topic. It was a genuine delight to the old man to be able to explain his theories and practice to her, while her large black eyes

spensable in the household in a thousand ways. Cultivated and well bred as she was, she disdained no feminine occupation. Indeed, she was a pattern for Lieschen, who had been allowed, her mother thought as she watched Bertha's ways, to run wild altogether too long. And then how perfect was her behaviour towards the gentlemen of the family! She received their homage with genuine pleasure, but never exacted it, and armed herself with a dignified reserve

stay among strangers. The bashful young fellow, who at table scarcely spoke unless he was spoken to, and who rarely accepted an invitation to join the family at tea, for fear of transgressing some rule of social life, was sud

g guest. Bertha grew in favour with her as the good lady began to indulge in such plans for the future as are dearest to the feminine mind. Herr von Wangen was, to be sure, rather young,--only a couple of years older than Bertha,--but he was an excellent match for her, since she had given up all thoughts of Herr von Ernau. It

ation with others she nevertheless heard every word uttered by the Candidate, and she watched him when she thought herself unobserved. She was always present during Lieschen's music-lessons; she had asked permission to be in the room, saying, with a smile, that she could not ask Herr Pigglewitch to give her actual lessons, but that he could do so in

o play on the piano or to sing when the Candidate was present, while in his absence she was always ami

ain by certain observations and remarks of the young girl's, which gave her much food for reflection,--remarks similar to those which had so shocked her uncle Sa

only when very much interested that she took a lively part in any discussion, but then she was apt to become eager and to express hers

an from the people. Bertha agreed eagerly with the Lieutenant, declaring that a daughter of an ancient and noble race might be pardoned for yielding, in a moment of weakness, to an impulse of the heart, in bestowing her love upon a man her inferior in rank, but that she acted unpardonably in degrading herself and her family by a marriage with this inferior, especially if he were poor. There was only one thing which could justify such a mésalliance, and that was immense wealth on the part of the inferior in

lf so sweet-tempered and charming that it was impossible to resist her. Frau von Osternau could not but think that in her interest the young girl had been led to say more than she meant; it was a pit

ediately after his arrival at the castle he had become quite a different creature, had been transformed from an awkward, uncouth Candidate into a courteous

wild melodies that echoed beneath his fingers, and anon she would be carried away by the din and strife of a chaos of tones which harassed and troubled her, and from which there was no escape save by a crashing dissonance. His playing was always admirable, but it no longer brought refreshment to the mind, it was bewildering, confusing. Lieschen was profoundly aware of this; her eyes did not f

lace, too often to be banished again by the mere sound of Bertha's voice. He seldom appealed directly to her in conversation; he even avoided all tête-à-têtes with her, but what he said to others was const

same affectionate superintendence, beneath which his little pupil made extraordinary progress, and he acted with the same conscientiousness in his instruction of Lieschen. During the musi

ing romp, who had deserved and received many a loving reproof from her father, had vanished, and in her stead there was a serious, gentle, sensible maiden, almost too serious, her mother thought, remembering her former playfulness. It did not please Frau von Osternau that Lieschen had suddenly lost all pleasure in her childish games, that she would sit for a long while at times over her embroidery, not always working, so

ithstood the charm which Bertha exercised upon all the other members of the household. She alone treated Bertha with a s

alone together, Bertha having accompanied her uncle in his walk in the fields. "You treat her with a coldness a

e," Lieschen replied, gravely, looking up from her

ems to me that you might be more cor

ign what I d

with special sweetness. She is fond of you, and show

elf in the heat of conversation she betrays her real thoughts and feelings, and a curtain suddenly see

e ought not to weigh every hasty word with such nicety. One often says more in the heat of argument than reason would justify; you do

way they are alike,--the true self of each seems hidden behind a veil; but when this veil is slightly lifted in his case I seem to see a poor, har

thoughts, such words into your head?"

nking a great deal about these two peop

aid. "If that extraordinary man had only never come inside our doors,"--it was thus she concluded her tale. "He, and not Bertha, is to blame for the s

d. "Do you think Lieschen conce

ssured

r should speak to a pupil, or have you ever observed that he has in his les

ay that he

ntered our house? Is he not a conscientious and affectionate tutor for Fr

im abruptly. If you would pay him

ink there was a great deal of truth in what Lieschen said of him, and I should never forgive myself for wounding

TER

AN AS A COR

for the sorting of the mail, because he was in haste to tell his cousin of the results of his mission, so he said at least to excuse himself for not

had reached the castle. Scarcely had he taken his place at the tea-table, and communicated to Herr von Osternau certain insignificant details relating to his visit to Berlin, when he arose quickly and hurried to the window, declaring that it

ome anxiety. "Are you not well, Albrecht?" he asked, kindly. "You look pale

ittle upset by my Berlin visit; it always is so when I leave the quiet and repose of the

ound the tea-table. After staring for a while absently before him, he would suddenly make some remark which showed that he had paid no attention to

tea-table, and, exchanging a rapid glance with Bertha, retired to the recess of a window. Contrary to her habit, Bertha rose immediately afterwards and joined the Lieutenant in his retreat, where they were soon deeply engaged in a whispered conversation. They might easily have continued this unnoticed, for Herr and Frau v

ying these suspicions by the easy indifference with which she received the Lieutenant's homage. He had hovered between fear and hope, the hope inspired by every gentle word addressed to him by Bertha, the fear aroused by every look exchanged between Bertha and the Lieutenant; to-night fear was in the ascendant, his jealousy was aroused, he felt desperately wretched, but in another moment he was lifted to heights of supreme delight, for Bertha looked across the room at him, and there was such enchantment in her glance as he had never seen there before. She spoke a f

orried and annoyed him. Herr von Osternau, on the other hand, read his letter not only once, but several times; it must have contained some very depressing intelligence, for Herr von Osternau grew graver at each perusal, now and then casting a peculiarly searching glance at

rnau recalled him: "Excuse me for a moment, Her

between anxiety and curiosity with regard to what had induced

until the rest of the family had retired and left him alone

probably agitate me, and rob me of my night's rest, which is very important for me, and then, too, I might under the immediate influence of the letter treat you with injustice. I must give you time to defend yourself; therefore I beg y

nd repaired to his room, where, his curiosity on

tuation in which I am placed no other choice is left me. I must appeal to you, most honoured Herr, if I would not run the risk o

parture all that he owed me, both capital and interest, but in such a manner that I am in danger of losing my hard-won savings entirely. Before leaving for America he gave it to my nephew, Gottlieb Pigglewitch, commissioning him to hand it to me. Whilst on the ocean he conceived a suspicion t

ever concerned himself about me since he left my house to enter upon an independent existence. He has forgotten my teachings, he has squandered his substance, leading a dissolute life, and given over to a pass

utor to your son. I have now written to him to beg him to restore my property to me, but I fear that my request will be vain if it is not seconded by yourself, respected Herr. It is not probable that the money is at present in my nephew's possession, therefore he coul

dred thalers cash. A young man can get along extremely well upon one hundred thalers yearly; I myself as a Candid

and transmitting the two hundred to me, until the debt is liquidated. My nephew will, I am sure, be content with this means of returning to me my money; he will n

espect, your ob

astor of W

g and put unread into my pocket also comes from Uncle Widman." He took out the letter and read it. Yes, it was from Widman, and containe

r the third time," he muttered. "There is no helping him, he must be left to his fate. He probably kn

he morrow? In his eyes, his tutor was Gottlieb Pigglewitch, the confirmed gambler, who had actually appropriated money intrusted to him for his un

Egon murmured. "I must leave this house, and

day, he had determined to tear asunder the bonds that were being woven about him, but the next morning found him powerless to carry his det

through him, his pulses throbbed, his thoughts made chaos within him, he longed

he thought of her, chilled and repelled, and in her place there was a very different image,--Lieschen gazed at him with a look of reproach, and yet of love! In thought of her he was calmed and cheered, she incited hi

pon him, Lieschen's spell was fairy-like, but mighty. His soul hovered between the two, in a confl

nce would b

PTE

D CONF

of the wretched epistle, he would soon have been soothed to rest, but he could not do this for fear lest his Emma should find in the Pastor's letter fresh reasons for

e unworthy of it. The Pastor's accusation of his nephew did not seem like an invention, and if it were well grounded, Pigglewitch could no longer be retained as Fritzchen's tutor. The man who could lose at play money

nually consulting the clock as he walked to and fro in his sitting-room. It was only half-past e

was heard at the door. Upon his "Come in," however, he was equally d

t the next instant, perceiving that the Lieutenant looked downcast and unhappy, he contin

gree of success, he said at last, in a trembling voice, "I come to you, Cousin Fritz, a prey to remorse and despair. On the day before yesterday evening I actually had my revolver in my hand to put an end to my wretched existence, but I thought of you, an

debt. He replied, indignantly, "Spare your words, cousin; they are useless. I must remind you of what I told you last year when I paid two thousand thalers for you. I assured you then that it was for

you, Cousin

I felt free to do for you what I have done, but now it is time that I should lay by Lieschen's por

n insignificant sum for you. Would you for suc

ilegious to

? I have signed a note of hand. I must pay the m

year ago that y

in Berlin, and cards were proposed. I refused for a long time to join the game, but I was overpersuaded. At first the stakes were very low, and I won, but t

hough your debt were paid; you promi

mad! I

. But I shall not depart from what I told you

so; you have ten thousand there in your desk; the trifling sum

either; you must lea

ve me to

. It will not move me t

il. There was no need, then, to subject himself to further humiliation. The expression of des

been deprived of an inheritance which he had long considered as his own. The sums which had been sacrificed for this dissipated, reckless relative were enormous; the sacrifice had been made in vain, Albrecht was utterly ungrateful. He seized every opportunity for a visit either to Breslau

repose. He sat down at his writing-table and scratched off a note to Herr von Sastrow begging him to write to Albrecht and offer to lend him the money he needed upon his promise to repay him from his salary. The money, Her

at he was reminded of Pastor Widman's miserable letter, according to which the Candidate, like the Lieutenant, had squandered his patrimony; like Albrecht, he was an inveterate gambler, who had lost at play money not his own. Involuntarily Herr von Osternau compared the two men in his mind. There was no

e, without embarrassment, without waiting to be questioned, he opened the in

st evening, Herr von Osternau. You told

u could not but see that I was justified by the Pastor's letter. The importance to be

ld by a single word prove the falsehood of the ridiculous charges--ridiculous so far as I am concerned--contained in the letter. This word, however, I shall not speak. If the explanations which I am able to give you do not satisfy you, then, Herr von Osternau, I must remind you of our agreem

nation, Herr Pigglewitch; it can be answ

rced to do so, the expenses of his education being defrayed from the orphan boy's patrimony. On the other hand, it is true that the weak, thoughtless young man squandered the rest of his inheritance, and sacrificed his first situation to his passion for gaming. Later, in another situation, he so won the esteem of his employer that Doctor Kramser felt himself justified in recommending him to you for your son's tutor. I candidly confess to you, Herr von Osternau, that I have led a life far from blameless, that I have foolishly squandered both time and money, but I swear to you that I have nev

is pocket-book and counted o

have the money? Why then did you

present. I can only assure you that I never even dreamed of depriving Herr Pastor Widman of his property. If this does not suffice you, Herr von Osternau, I ca

of anything dishonourable, but I tell you candidly th

esent I cannot tell you the whole trut

to bear malice. When there has been a coolness or a quarrel between relatives, it is the duty of the younger to take the first steps towards a reconciliation. If my good opinion is worth anything to you, you will accept my advice to put back into your pocket-book the money you have counted out upon the table. I will not undertake to mediate between uncle and nephew. You ought to

delivered for a few days from the spell that bound him, if he could make a short excursion in the Riesengebirge, he might perhaps come to some clear conclusion in his own mind. After a short pause for reflection, he said, "I can give you no decided promise, Herr von Osternau.

years as an honest, industrious man, became some time ago so involved in his pecuniary affairs as to solicit of me a loan of some ten thousand marks, for which he gave me his note. It falls due to-morrow. I do not wish this note presented at the bank, it might injure the man were it known that he had borrowed money of a private individual; nor

plea

he pays the money, please send it to me immediately by post, I shall

he desk of the secretary until he had found the note, then returning them to the box, he locked it and the secretary, and turned to Egon. "I hope," he said, kindly, "that our conversation to-day, painful as it was at first, h

d. "If he had not held sacred the money intrusted to him for his uncle he would have used it in Breslau to purchase what he so greatly needed; he would not have paid for his clothes by instalments. I would far sooner trust him than Albrecht with te

TER

BB

rties; for some short time at least it leaves behind it an uncomfortable sense of restraint, and this was evident now. Herr von Osternau could not recover from the effect upon his mood of the intervi

date was noticeably taciturn. He did not add to the evening's entertainment either by playing or by singing; he declin

might be right. Herr von Osternau noticed that the Candidate was watching Bertha narrowly,

nt self. The young fellow, who was wont to be so shy, now conversed with readiness and ease, nay, he and Bertha monopolized the talk. He did not find the evening wearisome, he could have wished

sked, suddenly becoming interested. "W

Egon in surprise,

be gone," Egon replied. "My leave of

n longer with your uncle you need not return for a couple of weeks. Herr Pigglewitch, Emma, is going to visit

hed the tutor a successful journey and a speedy return. In this he was joined by Bertha and Herr von Wangen, but Lieschen said not a word;

t of the Candidate to his uncle. Her husband could not but acquaint her with Herr Pastor Widman's letter, and with his conversation of the morning with Herr Pigglewi

ied away again by your kind, unsuspicious nature. Had you not better recall the commission? Ten thousand marks is a large sum, quite sufficient t

insult to Herr Pigglewitch. I was perhaps impr

out, but sat at his favourite window in his arm-chair. Lieschen and her mother kept him company, but they could not enliven his gloomy mood, which was partly caus

u von Osternau with his cousin, but quickly collecting himself he said, "I come to you at a rather unusual time, Cousin Fritz, to ask

ousin said, kindly; "still less would I do so in this matter

. I wish to leave Breslau by the night-train, a

ms with him. I ask you as a favour to me to see him yourself, and learn from him about Bertha's affairs: whether anything has been hea

a friend in Berlin, who accompanied me to the railway-station when I was last there. I was so preoccupied with my own affairs that I quite forgot Fr?ulein von Massenburg's.

" she said, "Bertha's excited manner on the evening of her conversation with Cousin Albrecht in the window-recess, and her g

so unkindly, chil

ve preferred the millionaire, but since she must

u cannot conquer your childish, unfounded dislike for Bertha, at least

ce, from whom he had his information, did not know either, but suspected he had been murdered, since none of the money which he had drawn from his father's bank on the morning of his disap

greatly by doing so, and by

ave, then, immediately after dinner, and I must ask you to advance me five hundred or a thousand marks. I dislike t

be used to attempt to recover his losses at play, but he did not wish to expose the Lieutenant before Lieschen an

he key in the last; "either I am very awkward today or these keys are growing rusty." As he spoke the lock yielded and the lid of the box opened. One glance showed him to his dismay the reason why he had found so much difficulty in turning his keys. His secre

e; no one else could have known of the considerable sum in the money-box, no one else could have use

of which so disturbed Herr von Osternau that he tottered, and might have fallen had not

nd the papers left in his box. They were all there, even a package of certificates of stock in a sugar-refinery, worth some ten thousand tha

was th

wife, after informing her of his loss, and of his belief t

eutenant made answer in her stead. "It can be no other than that fellow, the Cand

es flashed as she said, in a voice which she vainly tried to steady, "It is a vile, cowardly calumny! You would not dare to say it

en denunciation; unable to meet Lieschen's indignan

hat are you thinking?" Fr

n, "I will not have an innocent man slandered when he is not here to defend himself, and by one, too

ow your cousin to be thus

r can I allow an unfounded charge to be brought against one who, as Lieschen says, is not here to defend himself. My child is right in espousing the C

but her glance at Albrecht, as she left the room, sp

"just to whitewash a vagabond, an adventurer, dropped down among us from nobo

en to the charge of a midnight robb

eserve betokens an evil conscience. I never trusted him. I will not repeat my suspicions, but surely they are justified by his absent-minded manner yesterday, his strange behaviour, and the fact that the robbery occurred the very night before his departure. I shall avail myself of my short time in Bre

ce. I will not have an innocent man insul

ooty? How are you to discover him if you do not call

r von Osternau quietly replied to hi

el, a thief. I do not wish to know him, to bring him to punishment. I can do without the money. I would rather lose it than have Castle Osternau made the subj

ire it, I will pro

he advance you have asked for, and to do this I must drive to Mirbach myself. Pray have th

not; you look pale and ill. The discovery has agita

ations for your

er husband shook his head impatiently. "Do not oppose me," he said. "I have reasons for wis

ad the door closed behind him than Herr von Osternau said to his wife, "I must go to Mirbach myself. If Pigglewitch has received the m

in. All excitement is, as you know, injurio

ou forget what Li

you share the suspicion at which Lies

ey than ask the police to interfere? Their investigation might result in what the Lieutenant would hardly like. I have made many a sacrifice to preserve

confidence in Pigglewitch, whom there are quit

of that the Candidate deserves my confid

ompanied her husband to the hall door,

ely, she had not long to do so; hardly three-quarters of an hour had passed when the vehicle again drove up to the hall do

f her fearful disappointment if he should be discovered to be a scoundrel who might well be suspected of theft. My heart beat faster when I asked for my letters at the post-office, and when they handed me the envelope with five seals, I was delighted. Here it is. Pigglewitch is all right, he has

how you can be so glad. How can you look so happy when, as you cease to

of our name link me to him, and because I owe him some indemnification for the annihilation of his hopes. The

TER

TTERS

recovered from the effects of the robbery and of the hurried driv

bowed with ceremonious observance to the mistress of the mansion and her husband, and, accepting the seat offered him on the lounge, stared into space for some minutes with an

ed--no, pardon me, I have begun at the wrong end, I ought first to tell you that I am the happiest man in the world. An hour ago I had the good fortune to meet my beloved Bertha, pardon me for not saying Fr?ulein von Massenburg, but she is now my betrot

er approve this hasty betrothal, and after a short pause he said, "I cannot yet congratulate you, Herr von Wangen, or consider you betrothed to Fr?ulein von Massenburg. Your father is my old fr

ew only by reputation, and how evil tongues attacked her upon the disappearance of Herr von Ernau. She has acknowledged to me that she struggled against her love for me so long as there was any possibility of Herr von Ernau's being alive; she was determined to

ch betrothal beneath my roof until your fa

Bertha, and he answered me instantly, and told me he was rejoiced that I had chosen a lovely girl of an old family. He cares nothing for worldly possessions, but he wishes his only son to

her has not yet g

, but I come to beg you to give me leave of absence for two days, that I may ask Herr von Massenburg's consent in person. I can le

ight. Herr von Osternau had a long interview with Bertha; he asked her if she were sure of her own sentiments, if it were possible for her to be happy with a husband who was in all respects the opposite of Herr von Ernau, possessing none of the latter's brilliant qualities to fit him for playing a conspi

f my choice' in any solitude, and, besides, I shall not be so very lonely. One can always assemble one's friends about one in the country in summer, and the long,

h arguments? he did not try to reply, see

ch was received at Castle Osternau. It announced the full and free consent of Herr Werner von Massenburg that the betrothal sh

to suppress this last fact, as also the slight circumstance of Werner's explanation as to his present pecuniary embarrassments, in view of which Herr von Wangen had signed a checque for two thousand marks to relieve the worthy gentleman from his temporary trouble. On the other hand, he told with grea

ey had not seen each other after parting at the Berlin railway-station. Werner von Massenburg was a fine, open-hearted man, just such a father-in-law as he had always wanted, and Herr von Sastrow and all the father-in-la

self willing to dispense with the services of his third inspector so soon as harvest should be over, that the young man might immediately bet

cated with bliss. He was perpetually with his betrothed. She paid him visits in the fields, she went to meet him when he returned to the castle. And then the evenings, the delicious evenings! Herr von Wangen did not observe that the little circle was in general sil

had agreed with his wife in believing that the young girl's feelings for the tutor were warmer than those of a pupil for a teacher. He took a lively interest in the young man, indeed he was surprised to find how much he missed his conversation and his charming music, bu

return, and he had a sense of relief when day after da

"as strange and enigmatical as its writer. Only listen." And according to his custom of reading aloud to his family all his letters which contained nothing private and confidential, he read aloud: "Farewell! I cannot tell you how hard it is for me to part from you, from the generous, high-hearted man whom I so respect, from my dear pupil Fritzchen, who has grown into my heart, and from the ki

to his wife. "The man is in all respects a riddle, only one thing se

eschen said, with a strange quiv

her father ask

on the brink of an abyss. It was well for h

ng?" her mother exclaimed, in dismay.

rn in her eyes at Bertha, who, paying no apparent attention to what wa

again over his wife's shoulder, "in our beating our brains over this myste

aying to write until now. After many tedious transactions, of which I will inform you more minutely by word of mouth if you desire it, I have concluded the affair you know of, and should have returned to you to-morrow, but that I think it best to remain here a day or two lon

u. He turned towards her. She had grown very pale, and her large ey

betrothed to Herr von Wang

r own lovely smile to her lover: "Yes, Hugo, and I thank God that I am so, and that I am saved the struggle betwe

ad, to be sure, been too long in the water to allow of the features being recognized, but Ernau's body-servant identified the summer suit of the dead man as positively his master's, and there was in one of the pockets a small silver card-case, which both the servant and the Councillor rec

here he has been or why he left Berlin so abruptly, but he ridicules his own splendid funeral and thanks the mourners profusely for their sympathy. He is as reckless and extravagant as ever. Werner Massenburg, who has just seen Sastrow, gave him all these particulars. I sh

lumny!" Lieschen ex

r will believe that your cousin's harsh expressions are justifiab

have done, and as I have an acquaintance who is one of the superior officers of the police force, I easily learned from him the following particulars: The man calling himself P

eral days, expecting, as he told his hostess, a letter containing money, which would enable him to sail for America, and in fact on the 9th of July a letter did arrive, addressed to Herr Gottlieb Pigglewitch, and containing a large sum of money, some four thousand marks, Frau Wiebe says. She further states that Pigglewitch was overjoyed at the arrival of the letter, and told her that he should spend a few days longer in Berlin to take some recreation before sailing; that he left home early in the

hether he will defend himself against the charges it contains, and whether you, Cousin Fritz, will still refuse to call in the aid of the police. I have no I doubt tha

d in the mean time I may perhaps learn something fu

regard, fait

t Von Os

or sang I forgot, it is true, all my doubts, but they returned as I looked into his restless, dark eyes. You know, Fritz, how often I have warned you against him and begged you to dismiss him. Now he is proved to be an adventurer and an impostor. In his own l

ays have been," her husband replied. "Whoever the thief may have been

, kissed him tenderly, and said, "Thank you, my own kind, darling papa!"

TER

CED R

ed up enough clothing to last him for a few days, and carried it h

mpulse of the moment. Only one thing was clear to him, he needed rest and solitude, and a forcible severing

sed to Herr Pastor Widman, in Wennersdorf, the sum owing him. "No need of a letter of explanation," he said to himself, as he seale

walking in a confused dream; old impressions recalled by the busy life of the streets, from which he had so long been absent, struggled with those of the last few weeks, and he attained some degree of calm only when, after a couple of hours in the railway-carriage, he arrived at the little m

either hand, but they were no longer so confused and unsteady as they had been early in the day, and when, after a long wa

nd as he walked upwards among the odorous pines he calmly reflected upon his life at Castle Osternau. Could he return thither? He was able now to ponder the question quietly. His position there was uncertain; Pastor Widman's letter had raised doubts in Herr von Osternau's mind which an accident might reawaken,

had called him a wretched, detestable man, and her father and mother had openly expressed their contempt for him. Should he say to them, "I am that Egon von Ernau whom you so despise!" Could he defend himself against the accusations brought against him? He had tried once to do so to Lieschen, and how

med, "There is nothing I detest as I do falsehood!" He heard the Lieutenan

of being discovered, nor could he confe

ot? Formerly the thought of falling in with his father's plans had filled him with disg

nied the remembrance of Bertha, a lovely girlish image would rise before his mental vision to calm and soothe him, and

with acquaintances. But on the fourth day of his wanderings he was slowly descending the agate rocks towards Hermsdorf, lost in thought, his eyes bent upon the ground, when he was roused from his revery by a clear, m

young nobleman, whom he had often met in society, and whom he had liked rather better than most of his associ

ten; he hurried to meet him, and shook him cordially by the hand. "Upon my word, Ernau," he said, "this is the greatest pleasure I have had for years! I never believed you were dead, for did I not see you a month ago in Breslau? But

rised as he was at first at the encounter, several of the Baron's expressions had aroused his curiosity, an

k they threw themselves do

call a surprise indeed. But now tell me all about yourself. Where in the world have you bee

ks quietly in the country. I really have nothing to tell. But you must satisfy my curiosit

But no, the matter is too serious for trifling. You s

ad seen Egon in Breslau, how every one said that young Ernau had taken his life becau

some slight regret at my death were more than indemnifi

no man's friend, and who thinks only of himself. I am no moralist, but I cannot understand how you could make up y

ve, telling how the dress of the corpse found in the Spree had been identified by

bered that he had forgotten to take his empty silver card-case from the breast-pocket of the coat which he had exchanged for Pigglewitch's. The Candidate had not been heard from f

u, and could tell you of the result of your flight from Berlin,--else you might not have thought of returning thit

not yet decided what to do, and I must pray you to ke

erlin; it would be unpardonable to allow your father to believe any longer that he has lost his only son. I know that your relations with him were never very cordial, but he is y

d now signed to his guide

id, gravely; "your dec

lled; his hesitation between Castle Osternau and Berlin was at an end. He was not angry

to heart. Continue your tour; I promise you to go directly to Berlin from Hirschberg. Since I am, h

ife. Now that he was resolved not to return to Castle Osternau, existence there appeared to him in the rosiest light; he longed for each one of those of its in

elt an intense desire to hasten to Castle Osternau, if only for a day, an hou

down and wrote two farewell letters, one to Herr von Osternau, the other to Herr Storting. In the latter he enclosed the payment of the little debt for which Storting had so readily gone surety in Bresl

TER

DIGAL'S

Councillor's palate if partaken of in solitude. He therefore reflected sadly, as he sipped his soup, upon the number of days upon which he should now be obliged to dine alone,--fourteen, at the very least. He sighed profoundly. Fourteen days appeared an endless time to him. Since the finding of Egon's body had established the fact that the unfortunate Councillor von Ernau had lost his

that wrung the paternal bosom; then came all the arrangements for the funeral, which was magnificent. Thus occupied the time passed quickly, and the sacrifice of a solitary dinner was a matter of course, but now? The visits of condolence had ceased, the funeral was over, the newspapers said nothing more with regar

staring eyes at the ghost which suddenly confronted him in broad daylight,--a ghost the very presentment of his dead son. There it stood in the open door-way. No, it

lk; and then, turning to the servant, who stood staring in no less terror than his ma

host coolly draws a chair

, who could not yet collect himself,

order Johann to bring me a plate and not to stand there staring at me? I

is napkin, and as he did so eyed his resuscitated son with an air of anything but delight. "You are alive, then," he said, peevishly; "and that you are so destroys the onl

t last by my funeral must have introduced into your monotonous existence has certainly been entertaining. The crape upon your arm becomes you admirably; it is a pity to have to take it off, but then you will be indemnified for its loss by the fresh sensation which the prodigal's return will-excite. We shall both form the topic of Berlin gossip for at least a

urmured, "a venomous sneer in every

never shall be disturbed in your enjoyment of life by me, not even now. Pray do not let your soup get cold; here comes mine. We will dine together, and consult comfortably how w

th an excellent appetite, and the

ruption of the dinner to say, "It seems high time that you should inform me of your reasons for leaving me so suddenly, of where you have been, of what y

haps need a father's affection, and you have never required of me any explanation of my actions or sentiments. You gave the boy perfect liberty to commit any folly he chose; how can the man possibly be called to account by you? We had better continue our relations as you have arranged them. It can be of little moment to you where I have been and why I went aw

ore me. I did think of what I could reply to the countless inquiries that will be

the world or for his father's feelings, and that he is resolved to act as he himself sees fit. Say this to all eager inqu

yourself imposs

ly a few days in Berlin, and

lin. A visit to London, Paris, or Vienna was all very well in its way; he himself had never cared to see those cities, but he could understand how they might interest

ence, and am resolved to devote my future life to some serious pursuit. I shall, I think, pursue the study of agriculture for a year or longer, an

Ernau, the spoiled darling of society, could desire to establish himself up

Here I shall meet your wishes. During the few days which I shall spend in Berlin, my betrothal with your choice for me, with Fr?ulein Bertha von Massenburg, can be announced publicly and celebrated by a brilliant fête after your own h

nouncement was too much for the Councillor's self-control, He tossed aside his napkin, rose from his chair,

you the betrothal of my only daugh

von Ma

Von Ma

von

roth

-natured young fellow! And this was the end of the struggle through which he had passed in his sleepless night at Hirschberg, where he had at last resolved

d. "You are absolutely incomprehensible! When you could have had Bertha von Massenburg for a wife by simply saying 'yes,' you ran away to be rid of her, and now you look as if the lady's betrothal to another man were a

erence to me," Egon said, slowly, his ey

He consented to the present betrothal only to put a stop to disagreeable gossip. It will be easy to retract his consent, especially since your appearance gives him a reason for declarin

struck upon his ear without conveying any impression to his mental sense. When he heard

eaten enough. Sit down and let

afternoon in acquainting your friends with my return. To-morrow I will pay the requisit

think. He sank into a half-unconscious state between waking and dreaming. Pictures from the past arose, mistily indistinct, before his mental vision. He saw himself as a little lonely child in his luxurious nursery, longing for affection, filled with childish envy of other children who might kiss and caress their father or mother; then he saw himself a youth among the throng of his fellow-students, all ready to flatter and fawn upon him so long as he lavished money upon them; then in society among

pair that had assailed him when he saw all his plans crumble to ruins vanished; he was ashamed that the thought of Bertha should so have moved him, and that he sh

appeared on the threshold a man, tall and still handsome in spite of his years, followed by the Councillor. Egon re

ffering Egon his hand, said, with the greatest cordiality, "Pardon the informality of my visit, Herr von Ernau; its excuse is my great pleasure when I heard

emblance between his daughter and himself increased; but this did not lessen Egon's distaste for the man. Every friendly

hat it was not too late to prevent the mischief which might have ensued upon any longer continuance in the belief of Egon's death. "Your father knows," he said, "how pained I

Massenburg is betrothed to a certain

roposed for her. I gave my consent, hard as it was for me, and harder still as it was for my daughter to submit to the lot thus decided upon for her. She considered herself, so she wrote me, as the widow of one so suddenly snatched from her and from the world. The supposition under

ssenburg and Herr vo

err von Wangen must resign himself to the inevitable. I will write to him to-

e no claim to the title with which you would honour me. I could never consent to

llor exclaimed, angrily. "Why did y

ot send

you that I would arrange that the

earing you say a wor

eemed so obnoxious to you. For your sake, to fulfil your wishes, I went directly from the dinner-table to Herr von Mass

ot. I respect the delicacy which makes you hesitate to be the cause of the rupture of a betrothal which has been publicly announced. But my daughter's engagement to Herr von

rr von Ernau really was. Gottlieb Pigglewitch, the tutor at Castle Osternau, had learned thus much from many a glance of

he had murmured to himself a few moments before, echoed in his soul. In imagination he saw her eyes bent

rty, but in my opinion, and I trust in that of the young lady, a betrothal is no empty form. I should consider it an insult to Fr?ulein von Massenburg to suppose her capabl

eart, said, coldly, "After so decided an expression of opinion there is no reason for another word up

e room, followed by the Councillor, who did not

bsolutely controlled an impulse to yield to the whim of the moment. He had resisted temptation in a mo

PTE

NA

er, and in which he was living at present with his young wife and his orphan sister, four years after his marriage. Before his father's death the young couple had occupied a small but comfortable farm-house on the estate, to which Hugo had brought his bride, and where, in

of age. His will declared his son Hugo the heir of his landed estate, and arranged that the daughter

ion from his father to induce him to act the part of an affectionate protector to the girl, whose mother died shor

ugo's wishes, as it had been for those of his father, who had for many years lived happily in it with his family and kept open house. The guest-chambers were seldom empty, the hospitality of t

as more worthy of a Herr von Wangen. To this Hugo would in no wise consent, and it was with great reluctance that he yielded so far to his wife's wishes as to have the finest of the rooms--one which opened by folding doors upon a large balcony built out over the garden--given over entirely to her and newly furnished and decorated according to her taste. In al

nd rain, and that it might be thoroughly warmed in winter Bertha had it

glass doors and sashes of the balcony were all wide open to admit every breath of air, and the fair mistress of the hou

ere slowly gathering; the afternoon sun was already hidden behind them, and they were mou

ading. "In this wretched climate one either freezes with cold or melts with heat. Such a t

young sister, who stood by intensely interested in the operation? It was impossible to say, for, as she spoke, Bertha's glance was directed to the distant horizon, and she fanned herself uninterrup

as bending over the drawing on the table, looked up from it startled. Her charming fac

to me when I speak to you," th

id not know that your rem

think me so silly as to sit here talking to my

k up her defence. Clara threw down her pencil and turned sharply to her sister-in-law: "What is it, Bertha? What has Elise done to provoke you? How should she know that your criticism of West

want of respect to her brother's wife, adding, "I cannot see. Elise, that your teaching is likely to produce any very fine results here. Clara grows too pert and insubordinate. I really

ted; "Hugo never will consent. Pap

!" her govern

e. I cannot see why Bertha should treat you as she has so often done since you came to us, a month ago. I

ot called upon to endure this patiently. Fortunately, there come

early morning, and had hastened his return to Linau that he might escape the storm threatening in the west. His

capable man. The good-natured expression of his kindly face was, however, unaltered, it was even more pronounce

speedy return and the happy termination of his business in

bent above his wife and gave her a resounding kiss upon her forehead, took Clara's head between his hand

h the babyish 'Lieschen' in addressing a youn

it; so good-day, Fr?ulein von Osternau. I am so glad to be at home again, and I have had such a pleasure to-day. I met an old acquaintance, or rather

preferring a complaint of Clara's disrespect, but h

my dear old friend Storting? I jumped out of the carriage, and he was as much delighted as I was at our meeting. I should have liked to talk for an

ked. "Is not that Her

t of the whole story: Storting is n

Ernau, Elise's attentio

---" Her glance fell upon Bertha, and she hesitate

the most charming of women, who was declared dead, and who afterwards came to life again, and has since been travelling or something of the kind. I am far too gratef

hborhood?" Elise asked, ev

. His old superintendent, Sieveking, told me that he had never been there but twice, the last time about four years ago. On that occasion he made a very exact inspection of the entire estate, informed himself of every particular of its management, and took copious notes in his notebook, since which time he has never revisited the place, nor have any orders been received from him. He informed the superintendent when he left, at the end of two weeks, that he was

it," Bertha said, shrugging

for the situation, and offering to furnish testimonials as to his capacity to fulfil its duties. Two weeks after sending this letter he received a most amazing reply; any stipulations which he might make were acceded to beforehand, including the amount of his salary; it was entirely unnecessary to send in any testimonials; it was desirable that he should enter upon the duties of his office as soon as possible, to which end he was directed to report at his earliest convenience to Herr Sieveking, the admi

t, excellent man, prudent, conscientious, diligent, and an

d him at any price; but how in the world did they know of his admirable qualifications in the Ernau counti

hensible to Wangen, who dwelt at length upon the unaccountable bestowal of Herr von Ernau's confidence. He was very sorry that he had been able to have onl

lara, she said, ill-humouredly, "We have had enough of your Herr Storting for the present: the account of your meeting him drove out of my head for a while the urgent request I was about to make you that Clara should be sent to boarding-

t true!" Cl

talking with your b

el, and Elise did all she could to prevent it. It was your fault that I was pe

y declared. "You hear, Hugo, how impertinent the chi

ushed, and her lovely lip curled. He did not like angry people, he was too easy and good-natured himself, but even anger charmed him in his wife. He said, smiling, "My darli

ister-in-law as she left the room, thus further exasperating Bertha's angry mood. "Surely, Hugo," she said, when the husband and wife

uire of me the impossible. Clara is my only sister. I promised my mother on her death-bed to be a father to her, and I promised my father never to allow her to leave me, except to become the wife of some worthy man. I ca

lainly her invincible dislike of me. I never can forget how I was forced then to feign affection for her, and how she never neglected an opportun

know you better. It was your proposal to engage Lieschen for Clara's governess, and to give her a salary so large as to enable her to su

ant to see. "We'll say nothing more of Elise," she said. "She can rem

if I would. I did not wish to annoy you, and so I have hitherto refrained from explaining these conditions to you, but the

in to me exactly how your f

n in his will, by which I am not the proprietor of the estates; their income is mine only so long as Clara is brought up beneath my roof. Upon the day of her marriage, if she lives until then with me, the estates become my own. My father had a horror of boarding-schools for girls, and expressly forbade my sending Clara to any such. Should I transgress the injunctions laid upon me by his will, Clara becomes his residuary legatee. The value of his property is legally appraised, and

a know of

d against you; indeed, dear, you have not treated him with quite the respect due to an old friend of the family. And now you see that I could not send Clara away from home if I would, an

Hugo, I understand it all now, and you may be sure that I never shall give your sister an opportunity to use her power against us. She is quite aware of the extent of it, and would dou

ness of her kindness of heart. All such he had hitherto banished, reproaching himself at her first kind word for even allowing their sha

TER

CCID

er flash of lightning illumined the darkness, and the crashing thunder

g for more than two hours. The rain was falling in torrents, and through it could be heard t

nsely vivid flash of lightning, followed by a reverberating clap of thunder. The panes in the wind

and forwards in that manner, like some wild animal in a cage

ng every minute. "I hope there has been no accident," he said. "The Dombrowker

ly putting her arm through her brother's as he pursued his restless walk. "Herr K?mpf is with the men, and he is so prudent

ouse had been once more all sweetness and amiability, and had seemed desirous of effacing any unfavorable impression produced by

it came up so very slowly, and then burst forth with

ng against the glass panes was fainter for the moment, and Wa

Inspector K?mpf appeared on the balcony. The water was dripping from his wet and mu

meet him, but pausing as he looked into the troubled face of

a short time before us in a one-horse light wagon, and wagon and horse fell over the cliffs in the Dombrowker Pass. The driver is dead, and the stranger is senseless. He fell but a short distance, but there is a wound upon his forehead,--he must have struck his head against

voices were heard in the hall, whither Wangen instantly went,

stranger had been carefully brought in from the wagon and laid upon various wraps on the floor of the hall, where men and maids were crowding about him, whispering the

the men affirmed that he had seen the gentleman get out of a first-class carriage when the train arrived at the railway-station. He must be a rich man,

m a wound in the forehead, now half concealed by the thick dark hair. The features were scarcely distinguishable in the fitful light of the candles in the hall and of a stable lantern hel

von Wangen appeared, and the servants r

form, hid her face in her hands and turned away in horror; while Elise stooped, and, gently brushing aside the

d by the man beside her fell full upon the stranger's face, she started, grew very pale, and w

re and eagerly examined the lifeless features. "You know him?" he asked, hurriedly. "Yes, yes; I too have seen that face before, but where? Now I rem

ed, eagerly, "There! his lips moved, he will recover! Help me, Hans, instantly to take him up gen

him slowly up the steep staircase to the designated guest-chamber and laid him upon the huge old-fashioned bed. Elise walked beside the bearers, lending what aid sh

said, when his burden had been safely deposit

rrific clap of thunder, the echo of which was drowned in

s this," Inspector Berndal declared; "we shall have to wait unt

h the wound, but as the words of the inspector fell upon her ear she turned to him, and said, quietly, "I know the road

wko in this storm, Fr?ule

. My sight is keen, my hand is sure. I know the road, and am not afraid either of the darkness or of the storm. Delay may imper

announced her daring resolve as quietly as if it

is out of the question. I never could look any one in the face again if I allowed

got home," Elis

go out again,--I could not possibly be wetter th

aids might just as well relieve her of this duty; but Elise was firm, and Bertha supported her in her decision, although in a mocking way that was very irritating. "Let her do as she wishes," she said to her husband, quite loud enough to be heard by th

r lips. Clara threw her arms round her and whispered to her, "Don't let her d

th her, and his voice was not so cordial as usual as he rejoined, "This is no time for jesting, Bertha

TER

ACQUA

forehead; he raised his hand to it, and his fingers encountered a wet linen bandage, while he observed that the place in which he was was entirely stran

take him to Plagnitz. The man had been eager to serve him; but had not some one warned him against driving along so rough a road in such a storm? Yes; he remembered this quite well, and that he had laughed at the speaker's warning, and had driven off in the pouring rain, and in a pitchy darkness

dim forms about him, not all quite strange to him. Surely, while he had been powerless to move a limb, he had felt rather than seen the compassionate gaze of two dark blue eyes in an angelic countenance. Was it a dream? Ah! during the last four years that face had often haunted his dreams,--the face of the fairy of Castle Osternau. It was her

"I am very sorry, Herr von Wangen, but I could not

unaltered. His kind nurse has just informed me that during her watch all night beside him he has never awaked to co

hem was Herr von Wangen. Egon recognized him immediately, in spite of the increase of manliness

self. He was on a bed, with a wound in his forehead, in a perfectly stran

the doctor, approaching the bed. "No fever! Why, he'll soon be all ri

he pronounced of no consequence. "The shock of the fall had stunned h

appened

blood, and I dare say you still have some headache. Be careful for a few days to take no amount of exercise, a

itch get up?" ask

Good-by, Herr---- Pigglewitch, I believe?" an

Von Ernau," Egon

g, too, has been very anxious for your arrival. I am doubly glad that you have escaped so well from the Dombrowker Pass. I'll come to-morrow to see how you are getting along, but I canno

to Berlin, although, as Werner had further declared, his pretensions met with a decided rebuff from himself, since Bertha's heart was no longer her own. Ah, yes! Herr von Ernau had known Bertha at Castle Osternau, and--how could it be otherwise?--had fallen desperately in love with her. When he returned to Berlin and heard that Bertha belonged to another, when his suit was so resolutely rejected by Werner von Massenburg, as Werner himself had represented, he had left Berlin again in utter

gen's mind while recovering from his astonishment. "

metamorphosis to you; but first gratify my burning curiosity, and be kind enough to tell

whole story of his inspector's arrival with the wounded stranger, and of the accident that had occur

schen! But it had sometimes happened during the past years that the two had been confounded in his dreams, although Bertha's image had gradually faded from his memory, while Lieschen's lovely face still frequently haunted him. He felt something akin to disappointment on learn

barrassments into which this foolish freak led me, and you know that I disappeared, as the Candidate, about the time that Egon von Ernau reappeared in Berlin. I had made up my mind to abandon the idle, aimless life which I had hitherto led, and which had always disgusted me. At Castle Osternau I learned the true value of life, the need of action in the line of some duty for all worthy the name of men, and I became much interested in agriculture. There is no necessity to weary you with an account of the means which I took to perfect myself in a knowledge of the management of a landed

TER

FOR IDL

ght. For this purpose she had sent her maid to question Fr?ulein Lieschen in the blue room an hour previously, but Elise was no longer there,--she had resigned her post to a maid so soon as her patient's quiet, regular breathing showed that he was sleeping naturally. Thus, while Elise now poured out the coffee, she replied to Bertha's inqui

he feigned indifference with regard to his state, and spoke of the obligation of receiving a man of Pigglewitch's condition beneath her roof as a burdensome duty, hoped the "poor creature would soon be able to pursue his journey," and twitted Elise with the e

her loveless marriage, and, perhaps, to open their mother's heart to nobler aspirations and a higher ideal of duty. She was entirely unable, from the intrinsic shallowness of her nature, to appreciate her husband's nobler qualities or his intense chivalric devotion to herself. She was idle and weary, and her empty mind a

ained with the Candidate. Why had the physician left so soon? Had he come too late then? She was possessed by a feverish anxiety, she longed to run out into

one look at his face was enough to show that he brought no bad news, and she sank

he was evidently so uninterested in what he had to say that he turned to Eli

ing to signify. He has had a wonderful escape, and is now dressing, in hopes of presenting himself to the ladies in half an h

a moment; she said nothing, but her joy and relief wer

e, and you will not cry, as you were doi

u a special message, Bertha, from our guest. He asks permission to present himself to you, to thank you f

e as to need a special announcement," Bertha made reply. "The man has evi

ve surprised you not quite agreeably. Herr Pigglewitch wishes to present himself to you without the m

ew it, I knew it!" Elise

. She lost entirely her hardly-won self-control, and, starting u

and leagued with him against me?" she

judgment, and as he went on to explain how Herr von Ernau might have suffered from evil influences, he spoke so from his heart that I suspected he was defending himself, and not another. Then, when he left us and Herr von Ernau suddenly reappear

von Ernau beneath our roof? Ah, now I understand

how unjust you are!" her h

ess and compassion. She could have had no interested motives. The

ultingly. Let me go to my room until you are able to c

ill speedily be summoned to receive the acknowledgment

mains at Linau. Since I make it a special request, I am sure that you, Herr von Wa

ulein Lie

the only way in which you can atone for Bertha's unwor

y. "I see how Bertha hates you, but I will love you all the more." She took Elise's hand and dre

. He could not but sympathize in Clara's honest indignation, and the vague consciousness that he was taking part against the wife whom h

were bent thoughtfully upon the floor. Suddenly raising them

cious, and then to hear him declare himself Egon von Ernau,

g ago! How craftily she has plotted to compass her ends! I never dreamed that it was for the wealthy Egon von Ernau that she was casting her nets four years ago. I thought her enamoured of the poor Candidate. Her exclamation just now ope

on Bertha's cheek, the angry light in her fine eyes inspired him with anything save admiration, although he was too good-humoured to

to perceive the truth. Elise shall not attain her ends, however. I owe it to poor Herr von Ernau to save him

rtha. What wrong did you and

e would have claimed his rights I repulsed him with aversion. He loved me. Now, since I know that he knew me at Castle Osternau, I can understand why he left Berlin in despair after learning of my betrothal to you. You have

h tenderness, and Wangen thought he had never seen her so surpassingly lovely.

kind to him to atone for the wrong our love has

se, my darling; bu

d, above all, prevent his falling a prey to the arts of a thorough

idea!" he said. "Ah, trust a wom

ovely girl, and will in a couple o

nonsense, m

to let Herr von Ernau k

cannot be

is. Only say that you w

staken in her? Still, his respect for his wife's superiority of mind, his entire confidence in her keenness of insight, so far beyond his own, forba

TER

AND P

l headache confused his thoughts, and he lay down again for a while to collect them before making another attempt t

once dreamed of passing his life had no power to agitate him, or to quicken his pulses. It was simply a necessity,

leaving his room, he was startled at the pale face and weary eyes which he saw there. He was conscious for the first time that he had grown very m

rhaps 'tis best so. The consciousness of the figure that I cut may be of use in putting an end to any foolish fancies that might be born from a very gracious reception of me. Let the past be buried in the grave

en at the end of the corridor, along which there instantl

rom the lawn, and two children came flying out of the shrubbery. Lieschen's image as he had then seen it arose vividly before his mind's eye in all its innocent charm; but another moment brought him back to reality, and he knew that he was in a strange house, and that courtesy required that

with a charming little courtesy. Then, suddenly approaching him, she said, "Are you H

y differ from the picture you condes

losing so much blood. Do you feel better? Are you strong enough to go alone, or shall I support you? Oh, you think I am too little to

your kind offer

Now I think of it, you do not know who I am. I must introduce myself. I am Clara von Wangen, Hugo

ight, Fr?u

is anxiously expecting you. She was very much surprised when she heard that you were Herr von Ernau, and I don't wonder at it, for a cousin who used to live with us while poor papa was alive told me suc

, I like it

d heart, and just when she seems kindest she is sometimes really most unkind. You'd better take care, Herr

shed from Egon's sight. He stood for an instant, pondering upon her childish warning,

had not lost one whit in grace, while it had gained in fulness and finish. Her dark eyes sparkled and she smiled bewitchingly as sh

ngering pressure. The ordeal through which he was passing could hardly have been imagined by the child who had just left him

hope that you forgive me for once deceiving you

Ernau. It lies far behind us, and I have made a vow to forget it and to

as you plea

, I hope we shall frequently see each other, and I promise never to ask you a sin

so easy. I should

t is that you should take a comfortable chair and rest yourself:

. Wangen was unwontedly silent; in truth his thoughts, like those of his wife and his guest, were busy with the past. Although hardly of a jealous temperament, his sense of his wife's intellectual superiority was always present to prompt him to self-depreciation, and he had remembered more than once during the morning the many brilliant qualities which he had long since heard attributed to Egon von Ernau,--the same man who,

ll the principal persons in the neighborhood. True, her wit was sometimes far from kindly, but her tact was great, and she was quick to mark and to obliterate any adverse impression with regard to herself which she might produce. He therefore resigned himself

o inform himself as to the poor man's family, for whose future he should care, and then, turning to Wan

ertha exclaimed, in answer to his request. "You must stay in Linau until

he was quite strong enough to undertake the short journey thither, and that, with many thanks for the kind hospitality extended to him at Linau, he was resolved not to trespass upon it further.

TER

H

ng. He was quite equal to it, but just at present he was rather anxious; a few days previously a magnificent grand piano, with several large cases of books, had arrive

l of agriculture; he was an old man, and had been ailing for some time; abuses had crept into his management wh

trepidation of which he was quite conscious, when, upon returning at noon from some distant f

ing's keen gaze recognized an old acquaintance, in spite of the distance and of the bandage benea

ied, jumping on the step of the light conveyance, and extending his hand to its occupant. "How odd! Yesterda

no grudge, Storting," he said, with some emotion. "I trust you will think none the worse of me w

ed to the Candidate with the charming name that his sudden disappearance fills you with dismay? I assure you that Egon von Ernau is excessively like him, except tha

opened the door, silently offered his arm to Egon, and cond

the master so anxiously expected. To this Egon did ample justice, and when Storting again made his appearance, just as dessert was placed upon the table, he was eagerly welcomed. Egon told him of the accident of the previous evening, which made it unwise for him to attempt as yet any inspection of his fields and meadows. He regretted this all the more as he was anxious to show Herr Storting that he was now really capable of appreciating his v

played billiards with such skill, was so admirable a musician, spoke French, English, and Italian fluently, and was rich enough, although he had as yet received no salary from Herr von Osternau, to remit, after his departure from th

the unfortunate Candidate. He condemned in sharp terms his useless, misspent existence before going to Castle Osternau, and spoke with reverential admiration of Herr von Osternau and his family, gratefully acknowledging the influence which the life at the castle had exercised upon his entire manner of thought. He told of hi

d-for-nothing fellow who came as tutor to Castle Osternau. He had but one good quality: he was not vain, and when he got among really capable, intelligent people he recognized his own worthlessness. He did not deserve such friends, but the ambition to be worthy of them arose within him, giving a new interest to existence. Yes, I learned from you, Storting, and especially from that admirable old Herr von Osternau, how there could be no weariness in a life of constant occupation directed towards worthy aims. I had to begin at the begin

family. "Is it possible, Herr von Ernau," said he, "that you know nothing, positively

refrained from informing myself with regard to its inmates. But my finding Wangen and his wife yesterday and seeing you to-day have called up old associations so vividly that I beg you to t

Herr von Ernau, makes it even harder to tell you of the terrible

s me. Is Herr von Oste

or some time, for he was entirely dressed. The instant I looked at him a terrible suspicion occurred to me. 'Good heavens! what a misfortune!' he said. His face was ghastly pale, and his eyes avoided mine. I made no reply, the urgency was too pressing. Every minute the flames were gaining ground. They had caught the curtains of the open window of my room, and as yet Herr and Frau von Osternau gave no sign of being awakened by them. Had the fire reached their room, or were they already smothered? I rushed to the side-entrance, forgetting that it was always locked at night from within. I found it, however, unfastened, and as I flung it wide open a huge tongue of flame burst from the open door of the study. There was no reaching Herr von Osternau's bedroom by this way, neither could either of its occupants have penetrated through the smoke and flames of the study to gain safety. The only possible way to reach them was from the garden, upon which their bedroom windows opened. Meanwhile all the farm-people were thronging the court-yard; the fire-engine had been dragged from its shed, but there was no one to take the lead there, for Lieutenant Albrecht seemed paralyzed, and I was intent upon saving my good old employers. In the garden I found one window of their bedroom open, and the smoke pouring from it in volumes. I called Herr von Ost

lein Lieschen an

the windows, and even old Hildebrandt was in safety, and had gone to the village to do what he could for his beloved master and mistress. Fr?ulein Lieschen and Fritz were alone missing. 'T

erself, with Fritz by her side, opened it and stood for an instant looking out upon the dreadful scene. The shout that went up from the crowd at sight of her I never shall forget. Two stout men had mounted the ladders in an instant; the young girl opened wide the window, lifted her little brother

n I left it again to go to the parsonage, it was a heap of smoking ruins, and but for the direction of

Lieschen at the bedside of her husband, who was in a most critical condition. The physician gave no hopes of his recovery. He was perfe

words in acknowledgment of what she called my devotion; she was quite calm and collected, but her eyes we

left alone with me for a few minutes. His poor wife burst into tears as s

an who had been so true a friend to me, an

d, the terrible suspicion which makes these few hours miserable for me. To you alone, Storting, can I tell this: the fire last night wa

us confirmed, and by a dying man. Herr von Osternau signed to me to

is a thief and an incendiary would scarcely hesitate to commit any crime; therefore I do solemnly co

first called his wife, and then, remembering the money in the next room, which represented his daughter's portion, he looked for his keys to possess himself of it. They were gone from the table! In an instant it was all clear to him: his keys had been stolen! He rushed to the door which separated his room from the study, it was locked on the other side. Through the crack of it he could see the flames. He called to his wife to come and help him, and received no reply. He succeeded in opening the window, but knew no more until he recovered consciousness at the pastor's. He went on to say that no one save myself and Albrecht knew of the sum brought that day from Breslau, no one else could hav

lf. Of course I shared Herr von Osternau's conviction, but all proof in the matter was wanting. I managed to tell him with tolerable composure that Herr von Osternau was so ill that there were fears for his life. I fancied I saw a gleam of triumph in his eye that bel

ns, but, as I tell you, Herr von Ernau, I lost my head. The two men hesitated but for an instant, and then, with an 'Ah! we thought so!' fell upon the Lieutenant. He defended himself against them, and struck out wildly both at them and at me when I approached him, but of course he was quickly overpowered and bound. The noise of the struggle brought various labourers and villagers from their houses. No one took part with the Lieutenant, who had evidently aroused their suspicions by his strange conduct during the fire. For fear of disturbing Herr von Osternau, we did not carry the fellow into the parsonage, but into a cottage near at hand,

ife, who always hated me, and in whose brain was conceive

excuse from you. If you were my equal in rank I should require from you the satisfaction of a gentleman; as

rnau knows noth

lieve you. I know that Frau von Osternau and Lieschen are

le. I gathered myself together, however, and went again to the parsonage, feeling it my duty to confess what I had done t

e. She had loved her husband with her whole heart; in her eyes he was the wisest

leave his wife and daughter independent, his own generous, kindly nature, which led him to pay Lieutenant Albrecht's debts repeatedly, and into other similar acts, was a bar to the fulfilment of his purpose. Only very lately had he succeeded in accumulating the sixty thousand thalers which was to purchase Werne

ne formerly,--not more expensively, but on a scale of such luxury as to make a certain income indispensable. I was quite sure that I knew its source, but my conviction was useless in the matter. Popular opinion in the country round regarded the Lieutenant as the incendiary, but no proof of his guilt was forthcoming. Since, however, it was the common talk of the co

at the boy's father had confided to me, but I could not gainsay the good old man

to educate Fritzchen; but she preferred to remain, for a while at least, in a modest little cottage which she rented in the village of Osternau. The allowance made her from the estate for the education of

d then the widow was called upon to sustain another terrible

ccount of the burning of the castle, and of the death of its master, but at Storting's last words he st

tended him night and day with a devotion which I have never seen equalled. She would not leave his bedside for an hour, although the physician tried to induce her to resign the care of him to so

wife and daughter could lay no claim to anything save the late proprietor

stor of his coming, and had asked him to rent a couple of rooms for him in some f

mons, for he was the lord of Osternau, and I was obliged to hand in to him

use of the power now in his hands to revenge himself for the insult I

nd came towards me. He was greatly changed. The last few months had made him many years older. His eyes had an uncertain, flickering bri

pocritical friendliness that disgusted me, as after one f

induced by the events of the night and my cousin's danger. You meant to act for the best, as the friend and servant of my dear departed relative. When I was cooler

sliked by me. He asked, with every appearance of sympathy, after Frau von Osternau and Fr?ulein Lieschen. I had to inform him of the particulars of Fritz's death, and of Fr?ulein Lieschen's devotion; he showed the keenest interest in the welfare of his relatives, and postponed

wife, even in the midst of our trifling disputes. Unfortunately, by my own fault, the relations between my relatives and myself have not of late years been so harmonious as they once were, and I fear that Lieschen may not think favourably of her father's former promises, the fulfilment of which forms the chief--I may say, the only--hope of my existence. My heart would lead me to declare this myself to Frau von Osternau and her daughter, but my head tells me to entreat your mediation, Storting; no rash word uttered by Lieschen in the excitement of the moment must be allowed to place a barr

By the terms of the Osternau entail, the widow of a former proprietor was entitled to but three hundred thalers yearly from the revenues of the estate; the daughters were entirely unprovided for. Under these circumstan

. I reported to them the conversation I had just had with him, and strove, to the best of my ability, to do so in an enti

d, or he would not so soon forget the insult lately offered him in Osternau. His offer is magnanimous at least. You ne

sitive horror. 'You cannot think for an instant that I could ac

sked our good Herr Storting to be his messenger, conscious also that you are my dear, unselfish child, and that you may be brought to overcome your momentary impulse of aversion to this marriage when you consider that your 'no' would drive us both away from our dear Osternau,--from the graves of your father and Fritz,--out into the world, t

erself, said, calmly and firmly, 'It would be wicked to postpone my decision for an hour. I will sacrifice everything for you, mother dear, except my soul's salvation, and that would be imperilled

ed her mother, '

would kill me. But you will not compel me to such a fate? you will not be faithless to the memory of my father, who never w

hush!' her mothe

ef and incendiary.' Go back to Herr von Osternau, Herr Storting, and tell him what you have heard; tell him the mere thought of him inspires m

to the Lieutenant. She thanked me with a look, and Frau von Osternau said, with a sigh, 'I must submit. Lieschen has inherited her father's strength of will in matters of conscience. The foolish c

agreeable one, especially as Fr?ulein Lieschen begged me to repeat to the Lieutenant everything that she had said concerning him;

t, all that Frau von Osternau and her daughter had said, only omitting to mention that Fr?ulein Lieschen had called him thief and i

xperience, he should continue to hope that with time she might be brought to regard his suit favourably. Meanwhile, he offered Frau von Osternau and her daughter a home in the castle so soon as it should be rebuilt. If they refused to avail thems

her mother's decision. The two went to Berlin, where it was easier than in any country town to find some employment wherewith to eke out their scanty income. They left the village

of the estate, but I could not bring myself to serve the man who could never be to me anything save a thi

er defective education, so that last spring she passed a brilliant examination as governess. My last letter was received from Frau von Osternau between three and four months ago, when this examination was just passed; and while the mother spoke of it with pardonable pride, she mourned over the probability of a coming separation from her daughter, who was about to accept a situation as governess, thereby greatly increasing her mother's means of support. Of Cousin Albrecht she had heard only through Herr von Sastrow. He lived for a short time the life of a hermit in his gorgeous

on as governess away from Berlin, she too should leave the city and go to som

TER

NSPI

elligent little fellow, dead, Frau von Osternau the victim of a scoundrel's crime, and Lieschen forced to work hard to stave off des

e was fairly and honestly begun at Plagnitz could he hope to find there the pardon for which he thirsted for the deceit practised upon its inmates. And now this could never be, and the thought that he was possessed of superfluous wealth, while those dear to him were working for their daily bread, wa

-train you must go to Berlin. I cannot go myself, as you see, and perhaps it is better that you, Frau von Osternau's old friend, should act for me. I will give you an order on our bank. You must draw any sum necessary to provide handsomely for Frau von Osternau,

led, but sho

were the lady still there. She would thank you for your generosity, but would refuse to accept your money, as she has already refused the offers of help made her by Herr von Sastrow and others of her relatives. 'As long as I can work, we are not ob

ediate departure for Berlin. How mortified he should have been to have his thoughtless gift rejected with fitting pride! And yet he could not endure the thought of Lieschen--in his heart he almost said his

eless generosity? was there not some story of a manufacturer in Breslau whose factory burned down, and to whom Herr von

the name of Simon; he ran off to America ten years ago, and Herr von

abode, he naturally makes application to Herr Storting, whom he knew formerly as the admirable Osternau inspector, and to him he sends the owing money, commissioning him to hand it over to the heirs of the late Herr von Osternau. Of course Herr Simon will require from these heirs a receipt for the sum handed them, and a quittance of all further claims. Y

elighted Storting, "except that I am honoured

ust contrive to answer all that to our consciences. Go now and get ready to start. In an hour you shall rece

purpose admirably. It followed me to Plagnitz from my former place of abode, and will explain my desire to

nd now to

th a letter from Carl Johann Simon, New Orleans, Louisiana, U. S. A., and

TER

IEVOUS

wish, you jolt off over here, along an infernal road, a few hours after I leave you, and, I make no doubt, purpose to inspect your estate to-day. Not at all, not at all, my dear Herr von Ernau. You have had a shock to your system. Great as was your escape, 'tis no joke falling from the Dombrowker Pass, and you must be quiet. You've a fine library here, and a magnificent grand piano: sit still, read some trashy romance, and play Offenbach for the next week, and leave your estate i

fully convinced his patient that rest w

s affairs. Still, there might be much to interest him in these first days at home, and he resigned himself with the be

y-labourers and grooms took off their hats to him, but did not, half kneeling, offer to kiss his hand, as is the invariable custom elsewhere; nor were they at all embarrassed in the intelligent replies which they made to his inquiries concerning their various occupations. To the master's great satisfaction, he perceived that there pervaded Plagnitz an air of freshness and freedom beyond what was enjoyed up

himself so intelligent and well informed in all matters pertaining to his special province, that the master of Plagnitz was even more than ever impressed with the faithful care taken of his estate during his absence by old Sievekin

visit. He declared that for a week at least nothing in the way of out-of-door exercise must be attempted. "As much fresh air as you please,

pen air; he was feverishly desirous of beginning the work for which he had been preparing for four long years, and to sit qui

ld Sieveking was too ill and feeble to be disturbed, and young Hensel, although excellent in his

his years of study he had rather neglected his music, and he now found in it all the delight it had formerly given him. His feve

r the keys in a dreamy fantasia, half memory, half hope. Lost in his fancies, he did not hear a footman announce an arrival, or the sound of footsteps in the room behind him. He sudd

s hand. "You must not think us too eager to thrust ourselves upon you, Herr von Ernau, in coming thus soon to

a von Massenburg, but Frau von Wangen, with her husband, and the charming child with whom he had exchanged a few words at Linau; and h

hort of an earthquake would have aroused you when we first came in, you were so absorbed. We ought to ask pardon for disturbing you

, and to kiss the fair hand extended to him, while declaring his ple

hed all feeling of restraint from the conversation, which soon turned to Herr von Wangen's favourite theme, agriculture. All the party regretted Egon's inability to act as their guide in an inspection of so famous an estate as Plagnitz, which Wangen had never before visited. I

ps be interested in the sheepstalls, which were constructed upon an entirely new plan. Frau von Wangen declined to accompany her

a would have laughed at his foolish jealousy. Nevertheless, he felt far from comfortable when Bertha added her approval of Clara's intention, saying, "Do go, my dear Clara, and take note of all the improveme

so constantly recalled her every look and word of former years, the restlessness that possessed him had been so largely caused by his anxiety to hear from Storting, and had been so much more keenly felt since he was forbidden to allay it by physical exertion or hard mental effort, that he was not as open as it was his wont to be to the impression of the moment; it cost him some pains to prevent his imagination from driving present rea

ever have thought him angry, and honestly he re

he consciousness of the wrong I did you has robbed me of rest since I last saw you. I long to hear you say that you forgive me. I came to-day with Herr von Wangen, hoping for this opportunity, which accident has given me,

olizing husband, playing a part which had presented itself as most attractive to the shallow imaginings of her id

kind in days gone by! Fate had been only too good to her in bringing her the devotion of so honest and single-hearted a man as Hugo von Wangen. He had surrounded her life with luxury and affection, and she had neither the heart to return his love, nor the mind to appreciate it. How false, how shallow she was! And his memory conjured up another face and ano

l who know Hugo von Wangen can well understand how happy a woman she must be upon whom he bestows the treasure of his devotion. Le

sister-in-law of all she had lost in not joining Hugo and herself. The girl was followed immediately by her brother, whose first glance, always for his wife, took note of her embarrassment, and then sought Egon's face, where also, he thought, he discerned signs of confusion. All his jealous suspicions, vague as they were, and therefore all t

d, that Herr von Ernau must avoid all exertion for a while and keep his room. Bertha added her words to his to prevent their host's accompanying them down

young girl, who had taken her place on the back seat of the barouche, suddenl

ith flushed cheeks and sparkling eyes, beside Egon, and said hurriedly, in a low voice, "I left it on purpose, because I wanted to say something to you, Herr von Ernau. The doctor, I know, told Hugo yesterday that you coul

to come 'before, or on,

ome so much that I can hardl

vain enough to

laughed

t is, because I promised not to. But I did not promise not to beg you to come before Sunday. Oh, you must, or it

flourishing her parasol, from the carr

hich she would fain employ her empty hours? Yes, she was indeed false and shallow; and good, kindly Wangen deserved a better fate. What had become of the magical charm which Bertha von Massenburg's

ER XX

TO THE

ess suspicions of his beautiful wife; he tried to atone for them by redoubled tenderness in his manner when he addressed her, and this very tenderness irritated Bertha, in her consciousness of failure in her first attempt to vary the monotony of her existence by what she assured

Bertha, how could you be so unkind to her? I know that it is all because of your bitter speeches th

deigned no reply, and Hu

u two are like fire and water, and since she has so advantageous an offer, and can be so near her poor mother,

er from my point of view. Before she came, everything that I did was right in your eyes; her presence irritates me, a

ng the luxuriant shrubbery, a shady arbour, which was reached by a narrow pathway among the tall bushes bounding the garden on one side. This arbour had formerly been a favourite retreat of old Herr von Wangen; from it he could see far over his meadows and fields; here he was wont to sit with his pipe and book through the long summer hours, overlooking his people at work; and hence it had come to be called 'the master's

ful visit to Plagnitz. She was in the midst of writing a long letter, and the child's presence might have been more welcome at another time, but she responded affect

azed thoughtfully from the leafy opening of the window in the little arbour abroad over the fields and meadows in the direction wher

now how dearl

ild; I know your warm l

or you. I did not know it myself. And how can

t go,

know you. But, oh! Elise, why would you not let me tell Herr von

la

idence in me. I am not such a child that I do not see and understa

I confide in

me how much you cared

hat I saw it in your dear, beautiful face,--in your eyes. I knew it when you recognized him as he lay, pale and bleeding, in the hall. I saw it in your happy look when Hugo told us that his wound was not dangerous. And then I

right that you should,

and that, at all events, I am old enough to have plans and schemes of my own. I

u did not

se, although I cannot see why you made me give it. But I shall find some way to let Herr von Ernau know that yo

e, if you love me

ou that I will make you no more

he clear tones of the bell

. I am glad we can stay here no longer, for I do not wish to say ano

ought caused by Clara's words. She trembled as she reflected upon the possibility of seeing again him upon whom her mind had dwelt for four long years, and who had occupied her thoughts ceas

TER

DEA EX

ed to make his mood of the gloomiest. He was not ill, and yet he was not perfectly well. The doctor now permitted him to take short walks, but had exacted from him a promise that he would curb his

o his rebellious thoughts would wander back to old times at Castle Osternau, or fly after Storting in his travels, or try to peer into the future. And it was just

m Storting, in Berlin. Frau von Osternau had left the capital a couple of weeks previously; the mistress of the house where she had lodged could not tell him whither she had gone, and Herr von Sastrow and his wife were unfortunately absent, travelling. Storting could do nothing save go t

s had been received from him. His silence filled Egon with restless anxiety; he sent a mounted messenger to the p

d,--the post-bag contained a letter addressed in Storting's handwriti

ed to see me, and when I told her the story of Herr Carl Johann Simon and showed her his letter, she was at first quite speechless with surprise, and then burst into tears of joy and gratitude. Evidently it never occurred to her to doubt my account. She blessed her husband's memory, remembered his lending the money perfectly, and that she had remon

ed a night in the same house with her. Herr von Wangen engaged her as governess for his young sister. In order, however, to be near her mother, she has accepted another situation in the vicinity of Hirschberg, and is to leave Linau next Sunday. Fortunately, there is now no need of her accepting any situation whatever, as her mother joyfully declared. It seems rather odd--does it not?--that you should neithe

was in Linau! for only one day longer, it is true, but this day was his own. What did he care for

n aware in his semi-consciousness; her cool, gentle hand had been laid upon his forehead; she ha

as utterly gone. Why had she concealed from him that Lieschen was beneath her roof? No one had even hinted at her presence there. But yes, Clara! Egon suddenly comprehended the child's p

uiet home, knowing 'so ill to deal with time' as to turn for excitement to an idle flirtation with the first ma

wagon. The coachman could not obey his orders quickly enough. Anton shook his head over h

o him they seemed to travel at a snail's pace. On they flew; not until Anton ventured to call his attention to their condition did he bethink himself that there really was no nee

ame galloping across-country towards him. It was Clara, who had seen him from a distance and thus signalled him to await her approach. The high-road was separated from the meadows bounding it on one side by a tolerably wide and deep ditch, but this was no obstacle for Clara; her pretty little mare took it at a leap, and in a minute its rider drew up beside the light wag

ed me, Fr?u

the time when I thought you would appear, looking out for you. If you had not come now, I was going to send my old Jost to Plagnitz to remind you to keep you

gravely, "you wished me to come to Linau to-day

tful!" she exclaimed. "You know that Elise is here! I have never to

you make th

herself to be so influenced by Bertha's ill-natured words as to make me promise. I was determined that you should know t

n Osternau know t

lls me anything; she thinks me nothing but a child, but I can see in her eyes how glad she would be to see Herr von Ernau again. Bu

kly then, my dear

or tha

es

her now, just when she is a

hat I desire be

n Ernau, and I will show your coachman a spot where he can wait for you without exciting any one's attention. Let him drive along that

his master walked beside Clara's horse as she slowly rode along the highway towards L

n with a long description of how Elise had taken such care of Herr von Ernau on the dreadful night of the accident, and how her eyes had filled with tears of joy when she heard the next morning that his wound was not dangerous. Nor did she fail to dwell upon her own insight in making sure from Elise's face, without hearing one word from her lips, that nothing would please her more than to renew her acquaintance with Herr von Ernau. It was so sad, too, that Bertha

m captive all these years, whose influence, established in a few short weeks, had transformed him from an idle, weary, useless creature to a man who felt that he had a part to play in the world, and who meant to play it to the best of his ability. And yet, if she should refuse to stand by his side to aid h

s kept locked; no one goes out of the garden by it now that poor papa is dead. He always went to the meadows that way, but I knew perfectly well where the key was kept, and I have had it in my pocket since the day before yesterday, all ready for just this moment. Here we are, Herr von Ernau, and here is the key," she said, handing it down to him. "Let it stay in the lock. I will go off with Jost for

hand she was off at a pace at which

to see Lieschen again. Had she really, as Clara would have given him to understand, cherished his memory kindly? Was it not more likely that the child's insig

et it all was! Suppose Clara was wrong, and that upon pushing wide that door he should find nothing but solitude. He paused for a moment, half afra

forest sta

lf aware of; he gently pushed open the door. Yes it was she. She sat half turned from him, her hands resting in her lap upon the embroidery with which she had been occupied, her gaze fixed upon the distant landscape, visible through an opening in the vines and shrubbery. The door had swung noiselessly, she did not look towards it. "Lieschen!" It was all. Sh

ur words spurred me on to begin a new existence, it gave me strength in all my struggles with self, and, oh! Lieschen, take pity upon me. The future will be so cheerless without you. Complete your work, dear. Try to make me of some use in the world. You have

sed; she let her lover wipe away her

TER

CLU

way of drainage of outlying meadows answered his expectations fully, and it was in a very satisfied and peaceful frame of mind that he dismounted at a short distance from his home, and, ordering the groom who had accompanied him to ride to the stables with his horse, undertook a short ramble on foot through the fields bounding his garden. The sun was hot overhead, and he gladly sought the cool shade of the strip of forest on the hither side of these fields, where, throwing himself o

the fact was that the jealousy lately born of his self-depreciation, and of his immense apprecia

stood a light, elegant vehicle, and harnessed to it were two fine horses, which he well remembered to have seen in the Plagnitz stalls. The coachman, to

that the key was in the lock of the little gate. It puzzled him to know how it came there. Had it anything to do with Ernau's visit? He opened the gate, and then remembered the winding path to 'the master's arbour.' Surely the lord of Plagnitz was not being received there by the fair lady of Linau. The idea was ridiculous, and yet, instead of taking the left-hand path leading to the house, he walked slowly along that on the right, at the end of which stood the rustic structure. As he approached it, the door, which had partly closed again after Egon's entrance, prevented any view of the interior, but surely those were the tones of a man's voice that struck upon his ear; he advanced more quickly, his steps quite inaudible on the soft moss of the path, when, just as he was about to enter the half-closed door, the same voice, which he had continued to hear, said, in a tone of fervent affection, "Lieschen, dearest Lieschen----" Wangen turned and positively fled, quite dazzled and confused by the light that suddenly dawned upon him, and yet filled with a sense of relief

--not however, so much bored as usual, for she was engaged in reading a long letter from her father

your last purchase of cattle turned out a wonderful bargain, or is the w

wife's ridicule. "Oh, better than all that, my darling, although both y

short of insanity, Hugo,

the door of 'the master's arbour,' and can assure you that Fr?ulein Lieschen will not go very far away from Linau. For my part I am delighted, and so will you be, dear child, when you get over

e had failed to win? It was scarcely to be hoped that a daughter of Werner von Massenburg's should submit with a good grace to be thus foiled. And yet she was not all worthless. We must leave her, in hopes that Lieschen's unconscious in

ved over again her own peaceful existence at Osternau. Egon had found that for which he had so thirsted; the discontent and folly of his early

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